Construction Machinery ME January 2021

ISSUE 109 021 JANUARY 2

PLUS

SHOW OFAHCOPHEINA GIVES BAUM CE TO N E D I F N CO STRY U D N I L A GLOB

R BEST OF T’SHEPYIECAK OF

CM M E DELS O M T S E B T HE OF 2020 H C E T D AN

G N I DRIV D R A W R O F

RUCKS T N O I T C CONSTRU

E H T T U O B LK A ICE A T V R S E R S E R D U N T A MANUFACOGY, INNOVATIONDUTY MODELS TECHNOLFOR THEIR HEAV YBACK-UP

LENDING A HAND AND DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING FOR YOU

JOHNSON ARABIA is a Mobile Crane and Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) rental provider in the Middle East which offers cost-efficient and versatile lift engineering solutions to the petrochemical, civil engineering, construction, industrial, utilities, aviation, marine and other industries and clients.

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Info@Johnsonarabia.com

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Dubai, UAE Dubai Industrial City, Saih Shuaib-3 P.O. Box 71240 Tel: +971 4 584 7551 Tel: 800-LIFTING : 052-LIFTING

Abu Dhabi, UAE Musaffah Industrial Area P.O. Box 34983 Tel: +971 2 550 4988 Tel: 800-LIFTING : 052-LIFTING

Sohar, Oman Falaj Al Qabali P.O. Box 300 Postal Code 322 Tel: +968 2 675 3112 : +971 52-LIFTING

CONTENTS JANUARY 2021 6_NEWS The latest news from across the region and further afield.

14_HITACHI-ATEC TEAM UP FOR SAUDI Hitachi Construction Machinery partners with ZMS Group company ATEC to distribute and service its machines in the Kingdom.

16_A SHOW OF HOPE As one of the few face-to-face fairs held last year, Bauma China 2020 gave hope to the entire global construction machinery industry.

20_BEST OF THE YEAR CMME picks the most significant global models and technologies to have

34

come to the region last year in terms of their importance and impact.

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20

38

2

EDITORIAL JANUARY 2021

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

TIME FOR A REBOOT As we begin a new year, there is a sense both of apprehension and hope. The first is born out of fears that the conditions that have been brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic will persist for some time yet, while the second is based on the fact that with various vaccination drives about to be rolled out globally, the end of a very difficult period may be in sight.

Whatever the future holds, we can face it with the knowledge and experience gathered from the past. Like all stakeholders in the construction industry, at CMME, we have come through a very difficult time last year, but the important thing is that we have learnt from the experience and we are still very much here, ready to implement what we have learnt.

As we observed and chronicled the Middle East’s construction machinery industry facing the pandemic, the observation that stood out the most was that the constraints of the situation could best be dealt with through the use of the latest technology. We saw a region traditionally reluctant to adopt the latest global best practices suddenly forced to shrug off its reluctance and embrace the new. Many more owners, end-users, fleets and contractors working with machinery here in the region now swear by the benefits of telematics and the latest machine monitoring and management systems than did at the beginning of last year. The social distancing, isolation and other attendant situations of the pandemic have amply proved the vital importance of these technologies to keep equipment and operations running smoothly in the face of uncertainties.

Speaking of keeping operations running, in this issue we bring a few more major examples of how it’s business as usual for the sector, with Bauma China showing the way forward,

Bobcat continuing its spate of launches with new telehandlers despite the difficult situation, and with Hitachi firming up its position in the Saudi market through a new partnership with ATEC, its new representative in the Kingdom.

We also speak with some of the key names in the construction trucks sector and, to further reinforce the fact that technology is the new sought-after product, all of them seem keen to speak about their telematics and machine management systems.

At CMME, we would like to be at the vanguard of this new embrace of technology in the region’s construction machinery sector.

Having been advocates of a tech-driven approach in the region, we would like to use more of it in the way we work to bring our message to you. Therefore, this year will see us try to nudge the paradigm slightly by employing various tools to reach out to our readers and the machinery community: we plan on bringing you more webinars, more events – whether virtual or live, more social media and multimedia content, and, most importantly, more perspectives.

The pandemic has indeed left us with a new normal and, in sync with the industry we cover, we are also rebooting our systems to reflect the new times. Here’s to a better and stimulating 2021!

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A WOLFFKR

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WOLFFKRAN Arabia (est. 2006), is a pioneer in cost effective crane rental solutions, providing services to prominent contractors and clients across the GCC. It is a joint venture between two powerhouses – WOLFFKRAN, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium tower cranes, and the Kanoo group.

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4

ONLINE JANUARY 2021

MOST POPULAR

READERS’ COMMENTS

FEATURED

CONSTRUCTION

TOP FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CONSTRUCTION SITE CLEAN

AECOM to build The Red Sea Project airport

It is so important that we clean up after ourselves. I’ve spent many years trawling around construction sites across the globe and it has never ceased to amaze me that

INFRASTRUCTURE

there are still contractors

Emicool revises fuel surcharge across district cooling plants

that take far too many risks – especially with keeping their sites clear and tidy. I am a big believer that the cleanliness is the

ANALYSIS: Oman’s construction sector could fall by 5.8% in 2021

first principle of safety on site – so this guide to me is well overdue (Top five tips

to keep your construction

FLEET

site clean, posted 14/12 on

Evoteq announces deployment of smart surveillance system at Bee’ah landfill

MECN). Obviously, there is a reason why all of us have spent countless hours in meetings being told what to do and what not to do when we are on site; but tidying and cleaning during the day seems to be left up to enlightened self-interest,

MACHINERY

rather than be drilled into

Caterpillar announces first appearance at Consumer Electronics Show

workers. Construction and building sites are never going to be completely clutter-free but it is vital that pathways are kept clear and we minimise the amount of scrap around us. This will help minimise injuries but also save so

CONSULTANT

Eltizam signs $100 million agreement with Egypt-based real estate developer

ANALYSIS: How Abu Dhabi is unlocking the power of PPPs

much time in the long run.

Name withheld by request

6

NEW 2,500T-CLASS LIFTER

MAMMOET SUCCESSFULLY TESTS NEW FOCUS30 CRANE

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

Mammoet has successfully

Magna Tyres

completed the testing and trials of

has launched

its 2.500t-class crane, the FOCUS30,

the 18.00-25

which has been designed for lifting

Magna M-Stacker

work in confirmed spaces. Following

(IND-4), the latest

completion, the crane is now fully

addition to its

compliant with the EN 13000 standard

material handling

for mobile cranes, and with F.E.M.

tyre line-up.

5.004, which governs the design of

The Magna Tyres Group said the

steel structures of general use.

Mammoet said the new crane

new tyre is a more

undertook a series of controlled tests

advanced model

to certify its strength and safety, and

for use on reach

is now being disassembled, ready for

stackers, empty

mobilisation to its first project. The

container handlers

FOCUS30 will enhance construction

and heavy-duty

projects in oil refineries and cities

forklifts designed

where stronger regulation and a

to improve the

growing population means lifts are

efficiency and

surrounded by buildings, people

Ritchie Bros. sees strong end to 2020

productivity of

and vegetation. Its low ground

cargo operations.

bearing pressure helps to protect

It is available in two

underfoot infrastructure such as

versions: M-Stacker

tunnels and cabling and reduce

and M-Stacker+,

disturbing the land prior to lifts.

in the tread depth

in two phases, under the watchful eye

Ritchie Bros. has reported sales of over 1,450 pieces of equipment, trucks and other items for more than 210 of its consigning customers in its last online machinery and heavy equipment auction of 2020 in Dubai held last month.

According to the global machinery and heavy equipment auctioneers, over 1,200 online bidders from 83 countries registered for the Dubai event, which concluded on December 16. More than 40% of the equipment in the auction was purchased by bidders from countries outside the UAE, including Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

The auction was conducted entirely online using Ritchie Bros.’ easy-touse Online Timed Auction system.

of 55mm and

of Lloyd’s Register, an independent

70mm respectively.

3rd party surveyor who worked

The new tyre has

alongside Mammoet during design

four focus areas:

of the FOCUS30. First, the crane

enhanced tread

was assembled in its SFSL fixed jib

design and groove

configuration and subjected to 125%

area; even wear;

of its maximum recommended load.

longer lifetime;

Next, it was re-assembled, this time

and reliability,

to its SSL configuration, with 90m

easy driving and

boom but no jib, and again loaded

better stability.

with 1,250t. Testing of the crane

The Dubai auction inventory ranged from excavators, wheel loaders, crawler tractors and backhoes through to articulated dump trucks, mobile cranes and more. This edition of the auction also saw increased numbers of buses, pickup trucks and passenger vehicles being consigned, further broadening the auction inventory and range of options for buyers.

“We saw an impressive number of registered bidders participate in our December online auction,” said Eduard Faig, regional sales manager at Ritchie Bros., Middle East. “After the auction, we received a lot of positive feedback from online bidders who told us how easy it was to use our Online Timed Auction system, accessible through our website via our mobile app.”

with the difference

Testing of the FOCUS30 took place

in its SFSL configuration lasted for approximately one week, while testing in its SSL configuration lasted for three days in total. Side load, swing load and maximum radius testing was performed during both phases.

8

NEWS ROUND-UP JANUARY 2021

NEW HMT SERIES

Intermat cancels 2021 event due to Covid-19

The organisers of Internat have announced the cancellation of the 2021 edition of the expo, which was to have taken place from April 19-24 in Paris, citing ongoing uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 situation.

The next edition of the triennial event will be held as scheduled in April 2024, said organiser Comexposium, adding in a statement that since the

uncertainties arising from the Covid-19 pandemic are “likely to persist into the first half of 2021”, they have taken the “regrettable decision to cancel the edition due to be held from 19 to 24 April 2021 in Paris, and to organise its next edition in April 2024”.

The statement added: “This difficult decision has today proven to be unavoidable in view of a public health environment

that remains uncertain heading into the first half of 2021 and which would not be conducive to holding the show in full confidence in April.

The decision was made following consultations with industry professionals convened in the Intermat board of directors.”

The statement added that while participation was confirmed by many French and foreign exhibitors, the situation is expected to remain “too disadvantageous to allow the show’s organisation to proceed smoothly”.

“The next Intermat Paris will be held in April 2024 with its ambition as strong as ever: to represent an international and forward-looking showcase for innovation to conquer the construction markets of the future,” concluded the statement.

