Construction Machinery ME July - August 2020

ISSUE 104 UST 2020 JULY-AUG

PLUS

ESCUE S R E H T O T L A T N E E R COMPANI

RENTAL TO COVID-19 RESPOND

T I M E IME IN QUESTVOOF LUVPO UP T

GION E R F IR S T N I S N PE CENTRE O

P U T I G N I P M U P

UMPS P D E T N U O TRUCK-M

ER T T E T S G IN W H C S E H ERS T K F A O M ’ N P E M E U U AS THE ‘Q NDS IN THE UAE, P DS AND COVID-19 RANGE LA EW MODELS, TREN DISCUSS N

CONTENTS

40

JULY-AUGUST 2020 6_NEWS The latest news from across the region and further afield.

16_CERTIFIED PARTNERSHIP Al-Bahar shares a success story of Dubai-based contractor UNEC’s fleet of 42 certified used Cat machines acquired in a decade-old relationship.

18_SDLG ON COURSE AT YAS UAE contractor Desert Group uses SDLG’s L968F wheel loaders for uninterrupted landscaping work at an Abu Dhabi golf course project.

20_IN QUEST OF UPTIME The Volvo Group and its regional dealer, Famco, launch the Middle East’s first Volvo Uptime Centre in Dubai to raise uptime with asset monitoring.

12

26_RENTAL TO THE RESCUE CMME speaks with four big rental companies operating in the region to find out what the future holds for them and the sector amidst Covid-19.

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2

EDITORIAL JULY-AUGUS T 2020

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

SHOWING RESILIENCE Last month, amidst the difficulties brought on by the Covid-19 crisis, Schwing Stetter and its UAE partner, Dubai-based Construction Machinery Centre (CMC), brought in a new Schwing S43 truck-mounted concrete pump to the UAE. On the face of it, the timing of such a move seems odd, given the market conditions. But delve a bit deeper, and it’s not. CMC calls the S43 the “Queen”. And the signs that it will have a good reign are already visible, just weeks after the model was unloaded from the ship that transported it to the UAE. In our look at the truck-mounted concrete pump space in this issue, CMC tells us that the new model has already found buyers, while interest remains high in Schwing Stetter products in the region, the current situation notwithstanding.

This owes in no small way to the measures CMC has taken to deal with the contingencies of the present by rolling out facilities such as in-house financing and easy, long payment tenures for customers.

This fast response to the challenges of the times is what raises hope that the Middle East’s construction and equipment sector will emerge from this crisis perhaps stronger than before. For, the story of resilience that can be seen in the CMCSchwing combination is being repeated in numerous other instances, not just with pumps as demonstrated by what Cifa and Liebherr also tell us in this issue, but also in numerous other sectors, such as rental.

In our chat with four regional rental giants, we get to learn that though business is affected by the Covid-19 situation, each one of them is either expanding into new areas of services and offerings or increasing the number of machines in their fleet with new purchases and acquisitions. So while the likes of Johnson Arabia and AJI Rentals

go the spider crane route by inducting Maeda and Jekko machines into their fleets, others, such as Sudhir Rental and Safelift, have increased the number of units in their fleets by purchasing both new and used equipment from the leading OEMs. What underpins these actions is faith that our region’s economy will bounce back from whatever it is faced with, and a resilience in their own operations built up over years and decades of weathering the odds that lets them negotiate the ups and downs like seasoned campaigners.

And meanwhile, new technologies continue to be developed apace, their relentless march quickened by the demand for innovative solutions to new problems.

Ergo, we see the coming to prominence of remote-controlled machine operation solutions, such as the one from Bobcat that we present in this issue. Or even the sudden relevance of remote monitoring and diagnostics of machines to increase uptime with the least human intervention, as we learn Volvo’s newly opened Middle East Uptime Centre seeks to do.

In a time that demands collaboration over competition, CMME will continue to chronicle how the region responds, as we too muster up the virtue we’ve spotted in the industry we cover: resilience.

ADVERTISING SENIOR SALES MANAGER BIPIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 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 MARKETING AND EVENTS EXECUTIVE AYSHA SULTAN aysha.sultan@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE ZAARA KHAN zaara.khan@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PUBLISHED BY

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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 2020. All rights reserved.

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ONLINE JULY-AUGUS T 2020

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

DOOSAN’S NEW XITECLOUD

Al Mouj Muscat begins construction works on Juman Two apartments

TO AID DRIVE TOWARDS AUTONOMOUS JOB-SITES

Does anyone remember the story from a few years ago, where people were openly discussing a future where drones and robots would build be able to build our buildings? It

CONSTRUCTION

seemed like crazy talk

Ministry of Infrastructure Development announces $66m worth of projects in Sharjah

then and it probably still is now. This story - Doosan’s new XiteCloud smart construction solution

Analysis: The next generation of workers to improve efficiency of construction

to aid drive towards autonomous job-sites however, does demonstrate that we are moving into an era of autonomous

CONSTRUCTION

equipment operating on

Work completed on 8,500sqm SSAM facility in Al Ain, Mubadala says

our construction sites.

Personally, I’m excited to see what the use of drone technology can deliver in terms of surveying, especially when it comes to mapping out earthworks zones on-site. I’m not sure

MACHINERY

how far the technology

UNEC finds success with used Cat equipment from Al-Bahar

can feasibly go, but if we are to see true levels of autonomous vehicles and equipment deployed then data gathering will be at its heart. As they say information is power and this will be true for both

CONSULTANT

KSA’s Amlak International sets price range for IPO offering

Feature: How the UAE supports housing projects despite COVID-19 pandemic

client and contractor.

Name withheld by request

S W E N 6

UPGRADED TYRES

MAGNA TYRES MA04+ RANGE NOW THREE-STAR RATED

JECTS, O R P W E FICES, N F O W E N , HINES OUND R A K O NEW MAC O L IVES – WE T A MONTH I T S I I N H I T W W E E N HAT’S N W T A N O I THE REG HELENE MELLQUIST TO HEAD VOLVO PENTA Volvo Penta has

Off-the-road tyre specialist, Magna

announced the

Tyres, has introduced its first ever

appointment of

‘three-star’ rigid dump truck tyre

Helene Mellquist as

in an upgrade of its MA04+ range,

the new president

increasing payload by 8%.

of the company,

The Dutch-headquartered company

taking over charge

announced that it has added the new

on September 1.

24.00R35 to its MA04+ line-up, making

The Volvo

it available in the three-star version

Group’s engine and

in addition to the existing two-star

power company

one. According to Magna Tyres, the

said that Mellquist,

potential of its latest development is

who is currently

“tremendous”, and it will be the first

president for the

step in the upgraded generation of

European division

Magna’s rigid dump truck tyres.

MBR Solar Park looks to Sunward

of Volvo Trucks,

Chinese construction equipment maker Sunward has delivered eight units of heavy machinery to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE. Sunward said the delivery made in late May comprises six rotary drilling rigs and two excavators. The machines, sporting Sunward’s trademark livery, can already be seen on the job-site at the solar park. They are being used by the project’s foundation piling contractor, who has 25 years of international engineering experience. According to the manufacturer, the contractor has been using Sunward products since 2003 in various projects in China, Vietnam and Malaysia and has a total equipment fleet of more than 200 units.

The total piling job at the solar park covers 120,000 metres, for which Sunward products were chosen because of their high reliability and adaptability to the

group in 1988 and

of technical analysis, Magna Tyres

has held many

managed to launch its first ever

senior positions at

three-star rigid dump truck tyre,”

the company, and

said a statement from the tyre maker,

has also served

adding that the new model is part of

as the CEO at

its upgraded MA04+ range, which has

TransAtlantic AB

provided many dump trucks worldwide

between 2012-

with superior performance since its

2015. Mellquist

introduction, enabling the movement

replaces Bjorn

of countless loads of raw materials. The

Ingemanson,

proven tread pattern of the MA04+ has

who is retiring in

turned out to be the right basis for the

September after

further development of the range.

high temperatures and dusty conditions of the region – as well as their overall low cost. “There will be more Sunward products used on our job-site as this new contract progresses,” said the head of the contracting company.

Bob Xie, managing director of Sunward Middle East Division, said: “Sunward’s Middle East operations are based out of the UAE and our products and services cover the entire region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, apart from the UAE itself. We are among the leading Chinese global heavy equipment suppliers as per export data.

Sunward has consistently been in the top position for export of static pile drivers and in the second position for skid-steer loaders and rock drilling rigs. We have also bagged the No.3 position for foundation drilling rigs, the No.4 position for crawler cranes and the fifth spot for excavators.

The increase in payload equals an

has also been

extra 9t in capacity per dump truck,

made a member of

which has the scope to provide a

the Volvo Group

huge increase in productivity when

Management

considering the number of cycles

Team. She began

made daily, Magna Tyres added.

her career at the

a long career at the Volvo Group.

“After years of research and hours

“The next level Magna MA04+ ensures customers a stronger tyre, with more rubber in the contact patch, and better and additional steel liners, which will result in increased load capacity.

It allows mining operators to increase the productivity and continuity of their earthmoving operations,” said Magna.

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8

NEWS ROUND-UP JULY-AUGUS T 2020

ACTIVE AMIDST COVID-19

CASE CE DELIVERS 125 UNITS IN ANGOLA

Bobcat EMEA HQ bags ‘Healthiest Office’ award

The recently opened Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters for Doosan Bobcat in Dobris in the Czech Republic has won the ‘Healthiest Office’ Award in the CBRE Art of Space Awards.

While the award was given in the ‘Healthy Environment and Sustainability’ category, Doosan Bobcat was also among the finalists in two other categories – ‘Workspace Design – Industrial’ and ‘The Most

BENTLEY SYSTEMS ACQUIRES NOTEVAULT Bentley Systems has acquired NoteVault, a provider of voice-based field automation for construction management that helps synchronise status reporting.

The new acquisition expands its digital construction environment.

Attractive Meeting Point’.

The CBRE Art of Space Awards saw 250 candidates competing for victory in six main categories across the entire spectrum of commercial real estate.

Doosan Bobcat said its $11.2m three-storey EMEA headquarters building covers an area of 1561sqm and offers more than 3370sqm of usable office space for 200 employees. In addition, there are sufficient parking spaces, including charging stations for

electric cars. Investments were also made in the construction of green areas covering an area of more than 7000sqm.

Sebastien Millet, vice president, Procurement, for EMEA, said: “Thanks to our win in this key category, we can be rightfully proud of one of the healthiest work environments. With the new headquarters in Dobris, we have completed an investment which, thanks to the concentration of development, production and management of the company in one place, is of socio-economic importance for the entire region and is exceptional within our field.

The jury evaluated the new building as follows: “In its new headquarters in Dobris, Doosan Bobcat EMEA has... emphasized room acoustics, proper daylight and greenery.”

NEW PRESIDENT AT KOHLER POWER Engine and power heavyweight Kohler has announced the appointment of Brian Melka as its new Group

Case Construction Equipment has

President –

delivered an order comprising 125

Power. Melka will

units of earthmoving machines to

provide strategic

the Angolan government in what is

and operational

one of its largest delivers for 2020.

leadership for the

Announcing the delivery to the

company’s global

Angolan Ministry of Transport, Case

Power Group

Middle East and Africa regional

businesses: Power

headquarters in Dubai said it is a sign

Systems, Kohler

that the global and regional construction

Engines, Clarke

equipment sector is beginning to

Energy and Kohler

see an uptake in activity amidst the

Uninterruptible

Covid-19 pandemic, “as governments

Power. He will also

of countries with downward

be responsible

trends in contagion enter into their

for accelerating

respective next phases, reinstating

growth and

select construction activities”.

profitability and

Case added that this “substantial”

will report to David

delivery in Angola is the result of a

Kohler, president

tender won by Redondo y Garcia SA, a

and CEO.

key Case partner. The order consists of 35 units of Case’s 570ST backhoe loader, 20 units of its CX220C crawler excavator, 35 2050M bulldozers and 35 units of the 885B motor grader. Aftermarket services tied to this delivery are being supported by Case dealer Ivecar SA.

RED DOT AWARD FOR VOLVO ULER US HA AUTONOMO tonomous electric

15 au r Group’s TA ot Award fo The Volvo 2020 Red D e th the n o o w t 15, par f hauler has E said the TA C o lv o o lv V o .

V n ig on from product des sport soluti an tr s u ly o al m b o ost glo TARA auton won the m s Solutions, u o m o ign quality n es to d Au r industrial fo k n, ar m perts in Esse recognised f design ex o el an p e a h n. T by wowing duct Desig win for Pro ality u q n Germany, to ig f high des o al se a is award ished global ost distingu from the m petition. design com

9

Hitachi expands scope of ConSite Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) has entered into a licence agreement with Hitachi Ltd. to expand the scope of application of its ConSite service solution beyond the construction equipment sector to include industrial machinery manufacturers.

The ConSite service solution from the construction equipment maker provides remote monitoring and data reports for construction machinery working at job-sites, and Hitachi will use HCM’s knowledge and expertise in the this field to extend the service and target industries outside of the construction machinery sphere.

The agreement authorises

the disclosure of HCM’s knowledge and expertise to Hitachi, in areas such as computer programmes related to services for delivering ‘monthly report’ and ‘alarm report (emergency report)’

on HCM’s construction machines currently deployed around the world, and also approves the use of the ConSite trademark. With the agreement, Hitachi will be able to leverage ConSite in

POWER BOOST NEW INCENTIVES

JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE HELPS COMPANIES GET BACK TO BUSINESS

FOR CUMMINS Cummins has announced

the development of solutions that enhance maintenance services for industrial machinery manufacturers.

