EarthMoving Report 2019

A supplement of:

EARTH G MOVIN REPORT PLUS

CKS A R T W E N G IN V R CA TCHES UP

CMME CA HIGHWAY WITH OFF ER BKT ’S MD K T YRE-M A

FUTURE PPERSFEECOTF SOME

G A GLIM UPCOMIN ERS D N A W E N RTHMOV A E C I R T E L EC

S D LOADER N A S R E P SCOO

N O B JC K C A TR

ITS R O F S U O M HE A F T D N I N Y A A B W D SH THE BRITIKIT IS MAKING HEAPRODUCT LINE SMALLER NGE WITH A WIDE HEAVY RA

01 02 MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715 SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERTISING & MARKETING SALES EXECUTIVE TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5496 MARKETING MANAGER SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 WEB DEVELOPMENT MOHAMMAD AWAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015)

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SECTOR ON TRACK This year has been a seminal one for the world of construction equipment in general and the earthmoving segment in particular. Indeed, every time it is a Bauma year, some amount of excitement can be expected in the world of machinery, with almost all manufacturers reserving their best and latest for unveiling in Munich.

While this year was no exception, there was also a clear trend in the global earthmoving sector – the move towards electric drives, alternative fuels and new operation technology.

The Middle East may not be prime territory yet for these latest advancements, or even look like adopting them anytime soon, but we would like to be pleasantly surprised.

Which is why we take a look at some of the latest developments in this report, including electric- and methanepowered models, and advanced remote operations technology.

We also catch up with JCB to discuss the bigger kit from a company famous for slightly smaller models.

Meanwhile, off-the-road tyre specialist, BKT, underlines the importance of the right gear for the wheels.

All in all, it looks like the earthmoving sector is on track!

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12 16

Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE. www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2019 CPI. All rights reserved.

A supplement to Construction Machinery Middle East.

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME

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10

02

COVER STORY E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

The popularity of JCB’s backhoe loaders and telehandlers is enabling the brand to draw customers to its larger earthmovers, like the 20t 220X.

“We have a very big market here in backhoes and telehandlers, but we are very good in excavators and wheeled loaders as well – and growing very fast… As far as volumes in the bigger equipment categories are concerned, we sell in substantial numbers. And we have an extensive range of advanced, capable machines, which are very well respected by customers and end-users”

03

JCB ON TRACK

THE BRITISH BRAND IS USING THE POPULARITY OF ITS SMALL AND COMPACT EQUIPMENT TO DRAW IN CUSTOMERS TO ITS EXTENSIVE RANGE OF LARGE EXCAVATORS AND WHEELED LOADERS AS IT UPS ITS GAME IN THE EARTHMOVING SECTOR

T

o be seen as a specialist is a good thing, until it’s not. Especially if you are a generalist, and a good one at that. Machinery heavyweight JCB is a case in point. So complete is its domination of small and middle-weight segments characterised by the backhoe loader and telescopic handler, that it often escapes popular attention that the illustrious British brand makes a plethora of big earthmoving equipment – from large excavators to high-capacity wheeled loaders and much in between.

In a region like the Middle East, where it appears that almost every third piece of construction equipment that you see is a backhoe loader, it is easy to understand why JCB is thought of as it is. The high brand visibility that its backhoes and telehandlers give it, while making the JCB name famous, also have the effect of overshadowing its larger earthmoving range.

CMME put this question to Rajbir Sandhu, regional general manager at JCB Middle East, to know what this little dichotomy in brand perception means for the company.

“Yes, we have a very big market here in backhoes and telehandlers, but we are very good in excavators and wheeled loaders as well – and growing very fast.

While it’s true that we don’t sell as many excavators as we do backhoes, that is the nature of the industry, where there will naturally be more smaller equipment sold than big ones.

“Also, the visibility factor could also be because the large excavators do not usually work within cities as much as backhoes and telehandlers may do, and hence are not so visible. We don’t see as many large excavators

04

COVER STORY E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

within cities of any brand as we do the smaller stuff, because you can see them only when new buildings or projects are coming up, and that too only initially for a short period of time. Contrast this to a backhoe loader, which is used throughout the lifecycle of a project and also used for maintenance and other frequent urban jobs.

“As far as volumes in the bigger equipment categories are concerned, we still sell in substantial numbers.

And we have an extensive range of advanced, capable machines, which are very well respected by customers and end-users.”

Speaking of respect for the brand, he adds: “In fact, the brand recognition we have from our domination of the backhoes and telehandler segment actually helps us sell the bigger machines. By using our backhoes and telehandlers, customers appreciate the reliability of our machines and also get to know the service capability of our dealers, all of whom across the region maintain very, very high standards of service and support.

So this actually helps us sell more excavators and wheeled loaders. In fact, it has often happened that a customer who is already using our

JCB’s mini excavator range in the region covers 800kg to 6-7t and the company is watching the segment keenly with an eye for expansion.

smaller machines has come back to buy our bigger equipment.”

Sandhu then proceeds to give us an overview of the range of earthmoving equipment that JCB sells in the region, comprising the large excavators, both tracked and wheeled, and wheeled loaders.

“The 37t is our largest capacity class for tracked excavators. The

Middle East market is mostly a 20t one, though, with more than half the large excavator market comprising the 20t. We are focused on the 20t and 30t, and sometimes the 37t, but our largest seller is the 20t like almost everyone else.

“There are subtle variations by country. For example, in the UAE, the 22t, 30t and even the 40t sell well, along with the 20t. In Saudi Arabia, the 20t commands more than half the excavator market, but then there is a big range available, from 10t to 50t to 70t, if you take into account the market’s needs and the offering from all the brands.