JEKKO S INTRODUCEPIDER S X JF545 V-MANE A CR

FPT, IVECO, SNAM GREEN SOLUTION FPT Industrial, the powertrain arm of the CNH Industrial group, and Iveco, the group’s commercial vehicles brand, have joined hands with Snam to develop hydrogen and biomobility in transport with biomethane and natural gas.

lated -Max articu the JF545 V d ce u and d o ty tr ili e versat Jekko has in proves on th im at ip, the th sh e ag previous fl crawler cran s it f o s ic st r said the g characteri anufacture m multitaskin ed as b y, al is a jib Treviso-, It JF545 V-Max JF545. The of the new re u quire at re s fe n g in se operatio o distinguish h w ls o to an auger, a e range of oil, such as f o fitting a wid re u ss re d p ditional an antity and cket. An ad u elevated qu b l el sh or a clam g radiator with coolin grapple saw it u rc ci lic ion t hydrau ring operat independen rheating du ve o il o ts re n preve temperatu a constant and keeps g intensive even durin se. hydraulic u

ENERPAC LAUNCHES “ONE WRENCH TO RULE THEM ALL” NEW DAIKIN HEAD FOR MEA REGION Daikin has announced the appointment of Masaaki Miyatake as its new chairman and president for the Middle East and Africa region. The global HVAC-R products and

Enerpac has introduced its new HMT

solutions provider

series modular torque wrenches,

said Miyatake

designed to be flexible, two-in-one

joined Daikin as

tools that can be used with a low-

a sales engineer

profile hex or square drive cassettes

in Japan more

with built-in interchangeability with

than 30 years ago.

a wide range of hydraulic torque

He has worked

wrenches and cassettes on the market.

for Daikin across

Enerpac said the HMT series is the

the globe and has

“one wrench to rule them all” and its

led an award-

modular parts eliminate the need to

winning team

select and purchase separate tools,

that developed an

thus helping reduce the cost of

inverter heat-

ownership. The ATEX and CE approved

pump modular

Enerpac HMT torque wrenches

chiller in Japan.

are the most durable wrenches in their class, the manufacturer claims, with up to a 2.5X longer life expectancy than other leading tools.

“Housed in lightweight alloys, the HMT provides strength and versatility to a variety of bolting applications in a single tool.

9

World’s first battery-powered crane Liebherr has introduced the world’s first batterypowered crawler cranes, with the duo of LR 1200.1 unplugged and LR 1250.1 unplugged driven by electric engines with a system performance of 255kW. The manufacturer said the two models make “no compromises regarding performance or availability when compared with the conventional versions”, with the LR 1200.1 offering a maximum lifting capacity of 200t, while the LR 1250.1 can lift 250t.

According to Liebherr, thanks to the duo’s zero emission and very low noise levels, they bring huge advantages in areas sensitive to noise and also for

the people working on the job-site. The cranes can be recharged on a conventional job-site electric supply at 32 amps and 63 amps in 4.5 hours and optionally with 125 amps in 2.25 hours. The

battery capacity is designed for four hours of lifting operation. In accordance with their names, the cranes can be operated without a cable - thus “unplugged” thanks to the battery-

VOGELE LAUNCHES SHOWCASING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

FIRST APPEARANCE FOR CATERPILLAR AT CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

NARROWEST SCREED Vogele’s new

electric drive design.

Gerhard Frainer, MD for Sales at Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH, said: “The year 2020 has shown that one must be open-minded and bold to break new ground.

With our unplugged cranes we offer our customers an alternative drive design. As we have already seen with the LB 16 unplugged, the first battery-powered drilling rig, the strategy is a complete success. Strict requirements regarding environmental sustainability in tenders for construction projects increase the demand for advanced technologies.

For us, it was clear that we extend and successfully establish the design in further product groups.”

SCHEUERLE UPGRADES PPU Scheuerle has upgraded its Power Pack Units (PPU) Z180 and Z390 used to drive Self Propelled Modular Transporter modules, increasing the levels of userfriendliness of the new 12-inch touch display and optimising diagnostic possibilities. The new display has better information display for operators.

Leica-ready kits for Doosan excavators

extending screed Caterpillar will participate in

the technology that goes

with a basic width

CES (Consumer Electronics

along with those machines

of just 1.1m is the

Show), the global event for

is built by Caterpillar, too.

smallest screed in

the technology industry, for

“The CES show is filled

its range, designed

the first time ever to showcase

with innovators who are

to complement

its technological innovations

always looking for the next

the applications

in mining that are helping

technology breakthrough.

of its SUPER

customers raise productivity

We’re proud to be on that

700(i) and SUPER

and improve safety.

journey, too. But while we

800(i) Mini Class

continue to innovate for

pavers. Vogele said

company’s trucks, dozers

the future, the technologies

the new AB 200

and mining shovels that

Caterpillar has developed

Extending Screed

take centre stage but the

are doing real work and

is designed for

mining technologies that

delivering real results to our

paving narrow

the company has developed.

mining customers every day.”

paths, paving

CES is billed as a proving

between tram

Cat said it won’t be the

Denise Johnson, Cat group president, Resource Industries,

ground for breakthrough

tracks or paving

said: “People may ask why

technologies and global

in milled tracks,

a manufacturing company

innovators. Owned and

where every

like Caterpillar has decided

produced by the Consumer

inch matters.

to participate in CES. The

Technology Association, it

real question is ‘why not?’

features every aspect of the

We’re proud of our reputation

tech sector. Traditionally held

for building some of the

in Las Vegas, USA, CES 2021

biggest, most productive

will be an all-virtual event

machines in the world. But

from January 11-14, 2021.

Leica Geosystems and Doosan have announced the release of a new Leica-ready factory kit for the Doosan DX255LC-5 excavator with the new semi-automated excavator functionality.

The new technology solution meets the increasing demand for machine guidance systems from excavator customers and the ready kit from Doosan is for the Leica iXE2 2D and iXE3 3D excavator machine control solutions, which enable tilt bucket or tilt rotator

automation for the Doosan 25.5t crawler excavator.

Under the collaboration between Doosan and Leica Geosystems, the new factory kit enables customers to order their Doosan excavators pre-configured to be ready for the installation of the Leica 2D and 3D machine control systems. Also, the Leica-ready kit includes all the components needed to install the new semiautomatic functionality for the DX255LC-5 excavator directly from Doosan’s factory through Doosan Smart Solutions.

10

KIT SPOTTING JANUARY APRIL 2016 2021

DEMAG ‘KING OF ELEPHANTS’ IN MUMBAI LIFT

G

ajraj - that is the name written on the boom of the Demag AC 1000-9 all-terrain crane (ATC) owned by Indian crane service provider Steel Carriers, and it is impossible to miss it.

“The name means ‘king of the elephants’, which is what our employees decided to call our AC 1000-9 due to the fact that it’s the biggest and only telescopic crane of its type in all of India. And when you really think about it, the name makes perfect sense,” explains Sunil Makad, owner of both Steel Carriers and the ’King of Elephants’, which recently showed its strength while lifting a tunnel-boring machine in Mumbai.

The site was the Bombay Central Metro Station, right in the middle of Mumbai. “We had to pick up a 100t tunnel-boring machine at a radius of 20m from below ground and bring it up to the surface,” Makad reports.

No other ATC in India would have been able to do this, and using a crawler crane was out of the question due to issues of cost-effectiveness. In fact, setting up a crawler crane under the tight space conditions at the work site would have taken significantly more time, which would have been wildly out of proportion to the short project duration of eight days.

However, this does not mean that setting up the AC 1000-9 was without its challenges for the Steel Carriers team. After all, the restricted space required the team’s extensive

skills and experience when it came to setting up the crane so as to ensure that the demanding lift would be successful, which meant that the AC 1000-9 had to be equipped with its full 228t counterweight for a boom length of 30m.

Before all these preparations could be carried out, however, the ’King of Elephants’ had to travel from the Steel Carriers workshop in Mumbai to the site. To avoid traffic, the team took the crane and the trailers with its equipment to the site at night, with four trips every night.

“The reason we had to split up the transport that way was that space at the work site was really tight, so having the crane come in with all its equipment at once was simply impossible,” Makad explains.

Nevertheless, it was possible to put the crane together, ready to lift, in only one day and with only four people: the crane operator, a supervisor, and two assembly technicians.

The job was anything but simple.

“During the lift, the load on the crane hook and the working area itself were not in the operator’s field of view.

In other words, he was completely dependent on the instructions provided by his co-workers through their walkie-talkies, as well as on their hand signals,” Makad reports.

But despite these challenges, the expertise and perfect coordination of the Steel Carriers team made it possible to carry out the lift with utmost precision.

11

“The name means ‘king of the elephants’, which is what our employees decided to call our AC 10009 due to the fact that it’s the biggest and only telescopic crane of its type in all of India”

12

KIT SPOTTING JANUARY APRIL 2016 2021

NEW GROVE FOR THE BIG APPLE

N

ew York City has some of the most challenging restrictions on moving heavy. So to move a 300t-class, five-axle mobile crane weighing 60t through the busy streets of Manhattan is a challenge. Crane companies working in the metropolis need to combine real skill with a lot of patience in dealing with physical and regulatory constraints imposed by the city.

For 24/7 Lifting, a Yonkers, New York-based crane rental company, its Grove cranes make the challenges of lifting in New York that much easier.

The company’s most recent purchase is a Grove GMK5250L, which 24/7 Lifting is using for a range of tasks, including lifting HVAC and generator

units onto New York City buildings.

John Corr, scheduling and estimating manager at 24/7 Lifting, said the crane was able to easily navigate the area’s crowded streets while adhering to the city’s permit requirements.

“We recently did a job placing concrete beams with our new GMK5250L for which the general contractor had requested not one, but two 300t cranes,” Corr said. “But with the easy mobility, fast setup and swift breakdown of our GMK5250L, we didn’t need a second crane. We just moved it around and we were able to complete all the lifts, including a 6t AC unit pick. The contractor was very pleased with it.”

The lifting company took delivery

of its GMK5250L in October last year.

It already owned a GMK3050B but needed a larger capacity crane to service taller high rises in Midtown Manhattan and other areas.

“We got the GMK5250L because air conditioning and electrical companies were asking us for 20, 30-story lifts in Manhattan, so we decided to bring it into the fleet. A lot of the buildings in Manhattan and the surrounding areas are just six stories, which make the GMK3050B perfect for them. But when you get into the Midtown area, and some parts of Queens, most of the new buildings being built are 20 or more stories,” Corr explained.

Corr said his company is able to perform more jobs with the GMK5250L, sending it to nighttime

lifts at different locations even when the crane is dedicated to larger, multiweek projects during the daytime. At a month-long project in the New York suburb of Montebello, the crane helped lift concrete beams weighing up to 3.6t at a 38m radius during the day, while travelling into Manhattan for overnight projects.

The 300t capacity five-axle crane has a 70m, seven-section main boom, along with a 21m hydraulic swingaway jib for higher lifts and reach. For The jib can take a 8m boom extension, two 8m jib inserts, or a combination of both for a total possible jib length of 36m.

Another benefit of the hydraulic jib is its 50° offset, helping to reach further over obstacles and a big advantage in places like New York.