The new solutions are scheduled for commercial release in October.

Since 2013, HCM has provided the ConSite service solution on its machines, improving failure risk awareness through remote monitoring based on Global e-Service data. Reports on the status of construction machines contribute to the reduction of lifecycle costs, which is an important customer concern. At present, the number of HCM machines with ConSite data report service contracts has reached 143,000 in 113 countries and regions.

DISINFECT TO RESUME WITH VEOLIA Veolia Middle East has launched a new “quick response disinfection” service to help organisations decrease downtime and take preventative steps in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. The new ‘Back on Site and Safe’ disinfection initiative is compliant with the UAE’s latest health guidelines.

Ahern and Trackunit partner for telematics

its B6.7 and L9 Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone

24/7 lease issuance and

Performance

(JAFZA) has announced a

fast-track EHS approval.

Series power

range of incentives to support

Mohammed Al Muallem,

units will feature

its customers and new

CEO and MD of DP World, UAE

new power take-

companies affected by the

Region, and CEO of JAFZA,

off capabilities

Covid-19 situation to resume

said: “Challenging times call

to support key

activities at the free zone.

for competitive solutions. At

applications like

DP World, UAE Region and

cranes, crushers

JAFZA said it now offers

JAFZA, we’re working on

and screeners. The

on-demand warehouses on

customised solutions for a

units are available

short-term lease with multi-

post-pandemic trading world

from 100-675hp,

functional storage options,

in which our customers pay

delivered as a

competitive rates and no VAT

less for more value-added

package, with an

or customs duties. Warehouses

service support across the

engine, exhaust

are available from 300sqm to

board. New business and

aftertreatment

15,000sqm in size, with water

existing companies will find

system, radiator

and electricity at no charge.

our investor-friendly, back-

and cooling

The facilities are also backed

to-business ecosystem built

system, plus

up by easier rental terms,

around the emerging needs

auxiliaries such

such as monthly rentals and

of the markers in a growth

as hoses and

deferred rental payments.

climate beyond the pandemic.”

mounting.

Among the new measures,

In-house logistics

The new incentives come

solutions are also available

after the 70% reduction in

for cost reduction, with these

registration, licensing and

services including clearing

administrative fees announced

and document processing,

before the lockdown in March..

The Ahern group of companies has announced that Denmarkheadquartered construction technology provider Trackunit will be its telematics platform partner across its entire product portfolio.

Ahern’s portfolio includes global brands such as Snorkel and Xtreme Manufacturing.

The group, owned by Don F. Ahern, also comprises an global distribution network, including Diamond A Equipment in the USA, and Ahern International dealerships in North and South America, Japan and Europe .

“We conducted an

expansive search of more than 14 telematics providers, including a multi-month pilot scheme. Our telematics committee selected Trackunit as our telematics partner. Our requirements are expansive since we encompass rental, manufacturing and distribution, and we resolved that Trackunit was the best-suited to the needs of our customers. With the integration points to our existing ERP software suites, we expect to be able to recognise the full value of the Trackunit platform across the family of companies.” said Don Ahern.

10

NEWS ROUND-UP JULY-AUGUS T 2020

EXPANDED LIBRARY

HAULOTTE LAUNCHES NEW BIM OBJECTS FOR SCISSOR LIFTS

Doosan XiteCloud smartens up job-sites

Doosan Infracore has launched its new XiteCloud smart construction solution, which it terms as the first step towards commercialising the Concept-X integrated unmanned and automated control solution it demonstrated last year.

The South Korean equipment giant said XiteCloud, introduced initially in its home country, uses complex 3D drone construction surveys and earthwork calculations uploaded on a cloud platform to maximise productivity, enabling results to be obtained in just one to two days.

Following successful introduction

in South Korea, Doosan intends to launch the XiteCloud solution in international markets in future.

Contractors can use XiteCloud to manage multiple tasks such as surveys, terrain analysis, equipment operation and construction management on a single platform, reducing construction costs and saving time while increasing accuracy and raising productivity. Earthwork site information can be digitised into three dimensions using the solutions while rock formations can be analysed as well. Being cloudbased, XiteCloud makes it easy for contractors and clients to jointly manage the progress of a project.

XiteCloud si also able to calculate exact work volumes on difficult terrain such as slopes and cliffs using advanced drone-based surveys.

PRESSURE WASHER FOR ATTACHMENT ERS D BOBCAT LOA lay w plug-and-p

METSO’S ON-LINE CONFIGURATOR A new free-to-use 3D crushing and screening plant configurator from Metso is enabling the mining and aggregate industries to design more productive and efficient plants through real-time insights. My Plant Planner simulates the circuit in 3D.

unched ne ers, Bobcat has la ts for its load her attachmen city on pressure was er sure wat ray high pres the id sa at designed to sp es. Bobc or other surfac s ad such ro ns s, io et at re st ed in applic ents can be us m to g ch ta tin at ec w nf ne tion; disi and construc nd ki r he as: roadwork any ot t Covid-19 or protect agains urban areas ng ni ai n; maint of sanitisatio odels - the ture. Three m and infrastruc ch d 250L - mat 250S, 250M an at loaders. different Bobc

BYRNE RENTAL COO STEPS DOWN Pat Fallon, COO of Byrne Equipment Rental stepped down on June 10 after 26 years with the UAEbased rental company. Fallon, who became COO in 2008, joined the company in a business development role, rising to general management positions before heading its operations. He has expanded the company’s offering and managed its geographical expansion first into Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and then into Oman and Kuwait,

Powered access

for download. These

major Haulotte has

include the electric

announced the

scissor lift Optimum

completion of its

8, electric scissor lifts

Building Information

Compact 8/8W/10/10

Models (BIM) library

DX/10 N/12/12 DX/14,

for scissor lifts with 12

diesel scissor lifts

new BIM objects, which

Compact 10 DX/12 DX,

are free to download

and diesel scissor lifts

in high quality in both

H12SX/H12SXL/H15SX/

REVIT and IFC formats.

H15SXL/H18SX/H18SXL.

Haulotte said since

Clement Viaouet,

their launch earlier

product manager at

this year, numerous

Haulotte, said: “The

architects, engineers

new BIM objects meet

and construction

the quality standards

companies are

of the previous ones:

using Haulotte BIM

particular attention was

objects to plan,

paid on their design

design and manage

and small data size.

construction projects

Thanks to hard work on

more efficiently.

parameters and working

Haulotte’s expanded

envelope, Haulotte BIM

BIM library makes

objects act on a virtual

its entire scissor lift

environment as the real

product line available

unit would on job-sites.”

11

New Wolffkran quick-assembly luffer Tower crane specialist Wolffkran has introduced a new luffing jib model, the WOLFF 235 B, which aims to save time for contractors with a design that speeds up assembly and maintenance.

Wolffkran said the new model offers a maximum load capacity of 8t in single-fall and 16t in two-fall operation and jib lengths from 30-60m.

Designed to deliver its best performance with a 50m jib, it offers a tip load capacity of 4.1t. Its 60kW hoisting winch allows for working speeds of up to 130m/min and a rope storage capacity of 620m.

It can reach a maximum freestanding height of 82m

using standard components from the modular WOLFF tower system. The premise behind developing the new model was that the faster a crane is ready for operation, the more cost effective it is, said Wolffkran.

Wouter van Loon, product manager at Wolffkran, said: “The WOLFF 235 B was developed in close collaboration with Wolffkran customers from the UK, who have decades of experience in handling luffing cranes on innercity construction sites.

The result is a (crane) with a proven duty chart that is unrivalled when it comes to assembly and versatility.”

MATT FEARON EXPANDING DEALERSHIP

GENSERV TO REPRESENT DOOSAN PORTABLE POWER IN OMAN

LEAVES GENIE Terex Corporation has announced

NEW SERCO MD FOR DUBAI METRO Serco Middle East has appointed Wallace Weatherill as its new managing director for the operations of the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Tram, which the company operates and maintains on behalf of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. He has worked in the Middle East rail industry for over six years.

XCMG, Cummins build prototype electric mini

that Matt Fearon, Doosan Portable Power

Genserv is also selling

the current

(DPP) has appointed Muscat-

the Doosan LCV6-50Hz

president of its

based General Engineering

portable light tower, said

AWP brand Genie,

Services LLC (Genserv) as the

DPP. The model, featuring

is leaving on

authorised dealer for DPP

a Kubota engine paired

August 1 after 25

generator and lighting tower

with a 6kW alternator for

years with the

ranges in the Sultanate of

concurrent light and power

company.

Oman, making it the latest

with a 105-hour run-time,

John L. Garrison,

in an 11-strong network of

is designed for providing

Jr. chairman and

dealers for the brand in 10

lighting on road and bridge

CEO of Terex

Middle East countries.

construction sites, all general

Corporation,

construction applications as

will be taking

authorised dealer Genserv

well as providing lighting for

on additional

supplies the brand’s full range

special events, emergency

responsibilities

of gensets for the Middle East

and disaster relief, oil &

as president,

in the Oman market. with

gas drilling and for mining

Terex Aerial

prime power outputs from

and quarrying locations.

Work Platforms

DPP said that as an

20 to 850 kVA. DPP’s Middle

Genserv started as a dealer

East range is designed for

for engine spare parts in

use in higher temperatures

1982 and now provides a

and more remote locations,

wide range of solutions in

and meets both prime power

Oman for the construction,

production requirements

mechanical, power and

and temporary/stand-by

warehousing sectors. It aims

or more extended needs.

to maintain a high percentage

Alongside the generators,

of spare parts availability.

(AWP), effective immediately.

Chinese equipment major, XCMG, and global engine and power products specialist, Cummins, have come together to design and build a 3.5t electric excavator to serve as a technology demonstrator and a possible future equipment solution.

The new electric excavator is suitable for operating on job-sites in densely populated towns and cities around the globe, surpassing stringent emissions requirements and keeping noise to a minimum while getting the

job done, said Cummins.

The machine debuted at ConExpo earlier this year and won the most beautiful machine award at the show.

Powered by Cummins’ BM5.7E battery modules, the excavator has 45kWh of battery power. Each battery module is designed for very high shock and vibration capability to endure the harsh conditions of the construction environment, said Cummins. The unit can meet the operational needs of a full eight-hour shift on a single charge of less than six hours.

12

I

KIT SPOTTING JULY-AUGUS APRIL 2016 T 2020

t was certainly a great moment for the fans of FC Metz when the enormous steel structures, weighing up to 242t, of the new south stand in the club’s stadium were lifted and assembled. A job that the construction company responsible, Demathieu Bard, together with Costantini, entrusted to Martifer, the manufacturer of the structure.

The lift itself was performed by crane service provider Sarens using its Demag CC 3800-1 lattice boom crawler crane, since it had all the prerequisites to perform this sporting feat. To make the “playing field” accessible for the Demag CC 3800-1, however, the subsoil at the edge of the stadium first had to be

DEMAG HITS HIGH GOAL AT FOOTY STADIUM

prepared in a special manner.

Demathieu Bard site manager Julien Cavelius says: ”With two layers (7m+5m) of 20-cm-thick Bongossi timber, we provided sufficient support for the crane. For me, the Demag CC 3800-1 is an absolutely beautiful machine that can be set up amazingly quickly and easily despite its gigantic dimensions. The machine worked precisely and reliably despite the huge components that had to be lifted.”

The complex ground preparation required the use of 18 truck transports for the necessary material and 55 transports for the crane itself.

“Since we brought 8-12 transports to the construction site per day, just

three Sarens employees using two assist cranes were able to assemble the crane ready for use in five days,” Cavelius adds. Once the assembly work was completed, there were two more days for acceptance and testing, so the crane was ready for lifting after seven days.

The Sarens team set up the crane in SWSL configuration with 60m main boom, 36m Superlift mast and a 24m-long luffing jib for the demanding lifts. The counterweight on the superstructure weighed 165t, and the Superlift counterweight up to a maximum of 325t, depending on the loads to be lifted. The Demag CC 3800-1 was thus able to lift the four steel structures, each 45m long, 25m

wide and 14m high, and weighing up to 242t. The crane first lifted the components to a height of 16m so that it was possible to move them over a row of trees at the edge of the stadium. The operator then slewed the load over the trees and lifted it by a further 13m to 29m. This provided enough height to be able to slew it over the stadium’s existing stand and, with the help of signal people, lower it exactly to the place where it was ”received” and anchored by the Martifer technicians.

“The lifting performed by the CC 3800-1 was an absolutely impressive spectacle for me. There has not been such a crane operation in Metz in the last 30 years,” sums up Cavelius.

13 �The Demag CC 3800-1 is an absolutely beautiful machine that can be set up amazingly quickly and easily despite its gigantic dimensions�

14

HARD HITTERS COMMENT JULY-AUGUS AUGUS T T 2019 2020

UNDER THE VIRTUAL HAMMER WHILE THE ‘SINGING’ AUCTIONEERS AND CROWDS OF BIDDERS ARE TEMPORARILY ABSENT AT AUCTION SITES, SALES CONTINUE IN THE VIRTUAL MEDIUM WITH ONLINE BIDDING ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT INCREASING DURING COVID-19, SAYS RITCHIE BROS.

L

iterally speaking, it has been relatively quiet around Ritchie Bros. auction sites recently. The world’s largest heavy equipment auctioneer is known for its energetic equipment auctions held all over the world with “singing” auctioneers, rolling machinery and big bidding crowds. But the theaters have been empty and will remain empty for now.

Has the industry stopped buying and selling machinery? Quite the contrary. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ritchie Bros. temporarily holds all its auctions via the internet and is currently seeing unprecedented online participation. Businesses continue to buy equipment in great numbers at the auctions.

