Construction Machinery ME January 2022

ISSUE 120 022 JANUARY 2

PLUS

IT AT THE SURMOMM

TS F HIGHLIGHACCESS & ND THE SECO ING SUMMIT HANDL

S R E L D N A H R E W O P O FOR

DLERS G CITY N A H E L E T H, CAPA ITY C A E R H G HI ATIL AND VERS

UNCH CAT GX LA

K C A B Y A P T FAS

N O I T I S O P O E PR U L A V RS E E N H T N S O E T S I 0 RA X2 G R 3 A 2 L 3 L I D P R N XA G CATE 0 2 3 W E W ITH N

LENDING A HAND AND DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING FOR YOU

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CONTENTS JANUARY 2022

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

12_SIJIMIX OPTS FOR RENAULT TRUCKS Truck maker completes delivery of 10 units of K 380 p6X4 concrete mixers in first deal with Fujairah-based ready mix concrete supplier.

18_AT THE SUMMIT The regional access sector congregated at the second Access & Handling Summit to view latest machines and discuss the best ways of working.

22_PICKS OF THE YEAR

32

Our pick of the most important and impactful new and revamped machinery models launched in the Middle East market this year.

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2

EDITORIAL JANUARY 2022

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS SHIYAS KAREEM shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474 PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANDY PITOIS andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5473

FAREWELL!

EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI

New years often bring new beginnings.

And sometimes endings.

This is the last time I write the editor’s letter to you from CMME towers. Come February and a new incumbent will be at the helm. It’s been a wonderful six years bringing you the ins and outs of the world of construction machinery in the region, and I hope you, the reader, derived value out of it and enjoyed reading the content as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.

In my last issue as editor, we train the spotlight on Caterpillar’s new launches in the 20-ton excavator segment. The new Cat GX series offers customers a value proposition and the opportunity to get quick returns on their investment. It comes at an opportune moment for the Middle East market, as we believe the sector is heading into some good times in 2022.

Part of this belief comes from the proceedings witnessed at the Access & Hadnling Summit. The CMME-organised event’s second edition last month saw the region’s work-at-height sector come together enthusiastically under one roof in a live, physical event at long last after enduring the restrictions of the pandemic. It was as if a bear had come out of hibernation magically transformed into a bull, raring to go. The general mood and tenor of conversation at the event tells me that everyone is upbeat about this year and good things are on the anvil. At any rate, the success and continuing promise of the event that I conceptualised is a heartening note for me to leave on.

The upbeat mood of the construction and equipment industries can be further gauged in other articles in this issue: Renault Trucks made another delivery of transit mixers in the UAE, this time to Sigimix on the country’s east coast; Soosan looks forward to a bright future in our region; and the Irish are sure they’ll have all their customary luck in the

mining, quarrying and material processing equipment segment in the region.

Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you our customary annual wrap with a round-up of our four picks from the new models that came to the region in 2021. Led by the vitally important new JCB 3DX backhoe loader, it is another sign that market players remain confident about our region.

Before I sign off for the last time, I’d like to express my gratitude to all the wonderful people in our sector who have helped me make CMME what it is today. In the 72 issues that I have overseen, we have together raised the magazine’s importance and profile, leading to many successes and honours – such as an invitation for me to join the Bauma Innovation Award jury at the event’s last edition and a couple of global scoops on our pages. Whatever the magazine is today, I couldn’t have done it without the support and cooperation of the industry, for which I am extremely grateful.

My biggest takeaways from this experience are a passion for the world of construction machinery and the friendships I have formed with the wonderful people in the sector. With a new year having begun, I’d like to thank one and all as I bid farewell for making my time at CMME memorable, and wish you the best in 2022.

Over and out!

anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5479 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING EVENTS & CONFERENCE PRODUCER PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 EVENTS EXECUTIVE MINARA SALAKHI minara.s@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING EXECUTIVE GLADYS DSOUZA gladys.dsouza@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5478 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DATA & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PUBLISHED BY

The publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC.

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

CPI Trade Media. PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. +971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

QER prides itself as one of the most reputed plant hire companies operating in the United Arab Emirates providing services for construction industry, oil & gas industry, Power Generation and events management solutions.

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4

ONLINE JANUARY 2022

MOST POPULAR

READERS’ COMMENTS

FEATURED

CONSULTANT

SAUDI PIF TO INVEST $266BN INTO NEW PROJECTS BY 2025

DP World and DRC ink agreement to develop deep sea port in Banana

CONSTRUCTION

Bahrain calls for bids for demolition of terminal at international airport

INSIGHT: Tantek 4D and the tallest modular-built high-rise in the world

CONSTRUCTION

Dar Al Arkan and Pagani unveil $217.8 million DaVinci Tower on Dubai Water Canal

CONSULTANT

PDC inks MoU with York for services at King Abdullah Port

CONSTRUCTION

EGA appoints new supply chain boss

ANALYSIS: Asset management can support privatisation across The Kingdom

Glad to see that Newcastle United’s new owners are not putting all of their eggs into one basket given the team’s current form in the English Premier League! But in all seriousness and staying on topic, this is an almost mind boggling number and story.

It is also an ambitious target even for the Saudi Public Investment Fund to get that $266 billion invested within the next four years - but it demonstrates the ambition of The Kingdom to make sure it stays on target for the structural and infrastructure work that it needs to stick to its Vision 2030 plan. I heartedly agree with the Serco assertion made elsewhere on the site that asset management must be taken seriously and will go hand in hand with attracting investment as the government begins to disentangle itself from many of its services and holdings through privatisation.

The recent regulatory framework saw a record boost in FDI this year and shorn up a weak-looking legal backline, but it will be mid-2022 until we really see whether The Kingdom is winning the promotion fight for investment.

Name withheld by request

S W NE 6

NEW ACQUISITION

FOUR NEW MERCEDES TRUCKS FOR ABU DHABI’S PASCO PAVING STONES

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

Abu Dhabi based PASCO Paving

added four new

Stones Company has taken

BIM (Building

delivery of four new Mercedes-

Information

Benz trucks from Emirates Motor

Modelling)

Company (EMC), the authorised

objects to its BIM

dealer for Mercedes-Benz Trucks

library in a move

in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

that the French

Muadinoon improves frac sand with CDE Saudi Arabia’s Muadinoon Mining Company has recently invested in wet processing technology from CDE in order to enhance its product quality while lowering environmental impact.

Muadinoon mines high quality silica sand from sand deposit near Tayma, in north-western Saudi Arabia, selling the product as raw materials to several clients. The mining company said its commitment to the environment is one of its most important operating principles and it sought to improve the quality of its product offerings further through enhanced washing and cleaning of the mined sand.

Muadinoon chose to partner with CDE because the Saudi company’s senior

management believed CDE had an indepth understanding of the project at hand and was confident in its expertise.

CDE commissioned its EvoWash Evo101 sand wash plant and AquaCycle A200 water management system to run alongside the company’s existing dry screens that ensure the size fractions of the required product.

Utilising CDE technology, the new plant will enable Muadinoon to produce 0-600-micron silica sand (frac sand) at a rate of 75tph while the efficient water management solution from CDE significantly reduces water consumption by ensuring up to 90% of the process water is recycled for immediate recirculation.

The trucks acquired by PASCO

access equipment

are three new Actros 4048S 6x4

maker says is a

units and one Arocs 4040K 6×4.

sign of its strong

According to EMC, the Actros

commitment

is known for its reliability and

to the digital

dependability for long-distance

transformation of

and distribution haulage, while

the construction

the Arocs is well established

sector. Haulotte

as a reliable, robust vehicle

said that with the

in construction and off-road

addition of the four

applications. Both vehicles provide

new BIM objects,

drivers with optimum driving

building industry

and working conditions, and

professionals can

also provide intelligent network

now integrate the

management and logistics

latest Haulotte

control for fleet managers

machines into

with telematics solution from

their virtual

Fleetboard – a combination

projects. The four

which results in better overall

new objects are:

performance across the board.

the HT16 RTJ PRO

PASCO is among the market

telescopic boom,

leaders in the business of

the SIGMA16 PRO

interlocking tiles and paving, and

articulating boom,

its partnership with EMC CV, and

the HS15 E PRO

in turn, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, is a

scissor lift and the

long-standing one built on shared

HS18 E PRO scissor

values and aspirations, said EMC.

lift. The BIM

C R Emmanuel, fleet manager,

objects are free

Pasco, said: “We are delighted to

to download on

acquire this batch of Mercedes-

Haulotte’s website

Benz trucks from EMC CV, our

and on the BIM

preferred dealer for Mercedes-Benz

object platform.

trucks. These trucks offer the latest in safety and technology including the MirrorCam and Fleetboard and we have no doubt that they will meet our requirements effectively and efficiently.”

8

NEWS ROUND-UP JANUARY 2022

ELECTRIC SOLUTION

JLG CONVERSION KIT EXTENDS MACHINE LIFE

ATEC to distribute Metso in Saudi Arabia

Metso Outotec and Arabian Truck & Construction Equipment Company (ATEC) have signed a distribution contract covering Metso Outotec’s equipment, parts and services offering for the aggregates industry in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, ATEC will offer customers in Saudi Arabia a wide choice of Metso Outotec’s stationary and mobile

crushing and screening equipment, spare and wear parts and services.

Olli-Pekka Oksanen, senior vice president, Global Distribution Management, at Metso Outotec, said: “We are very pleased to add ATEC to our distributor community. We look forward to building a close co-operation and improving our sales activity in this important

area for our mobile crushing and screening business. Thanks to a stronger local presence with ATEC, we are now able to considerably improve our aftermarket support and service.”

Mike Fritz, senior vice president, ZMS-Group, the holding company of ATEC, added: “Cooperation with Metso Outotec gives us an opportunity to offer world class service to existing customers through our factorytrained technicians and local stock of parts and equipment. Our trained sales consultants will allow us to reach more customers in these fastgrowing sectors. Together, we aim to increase customer satisfaction to be the first choice of crushing and screening solutions for the existing and new customers.”

JCB MAKES 750,000TH ENGINE JCB celebrated the production of its 750,000th engine last month at JCB Power Systems, UK, where production first began in 2004.

With JCB extending production to India in 2011, this helped in reaching the landmark figure.

JCB Power Systems has made over half the engines, with a range of 55-212kW.