13

“We got the GMK5250L because air conditioning and electrical companies were asking us for 20, 30-story lifts in Manhattan, so we decided to bring it into the fleet�

14

HARD HITTERS DEALER FOCUS AUGUS JANUARY T 2019 2021

HITACHI-ATEC TEAM UP FOR SAUDI HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY PARTNERS WITH ZMS GROUP COMPANY ATEC TO DISTRIBUTE AND SERVICE ITS MACHINES IN THE KINGDOM, WITH A FOCUS ON THE EXPANDING MINING SECTOR

W

hen it comes to construction activity in the GCC - as indeed the extent of the equipment segment - the largest market in the region is its biggest economy: Saudi Arabia. With the kingdom churning the biggest volumes in terms of machinery units sold, all manufacturers need a strong foothold in the country, and none can afford to treat it lightly.

This has again been borne out clearly with Hitachi

establishing a new partnership for the Saudi market with local heavyweight Arabian Truck and Equipment Company (ATEC).

Effective from the first day of this year, Hitachi Construction Machinery Middle East (HMEC) has made ATEC its exclusive distributor in Saudi Arabia for the full Hitachi product range. A joint statement from HMEC and ATEC, which is part of the ZMS Group, says that the two entities have signed an “Exclusive Distributor Agreement covering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the full Hitachi product line, including mining equipment and services”.

Signing the agreement were Ziad Sudairi, president, ZMS Group, and Toshitaka Uchida, president, HMEC. Also present were Mike Fritz, SVP, ZMS Group and

Ahmed Refaat, GM, ATEC, on behalf of the ZMS Group and ATEC, along with Piet van Bakergem, GM, Marketing, and Tumiya Inoue, manager, Sales from HMEC. Taka Aoyagi from VMEC and Koichi Mori, GM, Itouchu Middle East were there too on the occasion.

Under the agreement, ATEC offers nationwide coverage of service and parts centres for Hitachi in Saudi Arabia, starting their Hitachi Construction Machinery operation with branches in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The partnership only cements a relationship between the two entities that began on January 28th, 2019, when HMEC and ATEC signed a distributor agreement for the HSC Cranes part of HMEC’s business, covering the HSC heavy lifting crawler cranes in Saudi Arabia.

15 The two agreements – for the HSC cranes and now for Hitachi’s full range – come at a time when the Saudi government has declared a raft of programmes for housing, infrastructure and tourism development under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Moreover, the agreements bring together two leading companies in their respective spaces – one global and the other local. ATEC enjoys the backing of the ZMS Group, a company established in 1964 and one of Saudi Arabia’s illustrious enterprises, with interests in oil & gas, construction, automotive, transport, aviation, financial services and many other fields.

Describing the ZMS Group and it journey, as well as ATEC’s achievements, Mike Fritz says the Group was established around 56 years ago and through the original operating company – AAA or Arabian Auto Agency – has been involved in the sales, service and parts supply for various brands of construction equipment and commercial vehicles.

“The Group has undergone steady expansion and now operates in a number of diverse areas - from automotive to travel and consulting in oil & gas. The Group now operates in three countries across the GCC and continues to expand.,” Fritz says.

“We also have a long history with Hitachi, which started with us distributing Kawasaki Construction Equipment (KCM) over 40 years ago. KCM was bought

by Hitachi, which rebranded it to Hitachi. ATEC is also the proud distributor of HSC crawler cranes and now

with the addition of the rest of the Hitachi CE range, we will be distributing all of the brand’s products.”

Fritz feels that though Hitachi is “one of the true global players” in construction and mining equipment, it has been underrepresented in KSA for a while now.

“With the backing of the ZMS group and our unparalleled distribution, service and parts network, ATEC will be able to provide the back-up Hitachi customers demand and deserve. We are great believers that products are only as good as their aftersales service and so we have developed a world-class aftersales network, which we will continue to improve.

Our network stretches throughout the Kingdom - from Taberjal in the north close to the Jordan border, all the way to the south covering Khamis, Mushait and Abha. Our branch network covers almost all of Saudi Arabia except for the Rub’ Al Khali (Empty Quarter).”

A big focus for the two entities will be the mining segment, which is growing fast in the Kingdom under the Saudi Vision 2030 plan and HMEC’s van Bakergem feels Hitachi’s acclaimed line-up of large machines has just the right models for such applications: “Our heavy loading shovels and large excavators with operating weights from 66t all the way to 837t, along with our rigid dump trucks with payloads of 322-500t as well as a wheeled loader range with operating weights of up to 45t – all these make up some of the best, tried, tested and proven equipment ensembles for the mining segment. We are confident Hitachi machines,

along with ATEC’s backing, will prove invaluable in the rapidly expanding Saudi mining sector.”

Fritz adds: “We have partnered with another worldleading brand of crushers and screeners, which makes us a one-stop shop for our customers in terms of supplying equipment into mining and quarrying segments, as well as becoming an aftersales provider.”

But with Covid-19 having an adverse economic effect all around, what are the prospects of the ATEC-HMEC team? “The swift action of the Saudi government has minimised the pandemic’s effects on the Kingdom. Through the vision and drive of the government, major projects are continuing, such as Qiddiya, Red Sea, Neom, etc. The overall market for construction equipment has pretty much remained unchanged from last year and in fact has grown in certain segments. If anything, the pandemic has made our company stronger as we have learnt some valuable lessons during this period and reiterated the importance of excellent aftersales service,” Fritz says.

So how does he view the future for Hitachi with ATEC? “We have some ambitious plans for the next couple of years and can’t see any reason for not reaching these goals, especially considering the continued vision of the government to continue developing the Kingdom. As for market share it’s always dangerous to make predictions but I will say please watch this space as we take Hitachi back to its rightful place as an industry leader.”

“Our heavy loading shovels and large excavators make up… some of the best, tried, tested and proven equipment ensembles for the mining segment.

We are confident Hitachi machines, along with ATEC’s backing, will prove invaluable in the rapidly expanding Saudi mining sector”

16

EVENT REPORT JANUARY 2021

A SHOW OF HOPE

WITH 2,867 EXHIBITORS FROM 34 COUNTRIES AND 80,000 VISITORS, BAUMA CHINA 2020 GAVE CONFIDENCE AND HOPE TO THE ENTIRE GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY AS ONE OF THE FEW FACE-TO-FACE FAIRS HELD LAST YEAR

A

s the curtains came down on Bauma China after four show days, on November 27 last year, the 2020 edition of the show had assumed an importance that perhaps no other edition of the event has ever done before – a signifier of hope.

Despite the Covid-19 crisis and the travel restrictions, the exhibition last year attracted 2,867 exhibitors and around 80,000 trade visitors. Thanks to a sophisticated safety and hygiene concept the 10th International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles – to give its proper name - could be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). In these difficult times, Bauma China 2020 gave the entire industry a reason to enter the coming fiscal year with confidence and hope.

Stefan Rummel, managing director at the organisers, Messe München GmbH, is satisfied with the result: “The year 2020 was marked by special challenges. But the construction machinery industry and its economy continue to grow while the effects of the pandemic are being warded off. There is far-reaching demand for innovative technologies, intelligent and low-emission machines, and vehicles with integrated digital solutions. Hand in hand with our partners, we therefore made everything possible and provided the industry with a platform even in times of crisis.”

Xu Jia, CEO of Greater China of Messe Muenchen Shanghai Co., Ltd. expresses her appreciation: “The

17 Among the few large international exhibitions of the construction machinery industry to take place this year, Bauma China 2020 saw heavy use of online tools to enable vistual participation.

RECORDS AND NEW TECHNOLOGY

ZOOMLION REACHES HIGH

The Zoomlion stand at Bauma China 2020 had over 50 products from nine of the categories the company operates in.

These were engineering lifting machinery, construction lifting machinery, concrete machinery, piling machinery, earth-moving machinery, aerial work machinery, industrial vehicles, m-tec dry-mixed mortar construction equipment and mining machinery.

“At Bauma China 2020, we exhibited Zoomlion’s latest 4.0 generation, featuring a qualitative leap of intelligence,” said Guo Xuehong, vice president of Zoomlion.

Hoisting demonstration of the electric ‘autocrane’ and operating demonstration of truck-mounted concrete pumps were highlights of the stand, as was ‘intelligent’ 5G remote control technology of tower cranes, truck-mounted concrete pumps and excavators.

Occupying the largest outdoor exhibit space at the event, Zoomlion showed off its massive ZCC18000 crawler crane with the highest tonnage on site. Among the products displayed for the first time, a straight-arm aerial work platform set a world record of 67.5m in working height, making it the world’s highest.

The ZT68J self-propelled boom lift prototype features a five-section boom and a long two section articulating jib, with a maximum outreach of 31m and a maximum platform capacity is 455kg with 300kg unrestricted. The model’s overall stowed length is 15.5m, while its overall width and stowed height is 2.5m and 3.6m respectively.

Zoomlion also streamed the event live worldwide for customers impacted by Covid-19 travel restrictions, with 24-hour Chinese and English interpretations available online during the exhibition for global customers.

18

EVENT REPORT JANUARY 2021

WIDE RANGE

SANY SHOWS OFF EXTENSIVE PORTFOLIO As the largest exhibitor at Bauma China 2020, Sany showcased more equipment, technologies and services than ever before in the event, featuring diverse product lines with new digital applications, as well as an expansive display of Sany’s progresses in different industries.

Among the 81 sets of main Sany equipment, the company’s achievements in the field of independent research and development were the most appealing exhibits. Electric and autonomous technology, which Sany believes is the high ground for the industry in the future, was the core content of the Sany stand at the event.

Sany’s exhibits at Bauma China 2020 included six concrete pumps and truck mixers with chassis made by Sany itself. The chassis, developed inhouse by the company, show a 15% increase in reliability and a reduction in fuel consumption by 18%, XCMG says.

There were 23 new Sany excavators on display from the company’s entire size range, including the SY1250H “Landmark Product” in large excavators, and the 20t medium excavator SY225H with a completely new design concept. Sany also showed off eight cranes including

success of Bauma China owes to the great support from our partners, exhibitors and all participants. I am very proud to have such a strong Bauma China team — together we overcome any difficulties.”

Su Zimeng, chairman of the China Construction Machinery Association, was very positive about the trade fair: “Bauma China 2020 is a very important event for the industry, and it was held when China has achieved major strategic results in Covid-19 prevention and control. The economy is showing a stable recovery. It is also the most successful construction machinery exhibition in the world held this year.”

In spite of the circumstances, Bauma China

Chinese brands participated heavily in their “home event” at Bauma China 2020, with many, such as Sunward, demonstrating remote machine control using 5G technologies.

the 800t crawler crane SCC800A, the SFT160 flat-head tower crane, and the SAC8000T all-terrain crane which was exhibited for the first time.

When it came to electric products, Sany had 13 on display, as well as two

was able to retain 300,000 square metres of exhibition spac while 2,867 exhibitors presented their products and innovations to 80,000 trade visitors. The huge area occupied by international exhibitors such as Caterpillar, Volvo, Bauer, Terex and such other big global brands, as well as pavilions by Germany, Italy and Spain, show the continued international confidence in China’s growth and development. Chinese companies, such as XCMG, Sany, Zoomlion, SDLG and a few others, even increased their exhibition space this year.