In 2019 Ritchie Bros. sold $5.1bn worth of

machinery, tractors and trucks. Over the last two decades, the company has invested heavily in technology and seen a steady increase in internet participation at its auctions. Alongside bidding in person at the site, new online bidding features and products were developed, such as the Ritchie Bros. mobile app. Nowadays 78% of the winning bids are placed via the website or app.

In March, three of the company’s European auctions were held as online Timed Auctions - an easy to use bidding system, with multiple days of bidding and auction items that close on a set day and time. These Timed Auctions were held in France, the UK, and Germany, and featured 5300+ auction lots; sold on behalf of 460 equipment owners. Ritchie Bros. registered 6200 bidders, more than half of them from abroad.

Notable sales at the March auctions included:

• A Caterpillar 320EL hydraulic excavator that sold at the Gaillon (France) auction for €83,000 to a bidder from Austria • A Volvo EC220EL hydraulic excavator that sold at the Maltby (UK) auction for €56,000 to a bidder from Poland • A John Deere 8345R tractor that sold at the Meppen (Germany) auction for €135,000 to a bidder from Romania Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers in Dubai conducted its June sale entirely as an online Timed Auction.

Eduard Faig, regional sales manager for Ritchie Bros. in the Middle East, says: “Across the world and in the Middle East many businesses are going through challenging times. Our industry is no exception. Ritchie Bros. adapted fast to the changing circumstances, pivoting entirely to online selling at our auctions and marketplaces. Appetite for

15 “We are uniquely positioned to connect supply and demand, as well as offer fast liquidity solutions to businesses in these challenging times” used equipment remains strong with high online participation and solid price levels.

“Our recent auction in Dubai, entirely held online, went down well for equipment owners looking to sell one or more of their machines. With onlineonly auctions, the biggest thing we are seeing is that demand is still strong across the board, online participation is very high and selling prices are holding up well. We see quality items coming to our auctions and marketplaces. Our Dubai auction featured both used and unused items, with ‘lowhours’ items from top brands. We saw especially

for these items there is good appetite from the international market.”

Ritchie Bros. offers various selling contracts to its customers, including advance payments and outright purchases. These options can be interesting to businesses looking to convert assets to cash without having to wait for a scheduled auction.

Faig continues: “In a way, we are uniquely positioned to connect supply and demand, as well as offer fast liquidity solutions to businesses in these challenging times.”

More people than ever before are buying and

78%

ids are Winning b the placed via app r website o

selling online, and it seems the industry has caught on. Ritchie Bros. website visits and web account creations increased by 15% and 19% respectively.

Its mobile app users have risen perhaps even more dramatically, up 90% year-on-year.

There are dozens of auctions on Ritchie Bros.’ calendar, including in The Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy. In addition, the company is also seeing a growing interest in its subsidiary online equipment marketplace, called Marketplace-E. Items listed here can only be purchased online and sellers can set a reserve price on their items.

16

DEALER FOCUS JULY-AUGUS T 2020

CERTIFIED PARTNERSHIP

DUBAI-BASED CONTRACTOR UNEC OWNS AND RUNS 42 UNITS OF CERTIFIED USED CATERPILLAR EQUIPMENT IT HAS ACQUIRED IN A DECADE-OLD RELATIONSHIP WITH REGIONAL DEALER AL-BAHAR

R

egional machinery powerhouse Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar has reported a “success story” with its used Caterpillar construction equipment for one of its large customers, the Dubai-headquartered general contracting company United Engineering Construction Co. (UNEC).

According to Al-Bahar, the Caterpillar dealer for the GCC excluding Saudi Arabia, UNEC has purchased 42 units of used Cat equipment, comprising telehandlers, wheel loaders, compactors, skid-steer loaders and backhoe loaders. The units were bought under the Cat Certified Used (CCU) programme.

The models include the Cat TH417, TH589, TH514, TH580, TH414 and TH630 telehandlers; 950H wheel loader; CS533 compactor; 216 and 226 skid-steer loaders; and 422F and 422E backhoe loaders.

Al-Bhar said that UNEC, which has extensive experience across the construction industry, was looking for quality used machinery for its projects, with good resale value and low cost of repairs.

Since the machines to be purchased were going to be used equipment with several hours already on the clock,, longevity was the main concern. The goal was to find durable machines with reliable support, which would not upset the budgets.

“Caterpillar machines were on the top of their list.

Having known Al-Bahar and their support network in the region, decision making was rather simplified.

With Cat Certified Used Machines from Al-Bahar, UNEC was assured of the quality, as each used machine is selected, inspected and serviced to a higher standard certified,” said Al-Bahar’s statement.

The statement quoted Saad Dalbah, plant manager, UNEC, as saying: “Cat Certified Used (CCU) machines from Al-Bahar are the best option in the current market if you need good machines with high performance and good value.”

The used machines came with warranties that guaranteed good resale value, along with regular follow-ups to help the customer keep repair costs within budgets. Al-Bahar added that with the availability of equipment service histories, it was easy for UNEC to plan maintenance and repairs, avoiding downtime.

Commenting on the decade-old relationship between the Cat dealer and UNEC, Anas Ashour, used equipment manager, Al-Bahar, said: “UNEC is a very special customer for us. We are glad they appreciate Al-Bahar for the ease of doing business – starting from the transparency in the service history of the machines, fixed prices and instant quotes they received.

“Every machine in our used fleet is fully inspected and serviced using genuine Cat parts. With a strong Caterpillar warranty, our CCU machines provide remarkable value and peace of mind. I am sure it is these remarkable attributes of our used machines that sustained and fostered a relationship beyond 10 years. We look forward to assisting them in the future involving their requirements for heavy equipment and more.”

Cat Certified Used machines from Al-Bahar include products that range from articulated offhighway trucks, paving rollers, motor graders and excavators to backhoes loaders, wheel loaders and skid steer loaders. Comprehensive information about Al-Bahar’s used machines, including criteria such as model, configuration, age, hours, price and more, is available on the dealer’s website.

17 Longevity was the main concern for UNEC, with the goal being to find durable machines with reliable support, which would not upset the budgets. - and Al-Bahar fit the bill.

“Every machine in our used fleet is fully inspected and serviced using genuine Cat parts. With a strong Caterpillar warranty, our CCU machines provide remarkable value and peace of mind.

I am sure it is these remarkable attributes of our used machines that sustained and fostered a relationship beyond 10 years�

18

HARD HITTERS PROJECT REPORT AUGUS JULY-AUGUS T 2019 T 2020

SDLG ON COURSE AT YAS

A GOLF COURSE LANDSCAPING JOB IN ABU DHABI SEES L968F WHEEL LOADERS PROVIDE UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE TO UAE CONTRACTOR DESERT GROUP LLC ON A YEAR-LONG PROJECT

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ast August, SDLG delivered two units of its L968F wheel loaders to UAE-based landscaping and construction company, Desert Group LLC. The loaders are being used on a year-long project to build a nine-hole golf course on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, where their uptime was crucial to completing the development on time.

The loaders were used to transport off-site materials onto the golf course, including boulders and sand, which were used for landscaping. Describing the operations of the loaders, Lawrence Walsh, manager at Desert Group LLC., said: “The loaders (cover) roughly 1.2km in distance with each trip they make, so having a smooth loading and delivery process is really important to keep us on schedule. If there’s any downtime on these machines, we can’t get things

done but so far there’s been minimal service and repairs, which makes our job very easy.”

The main challenge when working in desert conditions is not only the heat but also the dust. “We have to clean the filters regularly and ensure regular breaks for staff, especially during the summer,” Walsh adds.

Luckily, the loaders are built for the job, says John Richards, workshop manager at Desert Group. “The technology isn’t as advanced but that was never my main priority. We wanted something simple and reliable, easy to fix, easy to use and with good fuel efficiency,” he explains, adding that even the operators on the project are in favour of the SDLG wheel loaders: “They like the ergonomics of the machine, the added sun visors and the way the controls feel in their hands. Not to mention the positioning of the seat and adjustable steering wheel too,” Richards adds.

Among colleagues, and between dealers and

customers, strong relationships are an important part of ensuring a job runs smoothly. “My team and I have a very good relationship, I know they will be there for me whenever help is needed,” Richards says.

The company also has a very good relationship with the SDLG dealer in the UAE, and one of the largest machinery houses in the region: Famco.

Joseph Gomez, project manager at Desert Group, says: “Famco have been absolutely fantastic with their service; any time we have an issue, which is very rare, they are here within hours.”

Rounding off the Desert Group’s experience of building the golf course with SDLG wheel loaders, Richards concludes: “SDLG is a great partner for us.

Our challenge as a contractor is that time equals money and if we don’t have reliable machines, we can’t make money. Our partnership with Famco UAE and SDLG has been brilliant and we will definitely choose them again for future projects.”

19

SDLG L968F

SPECKED TO PERFORM SDLG calls its L968F wheel loader a highly reliable and energy-saving product with a long wheelbase, large digging capacity with high breakout forces and comfortable operator environment. It is suitable for several heavy-duty applications such as mining, heavy construction and portside uses.

It is equipped with Weichai WD10G240E202 engine which features high power reserve, high torque and low fuel consumption, along with low emissions making it complaint with Euro III emission standards. The performance and reliability of the engine is further

enhanced by fault detection interfaces which can alert operators about maintenance requirements.

The L968F uses a VRT200 electro-hydraulic shift gearbox with four forward and four reverse gear positions for better transmission efficiency and smooth operation. The larger ratios of the first and second forward gear positions increases efficiency by over 8%, while the use of an enhanced drive axle increases load capacity and raises life expectancy by 50%, claims the manufacturer.

Also making the model more suitable to heavy and rough

working conditions are its 26.5-25 tyres on a wheelbase of 3400mm.

This enhances machine stability and carrying capacity, and allows for greater tipping loads.

The L968F has SDLG’s “new generation” of optimised front and rear frames that ensure better load distribution while reducing vibration and increase the machine’s fatigue life. SDLG says it has endeavoured to keep the design streamlined by removing surface welded points, which also enhances the looks of the machine.

The L968F sports SDLG’s ‘new-generation’ cab which

has an ergonomically optimised design to increase safety and comfort providing 15% more cab space for the operator.

Inside the cab, the L968F comes equipped with a digital instrument display that maximises humancomputer interaction. The system has centralised controls with easy detection of faults and maintenance tasks. The load-sensing hydraulic steering system enables light and flexible operation, with the steering hydraulic pump achieving variable automatic inputs for more precise control and energy efficiency.

“They like the ergonomics of the machine, the added sun visors and the way the controls feel in their hands. Not to mention the positioning of the seat and adjustable steering wheel too”

20

TECHNOLOGY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

The Volvo Group’s uptime centre for both Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment in the EMEA territory is a joint effort located in Dubai on the premises of Famco, its regional dealer.

“Connected services complement our products and enables us to upsell and cross-sell to customers.

The more the data collected, the faster it is to identify machine faults and operator errors in a pre-emptive manner, which justifies investment in our best service contracts”

21

IN QUEST OF UPTIME

USING REAL-TIME, DATA DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO INCREASE UPTIME FOR CUSTOMERS IS THE AIM OF THE VOLVO GROUP’S NEWLY LAUNCHED FIRST REGIONAL VOLVO UPTIME CENTRE IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN COLLABORATION WITH UAE DEALER, FAMCO, WHERE 24-7 MONITORING OF CUSTOMER ASSETS IN THE REGION LEADS TO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND EARLY INTERVENTION

I

n the world of construction equipment, uptime is king. Manufacturers can pour all of their abilities into creating the most advanced, capable, sophisticated and highest-performance machine in the world, but if it sits silently in a corner of the job-site waiting for repair – which it inevitable will need sooner or later - then all that technological prowess developed by the manufacturer and the money spent on it by the customer counts for nothing. A machine on the job is profit; a machine in downtime is at best non-existent or at worst bleeding money.

Keeping this in mind, most manufacturers have devised ways and means to counter downtime, such as by mobile service teams, constant on-site followups, routine maintenance at intervals, stationing their service and maintenance personnel on customer sites and projects, and such others. But downtime still happens, and though with all these measures it is dealt with swiftly, it is still disruptive. But what if it could be done away with altogether?

Enter the Volvo Uptime Centre, The Volvo Group’s technology enabled stations to monitor units of machinery and trucks from Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) and Volvo Trucks. To date, Volvo has more than a million customer assets connected globally across all its group product lines. This includes not only construction machinery but also trucks and buses. These connected assets are monitored by Volvo

through its Uptime Centres using IT enabled services.

These centres, which are in effect data logging, analysis and connectivity hubs, collect and analyse data from units in the field about their vital parameters, such as fuel consumption, hours or kilometres logged, engine temperature and health, vital fluids, idling times, etc.

With the monitoring going on 24/7, Volvo uses data analytics to find solutions to a variety of issues affecting customers, which include not just uptime but improvement in productivity, reduction of emissions and noise as well as enhancing safety.

The main aim is to use the data logged and the round-the-clock monitoring to identify problems before they occur and take immediate pre-emptive and preventive measures through the dealer to ensure continuous service of the asset. To make the process happen, Volvo CE relies on its CareTrack advanced telematics system, which provides continuous updates on the performance of the machines it is installed on. This enables problems to be detected at their earliest stages before they turn into disruptions. From a customer point of view the monitoring and early detection through an uptime centre leads to lower operating costs by increasing utilisation and fuel efficiency. The same service is available to Volvo Trucks customers with Dynafleet fleet management system.