“Saudi remains our largest market despite the slowdown, but we are seeing growth coming back and we believe the Kingdom will grow this year to show a positive market.

JCB also has a wide offering in the wheeled loader segment, with the 426, 456, 455, and 467. “The 467 is our biggest, with a 4.5 cubic metre bucket.

The smallest we sell in this region are the 422 and 432, but the 467 and 455 bring in the highest volumes for us here, owing to their capacities falling in the range that is the most preferred in the Middle East. For the 467 the bucket is a 4.5 cubic metre one and for the 455 it is 3.1-3.5,” Sandhu explains.

He adds that JCB also sells wheeled excavators in the Middle East, with its two models available in the 17.5t and 20t range. “These are the two most in-demand specification here in the region, especially in the UAE, where we’ve seen good success last year. And now that success with the wheeled excavators is extending in some other countries in the region, too. So, we can be sure that JCB’s wheeled excavators are wellaccepted in the region.”

When it comes to mini excavators, JCB’s range extends from 800kg to 6-7t, Sandhu informs. “This market keeps fluctuating; it used to be 1.52.5t and now it’s mainly 3t and above.

We expect this market to grow to 5t and above. The mini excavator market here is fluctuating in the right direction.

15%

05

Increase in c JCB’s 220X ab size of excavator, as the com focuses on pany operator comfort

JCB 220X

FOCUSING ON OPERATOR COMFORT JCB has developed its

packaging; central main

Burnhope, says: “With

incredibly low 68dB(A) noise

new 220X 20t crawler

boom mounting for

the next generation

level inside the operator’s

excavator as the first in

increased digging accuracy

220X, JCB has moved

cab, down from 73dB(A) on

the next generation of

and durability; intuitive,

to a totally new level of

the previous generation.

JCB tracked machines for

ergonomically-designed cab

product development and

the global construction

with simple user interface;

machine assembly, that will

continues with ergonomically

market. Over a four-year

and stronger side doors

benefit all of our excavator

designed controls hat are

development period, the

for greater strength and

customers in the field.

100% operator-focused.

company benchmarked all

increased protection

There has been a total focus

This attention to detail

To the right-hand side of

on the operator environment

the operator is an all-new

and the cab is a completely

command pod, bringing

requirements from customers

new structure, which will be

together all switches and

around the world.

used across the X series range.

controls into a single seat-

leading competitors and collected more than 1,000

The new machines feature a 15% larger global cab with integral ROPS

JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer, Tim

It is 100mm longer and a full one metre wide, making it 15% larger overall than on previous

mounted unit. A 7-inch tilt-adjustable monitor has been provided with intuitive menus and functionality.

machines. The cab

The monitor is accessed

offering

incorporates the

through an automotive-

reduced

ROPS frame within

style rotary controller.

noise levels; a

the structure and

200mm wider

has flat glazing

operating weight and a

all round. Most

maximum bucket capacity

structure,

upper structure delivering improved

impressively, the 220X boasts an

The 220X has a 24.7t

of 1.25m3, and its engine develops 129kW of power.

06

COVER STORY E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

“Globally, JCB sells a full range of minis. In places such as Europe, where minis are popular, we have an extensive line-up of the products.

It is undeniable, though, that the Middle East mini excavator market is expanding nicely. We started with a three-model range, which we have since expanded, and this year or the next we plan to widen the range here further, bringing in more models.”

JCB is keenly watching the mini excavator market in the region and has its eyes on certain pockets where it sees greater prospects of a rise. “Minis mainly work when the cities are quite done. Dubai uses a lot of them, as does Bahrain, and we expect they will rise in Qatar too for work such as urban landscaping. We even sell our smallest backhoe – the 1CX - for landscaping and allied activities in the Middle East.

It will take time for the mini excavator market in Saudi and Oman to reach substantial volumes. Minis are for small landscaping and municipality jobs, where bigger machines cannot go. For built-up areas,” says Sandhu.

Moving on to telematics offerings, Sandhu explains: “We were among the earliest to offer our customers telematic solutions and it’s going very well. In fact, we have data centres in every dealership. Our dealers are very big and established business houses, who have their own data room set-ups.”

The JCB telematics system is called Live Link, Sandhu says, and every dealer has his own Live Link area with up to three dedicated people commanding the room to monitor where the issues are coming from and which machines are showing errors or are due for service.

“They get in touch with the customers concerned and advise on preventive measures based on the data on the screens in front of them.

They close the loop by following up on any problem until it is solved.

This is one of our strengths, that our dealers are well established and have invested a lot into this.”

JCB HYDRADIG

INNOVATIVE ODDBALL JCB’s Hydradig is a new

combination of a variable

rough terrain traction and

tool-carrying solution,

piston pump and a variable

stability. Hydradig offers a

which brings new levels of

piston drive motor, to a

tight turning circle of just

innovation and engineering

central transfer box and

3,946mm on single tyres,

excellence to the growing

then to both axles. This

rising to 4,511mm when

compact wheeled machine

driveline layout offers a

equipped with a front-

sector of the market

step-less 0-40km/h speed

mounted dozer blade.

and is ideally suited to

range, with no requirement

The machine can be

urban construction,

for multiple gears or a break

ordered with single tyres,

highway maintenance

in tractive effort as speeds

extra-wide flotation tyres

and municipal operations,

increase or decrease. A

or twin tyres on each axle.

says the company.