“The success of Bauma China at this special time is of great significance. We were able to showcase our high-end machinery

autonomous products and 15 others that had electronic controls. These products included electric excavators, electric autonomous mixers, electric trailer pumps, electric autonomous rollers and electric wide-body mining trucks, among others. All of these have been independently developed

by Sany, the manufacturer stressed.

Moreover, the Sany Group held an “Online Bauma China 2020” event on November 24th to enable global clients who could not be in Shanghai to know about its progress in the past two years. The viewership of the event reportedly reached close to a million.

and core technologies, and make deals,” says an XCMG representative.

Yu Hongfu, member of the Board of Sany Group, points out: “At Bauma China 2020, we expanded our exhibition space and invited nearly 10,000 customers to the exhibition, demonstrating the importance we have attached to the event this year.”

Shi Weizhi, deputy GM, Zoomlion Sales Marketing Company, also was very positive.

“In such a difficult situation, taking part in this exhibition allowed us to demonstrate our technological strength and new products to the industry, customers and the public.”

Bauma China offered a range of online solutions, especially for international

CONVIVIAL ENVIRONMENT

SUNWARD DISPLAYS 38 PRODUCTS Sunward showed off 38 innovative products grouped into categories such as excavators, skid-steer loaders, rock-drilling machinery, hoisting equipment, aerial work platforms and other basic equipment in its outdoor booths covering a total area of 2,680sqm.

Sunward’s entire series of upgraded rotary drilling rigs were on display, including the compact models SWDM60S, SWDM160H2, SWDM400V, SWDM600 rotary drilling rigs and SWHG70 hydraulic grabs.

Featured excavators were the company’s F-series diggers –

the SWE60F-1 hydraulic excavator, SWE155F, SWE215F, SWE600F and super large SWE950 model.

The displayed rock drilling products also included the SWDE152 integrated down-thehole drilling, the SWDH102S open-air hydraulic drilling rig, and the Stark-series SWHD220B and SWHD90 hydraulic rock drilling rigs. Sunward also displayed its new generation SWTC30 telescopic crawler crane, based on its expertise in track chassis, besides which it also displayed the SWA16J aerial work platform.

Sunward’s exhibition area featured nonstop demonstrations of 5G equipment performance fully displaying

the power of 5G intelligent remote control to viewers, with the people in Shanghai actually remotely controlling Sunward construction equipment working in various remote locations.

There were also interactive games in the performance zone of the Sunward stand which saw active participation from visitors, with product models and other gifts as prizes. Like others at Bauma China, Sunward also endeavoured to deal with the effects of the pandemic that kept many prospective global visitors away by providing a live stream for those who could not make it to the event physically.

19 participants who could not travel to China.

On the online platform “Bauma China Community”, everyone could virtually participate in the 2020 edition from the comfort of their home or office. The participants could search for exhibitors, exchange company information, get to know products, participate in events digitally and gain new market insights. Exhibitors and visitors had the opportunity to communicate via live chats or video conferencing.

According to statistics from the organisers, Bauma China Community had over a million online visitors. Rainer Hirsch, member of the Executive Board of Herrenknecht AG, was impressed by this newly launched service: “Bauma China provided the online platform to build a communication and interaction bridge that breaks the limit of time and space between exhibitors and participants, who are not able to visit the on-site event.”

In the final analysis, as the only large global event of the equipment industry to take place in 2020, and one of only a handful that will have taken place when taking both last and this one together, Bauma China provided the global equipment industry with a platform that it badly needed in these times of Covid-19 constraints.

BIG GETS BIGGER

XCMG SHOWCASES EXPANSION INTO NEW TECHNOLOGY XCMG, the largest Chinese construction equipment maker at present, came to its home show with full force, displaying its products for markets around the world in a stand built under the theme of “Dream Up, Build Better”, exploring the development direction of China’s – and, indeed, the world’s construction machinery industry in a post-pandemic era.

At the stand were products such as the XCA1600, the world’s most powerful all-terrain crane, and the XR700E, the world’s largest drilling rig. These were joined by what XCMG claims is the industry’s largest electric excavator, the XE270E, and China’s first super-tonnage electric wheel loader, the XC9350.

Other highlights included a complete set of construction solutions, star products, 5G unmanned control systems, new energy technologies, core highend components and a dynamic machinery show that gave customers insights into XCMG’s

developmental achievements in unmanned driving, energy conservation, environmental protection, new energy and other core technology fields.

XCMG also held its International Customer’s Festival (Online) in the form of a 72-hour nonstop global livestream, inviting customers from all over the world to participate in more than 100 online and offline activities.

XCMG also displayed the application of 5G technology in construction machinery for remote access of products, allowing operators to control its machines located in its home base, the city of Xuzhou, north of Shanghai, with its remotely controlled smart 5G cockpit exhibited to the public for the very first time.

20

2020 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2021

BEST OF THE YEAR

DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SOME SIGNIFICANT NEW MODELS AND TECHNOLOGIES FROM GLOBAL MANUFACTURERS MADE THEIR WAY TO THE MIDDLE EAST LAST YEAR. CMME PICKS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF THEIR IMPACT ON THE REGION

T

o say that the year gone by has been an unprecedented one would be an understatement. Yet, here we all are, having survived through it and now looking for better times to come, which are hopefully around the corner. However, even in a year that saw the world touch new lows in many spheres, not the least of which was in the economy and the global construction landscape, human ingenuity could not be totally repressed.

Even in the midst of the lockdowns, the work disruptions and recessive economic environment that characterised much of the year 2020, the world of construction machinery was busy innovating, developing and launching new models or introducing previously unseen kit to new markets.

As we compile our top launches and introductions of 2020, we realise that not only did the pandemic not stop some of the latest machines from the goround up from being launched in the Middle East, but it also could not prevent the top rental companies and fleet owners from bringing in machines that were previously not present here.

So while we have Case CE introduce its new, made-in-India soil compactor to the Middle East and Africa markets, on the rental

side, we also have Kanoo Cranes tie up with Spierings to introduce the Dutch brand’s mobile tower cranes into its rental fleet to offer the region a machine it had not experienced before. Meanwhile, Komatsu just missed the worst of the pandemic when it launched its new excavators right at the end of 2019.

This year also saw a great emphasis on technology and fleet management, as epitomised by Volvo CE opening its first regional Uptime Centre with its UAE dealer Famco in Dubai earlier in the year. With the social distancing and restrictions that were to soon follow, the Uptime Centre has been a stich in time for maintenance and trouble shooting at a time service personnel may not have had ready access to units on job-sites.

When it comes to tackling the year head on, though, Bobcat takes the cake. Despite the pandemic, it took a very futuristic stance towards the end of the year, going on a launch spree, which is still ongoing. The last quarter of 2020 saw Bobcat launch an important new backhoe loader, several skid-steer and compact tracked loaders, new mini excavators and its first compact wheel loaders, as well as an unexpected line of light compaction equipment, followed by a rotary telehandler range. Of course, not all of this is for the Middle East, but as we round up our top launches for the year, Bobcat is a brand that we have to feature twice for its sheer courage in the face of the adverse conditions of the times.

21

100HP

d by p produce Power in h e th , e engin the B730’s ss la its c highest in hoes k c a of b

NEW BOBCAT 730B BACKHOE LOADER A new launch, and that too a vitally

B730 and B750 models, for sale in

are also totally different. A lot of

chassis, where the whole machine

important one, can hardly be

the Middle East and Africa. Available

changes have been made to the

will be on the ride control feature

expected in the current scenario

in different configurations for

exterior and the mechanical designs,

for extra stability. And there are

by one of the biggest names in

diverse applications, Bobcat says the

and maintenance has been made

many more options and features.

the region’s equipment sector.

new R-Series B730 backhoe loader is

easier with thoughtful design, such

But Bobcat not only upended that

ideal for use in construction, utility,

as integration of the air filter.

script in the last quarter of 2020

rental, roadworks, demolition,

by debuting its brand new B730

excavation, waste, recycling,

to suit customer requirements.

It’s a well-studied, researched,

backhoe loader in the Middle East

landscaping, agriculture and many

Apart from the powershift gearbox

painstakingly developed and

and Africa market, but also made

other sectors and industries.

over the mechanical one, you

tested piece of equipment that

can also go from mechanical to

is easy to use and operate, and

the launch sweeter by making it

Taking CMME on a guided tour

“Many options can be added on

“This machine comes with a lot of work behind it from Bobcat and a lot of listening to customers.

a world premiere, albeit a virtual

of the new B730, Gaby Rhayem,

hydraulic controls to Bobcat’s

very productive. The new B730

one. And in a scoop for our readers,

regional director, Middle East and

‘pilot’ controls. The cab also can

is the most powerful machine

CMME was the first publication

Africa, at Doosan Bobcat EMEA,

be had without AC or heating or

in its class in the market based

to obtain exclusive access to

says: “This new B730 is the new

with a full HVAC system. Options

on the 100hp engine power.

the machine and be the first to

generation of Bobcat backhoe

on the bucket include a general-

We now have a very advanced

bring you this global launch.

loaders. The hydraulics are totally

purpose (GP) to a six-in-one

backhoe loader in the market

different and upgraded; it’s a new

bucket. Another great feature

and our target is to cement our

B730 backhoe loader replaces the

machine with a new gear box and

available on this New Generation

position at the top of the compact

company’s first generation B700,

a powershift option; the controls

R-Series B730 is the ride control

equipment segment in the region.”

Bobcat‘s new generation R-Series

22

2020 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2021

20%

in fuel Reduction ew on in the n consumpti ite sp e -10MO, d 20t PC210 y it c capa rise in both ight e w and

KOMATSU’S NEW 50T AND 20T CLASS EXCAVATORS Komatsu responded to the unique

success trend as the previous ones

capacity and powerful digging

names. The M0 in the moniker

requirements of the Middle East

and enable Komatsu to consolidate

operation and its design also

signifies that the models have been

market early last year by launching

its position as a market leader

means lower maintenance cost.

designed for the Middle East or

machines made especially for

in excavators in the region.”

Detection systems prevent failure

are Middle East-specific models.

of main components and a more

The 10 stands for the generation;

the region, which the Japanese

The Komatsu PC500—LC-10R

behemoth proudly showed

excavator has several features and

visible monitor screen makes

this is the 10th generation of

off to a regional audience at a

upgrades that makes it among

it easy to read maintenance

this excavator. And the LC in the

dazzling demonstration event

the standard bearers in the 50t

information. In addition there is

second variant stands for long

in its regional hub in Dubai.

class on the market. “Among

a new larger-sized undercarriage

crawler or longer undercarriage.

the improvements is a 21%

and heavy-duty main frame to

This option adds more stability

PC500—LC-10R and the 20t

increase in efficiency compared

improve robustness and reliability.

to the machine, especially for

PC210-10MO – were the stars

to its predecessor. There are also

A large, comfortable cab enhances

operations with attachments such

of a show that saw the company

other features such as advanced

the operator environment and an

as breakers. The LC machine is

display a range of its products

management systems with variable

optional rear-view monitor system

also best for operations where

in a mesmeric, synchronised

engine speed matching of the

improves safety for the operator

low ground pressure is required,

and choreographed show to

engine, fan clutch system and

About Komatsu’s other new

such as on soft surfaces like sand.

accompanying sound and lights.

reduction of hydraulic piping loss

diggers – the PC210-10MO and

The most important new figure is

that contribute to its efficiency,”

PC210LC-10M0 spearheading the

the 20% lower fuel consumption.