While Volvo announced the opening of its central uptime centre for the entire EMEA region in April last year (see box), the company has now localised this vital service for our region with the first Volvo Uptime

22

TECHNOLOGY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

Centre in the Middle East together with its exclusive UAE distributor Al Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company or Famco. The first Volvo Uptime Centre in the Middle East is located at Famco’s premises in Dubai Investment Park, from where the local powerhouse supports construction equipment, trucks and buses.

According to Famco, the aim of opening the Middle East’s first uptime centre, supported by Volvo, is to “raise standards of customer service to even higher levels in 2020 and betond”.

The dealer says Volvo Trucks and Volvo

Construction Equipment owners will now benefit from upgraded standards of support backed by Famco’s workshops in Dubai Investment Park. The facility features advanced technical bays and trained personnel to ensure efficient servicing and that unplanned repairs are dealt with in an expert manner.

Equipment owners will also get access to fleet management systems which will enable designated uptime bays, updated workflows, and provide better managed access to Genuine Volvo Parts and technicians.

Roger Alm, executive VP, Volvo Group, and president, Volvo Trucks, Frank O’Connor, ME market director, Volvo Trucks, and Vladimir Knezevic, Famco MD, cut the ribbon in Dubai.

For truck owners, the Dynafleet fleet management system provides constant updates on a vehicle’s performance, making it possible to pinpoint critical data and take prompt action to reduced costs, improve vehicle utilization and allow for the quick redeployment of assets, explained Famco UAE. At the same time, equipment operators can use the CareTrack advanced telematics service which allows machine problems to be caught before they occur, while also improving technical response time and downtime resolution speed.

“Our customers are central to everything we do, so it was a logical decision for us to enhance our services by establishing the Middle East’s first Uptime Centre,” says Vladimir Knezevic, MD, Famco UAE. “This will allow us to better support our partners, assuring them further that when they choose a Volvo truck or machine, they are actively prioritising increased uptime and maximising profit, while reducing downtime and any negative impact on investments.”

Frank O’Connor, Middle East market director of Volvo Trucks, adds: “It is still uncommon for dealers to provide the levels of service that Famco is now offering, both in terms of the standards of advanced technology involved and the investment made in the upgrading of the Famco workshop facility. With the launch of its new Uptime Centre supported by Volvo, Famco is setting new standards for the truck industry in the Middle East.”

As the sole UAE distributor of Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment, Famco was the natural choice for Volvo to localise this service for the UAE market. Four analysts work in two shifts to provide 24/7 service to measure and manage uptime for UAE customers by monitoring the statuses of Volvo assets, planning the servicing of equipment and delivery of parts, and solving and preventing machine problems by issuing alerts. The three-pronged alert goes out to the manufacturer, dealers and customers from the uptime centre via phone calls, emails and text messages if and when a fault is spotted or predicted in a machine being monitored.

Explaining the process, Knezevic adds: “It’s our responsibility to demonstrate the true potential of Volvo machines to our customers and educate them about how downtime and improper maintenance can affect machine longevity and operating costs. This Uptime Centre will allow us to better support our partners, providing further reassurance that when they choose a Volvo truck or construction equipment, they are actively prioritising increased uptime and maximising profit, whilst reducing downtime and any negative impact on their investments.”

23 In terms of asset numbers, the Dubai uptime centre monitors more than 843 Volvo construction equipment and around 2,000 Volvo trucks at present. Coming to the extent and spread of coverage in terms of geography, sector and equipment, for Volvo Trucks it covers customers who have cross-country businesses in all of the UAE. All Volvo FH, FM and FMX trucks that are equipped with the DynaFleet telematics suite can be monitored.

For Volvo CE’s construction equipment, any Volvo CE machine within the geographical coordinates of UAE connected by the Swedish manufacturer’s CareTrack telematics system can ne monitored. This includes all GPE machines including wheel loaders, excavators, articulated haulers and some road-making equipment, whereas the sectors they work in vary from oil & gas, rental, contracting, mining, quarrying and transport.

While new Volvo CE machines and Volvo Trucks all come factory fitted with the CareTrack and Dynafleet telematics suites, there are also many older units of both Volvo construction equipment and trucks in the country that are not connected to the Uptime Centre, as they are not fitted with the required telematics. But retrofitting is always possible.

According to the AUE dealer, there are at least 2,000 Volvo trucks alone sold before 2015 not equipped with Dynafleet in the UAE and Famco is reaching out to customers to encourage them to sign up for the service with retrofit kits to get the remaining Volvo assets linked to the uptime centre.

But with Volvo already having opened up its central EMEA region uptime centre in its regional headquarters in Eskilstuna, Sweden, how do the two link up – or even clash, if they do? Answering this, Knezevic explains: “While there is no direct connection between the two announced setups, the EMEA uptime centre in Eskilstuna will only be utilised for UAE customers in case a service cannot be offered by us locally. Famco and Volvo CE are working closely to see that all best practices being implemented in Eskilstuna are replicated here in the Dubai uptime operations.”

Then there is also the question of local preferences and habits. It has often been observed and reported by several OEMs that the Middle East equipment and trucks sectors have for long been resistant to new technologies, especially when it comes to data sharing. So there may have been a chance that in the implementation of the Dubai uptime centre, Volvo and Famco may have encountered resistance when introducing the concept to customers for their buy-in.

Famco’s Knezevic, however, says this was not as clear cut as it’s made out to be and proved to be a mixed bag. “At the customer

HUB FOR DATA

VOLVO’S CENTRAL EMEA UPTIME FACILITY In summer las year, Volvo CE launched its new facility for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operational region to help its dealer network in the areas keep customers’ machines up and running.

Located in Volvo’s EMEA regional headquarters in Eskilstuna, Sweden, the Volvo Uptime Centre was launched to serve as a hub for information technology services by monitoring data coming in from connected machines through Volvo’s CareTrack telematics programme and identifying areas where higher efficiency and uptime can be achieved.

While the Volvo EMEA Uptime Centre in Eskilstuna, Sweden, (top) is the hub for monitoring data in the entire region, screens in the Middle East Uptime Centre show locations of assets in the region.

Fredrik Gerhardsson, vice president for aftermarket in the company’s EMEA region, says: “The majority of problems we work with should be things that we detect before the dealer or customer does.”

Volvo explained that dealers will be alerted by case handlers at the Uptime Centre about machine error codes and alarms so that they can take immediate action on behalf of customers, reducing unplanned stops and expenses on fuel and maintenance while also preventing future problems.

Volvo says the centre was needed becasue effective

level, the UAE market is such a mature one compared to other parts in Middle East that plant managers or owners really liked the idea of a system helping them out to monitor their fleet all the time to minimise downtime and increase productivity.

“At the operator level, however, there are some concerns, as they think this remote monitoring of their operating behaviour is challenging their skill-set and experience. We counter this by treating it as an improvement opportunity, whereby with the help of

guiding of dealers in the field of preventive maintenance requires expertise from more than just the aftermarket. The manufacturer adds that it reorganised its product support department to offer the new services.

“Involvement of all areas of the Volvo CE team help create a culture of uptime and bring customer service to the forefront of the business,” says Robert Sundkvist, uptime centre manager, who heads a dedicated team assembled to support dealers and customers by providing solutions to problems that can lead to reduced uptime.

planning and quality operator training as part of our uptime services efforts, we can improve the way operators handle their machines.

“Also, I believe that overall by educating customers about the new technology and the benefits of data and reporting provided by Care Track and Dynfleet, they will be convinced we’re not abusing or sharing the data on their operational efficiency and uptime.”

Knezevic adds that all the raw data collected from the construction machines and trucks belong to the customers, and their permission

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TECHNOLOGY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

is necessary in the form of an agreement for Volvo and Famco to be able to utilise the data.

Detailing the operations of the Dubai uptime centre, he adds: “Currently we have four people working at the centre, two for construction equipment and two for trucks. That’s enough for the market here as of now. They work in two shifts and track the units 24/7, because our customers operate 24 hours and if we open up an uptime centre, we need to match that. It’s important for the centre to establish good communication with our after-market colleagues, so there is this connection and real time reaction when a case is logged, and the uptime is there to tell you how successful we are in rectifying the problem.

“We use this uptime centre to not only to provide services to our customer, but we’re also learning from Volvo how it can be utilised as a business centre of excellence. Making this centre profitable is the aim, as well as to use it for training of service advisors, supervisors and other team members - because it’s vitally important that all of them are connected.”

The way technology has progressed, the possibilities of the uptime centre to be of use to customers is immense. The delivery of information can be tailored to suit specific purposes, even when thee is no staff in the centre 24/7. For example, the system can be

“Our customers are central to everything we do, so it was a logical decision for us to enhance our services by establishing the Middle East’s first Uptime Centre” set up according to customer preferences and requirements to show them specific data and analysis – and have it delivered in a variety of ways, such as by a text message to their mobile phones at any time of the day or night.

Customers have the choice of four kinds of service contracts - Blue, Silver or Gold. A Gold contract runs for five years and has a 100% uptime guarantee through servicing only when needed and in such a way as to not cause downtime. This is done in a

Volvo and Famco officials are all smiles cutting the cake (bottom) at the Middle East Uptime Centre, as Famco personnel keep an eagle eye on the screens at the centre.

planned and agreed-upon manner, so that when the vehicle under contract comes in for a regular service, a component that needs to be changed is already in stock and can be changed on the vehicle. Another option is to inform the operator or driver that a component is about to break and there is a workshop 50km away where it will be ensured the part is in stock and space available. So, the vehicle just needs to be taken there and the job is done instantly.

Doing predictive maintenance of this kind also has an effect on Volvo and its dealer’s after-market operations, and Kenzevic explains: “It is affecting our after-market business in a very positive way. We want to work in a proactive manner and make sure that the customer is having as high an uptime as possible. This requires careful service planning and parts supply, so we have had to get more structured and organised to help the customer. Benefitting the customer in this way is also good for our business and for the customer’s business. It is a really strong partnership that will improve our business and our customer’s business.”

Summing up the rationale behind the initiative, Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm concludes: “The final aim is to generate high productivity and high uptime for our products and customers. In the end, we need to make sure that customers are always being able to generate high revenues with our products and their productivity is up. The uptime centre concept is not unique to the Middle East; we have it in many areas around the world. But, of course, this is a big first of its kind in the GCC, and we want to expand this concept into other countries in the region. We can now show our business partners in other markets what Famco is doing and share the best practises to benefit as many customers as we can. That’s our aim going forward.”

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HARD HITTERS JULY-AUGUS T 2020

RENTAL TO THE RESCUE

AS THE GCC REGION GRAPPLES WITH THE FALLOUT OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION, CMME SPEAKS WITH FOUR RENTAL BIGGIES TO FIND OUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THEM AND THE SECTOR, AND HOW THEY ARE CONTINUING TO RAMP UP TO TACKLE THE PRESENT MARKET CONDITIONS

T

he Middle East’s construction, industrial and facilities management sectors are well acquainted with rental as a means of procuring equipment to get jobs done. While the rental market has grown exponentially in the last few years, it’s still not on par with more mature markets in terms of the percentages of utilisation.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, though, could change that. The regional rental sector expects that although the strains of the situation are showing on its balance sheets, the future can be rosier with many customers realising the potential of rental as a cost-effective and hassle-free way of obtaining equipment for their jobs.

Martin Kirby, MD of regional rental heavyweight Johnson Arabia, tells CMME: “I think the region is very much going to move forward into a rental bias in its business model, moving away from owning equipment or perhaps holding a lot less of the equipment than they used to. Rental rates of course are under extreme

27 Johnson Arabia has earned a reputation for maintaining an extensive and well-serviced rental fleet and has recently moved into a dedicated 41,800sqm facility in Dubai’s DIC area.

“The business environment is challenging but that’s not in our power to change; we will have to meet the challenges. To do so we need to be leaner and meaner in some ways… This is why we’re going to expand and bring in new things… and generally provide an even better level of service to our customers”

pressure, but we do see future opportunities in the region due to a new mindset caused by Covid-19.

“At Johnson Arabia, we’re lucky to be in a position to take advantage of this, as an over two decade-old company that works on guiding principles of very high health and safety standards. And of course, this is not going to change just because we have a recession.

“Over 20 years, Johnson Arabia has spread its footprint across the region and maintained its core values of looking after customers and providing complete solutions. And despite the current volatility, we’re still looking for opportunities everywhere.

“We have over 250 mobile and crawler cranes with a combination of manufacturers and in the range of 7-700t in lifting capacities. And through our partners around the region, we’re even able to bring in much bigger cranes. We have access to a huge resource of equipment. We entered into the AWP business around 12 years ago, and it was a really good match for the rest of what we did with our total lifting solutions.”

Gareth Conley, executive manager, AWP division, at Johnson Arabia, adds: “We have over 700 access machines, 70% booms and the rest scissor lifts. We start with the small push-arounds and self-propelled lifts and go up to ultrabooms. We also have many electric machines, as we work a lot with facilities management companies, especially in the UAE. We have major operations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.

“As a group, our important fleet expansion last year was with six units of spider cranes from Maeda Cranes, purchased through Kanoo Cranes. We’ve been really impressed with them, so we’re mulling another order to grow that side of the fleet. Customers don’t want to call in a large crane to place something small. Instead, you can take a spider crane through a door or a gap and it will do the lifting you require.

“On the MEWPs side, we had a major fleet expansion in 2018 and we’re still looking for opportunities to plug any gaps in our fleet strength and composition.”

Mohammed Fareed, executive manager, crane division, Dubai, northern emirates and Oman, at Johnson Arabia, adds: “We’ve built a fantastic reputation for providing complete solutions in our areas of operation - such as heavy lifting. We celebrated 20 years of our establishment in November, which coincided with us moving into our brand-new facilities at Dubai Industrial City. In the last six months we’ve inducted a few 400t Liebherr cranes into our fleet and more are on their way. We’ve also inducted some 150t cranes. Keeping our fleet up-to-date, modern and in sync with the demands of the market is an ongoing process we’re doing all the time.”