20km/h maximum speed

Customers can also choose

model is also available

between any combination

to suit local markets.

of dozer blades and

Presently available only in the Western markets,

stabiliser legs at either

JCB designed the machine

A near 50-50 weight

to deliver on five important

distribution between the

end. Hydradig can also be

criteria: visibility, stability,

axles and a long wheelbase

supplied with a choice of

manoeuvrability, mobility

delivers improved stability,

towing hitches, connected

and serviceability.

increasing operator

to the chassis or through

confidence. A 2,650mm

the dozer blade and capable

all-wheel drive and four-

wheelbase provides a

of pulling up to 3.5t.

wheel steer chassis and is

superior ride with secure

powered by JCB’s proven

handling. The machine

tailswing of just 120mm

Ecomax Stage IIIB/Tier

is equipped with three

allows it to rotate and

4 Interim diesel engines,

steering modes as standard.

change attachments within

delivering 108hp. The

Two-wheel steering for

a single road carriageway.

engine is side-mounted,

security at road speeds,

placing the centre of gravity

four-wheel and crab

an innovative design which

up to 1.5m below that of

steering, providing

allows the operator to see

competitive 10t machines,

maximum manoeuvrability

within 1m of the machine’s

JCB says. The hydrostatic

on site. The front axle has

footprint at ground level

drive works through a

+/- 8° of oscillation for

from within the cab.

The Hydradig boasts an

The machine’s reduced

The Hydradig’s cab sports

08

FUTURE TECH E ARTHMOVING REP ORT 2019

DISTANCE NO OBJECT

AS THE FIRST TO USE 5G FOR WORLDWIDE ‘TELEOPERATION’, DOOSAN DEMONSTRATED THE DISRUPTIVE POWER OF REMOTE OPERATION OF MACHINERY AT BAUMA 2019, POINTING TO THE WAY AHEAD

T

he general future of construction equipment, and of earthmoving in particular, may not be on the job-site. Instead, it may well be unfolding within the four walls of the offices - or may be even the living rooms – of equipment owners or operators, given the disruptive powers of a new remote operation technology demonstrated by Doosan.

Advances made by modern 5G technology have now made it possible for the first time to do complex operations remotely to a level of real-time precision that was previously not feasible. What was unthinkable only a decade or so ago is now the reality looming for everyone – fully remote-controlled operation of machinery. And the most striking part of the new developments is that this remote operation is not as simple – or limiting - as wielding a hand-held remote control a few

metres away from a piece of machinery like operating a toy car, but it is complex and sophisticated enough for the machine to be operated from another part of the globe, thousands of kilometres away.

Harnessing the power of 5G to remotely operate a machine from anywhere in the world is now possible and has been shown publicly. In what was one of the highlights of Bauma 2019 in Munich, Germany, Doosan became probably the first manufacturer to use 5G technology for worldwide ‘TeleOperation’ of construction machines.

Doosan has coined the term TeleOperation to describe the operation of construction equipment from a remote station. At Bauma, remote really meant remote - operating a Doosan DX380LC-5 40t crawler excavator located over 8500km away in Incheon in South Korea from an operator’s booth on the Doosan stand at the show.

TeleOperation formed part of Doosan’s exciting stand display at Bauma under the banner of ‘Powered by Innovation’. The technology used by Doosan has been codeveloped with LG U+, the South Korean telecommunications and data services company. The TeleOperation demonstration on the Doosan stand was the first to remotely control a machine across such a large distance between locations, which have a time difference of eight hours, using 5G telecommunications technology.

For TeleOperation to function properly, it is essential to deliver live video streaming at the operator’s station in a reliable way that minimises time lag in the system for the operator. With very high reliability and low latency - or signal delay - the new 5G network overcomes these issues in the Doosan system, providing 10 times faster bandwidth and 10 times lower latency than

09 the 4G network, says Doosan.

Special features incorporated include a low-latency video transmission module with fast video transfer with encoding and decoding, an important factor in reducing the time delay. LG U+ has also introduced new modules providing low latency image processing to further minimise the time delay.

Another factor in creating more effective remote control is the use of Doosan’s innovative electrohydraulic technology in the DX380LC-5 excavator.

The DX380LC-5 excavator being remotely controlled at Bauma was still a standard machine, which allowed Doosan to guarantee the performance and the compatibility of third party attachments and other equipment installed on it. It was also possible to carry out both normal operation and TeleOperation with the same machine.

The 5G TeleOperation system was demonstrated throughout the duration of the show, but there were set times every day to give visitors to Doosan’s stand an opportunity to try the system out for themselves.

Because the LG U+ platform provides a 5G connection 5-10 times faster than current 4G systems, the operator has the same real time control of the remote excavator and with the same high accuracy as he would if he were sitting inside the machine’s cab himself. To aid in the process,3D machine guidance, real time diagnostics and a full display were all available at the TeleOperation control booth.

While it can be used for general earthmoving applications, the new TeleOperation system is ideal for operating excavators in dangerous applications such as industrial waste disposal, involving hazardous, toxic or radioactive substances.

It is also useful for work on collapsing waste piles and in areas where there are buried mines and other munitions. Safety can be further increased via the zoning and area limitation functions available through the Doosan TeleOperation system.

Besides being of particular importance for jobs in hazardous environments where considerations of safety would prevent operators from working on-site, the new TeleOperation system also opens up a range of commercial and business possibilities, including faster project completion times.

After a day’s shift has ended with an onsite operator, work can continue with another operator taking over through remote controlled operation from another time zone, potentially opening the way for non-stop work and changing the way the industry operates.

A visitor at Doosan’s stand at Bauma 2019, Munich, uses the TeleOpearation system to operate the DX380LC-5 excavator in Incheon, Korea.