Middle East, says: “We are very

says Ashraf Hashish, senior GM,

company’s assault on the Middle

Despite a bigger bucket and

optimistic about the prospects of

Marketing, at Komatsu Middle East,

East’s vital 20t excavator sector –

strengthened boom increasing

The 50-tonner offers higher

Hashish says: “That they are built

both capacity and weight, we’ve

productivity with a larger bucket

for the region is apparent in their

reduced fuel consumption.”

The machines - the 50t-class

Yoshihisa Hayashi, MD, Komatsu

these machines in the region. We’re sure they will continue the same

23

CASE BRINGS 1107EX-D SOIL COMPACTOR TO THE REGION Case is among the few equipment

drive for outstanding gradeability.

an airconditioned, closed cab

manufacturers that has the

The compaction drum up front

with full ROPS/FOPS design. “So

an awesome 20° gradeability.

complete range of machines for

boasts a drum wall thickens of

that’s the way we designed it.

and so the power is transferred to

earthworks on road projects. The

32mm, ensuring longevity and

We put the cab on the machine

the drum for both the travel and

company always had a line-up of

reliability. The industry standard

and tested it rigorously and it

vibration motors hydrostatically.

dozers and various motor grader

for an 11t compactor is a 22mm

turned out to be very suitable.”

The pump drives both the front and

options. But completing the

drum. We went upsize on it and this

range now is the 1107EX-D soil

The machine is fully hydrostatic

The 1107EX-D is available in

rear in this machine, so the engine

extra drum thickness enables it to

two versions. With the cab it is a

basically only works the hydraulic

compactor, which Case launched

carry a little more weight, which

110hp machine while power for

motor, which does the rest.

last year, making the brand a one-

transfers into the compacting effort

the canopy version is 100hp. Both

stop-shop for contractors doing

on the ground and complements

use the robust 3.9-litre made-in-

accepted very well by our

earthworks on road projects.

the vibration system, with which

India FPT S8000 diesel engine,

customers from the very beginning.

the 1107EX-D delivers a massive

which is tuned for a higher output

Its build quality and performance

at Case Middle East and Africa,

32t of compaction force at 31Hz

in the cab version because the air-

are both top-notch. And it is also

says: “We introduced the 1107EX-

and an amplitude of 1.8mm.

conditioning system draws more

equipped with some leading-

D in the region last year. It is a

This is quite remarkable and a

power and, as Barnard explains,

edge machine control systems

‘made-in-India’ model, much like

class-leading figure, putting

“you don’t want that coming at the

and telematics,” he states.

our very popular 570T and ST

the Case soil compactor right

cost of performance”. The Case

backhoe loaders. It’s a single drum

up there with the big boys and

1107EX-D comes with a drum drive,

telematics and machine control is

compactor weighing in at 11,030kg

very hard to compete against.”

which means that along with the

Leica Geosystems, and the company

tyres on the rear axle, the steel

can offer these technology aids

Zane Barnard, product specialist

and is packed with features. Kicking

The cab is one of the highlights in

“The 1107EX-D has been

Case’s technology partner for

off with an air-conditioned closed

this machine and before launched

drum of the machine is also driven

on its compactor which comes

cab option, it has a two-speed

it over here, Case listened to its

by the engine. This helps when

from the factory ‘play ready’

hydrostatic transmission with drum

customers, who said they wanted

working up a slope, achieving

for Leica systems to be installed.

32T

n force Compactio y the Case delivered b t 31Hz 1107EX-D a .8mm and 1 frequency amplitude

24

2020 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2021

843

lvo Units of Vo ent q e on uipm constructi red o ing monit already be ai by the Dub tre n e C Uptime

VOLVO OPENS FIRST REGIONAL UPTIME CENTRE IN DUBAI The Volvo Group opened its

and buses. These connected

first uptime centre, supported

telematics service which allows

first Volvo Uptime Centre

assets are monitored by Volvo

by Volvo, is to “raise standards

machine problems to be caught

in the Middle East last year

through its Uptime Centres

of customer service to even

before they occur, while also

together with its exclusive

using IT enabled services. These

higher levels in 2020 and

improving technical response time

UAE distributor Al Futtaim

centres, which are in effect

beyond”. The dealer says Volvo

and downtime resolution speed.

Auto & Machinery Company or

data logging, analysis and

Trucks and Volvo CE owners

Famco. The first Volvo Uptime

connectivity hubs, collect and

will now benefit from upgraded

UAE, says: “The uptime centre

Centre in the Middle East is

analyse data from units in the

standards of support backed by

will allow us to better support

located at Famco’s premises in

field about their vital parameters,

Famco’s workshops. The facility

our partners, assuring them

Dubai Investment Park, from

such as fuel consumption,

features advanced technical

further that when they choose

where the local powerhouse

hours or kilometres logged,

bays and trained personnel to

a Volvo truck or machine, they

supports construction

engine temperature and health,

ensure efficient servicing and

are actively prioritising increased

equipment, trucks and buses.

vital fluids, idling times, etc.

that unplanned repairs are dealt

uptime and maximising profit,

with in an expert manner.

while reducing downtime and any

The Uptime Centres arethe

With the monitoring going on

Volvo Group’s technology

24/7, Volvo uses data analytics

enabled stations to monitor

to find solutions to a variety

get access to fleet management

units of machinery and trucks

of issues affecting customers,

systems which will enable

Dubai uptime centre monitors

from Volvo CE and Volvo

which include not just uptime

designated uptime bays, updated

more than 843 Volvo construction

Trucks. To date, Volvo has more

but improvement in productivity,

workflows, and provide better

equipment and around 2,000

than a million customer assets

reduction of emissions and noise

managed access to Genuine

Volvo trucks at present and its

connected globally across all its

as well as enhancing safety.

Volvo Parts and technicians.

opening is a game changer for

group product lines, including construction machinery, trucks

According to Famco, the aim of opening the Middle East’s

Equipment owners will also

Vladimir Knezevic, MD, Famco

Equipment operators can use the CareTrack advanced

negative impact on investments.”

In terms of asset numbers, the

the quality of support available to equipment owners in the region.

25

BOBCAT REVEALS LIGHT COMPACTION RANGE While Bobcat may have grabbed

portfolio into a full range of

attention last year by launching

light compaction machinery,

a spate of new models, its

developed in collaboration

most surprising move was

with the Ammann Group.

to go into a completely new

The new Bobcat Light

line of equipment not related

Compaction Range covers

to anything it has previously

seven different product families

done. And this line is the

and 37 models in total, to meet

light compaction equipment

requirements on almost any

segment, which is the reason

job-site. The products include

for Bobcat to feature twice

vibratory rammers, vibratory

on this yearly round-up.

forward plates, reversible

Compaction applications are essential to numerous industries,

vibratory plates, hydrostatic plates, walk behind rollers, trench

and no construction site

rollers and tandem rollers.

is complete without a soil and asphalt roller. This is usually not a large 10t machine; instead it’s the small compaction machine

Daniele Paciotti,

37

product line manager for attachments at Bobcat EMEA, says:

els ber of mod “Most jobTotal num t a c b o B the sites in both on offer in action construction light comp range and internal

necessary for jobs such as landscaping and villa construction.

And since Bobcat has a great

landscaping, and such other applications, almost always involve light compaction equipment. So

many of its customers doing

our aim was to be a one-stop-

such small jobs with its kit,

shop solution provider for our

the company believed it was a

customers, and their response

logical step to expand its product

has been very postive.”

KANOO OFFERS SPIERINGS MOBILE TOWER CRANES Regional crane services giant

be easily driven, assembled and

Kanoo Cranes brought in a

operated by a single operator.

unique lifter to the GCC last

The crane can be fully operational

year when it was appointed the

within only 11 minutes.

exclusive dealer of

Koos Spierings, CEO

Spierings Mobile Cranes for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, Spierings Mobile Crane, based in the

11

of Spierings, says: “Kanoo Cranes is also a family company with

at the Minutes th r obile towe Spierings m e b s to crane take tional ra e p o fully

Netherlands, has been manufacturing mobile tower cranes for

the same core values as Spierings.

Their market knowledge, skilled employees

and logistic network will be essential to serve

more than 30 years. The concept

customers on the highest

of the mobile tower crane,

level. We’ll be able to maximise

invented in the 1980s by Leo

customer satisfaction in close

Spierings, is considered the most

cooperation between our service

efficient mobile crane solution in

department and Kanoo cranes.”

the construction and industrial environments.

Spierings has provided Kanoo

Ahmad Wraikat, regional manager, Kanoo Cranes, adds: “The Spierings mobile tower

the first SK1265-AT6 in Dubai.

crane cannot be compared to

This model is the biggest mobile

any other crane in the market

tower crane on the market.

today. It provides super-quick

It has a radius of 60m with a

assembly and disassembly, and

maximum tip load of 1.7t. It offers

has been nicknamed ‘Mighty

a maximum lifting load of 10t at a

Tiny’ as its high lifting capabilities

13.2m radius. This crane is a “one-

belie its compact operational

man” machine at all times — it can

size and ease of mobility.

26

HARDLAUNCH NEW HITTERS JANUARY AUGUS T 2019 2021

BOBCAT SPIRALS UP THE LATEST PRODUCT EXPANSION FROM BOBCAT’S ‘NEXT IS NOW’ CAMPAIGN IS THE COMPANY’S NEW-GENERATION ROTARY TELEHANDLER RANGE, FEATURING FOUR MODELS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST WITH HIGH REACH AND LIFT CAPACITIES

I

n the latest release from Bobcat under its ‘Next is Now’ philosophy - which saw the compnay go on a launch spree in the last quarter of 2020 with a plethora of compact and backhoe loaders, mini excavators, light paving equipment and a lot more – the small equipment giant has introduced a new range of rotary telehandlers.

This major new development from the company in the telehandler market encompasses the launch of an expanded line of new generation rotary telehandlers for markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Russia and the CIS countries, with the models developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Magni TH. While the European or Stage V market gets 10 new models, for the Middle East and similar markets, the new Bobcat rotary telehandler range includes four Stage IIIA engine powered models,

with lifting heights from 18-25m and lifting capacities ranging 4-6t.

Olivier Traccucci, senior product manager for telehandlers at Bobcat, says: “Our new rotary telehandler range offers an expanded model selection and increased lifting heights and lifting capacities. The new range offers cutting-edge technology that continues the theme of reinvention that is at the core of our ‘Next is Now’ philosophy.