CAT UPGRADES TOR TRAC 651 WHEEL PER SCRA eel Cat 651 wh

ed its has relaunch ments Caterpillar ith improve w S) T (W er p ra atures and tractor sc e model’s fe th to es cle d ra and upg ductivity, cy creased pro in r 1 fo 65 s e n o in ngle eng specificati The new si . rt s fo it m to co times and h upgrades market wit e th re u rs ct te n ru d st WTS re-e ydraulics an , controls, h d provide an ls powertrain ctivity leve u d ro p s se to increa ent. It offer on investm rn tu re h a hig ity and a 3 eaped capac 33.6m of h 4 6. of 4 t. rated load

MAPEI PLANT GOES SOLAR MAPEI Construction Chemicals has partnered with UAE-based sustainable energy

Global powered access brand JLG

provider, Yellow

has announced the release of a

Door Energy, to

conversion kit for its 660SJ model,

install over 2,200

replacing the engine with a zero-

solar panels at its

emissions battery solution.

manufacturing

“In response to the increasingly

plant in Dubai

urgent and growing demand for

Investment Park.

electric access equipment to work

The 1.2mW solar

on low or zero-emission job sites,

plant will generate

JLG has created a conversion kit for

1,922,000 kW-

selected diesel models. This is a cost-

hours of clean

efficient and convenient solution for

energy in its first

rental companies seeking to extend

year of operations.

the lifetime of their existing fleet

MAPEI said

by converting it to emission-free

installation of

equipment,” said the company.

the solar panels

It added that converting diesel-

will commence

powered machines to electric battery

in early 2022 and

power contributes to an increased

cover an area of

residual value and lower total cost of

approximately

ownership. Utilisation and rental rates

8,900sqm of the

could be improved as the converted

plant’s rooftop.

equipment can be used on a wider variety of projects, particularly those requiring low emissions and noise levels, such as residential urban areas. The lead acid conversion kit is available now; the lithium version will be available in spring.

9

Seven Raimondi towers build ‘Nest’ Seven Raimondi tower cranes are at work building the Middle East’s premier student accommodation complex in Sharjah at the Aljada megaproject being built by developer Arada.

The tower crane models deployed by Raimondi Middle East for the construction of Nest, an integrated student complex in the megaproject, include five units of the MRT294 and two of the ER240. Nest is part of the Aljada, one of the largest and most complex jobsites in the region, with a number of different residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, commercial, education and healthcare components, developed by Arada.

Wael Hasan, commercial director, Raimondi Middle East, said: “Our relationship with Arada continues to grow with this latest machine

rental. We are pleased to supply Arada with five Raimondi MRT294 flattop tower cranes and two ER240 hammerheads - all with

VOLVO PENTA ROOFTOP INSTALLATION

DUBAI INVESTMENTS TEAMS UP WITH TOTALENERGIES FOR SOLAR PANELS

TESTS ELECTRIC DRIVELINE As part of its

good lifting capabilities that more than meet the needs of the build onsite at Aljada.”

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2022, Nest is the UAE’s premier integrated student housing complex, consisting of 12 five-storey apartment blocks over a 388,000sqft area. Located within the Aljada masterplan, Nest is just a short walk from the University City of Sharjah, one of the largest education hubs in the region. Nest’s list of facilities includes an art studio, a music hall, a library, a running track that surrounds the complex, an amphitheatre and a central dining hall, as well as swimming pools, gyms and study areas.

FARNEK’S REMOTE IOT SOLUTION UAE facilities management major Farnek has launched a remote monitoring solution using the Internet of Things with a pilot project at select facilities of healthcare provider Aster.

Under the system, sensors at the facilities will record temperature changes, energy consumption and footfall to help Farnek technicians.

Snorkel starts making low-level scissor lifts

drive towards Dubai Investments has

have played an active part

electromobility,

partnered with TotalEnergies

in the company’s clean,

Volvo Penta has

to install photovoltaic

green and sustainable

delivered and

(PV) rooftop systems on

initiatives. The rooftop solar

integrated its

its Emirates Glass and

panel installation at both

electric driveline

Lumiglass Industries facilities

facilities is an extension of

into the first of a

in the UAE, promoting the

the sustainable initiatives

series of prototype

use of solar energy inline

and is aimed at reducing

fully-electric

with its commitment to

reliance on grid-energy as

terminal tractors

sustainable practices.

well energy costs. These

for US customer,

Dubai Investments

solar panels are expected

TICO – who will

said the implementation

to generate around 2,800

be testing the

of solar panels on the

megawatt-hours (MWh)

prototypes with

two glass manufacturing

of green energy per year

a variety of major

facilities will reduce CO2

from the two locations.”

fleet partners.

emissions by approximately

Hamady Sy, managing

The move is

1,200 tonnes annually,

director, TotalEnergies

part of the Volvo

equivalent to planting

Renewables Distributed

Group’s extensive

approximately 30,000 trees.

Generation, Middle East and

electromobility

Africa, added: “TotalEnergies

agenda, with a

president – Emirates Glass

in the Middle East is

net-zero emissions

LLC and Lumiglass Industries,

actively contributing to the

target by 2050.

said: “Keeping up with the

development of solar energy

sustainability initiatives of

in the UAE partially through

our group company Dubai

creating long-term impactful

Investments, the Emirates

partnerships like the one we

Glass and Lumiglass facilities

have with Dubai Investments.

Rizwanulla Khan, executive

Access equipment maker Snorkel has announced the start of production and first delivery of its new outdoorrated push-around mini scissor lift, the S3210P, shown as a prototype at Conexpo 2020.

The model is designed for low-level work at height in outdoor slab applications or indoor areas which have a wind loading, such as during the early phases of a construction build where windows or doors may not yet be installed.

It is being made at Snorkel’s

UK assembly facility, and Snorkel UK has delivered the first eight units to UK rental company, APL. The S3210P measures 0.81m wide and is an outdoor-rated version of the popular Snorkel S3010P push-around mini scissor lift, with a maximum working height of 5m and a lifting capacity of 240kg, while still weighing just 470kg.

Snorkel said the S3210P is rated up to a maximum wind speed of 12.5m/s and can be easily pushed when stowed.

10

KIT SPOTTING JANUARY APRIL 2016 2022

POTAIN BUILDS POMPEII TOURIST HUB

I

talian real estate developer Gruppo Irgenre has selected an assortment of Potain tower cranes from dealer Edilcom Gru to help construct its latest “Maximall” project in Pompeii.

The fleet includes five Potain MCT 88 topless city cranes, assembled at heights between 21 and 31.5m, with a 52m boom and a variable capacity of 5t near the mast and 1.1t at the tip, as well as two Potain MDT 189 topless cranes. Both MDT 189 cranes are 40m high with a 60m boom and maximum capacity of 8t near the mast and 1.8t at the tip.

All seven Potain cranes are equipped with Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) for easy set up and operation, plus Top-Tracing III technologies to avoid potential collisions on site.

Initially, the cranes will be used to transport construction materials around the site, before beginning work on the buildings, which means their exact positioning is crucial.

Edilcom Gru produced an accurate plan of the site to determine the optimal location for each crane and Gruppo Irgrenre was impressed by the engineers’ thorough approach.

Gruppo Irgenre’s CEO Corrado Negri placed his trust in Potain and Edilcom Gru based on their reputation for quality and reliability.

“Potain is one of the leading experts in the worldwide lifting

market. Potain tower cranes are famous for their reliability, load capacity and low maintenance, which are the reasons why, together with the reliability of our supplier Edilcom Gru, we chose Potain tower cranes ,” he said.

Edilcom Gru, headquartered in nearby Naples, has been a Manitowoc dealer since the late 1990s and offers crane sales and service, as well as a rental fleet of more than 60 units.

Its highly skilled technicians and engineers are trained to the highest levels at Manitowoc training centres, which was another motivating factor for Gruppo Irgenre.

“For the importance of the work and the necessary compliance with our timeframes, the partnership with Potain and Edilcom Gru guarantees us that scheduled and unplanned maintenance activities are carried out quickly, even in an emergency.

Edilcom Gru has supported us through its specialised technicians at every stage,” Negri said.

Gruppo Irgenre, with headquarters in Milan and offices in Caserta, specializes in the development and construction of properties for large retailers, such as IKEA or Leroy Merlin, as well as the hotel industry.

Under the “Maximall” brand, it aims to transform shopping centres and business parks into attractive urban centres and tourist hubs.

11

“Potain tower cranes are famous for their reliability, load capacity and low maintenance, which are the reasons why, together with the reliability of our supplier Edilcom Gru, we Potain tower cranes”

12

HARD HITTERS MARKET WATCHAUGUS JANUARY T 2019 2022

SIJIMIX OPTS FOR RENAULT TRUCKS

TRUCK MAKER COMPLETES DELIVERY OF 10 UNITS OF K 380 P6X4 CONCRETE MIXERS IN FIRST DEAL WITH FUJAIRAH-BASED READY MIX CONCRETE SUPPLIER FOR OPERATIONS ON UAE EAST COAST

R

enault Trucks has announced the brand’s first deal with Sijimix, a well-established supplier of quality concrete throughout the eastern UAE, which has invested in 10 new Renault Trucks K 380 units.

Renault Trucks was the first choice for Sijimix, one of the UAE’s leading readymix concrete suppliers, due to the French truck maker’s exceptional reliability and high quality and the 10 new K 380 trucks will be used to transport concrete across the eastern part of the country.

Renault Trucks adds that Sijimix’s decision to go for its trucks was also based on the trust that the units would lower operations costs with no compromise on quality and reliability.

Sijimix’s 10 new Renault Trucks, supplied by United Diesel, the brand’s partner in Dubai, will expand the ready-mix concrete supplier’s existing fleet of over 140 units, and were set to start operations last month.

The K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models, which meet Euro 5 emission standards and are equipped with a wide range of technological features as well as 9CBM transit concrete mixers, are set to optimise Sijimix’s local operations thanks to the K range’s functionality and fuel efficiency, says Renault Trucks.

The manufacturer adds that the K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models have a reputation for robustness, exceptional reliability and optimal fuel efficiency. They are equipped and designed to ensure maximum productivity and safety for their drivers, as the new models meet concrete suppliers’ operational needs. The K 380 models, in addition to their robust build, also reduce operational costs by minimising fuel consumption by combining a Euro 5 380hp engine, the Optidriver AT 2612F gearbox with automatic clutch, and a 445-litre fuel tank.