10

CONCEPT VEHICLE E ARTHMOVING REP ORT 2019

FUTURE CASE

A METHANE-POWERED WHEEL LOADER CONCEPT FROM CASE NOT ONLY USES RENEWABLE FUEL BUT ALSO REIMAGINES EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT DESIGN, POINTING TO AN ALTERNATIVE FUTURE

T

he way to the future is one of the most important themes for equipment manufacturers at the moment, as can be seen from several new introductions of both concept and production machines by the major brands over the past several months.

Indeed, this year’s edition of Bauma saw a veritable crowd of new models and technologies being displayed with the future in mind, mainly concepts, but some even ready for production. And the emphasis for such introductions was being green.

Case Construction Equipment joined the bandwagon with its own unique offering: the highlight of its stand at Bauma 2019 was the unveiling of the world’s first wheeled loader concept to runs entirely on alternative and renewable fuel. Case says the new machine, a methane-powered wheeled loader called

the ProjectTETRA prototype, “reimagines wheeled loader design, marking a clear departure from anything seen in construction equipment to date”.

The concept includes a methanepowered engine specially designed and developed by sister brand FPT Industrial for construction applications. With a maximum 230hp, it delivers the same power and torque as its equivalent diesel engine found in the Case 821G wheeled loader. The concept can be powered by biomethane produced in biodigesters from waste such as food, wood chippings and animal waste. With carbon-neutral production, biomethane provides a closed-loop, virtuous energy cycle, converting waste into useful energy.

“We’ve been researching sustainable fuel sources for our construction machinery for many years,” says Carl Gustaf Goränsson, president, Case CE. “Biomethane was the

most logical choice for the wheel loader. We needed a fuel that could provide the drive and power that our customers demand. The fuel needed to be readily available, easy to refuel and power through a full day of work.

We wouldn’t compromise on performance, so we set our designers quite a challenge.

“We were fortunate to work very closely with sister brand FPT Industrial, pioneers in developing sustainably-fuelled powertrains, with over 40,000 gas-powered engines produced to date. This technology is already tried and tested in other CNH Industrial brands, with some 28,000 methane-powered Iveco trucks and buses on the roads today.”

ProjectTETRA not only uses a sustainable energy source but also benefits the environment in other ways. The methanepowered wheel loader concept produces 95% less CO2 when running on biomethane, 90% less nitrogen dioxides and 99% lower

11 particulate matter than a diesel-powered equivalent. It delivers an 80% reduction in overall emissions and also achieves a 50% reduction in drive-by noise levels.

“But biomethane isn’t the only option,” explains Goränsson. “ProjectTETRA will run on network methane too, keeping emissions lower than diesel even if onsite biomethane production is not an option. This is important due to changing regulations in some regions.”

Although sustainability was a huge factor in ProjectTETRA’s definition, the design team wanted to showcase the very best of Case’s practical innovation, with the focus firmly on the operator and productivity.

“Automation and digitisation were key drivers in our design process,” reveals David Wilkie, director of the CNH Industrial Design Centre. “We are a future-focused business, and these are two of our key strategic pillars.

Case’s concept wheeled loader, Project TETRA, has a futuristic cab and tyres, and is powered by methane for 80% reduction in emissions with 50% less noise.

These elements are the drivers for safer and more productive machines. ProjectTETRA was a blank sheet so we could be as creative as possible in including the very latest technologies that matter.”

ProjectTETRA’s cab features wraparound glazing and a high visibility roof panel, increasing the total glazed area by 16% when compared to a standard wheel loader. Allaround visibility is achieved with viewing cameras instead of wing mirrors. These are automatically linked to the direction of the machine and viewed on the A-pillar mounted displays. The uncluttered design means all controls are accessed through ergonomic joysticks and an integrated, armrestmounted, colour touchscreen monitor.

The new seat automatically extends and pivots to facilitate entry upon door opening, returning to the operating position

immediately after the operator is seated, an industry first. With lumbar support, weightcompensated suspension and active heating and cooling, it ensures operator comfort throughout the shift, reducing fatigue.

A partnership with Michelin led to the development of innovative airless concept tyres for ProjectTETRA. Made of pure rubber and a patented composite material in a honeycomb spoke design, the tyre/wheel fusion also features built-in suspension. The lightweight and robust structure has been designed to withstand the extreme conditions present in construction environments.

In addition, the airless tyres reduce overall machine weight and a large footprint delivers low contact pressure. Advanced connectivity is achieved with integrated sensors, providing a stream of real-time data to both the operator and the control room.

12

INTERVIEW E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

CARVING NEW TRACKS RAJIV PODDAR, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BKT TYRES, TELLS CMME ABOUT THE OFF-THE-ROAD TYRE SPECIALIST’S LATEST ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND ON THE GLOBAL STAGE Please give a brief overview of BKT as a company and its products.

BKT was started in 1987-88 in India by my grandfather (name please?). We began as makers of tractors and graduated into autorickshaws and three-wheelers.

In 1995 we decided to change our strategy and get into off-highway tyre manufacturing and since then we have not looked back.

In the last 12-13 years, we have grown our turnover to roughly around $800m and we now specialise in off-highway tyres, from agricultural to mining and industrial. We cover the entire spectrum of off-highway tyres, including sand-tyres and tyres for military applications.

While BKT is a company run by professionals, we are very much a family firm, with my father Arvind Poddar at the helm as the chairman. I am the third generation to enter into the business.

We have several manufacturing locations spread throughout India - one in Gujarat, two in north India and Rajasthan and one in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. In addition to this, we have our own mould shop where we make our moulds.