Another ongoing process at Johnson Arabia is safety, and Conley explains: “We have had an IPAF training centre on our premises for over four years and we’ve conducted upwards of 600 operator training sessions. We offer IPAF courses such as 1B, 3A, 3B and harness training. We have five supervisors who go out individually with each hire to drop the machines off and place them where the customer wants. They do a familiarisation training on-site, so operators are fully aware of all aspects of the machine. This is an

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HARD HITTERS JULY-AUGUS T 2020

FIRST IN UAE

AJI OFFERS JEKKO MINI CRANES AJI Heavy Equipment Rental has become the first in the UAE to offer a Jekko SPX1280 mini crane, after the Italian manufacturer delivered its latest 8t crane model to the Dubai-based rental company and Jekko dealer recently.

According to Jekko, AJI, which runs a young and diverse rental fleet of around 500 units in the UAE consisting of a full range of powered access, mini crane and cleaning equipment, will also receive a Jekko SPX532 crane soon. Among the Jekko models already with AJI are the SPX312, SPX424 and the JF40.

Dean Jones, general manager, AJI, said: “We have been eagerly awaiting the SPX1280 as it brings a new dimension into the market. We

saw its outrigger footprint and flexibility that truly set it apart from its competitors when we placed our order at launch last year.

We have a couple of interesting projects lined up for the unit and can’t wait to get it on site.”

The SPX1280 was officially presented at the end of 2019 and has already been a great success, said Jekko. This versatile mini crane, the biggest of Jekko’s SPX line so far, reaches 26.6m in height (with jib) and encompasses new-generation technology that fully exploits the

additional service we provide for safety and ensuring peace of mind.”

Fareed adds: “For cranes, a dedicated department looks after safety training for operators and all safety planning and briefings for lifting jobs. We make sure we have both internal and external trainings and our people are constantly kept abreast of the global best practices in the industry.”

Johnson’s attention to safety also reflects in its steps for Covid-19, as Kirby explains. “Our management team got together quickly, even

Sudhir Rental supplies access machines, lighting and portable power equipment, and forklifts to customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and is now expanding into Europe as well.

concepts of stability and hoisting.

The combination of stabilisation system, sensor technology, software and a new user interface generates endless working situations, the manufacturer adds.

before the lockdowns began, to put safety guidelines in place. We invested in the right accessories for personal safety, which was a necessity, as nothing is more important than the safety of our staff and customers.

“We had a good first quarter before Covid-19 hit and even after that we’ve come through pretty well, given our versatility in catering to several sectors. It’s been challenging, of course, but we’re always looking at opportunities in it, whether by being versatile with new products or looking at new regions, where we’re trying

“The core of this crane is its new stabilisation system and the well-known hydraulic jib with three extensions that can be stowed either under or on the side of the main boom. The new hydraulic system allows smoother and more precise operation, for a greater feeling of control for the operator. This 100% electronicallyoperated supply system has been enhanced to offer new functions such as jib extension and arm lifting at the same time, smoother and more performing tracks, operation while combining four functions at a time,” added Jekko.

to replicate the service we have come to be known for in the UAE. Our customers are really happy with what we supply, the quality of our manpower and 24/7 coverage, which they wouldn’t find with competitors.”

Meanwhile, at another regional, heavyweight, Sudhir Rental, regional manager Graeme Horribine says Covid-19 has been an “unprecedented experience” worldwide.

“All businesses have been affected in some way and it has affected our business in many different ways, whether it has been in the way

29

“Extra capacity or high capacity AWPs are being requested more regularly, driven by the customers’ needs to lift more and larger materials”

we are communicating with all our customers to how many people we can have in the office.

As expected. there’s a hold or a slow-down in a lot of construction projects, sporting events and such other things, which have all meant idle machines for most companies. We have managed to keep all our team but have faced big challenges with working restrictions in the field due to various lockdowns,” he explains.

“The problem that we have faced with Covid-19 is with suppliers not being able to deliver when we require the materials. Getting

access to sites for servicing of our machines has also been restrictive due to the policies and procedures of individual companies.”

Despite this, Sudhir Rentals is looking at the future with great optimism and is I the midst of an ongoing expansion into Europe, Horribone reveals. And the last few months of Covid-19 apart, these have been on the whole good times for the company.

“Since January 2019, we have added 120 machines to our fleet, mainly split between AWPs, forklifts and light towers. The forklifts

Already running a fleet of over 400 AWP units, AJI Rentals recently expanded its fleet with Jekko mini cranes after being appointed as the manufacturer’s authorised dealer for the UAE.

have been added to create a new revenue opportunity with demand from customers for long-term agreements increasing. The AWPs have been added to strengthen our position as a leading provider of booms and scissor lifts in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. We have brought in a cross section of machines from 19-feet electric scissors to 50m booms.

“Sudhir Rentals now has a fleet size of 850 machines, split between generators, AWPs, forklifts and light towers. Our generator sizes are from 30kva up to 1250kva. We rely mainly on GPS tracking at the moment to track and monitor our fleet and individual units remotely but we are always looking for better IT solutions.

“We also offer IPAF training to all users of AWPs including the IPAF’s 1b, 3a, 3b, PAV, Harness and ‘MEWPs for Managers’ courses.

Apart from the UAE, our area of operation in the GCC includes Saudi Arabia as well. Sudhir Rentals is of course an India-headquartered company and we are also moving into the European market now.”

Moving into new markets is also what UAE-based AJI Rentals is doing, albeit within the same geographical area but in a new equipment class. Explaining this, general manager Dean Jones says: “AJI Heavy Equipment Rental LLC was originally formed as a specialist AWP rental provider in 2016.

The bulk of the investment in our fleet is still focused on this sector. We currently run over 400 AWP units, including some of the largest machines available in the market, and over time we have also become more specialised as well, carrying a large range of niche machines.

“At the end of 2017, we made the decision to diversify the fleet both due to high demand for certain products and the appetite for expansion and new challenges - and this led us to introducing our first sweeper/scrubber units. The sector has expanded nicely for us and we currently have a fleet of 40 units.

“Mini cranes followed later, as there was a need in the market for a specialist provider who can offer a full solution and range. Also, the equipment and category allows us to diversify our business further.”

AJI’s main expansion since 2019 has been in the introduction of mini cranes and ride-on sweeper scrubbers, and the company has had a strong focus on both sectors as they both require significant investment in fleet and skills. For adding the mini cranes to its fleet, AJI chose the spider cranes from European manufacturer Jekko, Jones informs.

“Jekko is now recognised as the world’s leading mini crane, due mainly to innovative solutions it brings to traditional problems. We were appointed dealers for the UAE and have introduced both the new SPX1280 and the

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HARD HITTERS JULY-AUGUS T 2020

SPX532 from Jekko to this market. There are more Jekko products to introduce this year, while in early 2021, Jekko will be launching the new SPX650, which will further entrench the brand worldwide,” Jones continues.

AJI also has a strong association with IPAF for training. The company welcomed the recent inclusion of IPAF and PAL cards in the construction regulations of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. “We believe it is the most robust form of training available. AJI has been an approved IPAF training centre for more than three years and has successfully issued over 750 cards in 2019. We currently have four trainers in our Dubai branch and most of the training is conducted in the training centre based in Dubai Industrial City,” informs jones.

Like its competitors, AJI Rental is also responding to the challenges thrown up by the pandemic by putting specific measures in place so that work can continue and it can provide all essential services to its customers.

“Maintenance has continued and is ongoing.

As we are part of the construction sector, our staff are required to be available and have duly carried on servicing and maintaining equipment. Additional measures were enforced around social distancing while there is ongoing sanitizing of hand tools and surfaces on a site-to-site basis,” Jones explains.

“AJI also makes extensive use of telematics systems, which include apps that are used by drivers and technicians. The system allows our team to stay connected, and these apps link with our fleet management system, which is in turn tied into our accounting system.

It was always an objective to use the most

up-to-date technologies when managing the fleet; it was used from day one and we cannot do without it.”

AJI has been involved in many major projects in and around the emirates, include EXPO 2020, MTB Terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport, PTB Terminal Expansion at Al Maktoum Airport, multiple expansion projects for both EEMAL, ENOC and DUBAL among others, reveals Jones.

“The feedback has always been extremely positive; customers like new innovative

Already big on serving the oil & gas segment, Abu Dhabibased Safelift has made small fleet expansions with electric units to target the facilities management industry.

“Our training requires more people-topeople contact and we believe that’s the way it needs to be done in the UAE at the moment in order to be effective”

equipment and we are a result driven organisation focused around what our customers want to achieve. “ This constant feedback has also enabled AJI to gauge the prominent trends in the region’s rental industry over the recent years, and Jones elaborates: “The request for hybrid technologies has increased. Customers are always looking for more environmentally friendly solutions and there was previously a drive towards battery driven machines. The focus has shifted somewhat to more fuelefficient solutions, such as hybrids. This is evident in all the sectors we operate in.

“Extra capacity or high capacity aerial work platforms are being requested more regularly, driven by the customers’ needs to lift more and larger materials when working on site. Manufacturers have begun providing machines with higher platform capacities on certain models already. Robotics are also becoming more and more commonplace; we have seen programmable sweepers becoming available and we do believe this will become a more regular sight.”

Over at Safelift, the Abu Dhabi-based regional rental specialist, facilities management (FM) and oil & gas are the sectors that are seeing traction. Wayne Taylor, the company’s managing director, says: “FM is an area that we feel will show steady progress. As things get tough, people will look at refurbing buildings rather than building new ones. It’s got to be the right mix of equipment with small scissor lifts and push along equipment’s to be able to grow with that market. We don’t think it’s a massive market at the moment, but we think

31 it’s a growth market. We have acquired some new machines to handle growth in that sector.”

Safelift has made small expansions in its fleet on the electric machines side specifically with the FM sector in mind. “So we’ve put in the factory electric scissor lifts into our fleet, mainly with Skyjack and Genie machines, some new, some used,” Taylor informs.

His biggest concern at the moment is how the entire rental sector will fare in the Covid-19 scenario and post the pandemic’s peaks. “All the senior staff at Safelift did a Covid awareness course, and we sent out guidelines to all our staff, on what to do on sites. And when our machines come back, we first sanitise them thoroughly with the necessary disinfectant.

All these protocols have been put in place and we follow all government guidelines strictly.

“But our responses apart, the Covid-19 crisis has had a massive effect on the market. We are gradually starting to see some recovery utilisation-wise, although it has had a big effect on rental rates. This is because the jobs have slowed down and there is a lot of competition in our sector now.

“The situation is fluid and constantly developing one. There are still enormous strains on the market and it’s very difficult – impossible, actually – to make any predictions about a recovery at the moment. I think Covid-19 and the low oil & gas prices are a double whammy for this region.

“At Safelift, we’ve had to make some operational changes to cope with the current situation. We stopped training for a while to adhere to social distancing rules. Because of the nature of our training, it isn’t something that you can do remotely. Although there are options to do remote training, but we believe from experience that the nature of the training in the UAE dictates that the people who need the training don’t necessarily have the equipment to do it with, and that includes both the MEWP machines and the IT enabled devices for remote learning.

“We train a lot of site-based personnel. They don’t have a lot of smartphones and tablets, or access to laptops and computers. So, we made the decision to not take on any new training until the government said we can bring people into our premises. Our training requires more people-to-people contact and we believe that’s the way its needs to be done in the UAE at the moment in order to be effective.”

With several companies coming out with online training tools recently, Taylor thinks the new technology has its place, but “more in assessment than in training”. “Nothing can beat hands-on training but the new technology can be used for assessment for staff – for certification. In my view, I don’t think you can beat hands-on training.”

TIME FOR “MIGHTY TINY”

SPIERINGS AND KANOO FORM REGIONAL TEAM Spierings Mobile cranes has Mishal Kanoo, chairman, The appointed Johnson Arabia’s sister Kanoo Group, says: “This is another enterpirse, Kanoo Cranes, as exciting partnership which will be the exclusive dealer of Spierings added to the portfolio of highMobile Cranes for the UAE, Saudi quality distribution handled by Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, with Kanoo Cranes. Our strategy is to all sales activities for new models keep introducing new innovative and aftermarket with service being equipment to the market. At managed by The Kanoo Kanoo we are constantly Group company for exploring opportunities, these markets. and improving, Koos Spierings, and we will never CEO of Spierings, standstill.” says: “Kanoo Fahad Kanoo, -AT6’s 5 Cranes is also a CEO, The Kanoo 6 2 1 K S e Th lifting family company group, adds: maximum m .2 3 with the same “Kanoo is proud 1 load at a core values as to become the s radiu Spierings. Their exclusive dealer market knowledge, for Spierings Mobile skilled employees and logistic cranes, another market leading network will be essential to product. We take pride in our serve customers on the highest capability to work closely with level. We’ll be able to maximise principals to ensure that reliable customer satisfaction in close cost-effective, long-term cooperation between our service solutions are provided to our department and Kanoo cranes.” customers and partners. Kanoo Kanoo Cranes will handle works only with the very best a defined Spierings territory and has a long history of forming for sales, parts and services close successful partnerships to increase the penetration of over many decades and we look Spierings Mobile cranes products forward to another successful and to support Spierings Mobile relationship and bringing this cranes in the region. The company quality equipment to the market.” offers engineered solutions Spierings Mobile Crane, based for all lifting requirements. in the Netherland, has been With their existing focus on manufacturing mobile tower premium brands and products cranes for more than specifically designed for the rental 30 years. industry, Kanoo sees great potential to expand with the Spierings Mobile cranes range.