Sijimix’s new K 380 P6x4 trucks, which will mainly be operating from Fujairah, are also driver-centric as they feature numerous advanced technological and safety features. To minimise risk and increase safety,

13 the trucks are equipped with EBS (Electronic Braking System), Hill Start Aid (HSA), Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR), Wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Emergency Braking Assist - all of which assist drivers in tricky situations and provide comfort.

“We’re proud to have established a partnership with Renault Trucks and United Diesel in the UAE,” says Mahmoud Attourah, CEO of Sijimix.

“Our deal came through numerous studies we’ve conducted, where Sijimix concluded that Renault Trucks are the best choice in terms of financial cost of operation and quality, and reliability of the product, which are ideally suited for our operations across Fujairah.”

Guillaume Zimmermann, commercial director of Renault Trucks Middle East, adds: “Completing this first deal with Sijimix is another great step forward for the Renault Trucks team as we embark on

another new partnership with a top local supplier.

The quality of our trucks, along with their features, technological advancements and efficiency, in addition to United Diesel’s services and strong network, are key factors that contribute to the high demand for Renault Trucks in the UAE.” According to Mokhles Makary, general manager of United Diesel, Renault Trucks offers “an excellent range of trucks that is perfectly suited to the varied requirements of our customers across the UAE”.

“In turn, we are focused on ensuring the optimum standards of customer service and financial support.

Combined, this forms an unbeatable package, and this new deal with Sijimix demonstrates its appeal to the country’s leading businesses,” Makary adds.

According to Renault Trucks, its deal with Sijimix is not only down to the quality of the trucks and the reputation of the Renault Trucks brand, but is also

greatly due to United Diesel’s excellent customer support and aftersales services. Sijimix have been offered Site Drivers Training and Technical Training for staff and technicians beside other services, reflecting Renault Trucks’ and United Diesel’s objective to ensure optimum peace of mind for its customers.

SPECIFICATIONS

RENAULT TRUCKS K 380 P6X4 Engine power: 380hp Transmission: Optidriver AT 2612F with automatic clutch Fuel tank capacity: 445 litres Emission standards: Euro 5 Mixer volume: 9CBM

“Sijimix concluded that Renault Trucks are the best choice in terms of financial cost of operation and quality, and reliability of the product, which are ideally suited for our operations across Fujairah”

14

HARD HITTERS INTERVIEW JANUARY AUGUS 2022 T 2019

BREAKING INTO THE REGION

KOREAN ATTACHMENT MAKER SOOSAN HAS ENTRENCHED ITSELF IN THE MIDDLE EAST SINCE OPENING ITS REGIONAL OFFICE 16 YEARS AGO. HYUNTAEK (BRET) KONG, DIVISION MANAGER, OVERSEAS SALES DIVISION, TELLS CMME HOW THE COMPANY CAME TO DOMINATE THE HYDRAULIC BREAKERS SEGMENT AND GAINED STRENGTH IN TRUCK-MOUNTED CRANES Please give a brief history of Soosan as a company, its founding, scope of work and expansion around the world, including in the Middle East.

Since its foundation in 1984, Soosan Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. has been a leading force in the heavy construction equipment markets locally and abroad with its hydraulic breakers and truckmounted cranes. We are now a global manufacturer exporting to over 70 countries. Since we opened our first Middle East office in Dubai in 2004, we have closely pursued business opportunities in the region and expanded our operations, reaching as far as Sub-Saharan Africa. The Dubai office provides operational and product support to regional dealers and access to new markets.

Please describe the range of equipment that Soosan manufactures at present in all categories. Which of these is available in the Middle East market?

Our hydraulic breakers and truck-mounted cranes have strengthened our competitive presence in the Middle East market. Our hydraulic breakers boast larger market shares than our competitors in two of the largest markets in the region: KSA and Qatar.

How has Soosan’s market performance been in the last 18 months, both globally and in the Middle East market?

With the global market suffering from low growth and the Middle Eastern market’s ongoing recession, we have launched various attempts and research programmes to develop projects that address changing market needs. We produce and supply a wide range of products catering to the needs of different markets. Driven by positive receptions from the market and our customers, we achieved even greater success this year than we did in 2020.

How has Covid-19 impacted Soosan both globally

and in the Middle East, and how is the company dealing with the pandemic crisis? What are the learnings from the crisis?

Covid-19 hit us hard; the demand shock it caused disrupted our sales. This year, those challenges were compounded as many industries suffered through the severe supply shortages caused by the pandemic.

However, Soosan looked internally to find the strength and experience to overcome the challenges. We addressed the crisis head-on through stable supply chain management and aggressively invested in improving and developing products aligned with market needs, thereby consolidating customers’ trust in our company over our competitors. Covid-19 accelerated the arrival of the “contactless era” and changed our lives in fundamental ways. We will address these changes and continue to satisfy our customers with data-based customer/product management and advanced services.

15 Which is Soosan’s most popular range of equipment in the Middle East and what’s the reason for its popularity? Please pick two specific best-seller models in the Soosan range and describe them in detail, giving the reasons why customers prefer them.

We make construction equipment classified as “attachments”. Attachments are mounted on various carriers or chassis, such as excavators.

Our most popular product group in the Middle East is the hydraulic breaker. Since hitting the market in the mid-2000s, our hydraulic breakers have become market leaders in the medium- and heavy-duty ranges. Their success is attributed to their superior value for money, our ability to supply parts quicker than our competitors, and our outstanding after-sales service. We launched two new models this year, the SB125 and SB157, and they have been gaining traction in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. We also successfully launched two truck-mounted crane models, the SCS1006SA and SCS1015F4ME, specifically designed for the Middle Eastern market. These medium- and heavy-duty range truck-mounted cranes resulted in our successful entry into the Saudi Arabian market in 2019, and we have been scaling up our competitiveness since then.

Savvy consumers make purchasing decisions based on TCO, or total cost of ownership, which considers multiple factors, including price, maintenance, warranty and salvage value. The elevated competition in the market has made consumers highly sensitive to prices. Consumers want the best products for their investments, and their decisions are also affected by quality and after-sales services. Soosan has successfully catered to these needs, and our products also excel in the salvage value department, explaining why they’re highly preferred in the rental and secondhand markets.

Please describe Soosan’s dealer and customer service network in the Middle East. What kind of after sales service and parts back-up can Middle East customers expect from Soosan?

We boast more robust distribution networks in the Middle East than our competitors. In addition, we operate dealer networks in different countries, and we work with our partners to maintain our stocks and improve our maintenance policies. At Soosan, our customers come first, and our priority is serving them as quickly as possible.

What feedback have you been receiving from customers in the Middle East where Soosan equipment has been in use?

It has been almost 20 years since we first entered the Middle Eastern market, and some of our customers still use our equipment 15 years after purchase. We consider ourselves as their business partner. As such, it is our mission to make products that customers can depend on, and we have upheld our fundamental principles throughout all our endeavours. This, we believe, explains why customers choose Soosan. Our

products are typically used in harsh environments, which means users are bound to experience issues and challenges while using them. Our customers and partners (dealers) have addressed those challenges by giving us sincere feedback about their experience and possible improvements rather than merely expressing dissatisfaction. We are sincerely grateful to our customers and partners for that.

In your own words, why should customers choose Soosan over the competition?

Customers have chosen our products for their high value and our ability to supply required parts and promptly address issues in the field. Our ultimate goals are to provide reliable products to customers, help them increase their profitability as much as possible, and achieve shared growth. We can

confidently say that our products help you earn more, work easier and spend less.

How does Soosan see its future globally and in the region – and what new introductions are you planning? Will telematics and digitalisation technology play a part in this, and how?

All of us at Soosan are keeping a close watch on market changes, such as new work environments, regulations, and the future of construction equipment.

We believe that the best way to prepare for the future is to preemptively develop new products aligned with those changes - and technology development and customer satisfaction will follow. The future will not be kind to businesses without technological prowess.

Only those who continue to develop technologies and satisfy their customers will prove their worth.

“Our hydraulic breakers boast larger market shares than our competitors in two of the largest markets in the region: Saudi Arabia and Qatar”

16

HARD HITTERS INTERVIEW JANUARY AUGUS 2022 T 2019

NORTHERN PROMISE NORTHERN IRELAND BOASTS 40% OF THE WORLD’S MOBILE CRUSHING AND SCREENING EQUIPMENT PRODUCTION. AMIT JAIN, ENGINEERING SECTOR LEAD, MIDDLE EAST, AT INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND, THE OFFICIAL BODY TO PROMOTE THE REGION’S INDUSTRIES, TELLS CMME ABOUT THE PROSPECTS OF THE UK TERRITORY’S COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Northern Ireland has a strong industrial heritage and is globally recognised for the development of mobile solutions. Tell us a about the evolution Northern Ireland’s engineering industry and how Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is helping in this regard.

Invest NI is a part of the Department for Economy of Northern Ireland. We support the economy by attracting investments and increasing exports to international markets like the Middle East and Africa region. We have offices worldwide, of which four are out here in the region - Dubai, Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg.

Eleven of our companies were represented at The Mining Show in Dubai in November 2021, displaying our commitment to this region. Our office has been in Dubai for nearly 27 years, and we were delighted to have had our Minister for Economy visit us at The Mining Show.

Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector has a history of innovations spanning over the past 60 years. While Northern Ireland is well known

for its shipbuilding prowess, its innovators have transformed many different industries, from transport to healthcare to farming. It continues to be a hub of innovation, being home to the modern tractor and portable defibrillator, to name but two.

This small region in the UK punches above its weight. In fact, one in three aircraft seats are made in Northern Ireland and some 40% of the world’s mobile crushing and screening equipment comes from Northern Ireland. If there was a Silicon Valley for equipment, this would be the place!

The Materials Handling sector, with over 100 companies, exports about £1.3bn worth of goods around the world. These companies have been operating successfully in Northern Ireland for many years, supported by a comprehensive and competitive supply chain.

The region has a resource of skills, knowledge and experience in materials handling which encourages and facilitates market-led innovation. Operating costs are typically 12% lower than other UK locations, 33% less than the USA, and around 30% less than France

and Germany, which make our products cost effective and gives value for money to the customers.

Products made in Northern Ireland have a vast range of applications in mining, quarrying, recycling and bulk material handling. We have market leading brands, like Powerscreen, Finlay and McCloskey, who are known for the quality of their crushers and screeners, and their strong dealer networks.

We have companies such as CDE Global, Terex Washing Systems and MWS, who have innovated in the field of sand and aggregate washing for quarries.

These companies have sand washing plants all over the Middle East and Africa, providing high quality washed sand for the construction sector.