Recently, we have gone into carbon black manufacturing, mainly for our own consumption, and we are expecting to start firing the boilers this month. While commercial production is the goal, it will

first be for self-consumption and then we will grow and get into the market.

Can you take us through your range of tyres available in the Middle East?

We have our entire product range available in the Middle East. Mainly, though, the industrial, construction and mining tyres segments have really picked up.

Underground and opencast mining are big areas for us.

At Automechanika in Dubai we launched a slew of new products in the tipper range and the low-platform trailer (LPT) range.

And, of course, at Bauma this year we introduced our biggest tyre ever.

Basically, our entire range of tyres is available in the Middle East, just as it is in other markets.

How has your performance been in the ME market? What is your position in this region and how do your view your future prospects?

In the Middle East we are represented by wholesalers who then further distribute to retail counters for BKT products. We are quite optimistic about this market based on how things have progressed here, and how we see things moving ahead. We feel our prospects are good here.

Our distributors have a wide reach in this region and are increasing their market

13 BKT has emerged as one of the bestknown names in off-the-road tyres and is an OEM supplier to big equipment brands like Case, JCB and Cat.

“You have to give customers what they need. You have to understand precisely what their requirement is and how can you make your product better to suit their needs more, so that they get better results�

14

INTERVIEW E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

penetration, which we are working on with them.

AUTOMECHANIKA DUBAI

GOING FOR A SPIN BKT used the

The EARTHMAX SR 423

recently-concluded

has been designed for

Automechanika show in

increased load capacity,

Dubai to launch some

and the reinforced

new products into the

bead makes it the ideal

Middle East market.

tyre for heavy-duty

This year’s novelty was

service applications.

the new size 12.00 R

BKT also showcased

24 of the company’s

the EARTHMAX SR

EARTHMAX SR 423. This

23, in size 20.5 R 25, a

tyre, which has been

tyre specifically built

specifically engineered

for motor graders and

for tipper trucks and

loaders with high front

dumpers operating

and lateral traction,

both on and off the

and an extended

road, is a product that

operating life-cycle.

is particularly required

The EARTHMAX SR

in the Middle East,

33, meanwhile, was

says the company.

displayed as a radial

The tyre is already

tyre for multi-purpose

available in two other

trucks, with enhanced

sizes - 10.00 R 20 and

grip on soft and sandy

11.00 R 20 - specifically

ground. This tyre is

developed for tipper

extremely resistant to

trucks and dumpers

snags and punctures,

employed in mining and

says BKT, and offers high

transport operations

stability. On display at

under the most

Automechanika Dubai

demanding conditions.

was size 365/80 R 20.

According to BKT, the robust tread pattern with non-directional lugs provides excellent

What is your service and back-up proposition like in the Middle East?

Our wholesaler themselves act as service providers, as required for any service. The network for this is already in place on the ground here. Whenever a BKT customer in the Middle East, as elsewhere, needs any support, help is always at hand and prompt to be provided.

Which is the most common type of tyre you’re selling in the Middle East market?

We sell to both the industrial and earthmoving segments in good numbers in the Middle East. Most of the tyres we sell in this region are for dumpers, backhoe loaders and special applications.

We are also OEM suppliers to all the leading manufacturers across the globe, several of whom enjoy great popularity in the Middle East market. In agriculture we are OEM suppliers to Case-New Holland and Fergusson tractors; in the industrial and construction side we have the likes of JCB as a client; on the port side we supply to many manufacturers of port application machines; and on the mining side we supply OEM equipment to brands such as Caterpillar

traction on any terrain while the large shoulder minimises the risk of cuts and chips even under toughest operating conditions, and on adverse and inaccessible paths. The all-steel casing structure increases resistance and durability leading to a longer product lifecycle.

The Middle East’s environment, with the heat and other job-site conditions, presents unique operational challenges. Do you customise your products in any way to meet these challenges?

It‘s common knowledge that the Middle East has its own challenges, so we developed certain products especially for the region, such as our sand tyres.

Also, since the temperatures get really high, you have to make your tyres in such a way that they should be able to sustain and work under such conditions.

BKT believes in providing our customers with the right tyre for the right application. To do this we often make changes in our products - sometimes small ones here and there or sometimes more detailed ones – to make them suitable for a particular application in a particular geography or environment.

Some of your competitors consult with clients on their needs and then manufacture tyres specifically for particular jobs. Do you do that or is it more of the shelf?

Yes, we do. It’s no different for us because this is the way the market operates. You have to give customers what they need. Even if you have a heat-resistant and cut-resistant standard product, you can’t go in and ask a customer simply what size he desires it in. You have to understand precisely what their requirement is and how can you make your product better to suit their needs more, so that they get better results. So, we have to work very closely with the end-users through our service providers and channel partners, obtain the proper

15

feedback and then supply the tyres according to the need.

So that also boils down to your research and development capability. Can you tell us more about your R&D facilities?

In 2017 we opened our R&D facilities in our factory in Bhuj. We can do all sorts of compound engineering and

product development that we want in the facility, whether it is on the raw materials side, the compounds side or the product side.

Because of this R&D initiative we were able to get into carbon black production, which is a vital component of tyres. We now develop our own carbon black in this facility.

We have about 100 trained technical

Rajiv Poddar (left), joint managing director, says BKT is constantly refining its tyres through research and development to satisfy end users.