10T

The concept of the mobile tower crane, invented in the 1980s

by Leo Spierings, is considered the most efficient mobile crane solution in the construction and industrial environments.

Spierings has provided Kanoo the first SK1265-AT6 in Dubai. This model is the biggest mobile tower crane on the market. It has a radius of 60m with a maximum tip load of 1.7t. It offers a maximum lifting load of 10t at a 13.2m radius. This crane is a “one-man” machine at all times — it can be easily driven, assembled and operated by a single operator. The crane can be fully operational within only 11 minutes.

Ahmad Wraikat, regional manager, Kanoo Cranes, adds: “The Spierings mobile tower crane cannot be compared to any other crane in the market today. It provides super-quick assembly and disassembly, and has been nicknamed ‘Mighty Tiny’ as its high lifting capabilities belie its compact operational size and ease of mobility.

“You need fast, hassle-free lifting solutions for jobs in crowded city centres, and this is a crane that can do just that. So ,it’s ideally suited to urban lifting jobs in cities in the region, for example, in maintenance jobs such as changing an AC chiller on top of a building.”

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

KNOW

38

TOP 10: TAY SAFE WAYS TO S MER THIS SUM

34_NEW RELEASES

e heat ted from th Stay protec 9 with these and Covid-1 basic steps.

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

40_PUMPING IT UP Truck-mounted concrete pump makers discuss their measures, models and plans in a Covid-19 market.

46_DONE FROM A DISTANCE Bobcat skid-steer loaders demonstrate how remote controlled operations reduce costs and increase efficiency and safety.

48_ELECTRIC TRIO Three Hitachi electric shovels keep Peruvian mine green.

34

NEW RELEASES JULY-AUGUS T 2020

ALIMAK’S INTRODUCES NEW SCANDO 650 FC-S 35/50 HOIST WHY GET IT? INCREASE IN CAR SIZE, PAYLOAD AND HOIST SPEED WITH IMPROVED COMMUNICATION Construction hoist maker Alimak has launched its latest high-speed model, the Scando 650 FC-S 35/50, which offers increased payload and larger car size compared to previous models, as well as improved communication capabilities.

The new model also comes with an extra wide door, designed to improve access and productivity on the jobsite. A new, large, vertical sliding door mounted on the hoist car’s long side (c-side) improves productivity further.

With an opening width and height of 4.2m and 2.5m respectively, the new door is 60% larger than Alimak’s previous largest door and enables the hoist car to load larger and heavier loads.

Another benefit of the new

configuration is that it allows unloading directly from supply trucks into the hoist car with a forklift. This reduces the requirement for storage area at ground level, which is beneficial for confined sites. With the hoist able to take loads up to heights, the requirement to use the tower crane for this purpose is reduced, leaving it free to do more vital jobs.

The Scando 650 FC-S 35/50 hoist can also be paired with Alimak’s new AliCall wireless call system, which enables wireless communication between the hoist car and landings. Operators can view designated landings directly on the screen of the AliCall system, which supports up to 128 landings and has automatic call clearing at landing. With reduced hard wiring and easier installation, Alimak says the new wireless system is also designed to reduce the cost of installation.

SPECIFICATIONS

ALIMAK SCANDO 650 FC-S 35/50 Opening width: 4.2m Hoist car height: 2.5m Landings supported: 128 Call system: AliCall wireless

NEW HAULOTTE TELESCOPIC BOOM EXPANDS RTJ LINE WHY GET IT? DESIGNED FOR CHALLENGING JOBSITES WITH QUICK OPERATION 16M BOOM AND HIGHER LOADS Haulotte has expanded its RTJ range of aerial work platforms with a new outdoor telescopic boom designed for versatile applications in heavy construction, finishing, maintenance, sports and events.

The French powered access giant said that the new HT16 RTJ O/PRO, which shares the same design and performance characteristics as the other models in Haulotte’s RTJ range, offers a weight capacity of 250kg along with class-leading outreach. For applications requiring heavy equipment, the dual-load option increases the basket load capacity to 350kg. The HT16 RTJ O/PRO also sports a new telescopic boom that elevates the operator to the work area quickly, taking less than one minute to its full height of 16m thanks to quick and simultaneous movements associated with a 360-degree turret rotation.

The HT16 RTJ O/PRO is equipped with a mechanical axle drive that allows for the use of a smaller, simpler engine that maintains the same performances as other RTJ booms with a 24hp power rating. Thanks to the smaller engine, the model eliminates the need for a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), reducing weight.

Designed for challenging environments, the HT16 RTJ O/PRO incorporates Haulotte’s safety standards and latest innovations, combining all-terrain ability with four-wheel steering, which shortens the turning radius, enabling the driver to manoeuvre in tight areas. Crab mode facilitates motion in all directions, making it easier to access all areas of the job-site.

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CAT UNLEASHES NEW HYDRAULIC MINING SHOVEL WHY GET IT? ENHANCED PERFORMANCE, DURABILITY AND FUEL EFFICIENCY, ALONG WITH OPERATOR COMFORT The next generation Cat 6060 hydraulic mining shovel features multiple design enhancements and new components that advance machine performance, durability, serviceability and operator comfort. The new 6060 features updated engines, optimised hydraulics, heavy duty structures and undercarriage, Cat electronics and a stateof-the-art cab. The new shovel is also fully integrated into Caterpillar product support systems for efficient Cat dealer services.

The 600t class mining shovel has a bucket payload of about 61t per pass in both face shovel and backhoe configurations. The 6060 is an efficient four-pass match with the Cat 793 mining truck and five-pass

match with the Cat 794 AC mining truck.

Twin Cat 3512E engines are optimised for high performance, fuel efficient operation and increased durability. The updated engine design boosts reliability and extends time between overhauls by 10%. The efficient engine and optimised hydraulics enable 1015% better fuel efficiency compared to the previous face shovel model, with 3-5% greater efficiency for the backhoe configuration. For reduced maintenance, engine oil and filter change intervals are doubled to 1,000 hours.

Structural, undercarriage and slew ring upgrades help maximize uptime and productivity and lower cost per ton. To boost longevity, the Cat undercarriage features heavy duty rollers, idlers and tracks, along with a revised track tensioning system. The superstructure frame, face shovel and backhoe attachment structures have been redesigned to reduce structural repair and extend service

life via increased plate thicknesses and geometrical improvements. The slew ring design extends component life with a triplerace roller bearing and sealed internal gearing.

The 6060 features a new, state-of-the-art cab and operator station with industry leading visibility provided by the large floor window and expansive windshield and side windows.

Unrestricted lines of sight to the crawler tracks and pit floor aid the operator when repositioning the shovel and when loading trucks.

SPECIFICATIONS

CAT 6060 Opening width: 600t Bucket payload: 61t Engine oil & filter change intervals: 1,000 hours Fuel efficiency improvement: Up to 15%

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NEW RELEASES JULY-AUGUS T 2020

LEICA UPDATES CONX CLOUD COLLABORATION TOOL WHY GET IT? NEW FUNCTIONALITIES ADDED FOR DRILL RIG, PILE DRIVER, GRADER AND DOZER SOLUTIONS Leica Geosystems has announced a further extension of its offering for the Leica ConX, cloud-based collaboration tool with the addition of Leica Captivate, surveying field

software, and functionality for drill rig, pile driver, dozer and motor grader solutions.

Leica said the product is aimed at construction companies’ need for solutions that help boost productivity, efficiency and safety, which makes it

key to offer management cloud solutions to enable construction companies gain control of their job-site and its constantly changing conditions.

Leica ConX enables to track and visualise complete fleet of assets, as well as to sync design files between multiple construction machines and surveying crews. By using the latest release of ConX, construction teams can save time and enhance workflows both in the field and office with seamless collaboration and data flow across the complete life-cycle of a construction project.

Enabling the exchange and seamless flow of field, office, machine and surveying data, with the new update, the drill rig and pile driver interface allow real-time visualisation of updates on completion of drill holes or piles in the office, without even being on-site.

WIRTGEN INTRODUCES SP 154I SLIPFORM PAVER WHY GET IT? CAPABLE OF PAVING CONCRETE IN TWO LAYERS ON HIGHWAY AND AIRPORT RUNWAY BUILDS Road making equipment specialist, Wirtgen, has updated its family of large slipform pavers with the release of the SP 154i, which is primarily targeted for use in two-layer concrete paving on highways and airport runways.

The SP 154i, which replaced Wirtgen’s SP 1500, has a flexibly configurable concrete paving train and is powered by a 436hp Cummins engine.

Wirtgen says the new model offers ample power reserves that enable it to pave concrete surfaces up to 16m wide and 450mm thick.

The Germany-based John Deere Group manufacturer said: “When paving concrete in two layers, three separate machines work

together to form a paving train: a bottom layer concrete paver, a top layer concrete paver, and a TCM (texture curing machine).

In this process, the SP 154i can be used as either a bottom layer or top layer concrete paver. Thanks to Wirtgen’s comprehensive range of machines in various performance classes, it’s possible to create concrete paving trains tailored to specific job requirements.”

As a bottom layer paver, the slipform paver is equipped with an automatic dowel bar inserter, up to three automatic side tie-bar inserters, and a concrete conveyor to the top layer paver. The heavy-duty paving mold paves the concrete true to line and level while the paver moves forward. Electric vibrators compact the concrete.

Then dowels and tie bars are precisely inserted into the bottom layer concrete. Wirtgen says the result is a homogeneous, cost-effective

concrete surface that forms the ideal base for the high-quality top layer concrete.

“When using the SP 154i as a top layer paver, the top layer concrete is conveyed over and across the bottom layer paver via a belt conveyor and placed on the fresh bottom layer concrete in front of the top layer paver.

The top layer concrete is paved ‘wet on wet’ and compacted with T-vibrators specially designed for top layer concrete,” said Wirtgen.

SPECIFICATIONS

WIRTGEN SP 154I Engine power: 436hp Max paving width: 16m Max paving thickness: 450mm Number of crawler unit: 4

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Hyundai Motor is a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, becoming the world’s first automaker to commercialize fuelcell electric vehicles. In 2013, Hyundai launched the first mass-produced and commercially available fuel cell electric vehicle, ix35 Fuel Cell. In December 2018, Hyundai invested USD 6.4 billion to accelerate the development of a hydrogen society.

Hyundai has its rich experiences and reasonable processes required to develop the quality vehicles for a hydrogen ecosystem. Hyundai Motor's fuel cell powertrain offers an exclusive propulsion solution for commercial vehicles and it represents the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable transport. Hyundai Motor Group has begun fostering the growth of fuel cell and other related industries around the world as part of its FCEV Vision 2030. The vision aims at creating a worldwide hydrogen society that leverages hydrogen technologies beyond the transportation sector.

Recognized for its technology, Hyundai fuel cell electric bus was successfully test-driven during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and the first generation of fuel cell electric bus was developed after the World Cup in 2006. In 2009 and 2018, Hyundai completed the development of its the second and third generation of fuel cell electric bus.

With the establishment of Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Hyundai expects to gain a foothold in Switzerland. In April 2019, Hyundai Motor set up its joint venture (JV), Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, with a Swiss company H2 Energy. The goal of the cooperation is to expand Europe’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem by implementing the use of fuel cell trucks.

[ELEC CITY Fuel Cell]

By 2025, Hyundai intends to bring a total of 1,600 fuel cell trucks onto the Swiss market and the first 50 ‘Xcient Fuel Cell’ trucks will be delivered to Switzerland within 2020. The ‘Xcient Fuel Cell’ will be delivered to Swiss customers in a 4×2 variant with a total gross combination weight of 34 t from 2020 onwards. The ‘Xcient Fuel Cell’ draws the electricity required for the drive from two 95 kW fuel cells, which convert the onboard hydrogen and oxygen from the ambient air into electrical energy. The fuel cell operation is emission-free – the only by-product is pure water vapor. The system is supplemented by a 73.2 kW battery. A total of 34.5 kg of hydrogen on board of the truck allows a range – depending on the usage – of about 400 km.

In Oct 2019, Hyundai Motor revealed two new concepts at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show. The new concepts are to add more detailed ideas about the product under its FCEV 2030 Vision for wide-spread deployment of hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology. Hyundai introduced the HDC-6 NEPTUNE Concept Class 8 heavy duty truck, while Hyundai Translead (HT), a leading trailer manufacturer, announced the launch of its new, clean energy refrigerated concept trailer, the HT Nitro ThermoTech®. The tractor-trailer combination provides a window into the future of the transportation in the U.S. and around the world. HDC-6 NEPTUNE embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision of mobility for a global hydrogen society, applying Hyundai designers’ creativity and the company’s advanced technology.

trucknbus.hyundai.com www.facebook.com/hyundaiCV

Partner in Every Way. Hyundai TRUCK & BUS

38

TOP TEN JULY-AUGUS T 2020

02

01

USE PPE KITS WHEREVER POSSIBLE Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, has become a necessity to keep people safe from the spread of Covid-19. While the entire kit consists of head-to-toe protective gear, it may not be possible to use all of it on most job-sites.

Do insist, however, on the use of the essentials – gloves, masks and face shields – as these not only ensure a modicum of safety but are also easy to work with.

LAY DOWN THE GROUND RULES Reinforce the message of safety every day with a team meeting at the beginning of shifts where all personnel are reminded of the safety plans and procedures, as well as made aware of site conditions and potential hazards. This includes reminders about both Covid-related safety, such as maintaining adequate distances, as well as being mindful of the heat.