Companies like Telestack, Prostack and Edge Innovate provide tailored solutions to mines and ports for bulk material handling, in the form of hoppers, feeders, conveyors and ship loaders. Our companies are supported by a comprehensive and responsive supply chain, represented by companies such as Smiley Monroe, who supply a range of belting and rubber products. Our companies from

17

“40% of the world’s mobile crushing and screening equipment comes from Northern Ireland. If there was a Silicon Valley for equipment, this would be the place!”

Northern Ireland also have a major competitive advantage in recycling.

Northern Ireland has one of the world’s most successful clusters of engineering companies who are currently working on mining projects across the globe. CDE has delivered washing plants for Silica sand in Tunisia & Saudi Arabia. Sensoteq’s wireless condition monitoring technology for Vibrating m/cs has been well received in the African market. Telestack supplied mobile bulk materials handling machinery to Quarrying & Mining customers in UAE, Guinea, India.

Powerscreen Mobile crushers are working across the region in countries like Oman, Qatar, Ethiopia.

The companies from Northern Ireland continue to invest in research and development to deliver greater productivity, with continuous improvement in equipment efficiency to increase throughput while reducing energy consumption.

The material handling equipment sector in Northern Ireland has also seen investments from around the world in terms of acquisitions, which shows the value of our engineering companies in

global markets. We have had acquisitions into our NI companies, such as Finnish mining giant Metso acquiring McCloskey for their lucrative crushing and screening business. Anaconda was acquired by American conglomerate McLanahan Group to boost their range of mobile tracked machinery.

Where do you see the opportunities for companies from Northern Ireland in the mining and quarrying sector in this region?

The MEA region has exciting and ambitious infrastructure development plans – some boosted by the response to recovery following the pandemic.

We are well placed to support these infrastructure plans - our companies operate internationally and have been developing products for over 60 years.

In addition, the regional mining sector is going through an exciting transition, with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and many African countries putting mining at the forefront of their national transformation.

Saudi Arabia is sixth largest phosphate producer in the world and largest gold producer in the Middle

East. It also has deposits of copper and base metals.

Oman has considerable reserves of gold, copper, chromite, lead, nickel and zinc, while the UAE has the largest sand and aggregates quarry in the Middle East in Ras Al Khaimah. The Jordanian mining industry is mostly dominated by production of phosphate, potash and glass sand. It is the world’s fifth largest producer of phosphate and fourth largest producer of potash. All the aggregates requirements of Qatar and Kuwait are fulfilled by huge quarries located in Oman and the UAE’s northern emirates.

Today, Northern Ireland businesses are bringing their sector-leading expertise to benefit regional projects, and we are keen to showcase that knowledge. With a growth of over 40% in the Northern Ireland mining sector across the past five years, Invest NI seeks to bring advanced vital engineering technologies to complement the UAE’s and the wider region’s industrial development.

We look forward to strengthening our relationships with the region’s advanced and ambitious mining and quarrying companies, as well as distributors.

18

EVENT REPORT JANUARY 2022

AT THE SUMMIT LIVE EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATIONS, SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION, DISCUSSIONS ON TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND BEST PRACTICES MARK SECOND EDITION OF ACCESS AND HANDLING SUMMIT IN DUBAI LAST MONTH AS THE CMME-ORGANISED EVENT BRINGS THE SECTOR TOGETHER AFTER A LONG WHILE

T

he second edition of the Access and Handling Summit organised

by CMME and CPI Trade Media, held last month in Dubai saw the regional access and workat-height industry congregate under one roof, while observing Covid safety protocols, to share knowledge, best practices, views and opinions – and look at some of the latest access machines live in action.

Held at the Radisson Red hotel in Dubai, the day-long programme featured panel discussion and presentations, with some of the most eminent

19 The second edition of the Access & Handling Summit at the Radisson Red hotel in Dubai last month, saw the access sector gather for live demonstrations and important discussions.

people of the GCC access industry in attendance.

Among the speakers and presenters were Ian Hume, sales director, MEAIR region for JLG; Sharbel Kordahi, MD, Terex Equipment Middle East; Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Bobcat; and Davide Franzini, commercial head, Platform Basket from the major manufacturers. Representing the rental side of the business were Ashfaq Hussain, GM, Quality Equipment Rental (QER); Wayne Taylor, MD, Safelift; Joe Keely, executive manager – AWP, Johnson Arabia; and Rob Cavaleri regional training, safety and compliance manager, Manlift. Representing industry safety bodies and associations were Lamis Al-Kaisi from PASMA Middle East and Jason Woods, regional manager, IPAF. Similar to its inaugural edition in 2019, the highlight of the event was the outdoor demonstration of equipment, in which JLG, Genie, Platform Basket and Dingli demonstrated their access equipment while Bobcat showed off one of its telehandlers and how the machine was suitable to access and handling jobs.

The proceedings started with Anirban Bagchi, editor of CMME, setting the tone in his inaugural address, pointing out that the reginal access sector was strong and resilient, having weathered the storm that the pandemic had thrown at it and emerged with hope for a fruitful 2022. Emphasising the increasing role that leaner, more streamlined and more efficient work practices – and more weight on safety – would play in the time immediately ahead, he set the tone for the first panel discussion titled “The State of the Regional Access Sector and Learnings from Covid”.

The panel comprised Safelift’s Taylor, QER’s Hussain, Genie’s Kordahi and Hume from JLG. Presenting the rental perspective and how the pandemic has put rental rates under pressure, Taylor said: “Covid-19 has been the perfect storm for us and our customers. We’re allowing our customers to dictate the rates they want to pay; they’re dictating the terms they want to pay in and at the end of that term they are dictating that we should discount at the end as well.

“As I say to the people I go and see, where is the win for the rental companies? It just isn’t there at the moment. So Covid, to me, has been for our sector and in this region, the perfect storm and put a lot of pressure on people in terms of cashflow.”

Agreeing with him was Hussain, who said: “I think we’ve all had challenges. Being a rental company ourselves, there have been a lot of challenges in this market. However, for most of 2021 and as we approach 2022, the rental market is looking quite dynamic, especially for access platform rentals.

There are a few investments being made in the sector now because I feel the worst is over for us.

We have better utilisation rates now, so things are improving compared to a year ago.”

Presenting the manufacturers’ point of view, Kordahi said: “As a manufacturer, we had a very tough 2020. We saw orders being cancelled, our

20

EVENT REPORT JANUARY 2022

“Credit is going to be more difficult to get from rental companies. In some ways, the pandemic era has been the catalyst for a new matrix” customers coming to us asking for help because they we’re in bad situations.

And the one thing that we did well was that we stood next to our customers. We understood their situations and helped out whenever we could, whether it was in accepting order cancellations or extending payment terms, or in any other way.

“We’re really tried to be as close as we could to our customers in the difficult times. Fast forward to today in 2021, and the situation has turned around. We have

The opening panel discussion, titled “The state of the regional access sector and learnings from Covid”, saw the audience respond well to some valid points put forward by the panelists.

so much demand that we are not able to meet it due to the global supply chain crisis, so it is a better problem to have than we did in 2020, but it’s still a problem.”

JLG’s Hume also concurred that the impact of Covid had been an adverse one, but things were on the mend. “As manufacturers, we had a good run in 2019 for a while. And when Covid came in in 2020, obviously everyone put the brakes on, and we all had to adjust. And now we are seeing the market staging a comeback. In

the AWP industry, where rental companies dominate the market, it’s all about upgrading their fleets to keep them young for the enduser demand that they’re seeing. So now we’re seeing the market come back, and one of the reasons is that no one was really investing too much during the peak of the pandemic and the lockdowns in 2020.With investments in new machines now starting to reach their peak here in the Middle East, the global supply chain problems, freight costs and such other things are all proving to be challenges now.”

For the rental companies, however, the main problem during the pandemic – and the main learning and take-away – has been cashflow. Returning to the theme, Taylor emphasised: “One of the things that Covid did for us was to teach us to cooperate, not only with stakeholders but also with our competitors. Cashflow has been at the core of the rental sector’s problem here for a while and the more we speak with our competitors, we can wheedle out the people who won’t pay.

And Covid has shown that the more we do this, the more we can do good business with good people.

“We will continue this in the future and in Q1 2022, credit is going to be more difficult to get from rental companies. In some ways, the pandemic era has been the catalyst for a new matrix. We all give out credit too readily to people that shouldn’t have it. We looked at it now and certainly within Safelift we’ve put in place some guidelines. Previously, the rental sector here has been guilty of giving out credit to customers who didn’t even have offices, so how can you expect

BOBCAT TELEHANDLER

BOBCAT HANDLES ACCESS Presenting the Bobcat range of telehandlers and their capabilities for access work, Gaby Rhayem, says that the philosophy behind them is to be Swiss army knives - able to do a variety of jobs with the appropriate tools.

“Access is a part of our job and with the telehandler, we have the machine and the appropriate attachments. The advantage that a customer gets with a telehandler is that he can use it for a lot of purposes - from earthmoving and loading to stacking and access work - just by changing the attachments.

This makes our telehandler just the perfect machine for rental

companies and their fleets.”

One of Bobcat’s best-selling telehandlers is a model with 18m reach and 4t capacity at 18m.

Using an access platform attachment, it can be used for work at heights.

“Today, 25% of the telehandlers we sell are equipped with access platforms, which gives you an idea about their growing popularity in access.

“Today, you’ll see a telehandler at almost all construction sites. Machines such as our T4180, are equipped with a rotating and extendable

access platform. It can rotate by 180 degrees and can expand to 3m hydraulically. In terms of height, our models can go up to 18m or even 25m.

“The basket has all the machine’s functions builtin, so the machine can be controlled from the platform itself, with no need to use the telehandler’s cab controls. So everything can be done from the top, just like a MEWP machine.”

Rhayem adds that the platform itself is flexible in size - “you can extend it to 3m or reduce it to 1m”.

And its weight capacity is a huge 1t.

21

PLATFORM BASKET

SETTING UP A REGIONAL PLATFORM Italian manufacturer Platform Basket was at the Access and Handling Summit to present its spider lifts and to talk about its partnership in the UAE with QER rentals. Davide Franzini, commercial head of Platform Basket, gave insights into the company in his presentation, talking about its history, growth, scope of operations, its machines useful to Middle East customers and about the QER tie-up.