As a result, they offer enhanced 360-degree performance to create the ultimate tools for even the most complex site handling jobs. A big choice of over 20 attachments and various options also ensures that working at height has never been so versatile, efficient, comfortable and safe.”

Available to order now with some of the machines already delivered in Europe, the new rotary telehandler range from Bobcat was introduced at an online launch event early last month. This was a continuation of the ‚Next is Now‘ strategy presented for the first time in

EMEA and Russia/CIS at a previous online event in October 2020, where Bobcat launched 48 products in 12 different categories.

While launching the new telehandlers, Bobcat said that the rotary telehandler market continues to grow worldwide. In Europe, for example, the market has increased over the last five years by 23% and, in 2019, it reached over 3,000 units for the first time. In fact, 85% of the global market volume is in the EMEA region.

“Invented in the early 1990s, rotary telehandlers feature a rotating turret and four stabilisers, which enable them to work solidly in place with full operating capacity. The 360-degree turret rotation allows the machines to handle loads everywhere in the working envelop without needing to move.

This is an ideal solution in urban areas where spaces are tight and manoeuvring is limited,” says Bobcat.

The manufacturer added that the rotary telehandlers’ ability to work from a single point to cover all of a site and the fact that they can be

27 used from the first to the last day of a construction machine from the man basket when elevating project have made them an increasingly attractive people as well as operating the machines remotely machine for construction sites. Rotary telehandlers to enhance visibility and precision at work.

Bobcat rotary telehandlers automatically are often called three-in-one machines recognise the attachment they are as they combine the attributes of a telehandler with those of an aerial being paired with using RFID technology, which also uploads working platform and a crane. the corresponding load charts Applications are therefore mainly onto the display. As a result, in construction (80%) but also in s e the machine is ready to work industrial maintenance. tr e m in reach Maximum t a In Bobcat rotary telehandlers, safely within seconds and the c b o B w st ne of the talle attachments are almost as touchscreen displays a dynamic r le d n a rotary teleh e important as the machine itself, load chart which allows the th model for as they provide the versatility operator to keep an eye on the st a Middle E needed on site. The attachments load’s centre of gravity. The Limit are usually forks (supplied as standard), page also allows the operator to restrict crane jibs, winches or jib winches, man platforms the working zone in three dimensions and limit and buckets. working speeds for maximum control and safety.

Most of the new Bobcat rotary telehandlers are Bobcat says it can also offer a large choice of equipped with a remote control to operate the additional unique options. One such option is the

25

remote control with drive function, which provides radio control equipped with a screen, allowing the machine to be driven remotely and the stabilisation phases to be managed directly from the basket. This results in increased productivity and efficiency in winch, jib and man platform operations.

The Twin Power feature allows the machine to be used without starting the diesel engine, keeping the emissions at zero and providing noiseless operation.

Connecting the machine to an external electricity supply (380V) allows it to perform all normal lifting and load positioning operations. A 15kW electric motor and a 90 litre/min piston pump take care of performance for each and every movement.

Taking the TR60.250 model as an example, Bobcat rotary telehandlers are named according to the product line [(T)elescopic (R)otary], lift capacity (6.0t) and lift height (25m). The models available in the Middle East are the TR40.180, TR50.210, TR60.210 and TR60.250.

CAB EXPERIENCE

DESIGNED FOR OPERATOR COMFORT Bobcat has placed high importance to operator comfort in the new rotary telehandlers and the innovative patented design of

• An easily adjustable steering column • A comfortable, fully adjustable seat

the cab is key to working safely

In the cab, all Bobcat rotary

on site. The design provides:

telehandlers are equipped with a

• A fully pressurized environment

large, bright touchscreen display

• 100% air filtration

with intuitive machine controls.

• Heating and air conditioning

Machine settings are managed over

(except TR40.180)

five different pages. Navigating

• Large windows for

between these pages is easy and

optimal visibility

intuitive using the touch screen

• ROPS/FOPS certification

or the jog shuttle, says Bobcat.

Ge Manl nerator re ift ren tal | F ntal | Rent orkli powe al | Electri ft cal r dist Load r i b ution bank Cable s and LV/M | s | To wer L V igh

t

Sudh i leadin r Rental g Pow er Gen is one of th Equip e era tor ment Ren ren and M iddle E tal Compan tal and yi as Power & AWP t, delivering n UAE projec Renta Equip ts l m equipm and indust ent to vario r u ies. O s e u Comm nt can be used f r rental ercial, or In and M anufa dustrial, In Temporary, s cturin g a pp titutional lica tio ns.

United Arab Emirates Sudhir Gensets FZE

Plot No. 4S01A, Hamriyah Free zone -2 P O Box 52395 Sharjah, UAE Tel: 800 783447 ( SUDHIR ) Email: info@sudhirrentals.ae www.sudhirrentals.ae

Saudi Arabia Branch of Sudhir Gensets Limited

103, RETCO TOWER, Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Road, Madinathul Ummal, Dammam Tel: (+966)-13-858-8849 | Fax: (+966)-13-858-8879 Email: info@sudhirrentals.com www.sudhirrentals.com

29

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

KNOW

32

TOP 10: MACHINE TIPS SERVICING r kit

30_NEW RELEASES

u ptime on yo Maximise u n uidelines o with easy g tenance. timely main

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

34_DRIVING FORWARD Construction or heavyduty trucks move mountains of materials from job-sites in the Middle East every year. We look at what the major market players have been up to.

38_CAT TRIO PUSHED ON Cat’s D6 GC, D8T and D9 are a formidable three-pronged attack on the dozer segment.

40_ELECTRIC VOLVO Swedish giant’s first big electric excavator has a focus on safety.

30

NEW RELEASES JANUARY 2021

GROVE INTRODUCES NEW CAB ON THREEAXLE ATCS WHY GET IT? NEW ‘CAB2020’ DESIGNED WITH HEAVY CUSTOMER INPUT FOCUSES ON THE LATEST CRASH-TEST REQUIREMENTS, IMPROVED ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT Manitowoc has introduced a new carrier cabin for its Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes, which improves comfort and ergonomics for operators, is ECE R29-3 approved and also meets the latest European crash-test requirements.

The new cab2020, as Grove calls it, is now available on all Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes, the GMK3050-3, GMK3060-2 and GMK3060L-1.

Further GMK models will receive the cab2020 and a fresh new look over the coming months.

According to Manitowoc, the cab2020 also makes the exterior of the new three-axle cranes appear more dynamic and closer to the design of their bigger brothers in the Grove all-terrain crane range. The company added that Grove will also continue manufacturing its all-terrain cranes with the compact design the brand is known for, with a width of 2.55m, which makes it easy to access confined job-sites.

The manufacturer says that space inside the cab2020 is used more efficiently and the sophisticated layout ensures ample room for the cab’s controls, which are clearly arranged. The CCS (Crane Control System) display is positioned slightly higher to ensure it is comfortably and conveniently within the operator’s sight and reach.

Buttons and dials are also laid out optimally so that the crane can be handled easily and intuitively, said Manitowoc, adding that the cab2020 comes with premium-quality surfaces for a better look and feel.

CAT LAUNCHES NEW 349 EXCAVATOR WHY GET IT? NEXT GEN MACHINE IMPROVES OPERATING EFFICIENCY AND LOWERS FUEL CONSUMPTION WHILE REDUCING MAINTENANCE COSTS Caterpillar has introduced its Next Generation Cat 349 excavator which replaces its older 349D2 model and promises to offer up to 45% more operating efficiency, up to 25% more fuel efficiency and up to 15% less maintenance costs over the previous model.

Cat said the new 349 has the industry’s highest level of standard factoryinstalled technology to enable the improved operating efficiency, including Cat Grade with 2D. The system gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts and is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy.

Technology features also include Grade Assist, which automates boom and bucket movements to help operators of all skill levels improve their results; Cat Payload for increasing operators’ loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates calculated without

swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks; and Lift Assist to quickly calculate the weight of the actual load being lifted and compare the result to the rated capability of the excavator. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the machine is within a safe working range.

Other technology features are E-Fence, which prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points, helping protect the machine, underground utilities and other objects from damage; and Cat Product Link, which provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine managers in the office to quickly evaluate critical operating information.

“Fuel efficiency is work per unit of fuel, and the 349 does more work per unit than the 349D2,” said Cat’s statement. The new Smart Mode system automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, reducing fuel consumption and optimising performance.

Engine speed automatically lowers when hydraulic demand decreases, further reducing fuel usage.

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT 349 Engine power: 406hp Operating weight: 48t Max digging depth: 7700mm Max loading height: 7390mm

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NEW SEVEN-AXLE ALL-TERRAIN CRANE FROM TADANO DEMAG WHY GET IT? NEW MODEL OFFERS SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER PERFORMANCE WHILE RETAINING THE COMPACTNESS AND ROADABILITY OF SIXAXLE CRANES Demag has introduced the AC 450-7 all-terrain crane, which it calls a new standard among seven-axle mobile cranes. The Zweibrücken, Germany-based manufacturer, which is part of the Tadano Group, said the basic idea when developing the new AC 450-7 was to “give wheels” to a more powerful alternative to its existing six-axle cranes, with the objective of keeping it as compact as its counterparts despite the additional axle, while combining that with better performance.

In terms of its dimensions, the AC 450-7 meets this criterion, having a carrier length of only 15.99m, an 8.45m outrigger base and a total length of 17.62m.

The AC 450-7 features an 80m main boom with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 195.5t. The main boom can be extended with a luffing jib with a maximum length of 81m. The crane’s maximum system length is 132m. The luffing jib can be divided up in threemetre segments from 24-81m.

Michael Klein, product marketing manager, Tadano Demag, said: “In other words, it doesn’t need more space than a six-axle crane at a work site, and yet it offers significantly better lifting capacities.”

The reason for the manufacturer designing a seven-axle crane was that the ”only way for the machine to be street-legal and meet our goals of having a longer boom and larger lifting capacities was for it to run on seven axles”, Klein explained. Despite mostly identical dimensions, the new AC 450-7 features considerably better performance characteristics when compared to cranes with six axles.

To make it easier to transport the

luffing jib, two system dimensions are used, making it possible to slide the extension’s individual parts into each other. The Demag patented luffing jib rigging system makes setup especially fast, simple, and safe – a design that the new AC 450-7 shares with the Demag AC 300-6, AC 350-6, and AC 1000-9 models.

The AC 450-7 is also extremely versatile when it comes to extensions. In addition to the luffing jib, Tadano Demag also offers fixed jib configurations, even with an offset section, and also a runner.

An SSL Sideways Superlift system makes the new AC 450-7 part of the large crane category at Tadano Demag, and the company said it is using its new engineering design for the Sideways Superlift system for the first time ever on the AC 450-7.