BAUMA 2019

UNLEASHING A BEHEMOTH BKT took the field at

Centre stage on

safely and was designed

Bauma 2019 with an

BKT’s stand at the show

for rigid dump trucks

entire team of specialized

clearly belonged to

engaged under the

EARTHMAX tyres. The

the EARTHMAX SR 46,

most complex and

range of radial tyres on

available in a 33.00 R 51

adverse conditions

display was specifically

size, the largest tyre that

in hard and rocky

designed to achieve

BKT has ever built. With a

environments,

better ground load

diameter of over 3m and a

such as mines.

distribution for dump

length of 894mm, the tyre

Its special tread

trucks, wheel loaders,

weighs a whopping 2.4t.

design, block

dozers, graders and

Such giant dimensions

lug pattern and

multi-purpose vehicles.

hardly went unnoticed

circumferential

The world preview of

by Bauma visitors.

grooves yield excellent

the superstar in the BKT

“EARTHMAX SR 46 is

cornering performance

EARTHMAX line-up was

particularly suited for

and reduced wear and

particularly big news.

transporting heavy loads

tear,” said a BKT statement.

personnel working in the facility doing three things: collecting data from the market about what is required and drawing inferences out of that data; incorporating those inferences in our products; and testing the products made through this process.

All our products go through over 450 types of tests across the lifecycle of their development and production, so that’s part of what we do at our R&D facility.

BKT also recently expanded its European headquarters in Italy. Please tell us more about this facility and how it fits into your operations.The Italian office is our marketing HQ for Europe, so we have a lot of our marketing and communications strategies developed from that facility. We also have field engineers and field servicemen based in the Italian office, helping our service providers who work along with our teams. It is also close to the ISMA test track in Treviglio, which we use as one of our testing sites, so the field engineers work closely with them.

The Italy office is also primarily a marketing hub and is our centre for raising brand awareness globally, including in the Middle East. So, things like artwork and brand building activities are all routed out of that office.

16

NEW TECHNOLOGY EARTHMOVING REPORT 2019

FUTURE PERFECT

WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS RISE OF MODERN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY AND THE NEED TO MEET EMISSION AND GREEN STANDARDS, MANUFACTURERS ARE STARTING TO EMBRACE ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT IN A BIG WAY. WE BRING YOU A GLIMPSE OF SOME NEW AND UPCOMING KIT

N

ot long ago, it seemed inconceivable that an electric earthmoving machine could be effective and practical at any jobsite, beyond just being lip-service tokens of the project’s “green” intentions. With the progress of technology, especially battery technology, in the last few years, it is increasingly becoming clear that the day is not far off when electric-powered kit will outperform those with internal combustion engines.

The major global manufacturers are now starting to mainstream their electric research projects and introduce machines that are capable of taking over from diesel equipment seamlessly, without any difference whatsoever in productivity. Some, such as Volvo, have made bold commitments to move away from diesel completely in their compact and mini earthmoving ranges, and look all set to do so going by their latest introductions. Others, like Wacker Neuson, have long championed electric, and yet others, such as Bobcat, have found the fray lucrative enough to join it with meticulously developed machines.

While the Middle East lags the rest of the world in adopting green kit, we present here some new production machines and soon-to-be-introduced models that make for a convincing argument for adoption in this region especially for indoor and special jobs - with their long uptimes and performance on-par with diesel machines.

At the heart of Wacker Neuson’s “zeroemission series” is a lithium-ion battery (inset), and technology such as regenarative braking.

17 WACKER NEUSON & KRAMER

GOING FOR ZERO In the design and

series” among

development of their zero-

the earthmoving

emission products, Wacker

machines is the

Neuson and Kramer say

wheel dumper DW15e.

they make no compromises

as needed and minimise energy consumption.

When braking the machine or when driving downhill, the energy is fed

“At the forefront of the

regarding performance or

design work, alongside our

electric mini-excavators

back into the battery through

available running time.

new zero-emission products,

are real alternatives to

recuperation technology.

were our customers,” says

conventional machines when

The energy is therefore not

simple and comfortable

Alexander Greschner, sales

working in areas sensitive

converted into heat but

handling, diverse application

director of the Wacker

to sound and emissions.”

used to charge the battery.

areas and a high cost

Neuson Group. “Due to

The articulated electric

efficiency, the development

the tightening question

wheel dumper DW15e with

earthmoving product

engineers exploited the

of emissions, in particular

four-wheel drive and a payload

range is completed with a

potential of new technologies

within inner city areas, we

of up to 1.5t, is equipped

broad range of excavators

to the maximum, says Wacker

are seeing an increasing

with an electric motor for

and electric wheeled

Neuson, the parent company

demand for emission-free

the drive system and another

loaders, such as the Kramer

that owns both brands.

solutions. Even the electrically

for the work hydraulics in

5055e and the Wacker

operated wheel dumper

order to appropriately and

Neuson WL20e and the

DW15e and two completely

independently take on output

track dumper DT10e.

To provide end-users with

The latest additions to the group’s “zero-emission

The group’s zero-emission

18

NEW TECHNOLOGY EARTHMOVING REPORT 2019

BOBCAT

WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC SINGLE TONNER working conditions.”

Bobcat launched the

offers clear customer

world’s first 1t electric

benefits. Whilst it is

mini-excavator at

extremely challenging

advanced lithium-

Bauma this year,

to fit a complete electric

ion, maintenance-

introducing a machine

solution in the 1t

free battery pack

that combines zero

class, this gives us the

with an advanced

emissions, low noise and

benefit to scale it up

management system.

a width of just 71cm.

easier to other larger

Using an external 400V

products in the future.

supercharger, the

Jarry Fiser, miniexcavator product

“By coupling the E10e

The E10e has an

E10e can operate a full

line director, Doosan

to an optional external

working day with normal

Bobcat EMEA, says:

Bobcat supercharger

work breaks and can

“In developing the

while operators are on

be recharged to 80% of

E10e, we are meeting

normal work breaks, the

its capacity in less than

a market demand - not

E10e can operate for a

two hours. The battery

just demonstrating

full working day or can

can also be recharged

the technology for

continuously work for

overnight with the

the sake of it. We are

four hours on a single

on-board charger from

providing a product that

charge in standard

a standard 230V grid.