“We are a well-known Italian manufacturer of spider access equipment. QER partnered with Platform Basket in 2018 for this region and among our most popular models here is the 27.14 which is a

27-metre spider lift. It has a total weight of only 5000kg and offers an outreach of 14.4m with an operator in the basket and 12.7m with 230kg capacity. It is the most compact 27m tracked-lift with only 890mm of width, with a hydraulic operated undercarriage, that enables the machine to pass through a single door 3.5” wide.

All features meet the continuous demand of the market that wants access platforms as compact and light as possible, but with very high performances,” said Franzini.

“Platform Basket recently

the sector to follow up on these customers when there’s a delay in payments?”

Citing the same concerns, Hussain added: “We’re in the same boat as all other rental companies, exposed to a lot of creditors.

Unfortunately, that’s the way the market is at the moment. But we’re ready for the future. In the next year coming up we have the inventory that we need to carry.

We are partnered with Platform Basket for their machines - the spider lifts, which I believe is the future of the sector. We’re taking steps to not overextend our credit.

There are projects coming up across the construction industry and we’re ready to grab those opportunities.”

A major development that the pandemic has accelerated is the adoption of technology, and both Taylor and Hussain felt that there was certainly the desire to and the appetite for using more technology and tech enabled ways of working among customers. However, in a price sensitive market like the Middle East, the cost of technology is still a deterrent for many in adopting the latest available means.

However, both felt quite certain that the adoption of technology during the pandemic, in terms of remote monitoring, diagnostics, data driven work approaches and other telematics applications were not only here to stay but would only speed up in the immediate term.

For their part, Kordahi and Hume emphasised that the manufacturers were ready with tech features and applications on their machines and were keen to push these into the market to cater for the increased appetite among end-users to use them.

introduced Spider 39T at GIS 2021 exhibition in Italy and this will soon be available in QER’s fleet. As well as featuring a telescopic boom the Spider 39T is equipped with

Apart from the panel discussions – the second one later in the day was titled “Safety at Heights: Supporting the Industry, Reducing the Risk” – there were presentations on stage by JLG, Genie, Bobcat and Platform Basket, talking about their companies, new machines, technologies and innovations, while IPAF’s Woods led the audience through his presentation titled “Back to Basics: Developing project guidance and requirements”. These and other aspects of the event will be brought

From right, Wayne Taylor, MD, Safelift; Sharbel Kordahi, MD, Genie; Ashfaq Hussain, GM, QER; and Ian Hume, sales director, JLG were the panelists discussing Covid’s impact and the learnings from it.

extendable crawler tracks and is powered by a 37kw diesel engine. It is based on the design of the company’s larger Spider 43T machine, which is also available with QER and is fitted with rubber tracks and stabilisers. We are very much looking forward to rolling out this model here in the Middle East early next year.”

Franzini added that Platform Basket is actively working with QER to have most sizes of Spider lifts available in the UAE for both rental and sales. There are currently 10 models of varying height and outreach in QER’s portfolio.

to our readers in the next part of the report on the event appearing in subsequent issues of CMME. With a live machinery exhibition and demonstration as its highlight, the second edition of the Access and Handling Summit organised by CMME was welcomed by industry members for bringing the sector together under the banner of a live, inperson event after a long time, which had been disrupted by the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

“With investments in new machines now starting to reach their peak in the Middle East, the global supply chain problems, freight costs and such other things are all proving to be challenges”

22

2021 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2022

PICKS OF THE YEAR

CONTRARY TO WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN EXPECTED LAST YEAR WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC REFUSING TO LET THE WORLD OUT OF ITS CLUTCHES, GLOBAL MANUFACTURERS UNDAUNTEDLY CONTINUED ON THEIR WAY WITH NEW LAUNCHES AND REVAMPING OF MAJOR EXISTING MODELS. CMME PICKS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF THEIR IMPACT ON THE REGION

A

fter coming through what seemed the worst of the pandemic in 2020, just as the world was expecting normality to return in 2021, the year continued in much of the same vein, albeit in a much milder way.

However, just as the worst of 2020 could not deter the construction and equipment sectors in our region from pushing ahead, the milder effects of 2021 saw the industry busy innovating, developing and launching new models or introducing revamped or previously unseen kit to markets where they could be useful.

As we pick our top launches and introductions of 2021, we realise that manufacturers and equipment providers pulled out all the stops this year, pandemic or not. So, while we have Caterpillar introduce its new mid-size excavator in the Middle East, Dubaibased Spider Plus brought in the UNIC URW 1006 spider crane – the largest of its kind yet built to the region.

When it comes to tackling the year head on, though, JCB and Bobcat take the cake. Despite the continuing pandemic, the manufacturers took a very positive stance this year, with the former launching its new 3DX backhoe loader - a step above its already formidable and market-dominating 3CX - and the latter revamping the S450 skidsteer loader, the runaway bestseller in the region for its segment.

While the revamped Bobcat S450 is important enough in its own right, it’s the JCB 3DX that is our pick as the most important new launch of 2021, given that it falls in perhaps the most important model segment in the Middle East – the backhoe loader, which often outsells several other categories of machines combined.

23

NEW JCB 3DX SITEMASTER BACKHOE LOADER The undisputable leader in the

of the GCC, along with the other

packaged together to have very

have significantly more features,

backhoe loader segment, JCB,

models in JCB’s line-up as and when

strong attributes targeting specific

comfort and technology to make

just raised the bar higher in the

required. And in 2021, JCB raised

customer needs and sectors

them easier than ever to operate and

Middle East last year by launching

the bar higher with the launch of

within the market - i.e. rental,

more productive than competitors.

its new 3DX Sitemaster model.

its new 3DX Sitemaster BHL.

plant hire and the contractor.”

“They have been designed keeping

JCB brought in three new

in mind the versatility of the

As one of the pioneers of the

“We are grateful for the trust

machine and the global leader in

and confidence our customers

models in the new 3DX

the segment, JCB is a brand that

have showed in our backhoe

range: the 3DX ECO,

commands respect in the backhoe

loaders since their inception and

3DX PLUS and 3DX

loader market. The Middle East is

a key reason for this has been our

PRO. The 3DX

among the biggest markets in the

ability to continuously improve

ECO features a

world for the backhoe loader (BHL),

the product. Following on the

56kW engine

with the segment often outselling

legacy of this innovation, we are

and is “the ideal

many other machinery classes

excited to introduce the new 3DX

site machine”.

combined in any given year. Here

Sitemaster range of machines to

The 3DX PLUS

too, as in almost all other global

the region,” says Ahmed Shouman,

and 3DX PRO have

territories, JCB rules the roost,

general manager, JCB Middle East.

powerful 68.6kW

excavator loaders (backhoe

68.6

loader) at heart and no other type of machine has the ability to load, dig,

ng, in kW, Power rati PRO’s 4.4L of the 3DX AX JCB DieselM e in g en

engines and are offered

having corned well over half the

“Our new 3DX Sitemaster range of

market in terms of market share.

machines boasts a number of brand-

with a multi-purpose (6-in-1) bucket

The company’s versatile 3CX is the

new features and improvements

and hammer lines as standard.

ever-popular choice on the job-sites

with simplified specifications

JCB adds that the new models

backfill, grade, grab, break, excavate and travel between sites quickly, allowing the

excavator loader operator to be a ‘master of the site’.”

The 3DX ECO has a 4.8L 56kW engine, while the 3DX PLUS and PRO have 4.4L 68.6kW engines.

24

2021 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2022

CATERPILLAR LAUNCHES NEW 345 GC EXCAVATOR In a global online event early

fuel consumption: Smart mode

location, hours, fuel usage,

suppressed ROPS cab is sealed

last year that saw it launch

automatically matches engine

idle time, maintenance alerts,

and pressurised with large glass

several new excavator models

speed and hydraulic power for the

diagnostic codes, and machine

areas for all-around visibility.

in various capacity-classes,

highest fuel efficiency as working

health — all of which can be viewed

.A standard rearview camera

Caterpillar introduced the

demands change; Power mode

online through web and mobile

extends rearward visibility.

new Next Generation 345 GC

delivers maximum productivity in

applications. VisionLink provides

excavator, which is designed to

high-demand applications such as

online access to Product

deliver a balance of performance,

truck loading and trenching,” says

Link data, which

reliability and low-cost operation

Brian Abbot, worldwide product

allows users to

for Tier 3 markets such as the

manager for Cat large excavators.

make informed

Middle East and Africa.

According to Cat, extended

decisions that

Machine settings are done on a hi-res 203mm touchscreen

30%

monitor, and a jog dial and shortcut keys are positioned on the right console. In addition, joystick

According to Cat, the new 345

maintenance intervals and

help increase

GC increases fuel efficiency (cubic

easy access to consolidated

productivity,

metres/tonnes per unit of fuel) up

filter locations combine to

lower costs,

to 25% and lowers operating costs

lower maintenance costs, while

simplify

up to 30% compared to the previous

hydraulic, air and fuel filters have

maintenance, and

Cat 349D2. In addition, the new

increased capacity for longer life.

improve job site safety

model incorporates significant

Service intervals for fuel filters

and security. Subscription

engineering advances for safety

extend from 500 to 1,000 hours

options, including cellular or

are saved with the Operator

and operator convenience.

and from 2,000 to 3,000 hours

satellite (or both) reporting, allow

ID and restored at log in.

for the hydraulic return filter.

you to configure telematics

Cat says the 345 GC’s fuel efficiency comes primarily from

The 345 GC’s overall efficiency is

rating Lower ope e fuel costs whil gain efficiency is 25%

data to specific requirements.

Cat added that the 345 GC’s cab

function can be customised through the monitor to match operator

preference. All preferences

The 345 GC is available with multiple boom-and-stick combinations, including a 6.9m

electronically controlled main

further enhanced with telematics

pumps and valve to ensure more

technology. Product Link, the

environment is designed to reduce

reach boom with a choice of 2.9m

work gets done with each unit of

345 GC’s on-board telematics

effort with all controls placed in

or 3.35m sticks. The 6.5m mass

fuel. “Plus, two operating modes

system, automatically collects

front to eliminate twisting in the

excavation boom can be paired

help you more actively manage

machine information, including

seat. The ISO-certified, sound-

with either a 2.5m or 3.0m stick.