Tadano Demag says that using the Demag SSL lifting solution with Superlift arms, the AC 450-7 is superior to other seven-axle cranes

or even some eight-axle units in a number of boom positions. The AC 450-7 can lift 73.5t at a radius of 9m when equipped with a 60m main boom with an SSL configuration and 37.9t at a 13m radius when the boom is telescoped out completely to a length of 80m, and an outstanding 12.8t tonnes at a radius of 50m with this configuration. The maximum counterweight for the AC 450-7 is 150t, consisting of a 20t base plate and redesigned counterweight plates that have been optimised in terms of swing radius, which is now only 5.60m. The AC 450-7 has a 625hp Mercedes-Benz diesel engine, compatible with Tier 3 markets like the Middle East.

SPECIFICATIONS

DEMAG AC 450-7 Engine power: 625hp Number of axles: 7 Max lift capacity: 195.5t Main boom length: 80m

32

TOP TEN JANUARY 2021

02 01

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MACHINE All manufacturers design machines with ease of servicing in mind, but not all machines are created equal. Some are easier for your technicians and operators to service and have all checkpoints reachable from the ground or bunched together. If the service checks are easy to do, they’re more likely to be carried out.

FOLLOW SERVICE INTERVALS It’s not enough to select an easily serviceable machine. Those easy-to-do services also need to be done regularly. All manufacturers provide guidance on recommended service intervals, for everything from features to be checked every 10 hours of operation to those that need to be changed once a year. Adhere to these guidelines by accurately documenting machine usage hours so that regular maintenance can be scheduled.

: N E T P O T MACHINE TIPS G N I C I V R SE UR KIT O Y N O E M I

USE D AUTHORISE PARTyScost more up

UP T INES FOR L E D I U M A XIMISE G THESE G N I W O L

BY FOL ANCE N E T N I A TIMELY M

03

CUSTOMISE BASED ON CONDITIONS Certain parts of a machine can struggle with the Middle East’s harsh conditions – the heat, moisture and dust – and may require changing more regularly than specified by the OEM. For machines operating in more abrasive environments, you may choose to reduce service intervals on the filters or fluids bearing the brunt of the conditions, such as the hydraulic system oil, to limit the chances of breakdown.

rts usuall ves, but Genuine pa us alternati o ri u sp n a covered front th ore than re m y ll a su u designed that cost is hey’re also T . y it v e g n ill ensure by their lo stem and w sy ’s e in h c machine. for the ma r the entire fo t u tp u o or filter optimum omponent c e in u n e ur entire A non-g ffecting yo a p u d n e ilure could tion, and fa ra e p o ’s e in mach strophic may be cata . and costly

04

33

06 05

PERFORM DAILY CHECKS Train operators to do visual inspections of their machines before they start every shift. The inspections need to include a walk-around, checking for obvious damage from the previous shift, such as loose hoses and fittings or oil residues that can signal a leak. Also, check safety equipment before starting work.

REGULAR OIL SAMPLING Regular oil sampling should be an important part of your preventative maintenance programme. Sending an oil sample to your manufacturer, dealer or maintenance contractor’s laboratory allows them to check the wear status of components to detect imminent component failure before it occurs.

CHECK S DGE nts, such WEAR E tt a achme

es on Cutting edg r buckets, on excavato th e te d any e th s a breakers an lic u ra d y h cked the bits on ould be che sh , rt a p g n s. Wornother weari a shift start re fo e b rs mptly by operato ould be pro sh s it b r o out teeth e machine therwise th replaced, o uctivity duced prod will have re ress ill be extra st and there w e in e mach ’s placed on th in. powertra

09 08

PERFORM REGULAR GREASING Your machine’s life can be extended with regular greasing. Failing to do so will cause extra wear, leading to reduced service life. Greasing should be done according to your machine’s specified intervals, and more frequently if working in dusty, abrasive conditions, such as in the Middle East.

TELEMATICS SERVICE AIDS Using the right telematics allows you to accurately measure usage and schedule required maintenance, significantly improving your servicing regimen. Telematics can also perform diagnostic functions, alerting you to a problem with the machine before it leads to a breakdown. Diagnostic alerts can even be visible on a machine’s onboard display.

07 10

TOTAL REBUILD Many dealers provide rebuilds, which can be a way to extend the operating life of a machine. Rebuilt machines are normally available with warranties and can incorporate newer features. In most cases, a rebuild is more economical than buying a new machine, though this depends on the capital value of the machine and the total rebuild cost.

34

COVER STORY JANUARY 2021

Scania’s XT range of trucks for the heavy-duty and construction segments is built with robustness and durability in mind and is suitable for applications such as tippers, mixers and pumps.

XT-RA ORDINARY

SCANIA’S NEW CONSTRUCTION MODEL With its new XT range, Scania is specifically targeting the construction segment with a full line-up of trucks including mixers, tippers, concrete pumps, tankers, hook lifts, cranes, heavy haulage and other such uses.

In the tipper segment, we also offer our Heavy Tipper with an increased payload of up to 25% compared to a conventional Tipper. Hans Wising explains: “We

tailor our offers after the business, and the unique challenges that come with it. In combination with the strength of our technical specifications, we also offer a wide range of optimised services for the construction segment in order to secure uptime and productivity.”

Niklas Engholm, product manager for Construction Vehicles at Scania, adds: “The number one focus area is uptime. Together with

our construction customers we have seen and experienced many tough challenges their trucks are being put up to – like the risk of getting stuck and the need of a really good towing solution, or the constant risk of bumping into something. Both require a sturdy steel bumper. For these and other demands we now have the perfect tool – the new Scania XT range.

“At Scania we know that it’s

very important to attract the best drivers with really good driveability and driver environment in order to achieve the best productivity and uptime for our customers. The new Scania XT range really supports the driver with robustness and mobility in tough conditions.

When developing the new XT range, we focused very much on durability testing… and it performed very well in our tests.”

35

DRIVING FORWARD

JUST AS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ARE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT EARTHMOVING OPERATIONS, ANY EARTHMOVING FLEET IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OR HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK, WHICH MOVE MOUNTAINS OF MATERIAL FROM JOB-SITES IN THE REGION EVERY YEAR. CMME TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT SOME OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS HAVE BEEN UP TO

T

he Middle East market for construction trucks is fiercely contested by the well-known global brands, with big names such as Mercedes, Volvo, Renault Trucks, Scania and others all in the fray, jostling for a slice of a substantial pie they believe has promise to grow even further.

At Scania, one of the biggest players in the region’s construction trucks landscape, the Middle East is an important division globally and one the Swedish giant is bullish about. Hans Wising, sales director, Scania Middle East, tells CMME that the “Middle East market is very important and strategic for Scania already today”.

“Scania trucks have been working in all major infrastructural projects in the region.

We have a wide range, suitable for every application in the construction segment. Since project efficiency is a priority, Scania trucks are in demand because of their outstanding ‘Total Operating Economy’. With the new Scania XT range (see box), we have widened our product offerings in the construction segment.”

Weathering the fallouts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Scania is now set for an expected market correction. “We started 2020 in a positive way, but the pandemic disrupted things for us as well as our partners and customers. As we end the year, we are looking

forward to a recovery in the market in 2021.

We do see challenges ahead, but our outlook for 2021 is positive overall.”

Scania’s largest selling construction and heavy-duty truck model in the region is the G440/460 A6x4 HZ tractor unit for tipper semitrailer application.

Describing the product, Wising says: “The model is equipped with the Scania Retarder which is an auxiliary brake for the driving wheels and is mainly used for long periods of braking. It helps reduce wear and tear of the service brakes and boosts safety by keeping them cold for full emergency performance.”

Scania also has its customers covered by an advanced telematics system, and Wising explains: “Our Scania Fleet Management connects vehicles and drivers with their companies’ offices. We’ve started implementing the solution in the GCC and our Saudi customers can already avail of these services, which will soon be rolled out around the region. The data collected on board Scania trucks gives valuable insights into driving styles, productivity and economy. The tracking and diagnostics can bring significant benefits, such as increased uptime, improved safety and reduced operating costs.”

Scania Middle East also has an extensive coverage for service and parts in the region, with nine dealers who have both their own workshops and the capability of providing service at the customers’ premises.

“We have Dealer Operating Standards

36

COVER STORY JANUARY 2021

in place, ensuring availability of the right tools and equipment, 24-hour emergency assistance and parts availability. Our Scania Repair & Maintenance contracts are valid in all GCC countries via our dealers. As a complete and comprehensive solution, our dealers offer ‘Maxim@’ which is a full repair and maintenance contract. Another option is ‘Ultr@’, which includes pre-planned maintenance, powertrain protection and a wide range of wear and tear repairs. Finally, with ‘Extr@’ your driveline is insured along with maintenance

Volvo’s FMX model has consistently been among the best-sellers in the heavy-duty trucks segment in the Middle East and has been an integral part of several iconic projects in the region.

of up to five years,” Wising explains.

Aftersales is also what another big brand in the construction trucks segment swears by. Customers of Mercedes-Benz trucks are supported by one of the strongest service and parts networks in the Middle East, says Olaf Petersen, GM, Daimler Trucks Sales, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA. “Our customers know that parts will be delivered quickly and competitively, driving profitability for them. To develop this further, we have launched ‘remanufactured’ parts,

VOLVO FMX TRUCK

AT HOME IN THE ROUGH Volvo’s FMX truck, for long among the most popular truck models in the construction sector, has been involved in many high-profile projects in the region, with the road to top of the UAE’s Jebel Jais mountain among the most iconic of them.

The road project was completed around three years ago with the help of the Volvo FMX 6X4 rigid truck, equipped with the I-Shift automated gearbox. For eight years, a fleet of 33 Volvo FMX trucks worked round-the-clock to carry more than 5.5 million cubic metres of rocks and aggregates to build the 36km road up to a height of 1900m above sea level. Despite

challenges such as the rugged terrain, steep slopes, loose rocks and extreme weather conditions of both heat and cold, the fleet of Volvo FMX trucks completed the ambitious project without any major breakdowns or accidents.

“This innovative gearbox is the first transmission of its kind which has been specifically designed for heavy longhaulage and construction applications,” Jan-Erik Thoren, business team director, Volvo Trucks Middle East at the time of the project told CMME. “The truck has high ground clearance to operate in tough environments and a

comfortable cabin for the drivers, which made the job less physically draining and allowed them to drive for longer. The Volvo FMX is designed for tough construction operations with tailor-made specifications for such extreme conditions. The truck has also been designed for optimised fuel consumption and maximum uptime, which is essential for a project of this size,” Thoren says.

Ahead of its arrival in the Middle East, the FMX was extensively tested in the region to ensure that it can tackle some of the roughest, most demanding off-road conditions in the world.

where customers can hand back in selected older components and replace them with a remanufactured version. This is cost effective and provides a guaranteed part made to Daimler quality and standards. Additionally, for slightly older vehicles, we have also introduced our TruckParts portfolio, giving customers more choice to fit their budgets and needs.

“Service is the most critical factor to keep our trucks on the road and since many customers also operate their own workshops, we provide our completely flexible MercedesBenz Service Solutions in our workshops or at customer locations. This covers preventative maintenance, such as oils, fluids and filters, but can also be extended to cover all wear and tear parts and warranty components. Our fleet of mobile workshops and certified technicians are our force on the road day and night.”