19

VOLVO CE

KEEPING A COMMITMENT The machines,

higher efficiency in

Construction Equipment

which are the first

both the systems and

(Volvo CE) declared

to be shown from a

its commitment to

new electric range of

going fully electric in

Volvo branded compact

its compact excavator

excavators and wheeled

and wheel loader range

loaders, deliver zero

with an

and stopping new

exhaust emissions,

electric

diesel engine-based

significantly lower noise

motor to power the

in the machine’s regular

option, requiring more

development of these

levels, reduce energy

hydraulics to move

applications, including

powerful grid access,

models post 2020.

costs, improve efficiency

the machine and

light infrastructure

will also be available.

With the unveiling of

and lower maintenance

the attachment. The

work, gardening,

Melker Jernberg,

its first commercial

requirements compared

batteries store enough

landscaping and

president Volvo CE,

zero-emissions electric

to conventional kit.

electric energy to

agriculture. The L25

says: “Unveiling our first

power the ECR25 for

also incorporates two

commercial electric

Not long ago, Volvo

compact excavator and

To make the ECR25

the entire machine, says Volvo CE. Both machines can be charged overnight via a hours of operation

regular household plug socket. A fast charging

loader – the ECR25

and L25 electric, the

eight hours in its most

electric motors, one

machines marks a

and L25 - at Bauma,

combustion engines

common applications,

for the drivetrain and

significant moment

Volvo took the first step

have been replaced with

such as utility work.

one for the hydraulics.

in Volvo CE’s journey

towards delivering on

lithium-ion batteries.

Decoupling the

towards building a more

that promise.

The ECR25 is fitted

subsystems has led to

sustainable future.”

The L25’s lithium-ion batteries allow for eight

20

NEW LAUNCHES E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

CMME PRESENTS A SELECTION OF NEW EARTHMOVING MACHINES RELEASED IN THE MARKET RECENTLY IN VARIOUS SEGMENTS, FROM COMPACT AND WHEELED TO LARGE CRAWLERS, THAT CAN BECOME ASSETS FOR ANY FLEET CAT 920K COMPACT WHEELED LOADER

SMALL CAT, BIG PRODUCTIVITY The new Cat 920K compact

power modes: Eco or

management system, which

lock controls. The joystick

wheeled loader, with a

Standard. In Eco mode, the

balances performance and

also accommodates

net-power rating of 99hp,

engine delivers enhanced fuel

fuel efficiency, adding power

controls for two- and

reflects significant product

economy by operating at a

when the machine senses high

three- hydraulic systems,

enhancements that contribute

lower maximum engine speed

demands, such as climbing

including proportional

to high productivity, versatility,

(1,925 rpm). Standard mode

grades. On-demand power

control of auxiliary circuits.

operator convenience, safety,

allows the engine to operate

adjustment means optimum

and serviceability. New

at speeds to 2,350 rpm,

productivity and hydraulic

for the standard primary

features allow operators to

providing more wheel torque

speed under load. Fuel-saving

display provides pertinent

tailor machine performance

and more hydraulic power

features include an on-demand

operating information at a

to individual preferences

in both transmission ranges

cooling fan that provides fast

glance via an easy-to-read

for added operating

for demanding applications.

machine warm-up and lower

back-lit screen, and gauges

sound levels, while preventing

in the display cluster show

over-heating in hot climates.

fluid levels and component

efficiency, and a choice of auxiliary-hydraulic systems expand the use of work tools for added utility.

The 920K’s Cat C4.4 engine meets Tier 3/ Stage IIIA equivalent emission level and

The 920K also incorporates an “intelligent” power-

The 920K’s deluxe cab features two side-entry doors, low-effort electro-hydraulic joystick, suspended pedals, tilt steering wheel, and an air-

A large LCD monitor

temperatures. An optional rearview camera with an in-cab monitor enhances rear visibility. Available ride-control uses the loader cylinders to dampen travel bounce for

is designed for

suspended seat. The

a smoother, less-fatiguing

fuel efficiency in

joystick controller

ride for the operator and

less-regulated

provides single-

improved material retention.

markets such

lever control of

as the Middle

loading functions

(some available only with

and also integrates

the Road and Load Feature

East. The C4.4 allows operators to choose between

Built-in control features

transmission

Package) significantly enhance

and differential-

operating efficiency and safety.

21 The 920K is a capable compact with an intelligent power management system, two power modes and a deluxe cab with hydraulic joystick controls.

99hp

Engine po w of the Cat er rating 920K, with two power mo in a compa des ct package

22

NEW LAUNCHES E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

BOBCAT R-SERIES

POWER IN A SMALL PACKAGE Bobcat new R-Series

five independent auxiliary

mini-excavators range

hydraulic circuits and

in capacity from 2-4t.

a new industry unique

The new line-up of five

‘Selectable Auxiliary

compact excavator

Control’ (SAC) system

models – the E26, E27z,

for customisable joystick

E27, E34 and E35z – offers

controls. Another unique

a mix of high digging

feature is the Cylinder-

forces, stability and

Inside-Boom (CIB) design

smooth controllability

concept, which provides

of working functions.

strong protection for

The new range has

the boom cylinder as

been designed by Bobcat

part of a reinforced

around the operator.

workgroup designed to

A completely new cab

minimise free play and

KOMATSU PC210-10MO

is being introduced

improve durability.