25

BOBCAT REVAMPS S450 SKID-STEER LOADER Bobcat, the market leader in the

been forgiven if it had simply

Middle East’s skid-steer loader

kept improvements in the new

(SSL) segment, revamped its most

model down to only a more

popular machine in the segment,

attractive look in the spirit of the

the S450, in 2021, making this

adage “leave well enough alone”.

the biggest news in the GCC’s

But the company is not resting

compact equipment segment.

on its laurels. Improvements

This is because the S450 is a

have been made to the

longstanding bestseller in the

machine in several key areas.

SSL segment, and when such an

“We are introducing LED

important model in the GCC is

working lights on this new S450.

renewed, it is but natural for the

And perhaps the most important

industry to sit up and take notice.

new feature is an option to have joystick controls on the machine

Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Middle East and Africa,

as opposed to the manual controls we’ve had so

at Bobcat, says: “The introduction of the new S450 was a big success.

Everyone found it to be a great machine and as a result of the demand, we experienced

14

speed, Maximum t the in kph, tha is new S450 f o le b a p ca

a bit of a shortage in delivery at certain points in

far,” Rhayem says.

“We had an option before for a seat-mounted Selectable Joystick Control (SJC) on some of our skid-steer models. Admittedly, It was an expensive

option, but now we’re bringing

this year, which was exacerbated

in a new option for a joystick at

by the global supply chain

a very attractive price. On top

problems. But now we are on our

of this, in the S450 you will have

way – our dealers are delivering

a standard 2-speed machine

a lot of shiny new S450 units,

if you go for this option. So,

which look especially good

whereas normally the loader

with the new Bobcat livery.”

travels at 9/10kph, on this you

For a machine as popular as the S450, Bobcat could have

can get speeds of up to 14kph.

The S450 is a 48hp machine.”

UNIC URW 1006 SPIDER CRANE IN THE UAE Last year, Dubai-based crane

a pick-and-carry crane. So,

and specialised equipment rental

while it’s holding the load up,

major, Spider Plus, brought

it can actually crawl with it.”

in the UNIC URW 1006 spider

The UNIC URW 1006 can crawl

crane, the biggest of its kind

forward with the outriggers

built so far, to join its fleet.

both in and out. If the outriggers are in while crawling

The model is deceptively small to look at when folded and stored, but once it spreads out its jointed outriggers and raises

10T

then its maximum capacity to pick and carry is only around 700kg

y of the Lift capacit 1006 UNIC URW

its boom, the arachnoid pose it

up to a radius of 2.5m. Crawling with extended outriggers, however, it can carry

around 1.5t at the same

strikes makes it look every

radius, or around double the

bit a giant spider waiting to

weight compared to when they

pounce on a load as if it’s prey

are in. The outriggers remain

and give it a powerful hoist.

just above the ground and act as

Eddie Nobrega, regional sales

balancers and stabilisers while the

manager at Spider Plus, says:

crane crawls on its rubber tracks

“Among the most important

with the load. This makes it dual-

points about the 1006 is that

purpose or a multipurpose crane.

it only weighs 14t but has a lift

“This mini spider crane can

capacity of 10t.This is a special

squeeze through some really

ability. Cranes with similar

tight gaps and access areas where

capacities in the market usually

few other cranes can go. It’s not a

have much bigger footprints.

big, bulky crane and you wouldn’t

The beauty of this crane is that

guess its lifting capabilities by

at a certain radius and a certain

looking at its size when it is

boom length it also works like

folded and moving on a job-site.”

27

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

KNOW

30

TOP 10: OWER WAYS TO L ST FLEET CO

28_NEW RELEASES

e eps to mak Ten basic st g the runnin savings on r fleet. costs of you

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

32_FAST PAYBACK Caterpillar introduces its new GX series 20t excavators in the Middle East, giving customers a value propostion.

36_POWER HANDLERS High reach and high lift-capacity models dominate the Middle East market for the versartile telehandler.

40_BOBCAT ON RC Guided by remote control, T770 CTL executes a project in Spain.

28

NEW RELEASES JANUARY 2022

WOLFFKRAN LAUNCHES NEW SADDLE JIB CRANE IN 800M/T CLASS WHY GET IT? HIGH LIFT CAPACITIES, SUITABLE FOR LIFTING HEAVY PREFABRICATED PART ON BUILDING PROJECTS Wolffkran has launched its first saddle jib crane in the 800m/tonne class, the new WOLFF 8076 Compact, which has a maximum jib radius of 80m and maximum lift capacity of 40t The tower crane specialist said the new crane is the answer to market trends calling for higher capacity tower cranes for lifting prefabricated parts, which are increasingly being used in construction projects, with reports indicating that every third construction project in Europe now utilises them.

The latest member of the WOLFF pack, the new WOLFF 8076 Compact is Wolffkran’s first trolley jib crane in the 800-metretonne range and boasts of several useful features besides its high lifting capacity.

Wouter van Loon, product manager at Wolffkran, said: “We wanted to design a large yet economical crane and get the maximum capacity out of the steel structure. That’s why we opted for a lowtop design, which we call Compact.”

Despite a tower top around 10m lower than that of a WOLFF Cross model, the 8076 Compact offers a maximum lifting capacity of 40t and a tip load capacity of 8.4t at 80m.

“And that as a pure 2-fall crane, making the WOLFF 8076 Compact not only the strongest saddle jib crane in our range but also best-in-class compared to its competitors,” added van Loon.

Also new is the 4-chord design of the first three jib sections instead of the usual 3-chord design, and van Loon explained: “This allowed us to optimise the transfer of forces along the jib and reduce individual components weights, resulting in around 40% higher lifting capacity than with the 3-chord design.”

The WOLFF 8076 Compact connects to the 2.9m by 2.9m TV 29 tower system.

Combined with the next-largest WOLFF TV 33 tower system, a freestanding height of up 100m can be achieved – a time-saving and economical solution for high-rise buildings or bridge projects where tie-ins are not possible, says the manufacturer.

The 132kW HW 40132 FU hoist winch allows for operating speeds of up to 95m/ min, ensuring fast turnaround times even at great tower heights. The maximum load of 40t is also lifted at a fast 17m/min speed.

SPECIFICATIONS

WOLFF 9076 Max lift capacity: 40t Max jib radius: 80m Tip load capacity at 80m: 8.4t Lifting speed at max load: 17m/min

NEW JLG CONVERSION KIT EXTENDS KIT LIFE WHY GET IT? ELECTRIC CONVERSION KIT FOR SELECTED DIESEL BOOM LIFTS GIVES SECOND LIFE AND ELIMINATED EMISSIONS JLG Industries has announced the release of a conversion kit for its 660SJ model, replacing the engine with a zero-emissions battery solution.

In response to the and growing demand for electric access equipment to work on low or zero-emission job sites, JLG has created a conversion kit for selected diesel models.

This is a cost-efficient and convenient solution for rental companies seeking to extend the lifetime of their existing fleet by converting it to emission-free equipment.

Converting diesel-powered machines to electric battery power contributes to an increased residual value and lower total cost of ownership. Utilisation and rental rates could be improved as the converted equipment can be used on a wider variety of projects, particularly those requiring low emissions and noise levels, such as residential urban areas.

It also extends the lifetime of equipment by making it compliant with more stringent regulations, and is expected to meet the EU’s 2030 deadline for 50% reduced emissions. And as the electric conversion kit is covered by warranty, customers have peace of mind that their machine will perform to JLG standards.

Barrie Lindsay, JLG EMEA’s director of engineering, said: “The CO2 emissions of a rental fleet will be reduced dramatically – with an estimated reduction of 200kg over five years, per machine. Running costs can be cut by up to 80% due to lower fuel consumption.

29

CAT UPDATES NEXT GEN 966 AND 972 WHEELED LOADERS WHY GET IT? SIMPLE-TO-USE TECHNOLOGIES RAISE PRODUCTIVITY BY 10% AND LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS BY 15% Caterpillar has updated its 966 and 972 wheeled loader series, raising productivity by up to 10% and lowering maintenance costs by up to 15% when compared to previous models by extending intervals for processes such as fluid and filter changes.

According to Cat, the updates bring a host of standard technologies to the 7-9t wheeled loader line, and the improved Cat 966 and 972 wheeled loader series also boost operator efficiency. The 966 and 972 models deliver consistently high bucket fill factors to increase productivity by up to 10%. Their next generation design extends fluid and filter change intervals to lower maintenance costs up to 15% over earlier models.

Both models in the updated 966 and 972 loader series feature standard Cat Payload with Assist for accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target the first time every time. Real-time data is fed to the operator display and allows manual

tip-off function to improve final bucket adjustments and truck load accuracy.

The new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers consistently high bucket fill factors for the updated medium wheel loaders. Fully automating bucket loading, Autodig improves fill factors and decreases loading time. Working in conjunction with Autodig, Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading techniques to significantly reduce tyre slip and wear.

Offering the ability to set customised profiles for customer-specific applications, new Application Profiles sets multiple machine parameters with the press of one button to optimise settings for the job. Selectable on-screen Job Aids, along with a streamlined new layout of the controls, facilitates loader operation, allowing operators of all experience levels to be more productive.

Optional Cat technologies help to further increase productivity and operation profitability of the updated series. Cat Advanced Payload with Assist offers Tip Off Assist to automatically adjust the final bucket load to match hauling unit target,

enhanced lists management, site integration and extended scale features. The available Cat Productivity subscription provides detailed and comprehensive actionable information for the site off-board on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The Next Generation 966 and 972 series design extends hydraulic system maintenance intervals, so the loaders spend more time at work. An integrated optional Autolube reduces daily maintenance and increases component service life, while convenient access to hydraulic and electric service centres makes servicing the loaders fast and easy. Cat says that all of these design updates combined reduce maintenance costs up to 15% for the Cat 966 and 972 models.

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT 966 & 972 Engine: Cat C9.3 B Power: 239hp & 253hp Operating weight: 23.19t & 24.89t Static tipping load: 15.9t & 17.5t

30

TOP TEN JANUARY 2022

02 01

PUT IT SYSTEMS IN PLACE The key to managing costs is tracking and analysing them. You can’t improve costs until you track them.

Implement a computerised maintenance management system with affordable software that has a robust fleet management module.

The cost of buying and installing a program that works for you is less than the loss of money through not being tightly managed.

DEFINE THE VISION Having a clear picture of what you want to achieve is the first step to achieving it. Name and define a series of objectives to improve your costs. For example, your overall goal might be to reduce maintenance costs as a percentage of revenue by 10% in six months. Then establish sub-goals, such as to reduce overtime by 10% or to improve fuel savings by 5%.

Improvement will come with the right focus.