: N E T P O T Y A T S O WAYS T R E M M U S S I H T E F SA AND IN Y H T L A E KIT H AND UBLE O D E H T KEEP MEN HROUGH T R E D R VID-19 O O C D N GOOD A SUMMER F O Y M M WHA

KEEP SANITISERS HANoDr oYperator should

h worker idual bottle Ideally, eac h their indiv it w d lie p p ended hand be su nd recomm a e v and ti c e ff e of an e instructed b o ls a st u ey m ntly to sanitiser. Th isers freque it n sa e th akuse cially at bre reminded to clean, espe s d od n a fo h r a ir e e n keep th where y n a o g y e th f container o times before ping a large e e K b k. jo n e ri d th or ce at a central pla s, is sanitiser in k a s bre area site, such a idea. also a good

03

FREQUENT BREAKS Working under the hot Middle Eastern summer sky is strenuous enough but throw in the Covid-19 situation, with face masks and other protective gear, and fatigue sets in even quicker. This leads to mistakes, disregarding - and sometimes even forgetting to adhere to - safety rules. Make sure operators have frequent breaks and take in enough fluids to restore their energy.

04

39

06

05 USE MORE MACHINES Wherever possible, replace men with machines or consider new attachment options, machine control devices or other labour-saving tactics. Machines can withstand heat much better than workers and still be efficient. They also do not contract deadly viruses. While it’s usually more cost-effective to employ workers in our region, these times call for making an exception.

ISOLATE FAULTY UNITS Designate a corner of the jobsite for any equipment that malfunctions and needs to be repaired. The corner must be away from the busiest parts of the jobsite as well as easy to access from outside the site. This is so that maintenance crew from dealers or manufacturers can have easy access to the unit without coming into contact with people working on the site, keeping both parties isolated. Sanitise the repaired unit prior to use.

KIT SANITISATION ROUTINE Put in place a regimen for sanitisation of all equipment after every shift, dedicating either third party experts or trained in-house personnel for the job. Use the correct grades of sanitisers and pay cover the entire machine, paying special attention to the cab and controls, as well as other areas that come into frequent contact with operators and workers.

FOLLOW S HEAT LAreW quired by

aks are Midday bre stopping ntries, as is u o c C C G a certain law in ercury hits m e th e c n ct cannot work o vid-19, proje o C h it w w problem. level. No ther health o n a e v a h d to high afford to sses also lea icion e n ill d te la Heat-re ing susp ratures, rais body tempe possible , leading to of Covid-19 the llo age. Fo w work stopp d n a ty ff safe rules for sta s. e to avoid fin

07 10

09 08

THE RIGHT KIT The Middle East summer is among the harshest working environments in the world, and not all manufacturers take this into account when producing their models for the world market. Stick to kit from tried and tested top brands which customise their machines for the region’s conditions.

USE WELL-MAINTAINED KIT Machines are more prone to failure during the summer months, due to the stress of operating in hot conditions. Before introducing a machine on a job-site make sure it is prepped for the job and all maintenance has been conducted. Faulty machines need to be touched by many hands, increasing the chances of the spread of infection.

40

COVER STORY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

Schwing Stetter’s S43 truck-mounted concrete pump has recently arrived in the UAE and local dealer CMC, which calls the machine the “Queen”, says its has already found favour with UAE customers.

“You need to be adaptable to the new situation. Thanks to our immediate action and new payment options – such as in-house financing, and easy, long payment tenures - we have managed a slow recovery... we were able to recently close a deal for one unit, while another deal for two units is in the final stages”

41

PUMPING IT UP

WITH COVID-19 RUNNING AS A BACKGROUND THEME, THREE TOP TRUCK-MOUNTED CONCRETE PUMP MAKERS DISCUSS THEIR MEASURES, MODELS AND PLANS, HOW THE MARKET IS BEHAVING, AND THE REGION’S CONSTANT DRIVE TOWARDS HIGHER REACH BOOMS

T

he truck-mounted concrete pump is a vital part of the three-pronged concrete ecosystem comprising production, transportation and delivery – or, in equipment terms, the batching plant, the transit mixer and the pump.

With the constantly increasing use of ready-mix concrete for almost all construction purposes in the Middle East, whether highrise tower blocks or residential villas, the wheels of the truck-mounted concrete pumps are kept turning constantly, yoked as they are to the wheel of the region’s construction industry.

And even in these lean Covid-19-affected times, the region still keeps those wheels turning, albeit at slower speed, with projects of various natures.

Not the worst of times, then, to bring a new mobile concrete pump into the region, as German concrete specialist Schwing Stetter, represented in the UAE by the Construction Machinery Company (CMC), did recently with its S43 model.

Speaking to CMME about the recent performance of the Schwing Stetter-CMC combine in the region, Ziad Hamade, commercial and logistics manager, CMC, explains: “The MENA region market is one of the major global markets for Schwing, especially for truck-mounted concrete pumps. In the past decade or so, we have seen growing market demand and the biggest sales had have been made from our region.

“Recently, there is a demand for higher reach booms; in fact, this demand started in 2017 where CMC managed to sell seven units in one year. This demand is still there now, but not it’s not as strong

as previous years, as a ready-mix company requires probably only one such high-boom unit, or maximum of two, to tackle all their project demands.”

Another dampener on the overall demand, of course, is the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. As a global phenomenon, the Middle East region is not exempt from the economic fallouts of the pandemic, and Hamade adds: “Just as every other market worldwide, our region has got affected as well. In such times, you need to be adaptable to the new situation. Thanks to our immediate action and new payment options – such as in-house financing, and easy, long payment tenures - we have managed a slow recovery. There is still demand at low levels for concrete pumps, and the construction sector always has an eye on the future. Considering these two factors, it’s no surprise for us that we were able to recently close a deal for one unit, while another deal for two units is in the final stages of closing.”

Hamade believes that a big part of the reason that CMC is still managing to sell its truck-mounted concrete pumps in the depressed economic atmosphere is the quality of the product from its principal – Schwing Stetter. Taking CMME through the line-up, he elaborates: “Schwing produces various models of truck-mounted concrete pumps to target all segments of the market demand worldwide. In our market, though, some of their models outshine others. These models are the 34, 36, 42, 43, 55 and 61, the numbers representing the maximum boom reach.

“Of course, beside the truck-mounted concrete pumps, Schwing Stetter has a wide range of other concrete related equipment, such as stationary concrete pumps, transit mixers, placing booms, mobile and stationary batching plants, and concrete recycling

42

COVER STORY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

plants. The company is a global concrete equipment specialist and its reputation in the truck-mounted concrete pump segment rests on its overall excellence in production.”

Hamade adds that since 2003, more than 500 Schwing pumps have been imported to the UAE by CMC and delivered to their end users. “Numbers speak better than words, and this is how good and reliable the Schwing-CMC combination is. We estimate the Schwing-CMC market share to be around 30% of the total market while all the others, including the Asian brands, make up the remaining 70%,” he points out.

According to Hamade, what makes Schwing “one of the best and most popular pump makers in the world”, is the company’s trademark Rock Valve system. “No other sequencing valve combines such low maintenance costs per mile with ease of rebuilding as the Rock Valve. All the other brands use the S Tube Valve. And that’s just the beginning: Schwing’s exclusive Super X Outriggers is another popular feature that makes for super-fast set-up times and provide a compact and stable platform for pumping.

And then there is our well-known and very well-received Vector System (see box).”

Turning to the new model, which CMC brought in from Schwing only last month, Hamade explains: “Our most popular model is the S43, followed with the S42. This is due to the fact that the S43 meets 90% of the job-site requirement vertically and horizontally. The perfect combination of Schwing’s exclusive Rock Valve, Super X outriggers and the Vector Systems makes it the ‘Queen’ of pumps. This

is the main reason why we always call the S43 the Queen. This model gives us close to 90% of our sales, compared to all the other models in the line-up.

“What makes the S43 unique, beside its excellent quality, is the resale value. It is considered the highest value between all others pumps out there. As such, this model can be treated as gold in our industry and gives our customers the option to liquidate at any time with the highest price.

“Other features behind its popularity are

Among Cifa’s new models in the Middle East is the K61L, which has a 61m boom. The company showed it off at the Big 5 Heavy in Dubai last year and says it is the way forward in the region.

the easy-to-maintain and easy-to-operate features. You don’t need to be a technical expert to operate and maintain Schwing pumps once you follow the manuals and safety measures, and attends CMC’s operators training. And all this is underlined by the long lives of the products. Our service department still receives from time to time Schwing models from 1999, which are still operational with major ready-mix companies. Going strong at over 20 years of active service life in a harsh environment such as the UAE, this is quite unheard of in the truck-mounted concrete pumps segment.”

Speaking about the harsh local environment brings us to how Schwing tackles the challenges these conditions pose. “Schwing has been exporting its pumps for more than 45 years to our market, and they have gained the experience and know-how on what suites the region. All Schwing units for the region are built with a special cooling system to overcome the harsh ambient temperatures of the Middle East. Moreover, Schwing’s R&D development is proactive and is on a continuous progress path to improve the quality and performance of their products according to the changing nature of job-site challenges, as they arise.”

And Schwing is not resting on its laurels.

At Bauma last year, the company introduced some key noew models, such as the 47, which slots in between the 43 and 55. While the two latter models are much in demand due to their price points and job-site requirements in the UAE, the 47 is expected to slot neatly between them and plug a gap.

“In the GCC region, we see demand for selected models, such as the 42m, 48, 55 and 61m boom length pumps. It’s been around 2-3 years now that requests for pumps below 42m have been absent”

43

VECTOR THE VICTOR

SCHWING’S WINNING TECH FEATURE Schwing Stetter pumps feature a unique telematics system for monitoring and tracking.

“Vector is our own monitoring, diagnostic and data logging system for all functions. It reports on how many hours each of the vital components have worked, how many cubic metres of concrete the unit has pumped both for a single job and in totality, the rate or speed of pumping in cubic metres per second, the vital parameters of the machine, such as oil temperature, the rpm count, etc.,” says Adel Khairy, workshop manager, CMC Dubai.

“Also, Vector can be used to track the unit, and a manager in a readymix company, for instance, will know in real time all details about

the performance of the pump. Also, because the Vector system constantly monitors the vital parts of the machine, it can diagnose faults and send alerts to customers in a code, which can then be matched with Schwing’s code list to know what the problem is. This is very good for maintenance and even allows pre-emptive work to be done with early detection and warning.”

Schwing maintains a record of the data for every unit with access for its technicians, dealers and customers to the history of malfunctions and work done.

Explaining some safety benefits, Khairy says: “If an accident

Hamade also explains that another new model, the Schwing 65, launched at Bauma is a huge machine that is less favoured in the region because of its manoeuvrability, or lack thereof compared to its nimbler stablemates.

“Customers are used to the idea of employing stationery pumps for higher reach pumping, rather than get the huge 65 in place,” he says.

At any rate, with its time-tested line-up and the presence of the ‘Queen’, “99% of ready-mix companies in the UAE have at least one unit of Schwing pumps in their fleet”, Hamade is proud to point out. “One of our loyal clients, very well-known in the UAE concrete sector, has only a Schwing fleet of 20 units that are operating in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah.”

When it comes to commanding customer loyalty, another concrete equipment giant is no less potent. Italian powerhouse Cifa, now under the ownership pf Chinese behemoth Zoomlion, also finds its products inspire a loyal group of customers in the Middle East, which enables it to have a good year in 2019.

Wajih Eit, head of area, Africa, Middle East and South Asia at Cifa says: “Last year was a good one for us generally at CIFA, where we increased our turnover and market share worldwide. Talking about the GCC, we saw one of our best performances in the region last year, especially when it came to gaining market share. We have the main countries in the GCC covered in terms of excellent dealers and in 2019 these countries returned very good results for us. For example, in the UAE our market share stood at 35%, whereas in Qatar it was a whopping 100%. Only CIFA

happens, there will be a data record in the system, which can be pulled up later for analysis, so that if anyone wants to see what’s behind an accident the entire sequence is available. For instance, if the outriggers were not extended, or the operator did not heed alarms from the system, the Vector records

pumps sold in Qatar last year. In Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, our market share stood at 15%.

And we still do not have other countries in the region covered, such as Kuwait and Oman, which we will be covering with dealers in the next few months.

“If you take the GCC average we are right there among the top-sellers, but if you go country by country, then of course it depends.

You have countries where Cifa is second or third, or even the undisputed leader. In Qatar, for instance it was something incredible last

Cifa believes a model with a boom length of 55m is a “must-have” in the line-ups of all brands in the region, along with the 42m pump.

The K55L Steeltech model is among its most popular.

will show it. Nobody can delete the Vector data records, so it’s like the black box of an airplane.”

What’s unique about Vector is that it is isolated enough from the main systems of the machine so that in case it is out of order, the pump can still keep on working normally.

Only the telematics functions of the Vector system will be down.

“It is like an independent parallel system and the machine can pump without it. This is an advantage with Schwing, while with other brands, if their central control systems go down, the pump cannot function and has to remain idle while the system is being repaired, resulting in losses.”

year, though we have been very strong in that country thanks to our dealer there.”

Eit adds that Cifa’s stellar performances in some regional markets last year did not spill over to this year due to a variety of reasons.

“Let me say that for Q1 this year, our numbers were not so high when compared to 2019, and that’s mainly for two reasons. The first is that we finally appointed a new official dealer – GCC Olayan - in Saudi Arabia, which is the biggest market in the region now. The appointment happened towards the end of

44

COVER STORY JULY-AUGUS T 2020

KEEPING UP SOCIAL DISTANCE

LIEBHERR’S NEW SELF-SERVICE CONCRETE PLANT Liebherr has started sales of its new self-service concrete plant which is designed to help building material suppliers extend their range of services and supply their customers in a more flexible manner.