BUILT FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

throughout the R-Series.

Each model in the

The larger operator space

range has been optimised

Fresh for 2019, Komatsu has

and premium interior

for specific audiences,

introduced the PC210-10MO

increase comfort with

such as the E26 for the

and the PC210LC-10MO in the

features a new design. The

an improved entry/exit

rental industry and the

region, which now spearhead

existing 20t model was due for

thanks to new ergonomic

zero-house-swing E27z

the company’s assault on the

an upgrade and when we went

3D handles and a wider

for urban construction.

vital 20t excavator sector in the

in for that we improved a whole

door. The new cab also

The E34 and E35z are also

Middle East. The new models are

bunch of things in terms of

features significantly

the only machines in their

designed and made specifically

machine weight, productivity

larger windows and

class with the optional

for the Middle East; they’re not

and fuel consumption.”

narrower pillars for even

automatic (hydraulic)

global models tweaked for the

better all-around visibility.

track tensioning feature

region with a reduction in specs.

The operator can choose from from up to

for low maintenance and less risk of de-tracking.

Speaking exclusively to CMME,

on soft surfaces like sand.

“Our new 20t excavator

Normally, when you upgrade a model and increase its weight, it is accompanied by higher fuel

Ashraf Hashish, senior GM,

consumption. But Komatsu has

Marketing, at Komatsu Middle

broken the mould for that with

East, says: “That the PC210-10M0

this new 20-tonner, significantly

and PC210LC-10M0 are built for

lowering fuel consumption in a

the region is apparent in their

heavier model, Hashish explains.

names. The M0 in the moniker

“The most important new

signifies the models have been

figure to watch out for is 20%

designed for the region. The 10

lower fuel consumption. Despite

stands for the generation; this

an increase in both capacity

is the 10th generation of this

and weight due to a bigger

excavator. And the LC in the

bucket and a strengthened

second variant stands for long

boom, we have reduced the

crawler or longer undercarriage.

fuel consumption of the new

The LC option adds more stability

machines. This is being managed

to the machine, especially for

by both engine technology and

operations with attachments,

other innovative features.

such as breakers. The LC

“The two big improvements

machine is also best suited for

are better and more efficient

operations where low ground

cooling with the on-demand

pressure is required, such as

fan and stronger hydraulics.“

23

HITACHI ZAXIS WHEELED TRIO

LIEBHERR R-SERIES EXCAVATORS

URBAN WARRIORS

BEHEMOTHS UPDATED

Wheeled excavators are

excavator would mean closing

beginning to assume greater

only one side. Also, the tracks of

importance in the GCC region

the heavier crawlers can damage

on the back of civic authorities

road surfaces,” says Bakergem.

regulating the use of crawler excavators in urban areas.

Given this scenario, Hitachi

The Hitachi wheeled excavator range in the region begins with the new Zaxis ZX170W-5A, a

has just the right kit to meet the

reliable machine with impressive

increasing demand – the Zaxis

fuel economy, swift front

trio of ZX170W-5A, ZX190W-5A

movements and easy operation,

and ZX210W-5A, with operating

according to the company. With

weights from 16.8-21.6t.

an operating weight between

Piet Bakergem, GM, Hitachi

16.8-18.3t, it’s powered by a

Construction Machinery

153hp engine and boasts a

Middle East Corporation

bucket capacity of up to 0.70m3.

(HMEC), says that for urban

The ZX190W-5A has an

job-sites, the wheeled range

operating weight range of 18.1-

is an apt fit with its ease of

19.8t and ups the bucket capacity

manoeuvring and capacity.

to 0.80m3. The top-of-therange ZX210W-5A, meanwhile,

Liebherr Mining

together with proven

swing more easily in constrained

increases bucket capacity

Equipment Colmar SAS

Liebherr components,

spaces because its counterweight

further to almost a full cubic

launched its B-versions

make these updated

is above the wheels, whereas

metre at 0.91 in an operating

of the R 9100 and R 9150

models ideal for the

for a crawler it is behind the

weight package of 20.1-21.6t.

excavators early this year.

mining and construction

Both machines have

industry’s needs.

“A wheeled excavator is able to

tracks. This means that while a

“After-sales support is available

The R 9100 B and R

crawler would require both sides

24/7 from our dealers. We ensure

proven to be reliable and

of a road to be closed for, say, a

swift service and great parts

productive partners in the

9150 B are equipped

roadworks job, using a wheeled

availability,” Bakergem says.

mining industry over the

with Liebherr’s V12

years, said Liebherr, and

diesel engine designed

with the newest upgrades,

to withstand extreme

these hydraulic excavators

outside temperatures and

“take a step forward to

high altitudes with low

exceed the performance

atmospheric pressure.

and reliability compared

The new B-versions

to other players in this

come with the exclusive

class while lowering

EVO Bucket Solution with

the cost per ton”.

patented Liebherr design

The Liebherr R

to maximise loading

9100 (first launched in

capacity and ensure

2010) and R 9150 (first

optimal penetration

launched in 2012) are

efficiency. Thanks to

based on 60 years of

contoured sidewalls and

Liebherr experience in

augmented depth, the

the development and

EVO Bucket backhoe

construction of hydraulic

bucket has now a capacity

excavators, said the

of 7.5m³ for the R 9100 B

company, adding that

and 8.8m³- 9.6m³ for the

innovative technologies

R 9150 B. The buckets also

from its large hydraulic

shovel match dumpers in

excavator programme,

the 50t to 100t class.

24

LAST WORD E ARTH MOVING REP ORT 2019

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