: N E T P TO R E W O L O T S Y A W T S O C T E E L F R YOU COSTS G N I N N U EET’S R R FL U O STEPS Y C I N S O A E B N SAV E HESE T T G N I W O

BY FOLL

E OUTSOURC CE MAINTtraEteNonAyN our core

To concen outsource ies, look to competenc ouse tyre rvices. In-h non-core se inting, transmission ce, pa , small maintenan e overhauls in g n e , g in ns that work, weld other actio d n a s e ic tion, vehicle serv of specialisa e re g e d a require uipment ilities or eq unique fac m your l detract fro ork support wil y-making w main mone s. e resourc and waste

03

TRACK FUEL WITH TELEMATICS Fuel management technology can take many forms, including electronics that help reduce fuel consumption, such as fuel telematics that include GPS monitoring, fuel usage and burn rates, operator driving behaviour and equipment usage. Controlling your costs through fuel telematics will bring down overall expenses and give you a data record to learn from.

04

31

06

05 INCENTIVISE PROACTIVE ACTIVITIES Providing overtime for breakdowns or recognition and praise for fixing emergencies actually rewards the wrong sort of performance. Consider bonuses or incentives tied to cost reductions, improvements in preventive maintenance percentages, increased uptime, etc. Reward the right behaviour to keep it coming.

STOP ENGINE IDLING Idling an engine causes twice the wear on internal parts, compared to driving at regular speeds. An idling engine is not operating at peak temperature, which leads to incomplete fuel combustion. This leaves a deposit that can condense on cylinder walls, contaminating the oil and damaging parts of the engine. Idling equipment makes up, on average, 40-50% of running hours and 20-30% of fuel cost. By reducing idling, you will increase your equipment life and save on fuel and maintenance.

IMPROVEAGE R PARTS STinOventory of all

is an Ensure there their locations, and it w h s. So much items along ssigned bin a e v g a h y e that th nd retrievin searching a d e le st p a m w si is ng a time ted place usi a n g d si o e d th e A parts. cation m shelf-bin lo t looking coordinate sp e time en th e c u d re n ca ‘I know one with the old ewhere’ is here som mindset.

09 08

TRAINING IS CRITICAL Make sure your people have the necessary skill sets. Poorly trained technicians take longer to perform their jobs and produce more call-backs. A good rule of thumb is to spend about 5% of your payroll on training.

LONGER USE OF EQUIPMENT Keeping your equipment longer can reduce capital expenditure and help with depreciation. If you couple this with increasing utilisation, your return on investment improves significantly.

If you implement the earlier steps and properly maintain what you have, you can make your fleet last.

07 10

COMPARE WITH COMPETITORS Wherever possible, find out how your costs are relative to others in the same field. Sectoral intelligence sharing is not uncommon, and where it is, there are always associations and other bodies that have industry figures. Benchmark your costs to the leading figures to find out where you are. You may be overspending compared to others with similar businesses and fleet sizes.

32

COVER STORY JANUARY 2022

Caterpillar recently launched the GX series of excavators in the Middle East, positioning the 320 GX and the 323 GX as value propositions in the important and popular 20t class in the region.

“The 320 GX and 323 GX are up to 15% more fuel efficient than the 320D2 GC and 320D2 L in similar applications. An electronically controlled valve precisely directs hydraulic power where and when it is needed, boosting productivity… the new GX series offers a lower initial purchase price than the other models but with more advanced features”

33

FAST PAYBACK

CATERPILLAR’S NEWLY LAUNCHED 320 GX AND 323 GX EXCAVATORS OFFER A VALUE PROPOSITION IN THE IMPORTANT 20T CLASS OF DIGGERS, WITH LOW ACQUISITION COST, HIGH FUEL ECONOMY AND LOW MAINTENANCE COSTS ENABLING CUSTOMERS TO RECOVER THEIR INVESTMENTS QUICKLY AND EASILY

T

he 20t class of excavators continues to be the bread and butter of the Middle East’s earthmoving sector and, as such, every manufacturer is keen to offer the best that they can to entice customers to their brand in this highly competitive market.

Indeed, the 20-tonner is to the excavator segment in the region what the backhoe loader is to the overall construction machinery market - vitally important. Of all the excavator classes in the Middle East, the one that you will encounter most frequently, whether on roadworks, maintenance jobs, utility or civic body tasks or on common building construction sites, is the 20-tonner. No wonder then, that almost all OEMs have this range packed with models. And Cat is no exception.

And now, the global equipment leader has upped the ante in the segment with the launch of two new excavators – the 320 GX and the 323 GX. And, as is evident from the letters in the names of the new models, the latest iteration of Cat’s 20-tonner is the GX, which denotes “fast payback”, according to the manufacturer.

Cat says that it leveraged the latest technical enhancements in the new 320 GX and 323 GX to enable the machines to deliver low maintenance and owning costs, increased fuel efficiency and reliable performance.

And reliable performance at a lower cost is the hallmarks of the new 320 GX and 323 GX hydraulic excavators. According to Cat, the new excavators feature “classic Cat D Series quality” coupled with modern upgrades, such as a high-performance hydraulic system and modern controls.

Along with the enhanced 320 and 323 and standard 320 GC and 323 GC models, the new GX excavators give contractors even more choices to meet their needs.

Announcing the new excavators, Cat says: “Designed to meet a range of customer needs from maximum productivity to low cost-per-ton operation, the new GX models offer lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and a low initial purchase price compared to Cat GC models for a fast payback.

“The 320 GX and 323 GX are up to 15% more fuel efficient than the 320D2 GC and 320D2 L in similar applications. An electronically controlled valve precisely directs hydraulic power where and when it is needed, boosting productivity.

Maintaining the reliability and durability customers have come to expect from Cat excavators, the new GX series offer a lower initial purchase price than the other models but with more advanced features.”

Giacomo Bottone, Cat’s worldwide product director for medium excavators, says: “Caterpillar has introduced several products in the 20t excavator segment in the last five years. From 2017 to 2019, our Middle East customers had the 320, 320 GC and 323 models to choose from.

34

COVER STORY JANUARY 2022

In 2020, we introduced the 323 GC; and now in 2021, we have the 320 GX and 323 GX. These are all Cat’s ‘Next Generation’ excavators, and the product line is now the strongest in Cat’s history.”

Explaining more about that strong product line, he says the Cat excavators in the range of 20-tonners and their vicinity offer “three value propositions”.

“The first is the traditional or performance proposition, which utilises high technology for an advanced level of work and productivity. The machines that come under this are the 320 (21t), 323 (23/9t), 326 (26.5t) and the 330 (30.9t).

The next is the GC or standard proposition, which has easy-to-own machines. The GC models are the 320 GC (19.8-20t), the 323 GC (22.6t) and the 330 GC (28.5t).

“The newest and the most economical proposition is the GX or ‘fast payback’ one.

These are the ones we have introduced now – the 320 GX (19.7t) and 323 GX (21.6t).

The GX models have been designed to offer the maximum value out of the three, with a low acquisition cost.”

He goes on to explain that the ‘fast payback’ of the GX models are derived through not only the lower acquisition cost but also lower maintenance costs and lower expenses on fuel due to a higher fuel economy.

“However, there is no dilution of the Cat brand promise in these machines. We have not compromised on durability and customers get the same level of Cat dealer support with the same high-quality Cat

Cat’s Juan Villa (above), Jeremy Bombre (below) and Giacomo Bottone (below right) showed the GX series’ features at the launch that give owners quick returns on their invetment.

components. There are also no restrictions on their applications and the GX models are fit for buckets and hammers. They offer simple solutions for customers, providing them what is needed without any of the extra bells or whistles.”

Jeremy Bombre, product marketing consultant at Caterpillar, adds: “The GX machines give our customers a much wider choice. They now have machines for economical daily work, so that they don’t have to waste the capabilities of

a machine like, say, the 320, which is meant for high production. Apart from the easy and cheaper maintenance, the GX also provides up to 15% lower fuel consumption.”

He points out that the choice of Power and Smart modes allows operators to manage fuel consumption. While the Power mode provides full-time maximum output and productivity, the Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to conserve fuel without impacting production. Automatic Engine Control (AEC) reduces engine speed when the machine is stationary to minimise fuel consumption.

Juan Vila, Cat’s product application specialist, explains that the new excavator models benefit from the latest technical enhancements to reduce maintenance costs by up to 20% compared to the 320D2 GC and 320D2 L. Design improvements significantly extend maintenance intervals and provide easy access to consolidated filters. Hydraulic, air, and fuel filters feature increased capacity for longer life.

“Service intervals for fuel filters extend from 500 to 1,000 hours, while the new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration performance and extends replacement intervals from 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Auto warm-up expedites hydraulic warming in cold temperatures to help improve component life,” Vila says.

The new 320 GX and 323 GX excavators feature grease seals between track pins and

35 bushings to deliver reliable undercarriage operation. Vila explains that this enables the machines to offer durable, field-proven designs with standard J-tips.

“Multiple bucket designs and capacities are available to meet contractors’ specific application need. Customers in certain regions can equip the buckets with optional Advansys tips that retain sharpness longer and can be quickly changed using a lug wrench.”

A push of a button starts the new 320 GX and 323 GX excavators. The new highresolution, 203mm (8-in) touchscreen monitor allows operators to quickly navigate most machine settings, including joystick pattern and response. Operator ID allows operators to select power mode, joystick pattern and joystick response and restores them at login for a quick return to work.

The GX cab design reduces operator effort. Featuring a seat that adjusts to accommodate operators of all sizes, machine controls are positioned in front to eliminate twisting and turning. Standard automatic climate control improves operator comfort, while cab sealing, pressurization, and a fresh air filter work to reduce noise and improve overall air quality. Large glass and narrow cab pillars enhance visibility into the trench, and an optional rearview camera further improves visibility. Convenience features include an integrated radio, built-in USB and auxiliary port for connecting and charging devices, and a 24V DC outlet for faster charging.

The GX excavators’ keyless push-button start and Operator ID code help to prevent machine theft. Ground-level access to filters, drains, and scheduled oil sampling ports makes routine maintenance easy and safe. Handrails, serrated steps, and anti-skid surfaces with recessed bolts make getting in, out, and up the excavator trouble free.

The tool/storage box, fuel door, hydraulic oil fill, and fuel drain compartment are lockable for added security.

Standard Product Link telematics improves overall GX excavator efficiency by automatically and accurately collecting machine information, including location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health — all viewable online through web and mobile applications. My.cat.com and VisionLink provide online access to Product Link data, which allows operators to make informed decisions that help increase productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve jobsite safety and security.