According to the manufacturer, the new plant enables smoother supply of different types of concrete to end-customers in a timesaving manner and incorporates independent weighing of the individual components for a high output rate of up to 30cbm/hour.

Using the new self-service plant, suppliers are able to serve a wide range of customers, from marge to small professional buyers, with equal ease due to an adjustable concrete discharge, which enables the concrete to be collected by anything from small trailers right up to large truck mixers. This means that the concrete supplier can now also target the small professional

customers – such as landscapers, fence construction, stone setters, civil engineering DIYers – as easily as larger projects.

The plant works in a manner that allows the end customer to select their individually required quantity of concrete from a range of different concrete and screed types from 0.15 cbm. This enables the operating company of the self-service concrete plant to meet all individual customer requirements. The entire vehicle is then positioned under the plant. The mixing process can be started easily and conveniently by QR-code. Within the next 2-3 minutes the fresh concrete is delivered directly into the trailer or truck mixer.

Other key features of the new self-service concrete plant include the supply of small quantities of 0.15 to 2.0 cbm, as well as a high degree of automation of the plant without significant additional

outlay, which allows for longer opening hours due to the fact that requirements of workers are minimised.

In addition, the plant was also developed with a high degree of mobility, said Liebherr, so that both containers of the plant can be transported with only one truck, saving time and money on transport. The plant also has a small footprint in terms of area, occupying a floor space of only around 100sqm when fully built assembled.

According to Liebherr, the self-service concrete plant offers building material dealers or gravel pit/quarry pit operators “the ideal opportunity to offer their customers an additional service offering and at the same time further expand their unique selling points”.

30

rvice plant The self-se ut has an outp to rate of up ur o /h m b 30c

2019, so, understandably, in the first quarter we don’t have these same good numbers of the year before. But, generally speaking, if you keep the Covid-19 issue aside for a moment, it’s going to recover if we look at our backlog now in hand.”

Of course, the Covid-19 situation has put a spanner in the works for Cifa, at least temporarily. Eit explains that Cifa was all set to make the announcement of the new dealer with a signing ceremony in Saudi Arabia, inviting customers and stakeholders,

but “unfortunately we couldn’t travel to do that when the impacts of Covid-19 started to be felt on the ground”.

The pandemic had other repercussions on Cifa as well. The company had to suspend operations at its central facility and production plants in Italy for over a month and a half, which directly impacted supply to dealers and customers, and Eit estimates it will tell on Cifa’s bottom line for this year and the company will “lose our turnovers for almost an entire quarter”.

While Liebherr is still spreading its network around the GCC region in the truck-mounted pumps space, it is well known for innovations in many concrete products, such as batching plants.

In fact, Cifa is not alone. It’s projection of 20-25% decline in turnover for the year is matched by several of its peers and the equipment industry in general. But the company is taking the bull by the horns and already being proactive. “We are also making a whole revival budget for us and our dealers, and rethinking our targets based on the new data from the market,” Eit reveals.

While the revival plans are for the future, Cifa, like all other manufacturers in the market, has had to deal with immediate contingencies caused by the pandemic that have required it to make modifications to its working model.

“We work through dealers and due to the safety rules and regulations, they couldn’t send technicians out to support customers at certain job-sites for a period of time where our machines were still working, albeit at a very low scale. So, we have done a lot of online sessions during this period of lockdowns and social distancing - online training sessions with our dealers and online remote support for customers in need of our services. We had a lot of these sessions with our technicians from Italy and from the dealers’ side with customers for online remote support, trying to fix whatever can be fixed. But this has been a very short period where dealers couldn’t send their technicians to support customers.

But we didn’t have many issues with our machines in this period, anyway.”

Speaking of the machines leads Eit to explain Cifa’s offering: “A big advantage that Cifa enjoys is that we have the widest range of the products on the market. In the truckmounted pumps category, we have a large product line-up, from the smallest to the highest pumps. In terms of technological variations, we have the carbon-fibre Carbotech range and the self-explanatory Steeltech and Classic ranges. In the GCC region, we see demand for selected models, such as the 42m, 48, 55 and 61m boom length pumps. It’s been around 2-3 years now that requests for pumps below 42m – such as the 36 or 38m – have been absent.

Instead both the 42m and 55m models are must-haves in our line-up now, as they are for every pump manufacturer.”

The 42m boom is of course the key length for truck-mounted concrete pumps in the region, which was underlined at Liebherr when the manufacturer introduced its own 42m model last year. Among the global giants in the concrete equipment space, Liebherr has perhaps the smallest presence in the Middle East market, says Ali Kassem, regional sales manager, Middle East, Concrete Technology Division, at the company. Apart from a few sales in Saudi and couple of units in Kuwait, Liebherr does not have the

45 volumes to report as some of its competitors do. Kassem, however, feels this is only the beginning for the brand in the region.

“Our market presence in the region is still on the smaller side. We are still at the beginning of our exposure of the GCC market. We have had some sales around the region whether it is in the GCC or Middle East in general, like the Levant area – we sold some machines in Jordan, for example, and some in Africa. But on the whole, we are still developing our product and presence in this market where pumps are concerned.”

And Liebherr is doing this on the back of and advanced line-up of products, he adds.

“We have good quality pumps with stateof-the-art designs. We may still be in the developmental stage in terms of market presence, but we are looking after our product line. Last year, we introduced our new 42m model and we have also developed an advanced pumping element which will be used on most of our pumps, so we don’t have to design a pumping element for each pump.

We’ve done a lot of R&D on pumps in general, on the rotation of the pump, and safety. We also opened our new pump production facility last year in Germany, where they will be manufactured with the rest of our concrete product line – the mixers and batching plant.”

With the brand still being in relative infancy in the region, its presence is not large enough to be impacted to the same level by the Covid-19 situation as the bigger market players. However, Liebherr has still felt the effects of it, Kassem adds.

“Obviously, Covid-19 has impacted

everywhere. There are jobs to be done in the market but no money flow to back this up. Payments and cash flow are troubling our customers, and their plans have changed to reorganisation and restructuring, as a lot of their projects were either frozen or some even cancelled. CAPEX is not really the main thing on the table right now, so only those who have established projects in their hand and need the equipment for it are ones approaching suppliers. Surprisingly, we have sold a 50m pump despite this situation,

Liebherr launched its new 42m-boom length model last year and has also developed an advanced pumping element that is common on most of its pumps for simpler maintenance.

but we are receiving less enquiries, so our conversion factor will be less, obviously.”

On the operational side, Liebherr has responded to the Covid-19 situation by making some modifications to the way it conducts business. “Our focus during this time is to be very close to our customers. It has been very difficult, as with social distancing and people working from home you cannot meet everybody. But we decided that we needed to be in touch with clients, at least from a social responsibility point of view, if not for business. Our network of dealers has also reached out with calls, emails and skype meetings in the last 2-3 months, even with those customers who we know probably don’t have business for us.

“We know that construction didn’t stop completely in the GCC, so we decided we had to be there and support customers with our spare parts and our service teams, who were always on calls. There were quite a few companies with work, and they needed parts, support and service and we even had to troubleshoot problems in the middle of the night with some customers who were still in production.”

The Covid-19 situation has taught some key lessons, feels Kassem. “It’s shown us how to approach the future, whether from design and operations perspective or supporting the machines. I think a lot has to be done on remote operation, self-service and remote support so equipment can be managed remotely. We actually have some products for this, but I think we need to do more.

We now have a direction.”

“CAPEX is not really the main thing on the table right now, so only those with established projects in hand are approaching suppliers.

Surprisingly, we have sold a 50m pump despite this situation”

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TECH FOCUS JULY-AUGUS T 2020

DONE FROM A DISTANCE

REMOTE CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS REDUCE COST, INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND KEEP PEOPLE SAFE ON SITE EVEN FROM SPREAD OF INFECTIONS SUCH AS COVID-19, AS A BOBCAT SKID-STEER LOADER SHOWS IN A UK DEMOLITION PROJECT

O

ver the last few years, equipment makers have made steady advances in the field of remote operation of machinery, autonomous models and other such applications of technology that raise the levels of both precision and safety on job-sites.

Not only does operator-less working reduce costs on site but it also has another great benefit that has emerged as an important offshoot of the technology in today’s scenario – preventing the spread of infections such

as Covid-19. Using precision remote controlled operations, it is possible to observe adequate social distancing on job-sites and even deploy less personnel on site, thus increasing safety and reducing the spread of diseases.

Remote control aims to increase safety, comfort and productivity by distancing the operator from dust, noise, vibrations and other hazards encountered on job-sites that require special safety precautions. In the confined spaces of jobs such as top-down demolition, the remote control system removes the operator from any danger, such as rebar penetrating the cab space as well as dust inhalation, and the effects of vibration and noise in the cab. Similar benefits are seen in

mining, quarrying and earthmoving operations.

Most leading manufacturers have cutting edge technologies in the field in various stages of testing and actual application – from Volvo with its autonomous quarrying and Cat with autonomous haulers to Komatsu’s remote-controlled dozers and now Bobcat’s remotely operated mini loaders. The Doosan-owned compact equipment specialist has brought remotecontrolled operations to its customers with a fully operationalised remote-controlled compact loader.

At a major demolition site in London, the UK’s first Bobcat Remote Control compact loader has increased safety and reduced costs for BooBoo Plant Hire, based in Kings Langley, and supplied by Bobcat of London,

47 the local Authorised Bobcat dealer. The Remote Control S450 skid-steer loader’s project is the topdown demolition of a former wing of the Whittington Hospital in Upper Holloway in North London, carried out by main contractor, Kent-based Erith.

The Bobcat Remote Control System (RCS) can be installed in a matter of minutes on the S450 and allows the operator to leave the seat in the cab and control it remotely while maintaining full visibility and safety. Compatible with any Bobcat skid-steer, compact tracked and all-wheel steer loader equipped with the company’s Selectable Joystick Controls, the RCS can be quickly removed, returning the machine to its original form. The new S450 forms part of a fleet of Bobcat machines at BooBoo Plant Hire, that are being used on the contract.

Harry Allen, owner of BooBoo Plant Hire, says: “With the number of injuries on sites increasing, maintaining maximum safety is paramount. I believe remote control is the way to go in the future in our industry – it’s a no-brainer, really – so I was very interested in the excellent demonstration provided

by Phil Stoneham at Bobcat of London. As well as increased safety, the remote control saves costs by removing the need for a banksman as a lookout for the machine, a prerequisite now on many sites. Banksmen are necessary to help avoid collisions of machines with other workers on site, which, after falls from height, is one of the major causes of accidents and injuries. So instead of the contractor having to pay for both a banksman and the loader driver, these are

both replaced by the operator on the remote-control system, providing further savings.”

The Bobcat RCS allows direct sight of the work in progress in demolition and many other sites, further increasing the versatility of the loader and a comprehensive range of attachments, including angle brooms, augers, breakers, buckets and blowers.

“We see many other uses of the system - with trenchers and wheelsaws, where the operator specifically needs to drive backwards with the loader, this solution offers perfect visibility of the project. It also allows operators to talk face-to-face with project partners and manage the surroundings (verbally or non-verbally) at the same time. To market the advantages that this equipment offers, we have recently formed a new company called Lobotics, which will specialise in robotic/automatic solutions such as the remote control loaders for work on our sites throughout the UK,” adds Allen.

As a major player in the worldwide attachment market, Bobcat’s new remote-control system is the latest expansion of the attachment range for the company’s wide range of compact loaders. As well as demolition, construction, road maintenance and utilities, the new Bobcat RCS is a solution for use in shipyards and in vessels with limited space in the hold.

It ensures the operator is distanced from other loading machinery such as grabs and the materials they are carrying, separating them from hazardous chemicals and other airborne pollutants in addition to falling heavy objects such as scrap metal and other items.

The same applies to the waste and recycling industries, where the remote-control solution allows operators to handle dangerous or toxic materials from a safe distance, minimising the risk of exposure. With remote control, operators can also work on hazardous applications, such as detecting and removing land mines, and in disasters like floods, forest fires, mud or rock slides and in other places where operators can be subjected to dangerous situations.

Bobcat says all its compact loaders are equipped with the quick-change Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, facilitating the quick and safe interchange of over 80 different types of Bobcat attachments. The company says its new RCS has been designed in the same way – it is a plug and play system comprising an easily portable and industrial radio remote control solution that can be mounted and dismounted quickly.

Every remote-control kit is protected by a dedicated password, with two-way communication providing all the important information about the loader - such as fuel and oil status, warnings, etc. - on a 3.5-inch transflective colour backlit LCD display. The system provides most of the functions that can be performed via direct loader operation, including throttle, light, creep and float controls. There is also speed management control to ensure easier operation in applications such as trenching, tilling, scarifying and so on. According to Bobcat, the system is very intuitive to use and the training for end-users will be provided by Bobcat dealers. The RCS is supplied with two exchangeable batteries offering a long 20-hour battery life.

“With the number of injuries on sites, maintaining maximum safety is paramount… remote control is the way to go in the future in our industry – it’s a no-brainer, really”

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THE LAST WORD JULY-AUGUS T 2020

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RIGHT-SIZED OPTIONS FOR EVERY JOBSITE

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CC 3800-1

Whatever the Challenge.

You may think wind turbines when you hear about the Demag CC 3800-1.

And you’re right - it is one of the most used cranes for wind turbine erection.

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For more information, please visit www.demagmobilecranes.com Above. Ahead. Always.