A vital aspect of Mercedes-Benz trucks’ customer solutions is its telematics offering, called Fleetboard, owned by Daimler Truck AG. “Fleetboard not only provides basic track and trace solutions, but also focuses on driver performance, individually grading them based on their operation of our products.

With Fleetboard, we can translate more than 2,000 data points into user friendly data so that operators can plan trips and loads more efficiently. Further, our certified driver trainers in the Middle East can use Fleetboard data to highlight training and development areas for drivers and continuously drive improvements.”

Additionally, Fleetboard is able to provide remote service data and diagnostics, such as fault codes, even tyre pressures, if the option is selected, so that every truck can be checked from a customer’s operations room and scheduled for the required maintenance.

Fleetboard can also be connected to a customer’s CRM system, such as SAP or Oracle.

Describing the Mercedes-Benz trucks range, Petersen adds: “The all-new Actros is predominantly our benchmark tractor head for semi-trailer operation. In Oman, Kuwait and the UAE these are pulling payloads in excess of 100t on every trip in daily operations. We also launched the all-new Arocs throughout the Middle East in 2018, with specifically designed tipper and mixer chassis for construction operations and specially configured tractors available as all-wheel drive.

“Whether it is our Actros 3845S 6x4 tractor or our Arocs 4042K 6x4 tipper, 4542B 8x4 mixer or our market leading AWD versions, 4048AS 6x6 tractor and 4048AK 6x6 tipper the core characteristics of best-in-class fuel efficiency, strongest grade of steel chassis, thicker, wider, reinforced components, from centre mountings, axles to springs, to the reinforced powertrain, our promise of ‘Trucks you can Trust’ remains true throughout.

37

“Each SLT has pulling capacity of up to 250t and can be coupled together with our reinforced draw bar couplings for pulling and pushing loads of more than 2,000t” “We are the only manufacturer in the MENA and Central Africa region to have a dedicated testing facility for our products in the region. In the last few years, we have clocked over nine million kilometres of direct testing in the UAE, pushing our products to the limits. Ours is not a European truck tuned to run on lower quality local fuel; our products in the region are truly Middle Eastern trucks, ready to deliver in the region’s conditions.

“We were the first to enter the Middle East market and our partnerships with our customers here date back more than 50 years.

An example is our partnership with a market leading construction contractor in the UAE, working on the Etihad rail project.”

Another example of Mercedes-Benz Trucks special relationship with the region is how trucks equipped with the company’s Turbo Retarder Clutch – only available on MercedesBenz Trucks – is now operating in heavy-duty mountain quarry applications in the UAE’s Northern Emirates, Petersen points out.

“The Turbo Retarder Clutch is a combination of hydrodynamic turbo coupling and full five-stage retarder for extreme heavy-duty transport, starting and braking, for loads up to 250t with zero wear and tear. The same exclusive Mercedes-Benz technology is also found in our 4058AS 6x6 ‘SLT’ Super HeavyDuty Tractors for heavy construction. Each SLT has pulling capacity of up to 250t and can be coupled with our reinforced draw bar couplings for pulling and pushing loads of more than 2,000t, if necessary.”

Over at Renault Trucks, recent successes have underlined the importance of its K Range of heavy-duty and construction trucks. In late 2019, Middle East Ready Mix Concrete

Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers the ultra robust Arocs in the heavy construction segment, backed

by Fleetboard, its vehicle management system that makes maintenance easy.

(MERMC), a leading UAE concrete supplier, took delivery of 12 new Renault Trucks K models, representing a big conquest for the Volvo-owned French brand in the region.

This was MERMC’s first Renault Trucks purchase, with the K range models equipped with 48CBM tipping trailers for use in transporting aggregates and other products to facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to Renault Trucks, MERMC cited the trucks’ “proven abilities in operation, high standards of safety and impressive fuel efficiency”.

Renault Trucks’ K Heavy Construction Range offers a capacity of 120t and is equipped with 13L engines driving through an automated all-wheel-drive transmission that deliver full power to all the wheels. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty use and strengthens their abilities to tackle off-roading in the UAE’s tough terrains. The trucks also have low fuel consumption and meet Euro 5 emission norms, making them among the most ecofriendly options on the market.

Also key in MERMC’s decision was the flexibility of Renault Trucks’ finance programme, introduced to support construction businesses which can be tailored to specific needs. The scheme has several options to reduce payments or initial down payments, to build equity, and fixed rates for enhanced finance control.

Guillaume Zimmermann, commercial director, Renault Trucks Middle East, adds: “This order further cements our position as a market-leading truck manufacturer trusted by many large companies across the region.

Our vehicles are known for being sturdy and reliable with a leading position in terms of fuel efficiency, enabling customers to deliver greater productivity and control operating costs to their benefit.”

With global brands prioritising the Middle East construction truck market and offering models made to tackle the local conditions, it can be expected that as the Covid-19 situation gradually eases, their construction trucks will drive production forward even further..

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HARD HITTERSJANUARY BULLDOZERS AUGUS T 2021 2019

CAT TRIO PUSHES ON

CATERPILLAR’S D6 GC, D8T AND D9 ARE A FORMIDABLE THREEPRONGED ATTACK ON THE REGIONAL DOZER SEGMENT, WITH THE NEWLY INTRODUCED FIRST AND THIRD MODELS RIDING ON THE POPULARITY OF THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE

C

aterpillar has long been known to make some of the sturdiest and best bulldozers in the business. Its D10 crawler tractor model, unleashed on the construction equipment world more than 40 year ago is by now the stuff of legends, as are some of the other Cat dozers, such as the D9, and the largest that Cat makes – the D11.

While Cat’s recently updated D9 and its new smaller D6 GC dozers are targeted at markets such as the Middle East, it’s the D8T that is the region’s favourite. In fact, the three together make a formidable trio for the region’s job-sites, with the D8T forming a strong centre, flanked by the other two.

Among the newest Cat bulldozers is the D6 GC, which meets the needs of customers for a robust machine, easy to maintain, productive and economical to own and operate. Fully mechanical components and robust structures offer a dozer

that is tough in a wide range of conditions and Cat adds that it provides a quick return on equipment investment. The D6 GC offers 212hp of nominal power and operating weight ranging from 21.6- 22.7t and is powered by the well-known Cat 3306 engine.

A three-speed planetary powershift transmission and Caterpillar exclusive torque divider enable more useable power to get to the ground. Controls are in the form of the familiar two-lever clutch and brake steering. Traditional blade controls and an analogue dash add to the simplicity and ease of operation, and the D6 GC is available in either canopy or cab options, both with Integrated ROPS/FOPS for comfort and safety. Suspension seat includes a built-in retractable seat belt, and the cab is available with air conditioning for added operator comfort.

An elevated sprocket undercarriage improves ride balance and puts more track on the ground for added stability and performance. An aluminium bar plate cooling package delivers much-needed ambient capability for regions such as the Middle East. The elevated sprocket helps make maintenance easier with modular components that

are easy to remove or install for service. The sealed and lubricated track helps prevent internal wear and maximise bushing life while to save time on daily maintenance, the D6 GC features grouped service points and a minimal number of daily grease points.

The model’s blade is the semi-universal (SU) type for more capacity and productivity. A mechanical tilt angle blade is also available. Rear attachment choices include ripper or rigid drawbar, with options for dealer-installed winches.

On the higher end of Cat’s model range for jobs requiring bigger machines, the D9 dozer replaces the D9T model and offers customisable configurations for application needs around the world. Cat says this new model lowers overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3%. Efficiencies gained through a new torque converter with stator clutch reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%, and the new dozer reduces maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4%, claims the manufacturer.

The new D9 has the proven Cat C18 engine, differential steering for a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning,

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“The D8T takes on the toughest conditions. The largest SemiUniversal blade in the size class helps you move more material with every pass – up to 13% more. To handle the desert heat, there’s a purposebuilt Desert Arrangement” The suspended undercarriage delivers more track contact with the ground for less slippage and greater productivity. The D9 can be equipped with any of a wide range of blades and attachments, enabling it to work in a variety of applications, including production dozing, site maintenance, fleet support and ripping.

When it comes to maintenance, the new D9 offers design improvements that reduce repair costs. The newly integrated AutoLube system results in fewer grease points to limit daily maintenance procedures.

Extended filter change intervals, simple component removal and continuous fluid level monitoring also aid in further lowering operating costs. A new ground-level service centre provides convenient access to the engine shutdown switch, access/egress lighting and optional powered ladder operation.

Another option, the four-camera system, offers a 360-degree view around the machine and ripper to further enhance operating safety. Adding bottom guard retention pins and eliminating lift cylinder grease points also bolster safety. Inside the cab, a cloth air-suspension seat provides operator comfort and suspended undercarriage reduces shock load

transfer by as much as 50% to the undercarriage, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. Large, high-definition touchscreen displays complement the integrated Cat Product Link Elite and Vital Information Management System (VIMS), providing crucial dozer information like location, operating hours and machine condition as well as production information.

Perhaps the most important of Cat’s dozers in the Middle East, though, is the D8T, which offers high horsepower, better dozing efficiency and fuel savings.

The machine comes with updated cooling and a new power train with the proven Cat C15 ACERT engine, delivering up to 20% better ambient capability. A choice of Cat Connect GRADE technology options helps get more work done in less time.

According to Mamoun Mutair, building construction product manager at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, the Cat dealer in the GCC excluding Saudi Arabia, the key numbers for the new D8T are up to 18% better dozing efficiency for more productivity and up to 10% fuel savings to move more material with every litre of fuel.

“The D8T takes on the toughest conditions. The largest Semi-Universal blade in the size class helps you move more material with every pass – up to 13% more.

To handle the desert heat, there’s a purpose-built Desert Arrangement including added cooling performance and more protection for working in extremely sandy or abrasive conditions,” Mutair explains.

The D8T meets the demands of desert applications with several special features ideally suited to supporting machine performance and service life in extremely sandy or abrasive conditions. Explaining these, Mutair adds: “There’s a Pre-cleaner Turbine air intake system that prevents nearly all of the heavierthan-air particles from entering the system, which results in longer air filter life, more efficient engine performance and decreased maintenance expenses.

“The engine enclosure doors are solid at the bottom to help reduce the amount of sand carried into the engine compartment for improved cooling and reduced cleanout time. A specially coated fan and radiator core protection help resist abrasion while a sealed bottom guard and added seals help keep fine abrasive particles out of components.”

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THE LAST WORD JANUARY 2021

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Experience the Progress.

Mobile cranes from Liebherr Top capacities in all lifting classes Long telescopic booms with variable working equipment High mobility and short assembly times Comprehensive comfort and safety features Worldwide customer support by manufacturer Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH P.O. Box 1361 89582 Ehingen/Do., Germany Phone: +49 7391 502 0 E-mail: info.lwe@liebherr.com www.facebook.com/LiebherrConstruction www.liebherr.com