TECH SPECS

CAT 320GX AND 323 GX 320 GX

323 GX

Engine

Cat C4.4 – single turbo engine

Cat C4.4 – dual turbo engine

Engine Power (ISO 14396)

139 hp

166 hp

Operating weight

19.9t

21.5t

Maximum pressure

35,000 kPa

35,000 kPa

Maximum flow

429 L/min

429 L/min

Maximum dig depth*

6430 mm

6710 mm

“There is no dilution of the Cat brand promise in these machines.

We have not compromised on durability”

36

TELEHANDLERS JANUARY 2022

POWER HANDLERS

THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET FOR TELEHANDLERS IS DOMINATED BY THE HIGH-REACH AND HIGH LIFT-CAPACITY MODELS, WITH THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE MACHINE PROVIDING JUST THE RIGHT MODELS TO MEET THIS DEMAND

T

he telehandler is an oddity in the world of construction equipment. While there are loaders and there are machines with telescopic booms, such as cranes, the telehandler is the one that merges the loader arm with the telescopic boom to combine the features and functions of both to a great extent.

It’s one half loader and, with its boom, one half reach master – and a whole lot of versatile use.

While the telehandler was the brainchild of JCB back in the 1970s, its popularity has ensured that many manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. In the Middle East, one of the recent movers and shakers in the sector is Bobcat, the compact equipment major, who has over 15 models of telehandlers available. While customers in the Middle East do not require all of them, certain models are in high demand and the company makes it a point to give the market what it wants in terms of features and capabilities. A case in point is the TL43.80HF. Gaby Rhayem, regional director, Doosan Bobcat Middle East and Africa, says: “At Bobcat, for over 60 years, we have been constantly innovating the market - always developing new machines for customers’ needs. The new TL43.80HF is no exception to this legacy as it completes our range of telehandlers and ensures customers can benefit from unmatched loading productivity and lift capacity. Bobcat machines are made for

tough jobs, whilst still providing all the agility and versatility any application would require.”

Rhayem points out that unlike other manufacturers on the market, all Bobcat telehandlers are covered by a threeyear/3000-hour warranty as standard, with the option of extending the warranty to five years/5000 hours. All Bobcat telehandlers are designed and produced at the company’s plant in Pontchâteau, France, where strict quality control is a matter of habit, he adds.

“The rough terrain capability of the TL43.80HF has also been optimised for applications such as working and digging in piles of materials with the incorporation of new heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles with limited slip differential and available tractive force of up to 90% of the machine weight. If you need a robust telehandler you cannot do better than this one.”

Complementing Bobcat’s successful construction and agricultural products, the Bobcat Waste Expert range of telescopic loaders has introduced a new, dedicated material handling solution for the waste and recycling markets. The TL43.80HF is one of four models in the Waste Expert range, that also includes the TL35.70, TL34.65HF and TL38.70HF loaders, which together offer lifting capacities from 3.4-4.3t and lifting heights from 6.5-8m.

Over at JCB, the pioneer of the telescopic handler back in 1977, the company has been leading the global market for the telehandler since then and is also the one to beat in terms of product improvement.

Ahmed Shouman, general manager, JCB

37 Bobcat has more than 15 models of telehandlers that customers can choose from, with heavy lift-capacity models aimed at the construction segment and versatile waste handling machines.

“At Bobcat, for over 60 years, we have been constantly innovating the market - always developing new machines for customers’ needs.

The new TL43.80HF is no exception to this legacy as it completes our range of telehandlers and ensures customers can benefit from unmatched loading productivity and lift capacity”

38

TELEHANDLERS JANUARY 2022

Middle East, explains the brand’s success in the telehandlers by saying: “As well as developing the machine itself, JCB also developed new markets by demonstrating to customers that they can do much more with a machine that comes with a telescopic boom compared to traditionally used equipment. This organic growth of JCB telescopic handler popularity has always been backed up by the machine robustness and reliability. If you look at the used machinery market in the Middle East, over 60% of telehandlers are JCB, which

JCB, the pioneer of the telehandler and the dominant market player, offers its Loadall range in the Middle East with models sporting load capacities from 1.6-6t and lift heights of 4-20m.

speaks for itself. Besides, with more than 750 dealers in its network, JCB is known for topclass aftermarket support, which is critically important for customers in any part of the world. Apart from various material handling applications on construction sites, our telescopic handlers are widely used in different agricultural, industrial and oil & gas use.”

All of these varied applications require an equally capable and extensive model range and while JCB has numerous telehandlers in its line-up globally, in the Middle East, it offers

“If you look at the used machinery market in the Middle East, over 60% of telehandlers are JCB, which speaks for itself”

high-reach and high lift-capacity models.

“In our Loadall range, we have a good number of models from 1.6t to 6t in load capacity and from 4-20m in lift height. This means, we can really offer a product which best suits any application in the market - from cleaning poultry sheds, where dimensions are critical, to all sorts of heavy jobs on a construction site.

“Our telehandler sales in all regions except North America and India are equally split between construction and agricultural segments. So, in regions with a more agricultural economic profile we sell more machines with up to 10m lift height, whereas in the Middle East our machines are mostly sold to infrastructure projects - so there is more interest here in models with higher lift heights.

“In the market segment where machine compactness is crucial, in the Middle East we see more use of skid-steers. Although a compact telehandler alongside, with its dimensions and manoeuvrability, can offer some additional advantages over a skidsteer, namely higher and further reach. We believe that there is a future for compact telehandlers in the region.”

Shouman emphasizes that the telehandler is a very versatile piece of equipment and that is one of the secrets behind its popularity. This versatility in the machine’s design is further aided by the plethora of attachments that can be used with it to suit several types of jobs - and JCB offers its own line-up of these.

“A telescopic handler really stands out from other construction and agricultural equipment due to its versatility. You buy one machine and you can get a variety of jobs done just by using various attachments that are very easily and quickly connected to the boom in a higher spec machine.

“Thanks to the hydraulic JCB Q-fit, a JCB Loadall operator does not even have to leave the cab to change the tool. All he needs to do is just to push a button while comfortably seated in the cab. The variety of attachments offered by JCB includes all sorts of buckets and grabs for material handling, hydraulically operated fork positioner for safer handling of palette forks, jibs for further reach, sweepers for yard and road maintenance, and a wide range of specialised attachments for agricultural applications.

With JCB continuing to dominate the telehandler space in the region, the company definitely plans to hold on to its top slot and ward off the new models that have come up from its competitors in the market. And this it plans to do by introducing new and even more advanced models.

“In 2022, JCB is planning to introduce three new models to the region, two targeting the

39 municipality segment with a reach of greater than 12m and another targeting construction and oil & gas segments with a 5t lift capacity.

In addition to these, in 2022, we foresee an opportunity to introduce our innovative DualTech Transmission Loadalls to the Middle East market. We believe these additions will offer a new value proposition to our customers and, more importantly, make more customers happy to buy JCB Loadalls,” Shouman says.

Safety is a major concern for telehandler operation, as is always the case when using machinery to work at height or lift loads. But the issue of safety shouldn’t be seen in isolation, or taken out of the productivity equation, since workers using an unproductive machine may push it to the edge of its safe working parameters in order to get the job done faster, increasing the risk of accident. One scenario is when a machine is not correctly aligned with an opening, which may only become evident once the boom is extended.

Telehandler producer Merlo has a solution for this, with many of its machines equipped with an integral side-shift mechanism that allows the boom to move laterally.

Merlo has always had a strong focus on safety, and the company launched its Merlo dynamic load control (CDC) system a few years ago, which guarantees front longitudinal stability of telehandlers under both static and dynamic conditions. Advancing the previous load sensing system, the CDC is able to sense which attachment the machine is using, important to know since attachments have different dimensions and weights, which affects the load chart. Using sensors that detect load weight and boom

Italian telehandler maker Merlo’s P27.6PLUS model is a compact machine for a vareity of applications, with a 2.7t load capacity and a cab that the company claims is the largest in class.

geometry control, the machine display is able to give the operator a precise measure of the machine’s stability, using a green-amber-red light warning system. If the minimum safe load is exceeded, movements are blocked, while the operator can take remedial action.

In 2015, the company launched what it said was a world first, not just for telehandlers but for other lifting sectors too: a traversal stability system (TSS). The new system incorporates measurement of side stability and calculates the inclines a machine can

operate on without compromising stability.

Matteo Benedetto, director, marketing at Merlo, says: “Lateral stability is extremely important, particularly for equipment used in the field and operating on uneven terrain.

Lateral overturning of machinery is one of the main causes of death, if not the main, in the sector.”

Merlo’s P27.6PLUS is a compact telehandler fit for a variety of industries and uses with a 2.7t load capacity and a cab that is claimed to be the largest in its class..

LIFT AND REACH

MANITOU GOES FOR HIGH CAPACITY Manitou’s telehandler aimed at the construction sector features a maximum lift capacity of 5.4t and maximum lift height of 16.9m, with weight capacity at full extension of 2.5t. The MTA 12055 Series III telehandler has a turning radius of 3.65m and an exclusive single joystick control that allows operators to control boom extension and retraction, attachment tilt, auxiliary hydraulics and travel direction, all on the same joystick.

Steve Kiskunas, product manager, telescopic handlers, Manitou Group, said: “We had many customers looking for a Manitou telehandler that could

handle construction materials that are larger than usual.

The Manitou MTA 12055 has a high capacity and lift height combined with great forward reach, which makes it perfect for infrastructure, bridge and power generation projects, to name a few.”

The MTA 12055 is equipped with a 120hp Cummins engine and four-speed powershift transmission, offering travel speeds up to 36.7km/h. It has a sidemounted engine and high boom mount. According to Manitou, “This design gives operators excellent visibility over the top of the engine

and easy access to maintenance components.” Additional features include a maximum forward reach of 12.19m and standard four-wheel drive, frame levelling, auxiliary

hydraulics and self-levelling forks.

Optional features for the MTA 12055 include cab enclosure with heat or air conditioning, an LED light kit, and reverse camera and radar.

Manitou has also designed a Personnel Work Platform System (PWP) that temporarily disconnects the transmission, engages the rear axle stabiliser, reduces frame levelling and applies the parking brake when using a platform attachment.

Manitou also offers a full range of attachments for the model, including both standard and rotating fork carriages, truss booms, buckets and lift hooks.

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