Construction Machinery ME November 2022

OPERATIONS

18_HIGH PERFORMANCE

22_TAKING STOCK WITH KANOO

26_KNOWING THE LINE

TIME TO SCALE-UP?

We are well and truly in the thick of events season now, not just with the return of the world’s largest machinery trade fair but also here in the Middle East, where as the temperatures start to cool, the calendar starts to heat up. Speaking of cooling, activity in the region’s hotspot of Saudi Arabia shows no sign of cooling down with the market continuing to be driven by mega-projects such as the new city of Neom, The Line, Medina Metro project, and Qiddiya, an entertainment zone in Riyadh. Of course, if there is one thing that any mega project needs to get the job done then that is machinery – and lots of it.

It is no surprise then that with the market anticipated to witness prominent growth over the next five years manufacturers, rental companies and distributors alike, are increasingly looking to expand their own operations in the greater Saudi and Middle East region. For many, this will mean scaling operations so they can handle a growing amount of sales in the most capable, cost-effective manner possible. With bigger projects comes more equipment and with more equipment comes a greater possibility that something will go wrong. This is why in the Middle East we may be about to enter a new era of growing acceptance and understanding of the role technology plays, not just in the equipment itself but in how the business and its assets are actively managed.

This issue delves further into that idea that whilst there are opportunities for many in the equipment industry to see significant growth in the region, in the next few years, having a successful digital transformation

strategy is set to become increasingly vital for those companies looking to grow in the most pain-free way possible. In what is traditionally a conservative industry, perhaps it will be those who can scale the quickest, with the most efficient approach that will see the most long-term success? Meanwhile, it is not just technology that seems to be omni-present in events across all segments these days but also the theme of sustainability and what better showcase for the electrical machines of the future than Bauma which saw just under half a million people attend the event over seven days. Given everything that has changed in the last three years it is a credit to the organisers to see the fair maintain its global status and put on a show on a truly grand scale. Picking out the highlights from such an event is no mean feat and this issue does not aim to provide a comprehensive list. What it is, however, is recognition of some of the innovations and concepts that we, at CMME, are most excited to see more of in the years to come. Although it is now three years to the next event there is plenty to be kept busy by in the meantime.

Mark Dowdall Editor, CMME

mark.dowdall@cpitrademedia.com

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CONSTRUCTION

GAJ hands over The Citizens School in Dubai

The school is said to be double the size of other schools in the catchment area, spanning 43,000sqm

MACHINERY

Hidromek introduces new earthmoving machinery series

The ‘Hidromek Next’ series comes with LIDAR technology designed to make operating zones safer, says the manufacturer

CONSTRUCTION

Dar Al Arkan completes KSA’s first 3DCP villa

Standing at 9.9m tall, the villa has been constructed using locally made materials including cement, sand, rocks and stones

CONSTRUCTION

Construction of wasl tower to be complete by Q2 2024 says developer

The 302m-tall twisting, asymmetrically designed tower will feature the region’s tallest ceramic façade and present an illusion of dynamic motion

MACHINERY

Volvo Group to produce battery modules in Ghent by 2025

The new high-tech module factory is expected to operate on an almost fully automated process with robots

completion

INFRASTRUCTURE

Alstom opens new regional office in Riyadh

CONSTRUCTION

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi set for 2025

Al-Bahar finishes project for UAE-based rig builder

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, the authorised Cat® dealer for the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, recently completed the commissioning of integrated power solutions for the first of the two new offshore jackup rigs building projects executed by Lamprell, the UAE-based rig builder and provider of services to the international energy sector.

Lamprell had turned to Al-Bahar for Cat® generator sets after the company received a letter of intent from the International Maritime Industries (IMI) in December 2018 for the construction and delivery of two Jack Up drilling rigs, based on the proven LeTourneau Super 116E Self-elevating Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) design.

When the first order was formalised in January 2020, for Lamprell by IMI, Caterpillar and Al-Bahar were ready with the customised solution required for each rig.

This included five Cat® 3516C generator sets which will be used as a primary source of power. In addition to these five units, a single Cat® 3512C generator set was installed for emergency power.

Presently, the project status is on the final lap. Installation, startup, setting to work, and testing have already been completed on the first rig, and the second rig is being worked upon currently.

Commenting on the successful completion of the project, Mr. Mohamed El Kaddour, Vice President of Energy & Transportation – Al-Bahar, stated, “As one of the authorised Caterpillar dealers in the region, Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar is proud to be a trusted and valued partner to Lamprell in their rig building programs of offshore jack-up rigs. This mutually beneficial relationship has been nurtured ever since Lamprell built their first rig in 2008 and we hope will extend in the future.”

SAUDI DIESEL INTEGRATES INFOR CLOUD-BASED ERP Infor®, the industry cloud company, has announced that Saudi Diesel Equipment Co. (SDEC), is migrating its existing deployment of Infor M3 onpremises to Infor CloudSuite Equipment, enabling it to improve and automate business processes, particularly for its remote field service workforce.

The move to the cloud forms part of SDEC’s wider digital transformation project, Digi-Step, and will help the company scale its operations to support strong demand for equipment, machinery, and power generators across a range of sectors and projects in Saudi Arabia.

AND GARDEN NAMES UAE DISTRIBUTOR

Husqvarna Forest & Garden has announced a strategic partnership with Ventana LCC as its first authorised distributor in the UAE to offer its full product range and accessories.

The partnership will see Ventana sell Husqvarna Forest and Garden’s full suite of products including ride on mowers, walk behind mowers, robotic mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, sprayers, chainsaws and brushcutters.

Commenting on the venture, Umut Demirel, UAE Country Manager & Area Sales Manager of Husqvarna Distributors Middle East & North Africa said, “Our partnership with Ventana will help us in establishing ourselves as market leaders in forest, park, and garden products in the region. It will also provide us with the chance to serve Proscape’s machinery needs for their awarded projects; while also offering solutions to end users and landscaping businesses via Ventana’s network.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Husqvarna in the UAE,” said Riyad Mustafa, General Manager at Ventana LLC. “Husqvarna’s diversified product range of mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, sprayers, brushcutters, chainsaws and robotic mowers bolsters our core offering, and further defines our footprint in the turf and landscape industry in our region. Our success in the Middle East is built on our ability to offer a comprehensive landscape golf & turf product range to our customers. As an existing distributor to some of the leading global machinery brands, the addition of the Husqvarna brand to our expanding portfolio is a testament to the success of our business and our commitment to a long-term business strategy in the region.”

Husqvarna’s full product range will be for sale in Ventana’s showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Now you can increase significant savings through a dedicated tool developed and managed by TotalEnergies.

Presenting, LubAnac is a Industrial Equipment Management System, to help you perform health checks of their equipment with oil analysis that:

Reduces downtime of your machinery Optimizes the maintenance Increases the lifetime of your machines

Reduces total cost of ownership (TCO)

Sinoboom and Falcon Lifts sign new partnership

or Denmark, however, while sales of its spider lifts across Europe will be handled by Sinoboom’s European subsidiary.

“This agreement is part of Sinoboom’s total commitment to providing its global customer base with a complete range of MEWPs,” said Susan Xu, CEO of Sinoboom. We expect the combination of Falcon high quality design with Sinoboom’s worldwide customer base and after sales support to make this a great success.”

ECO PARTNERSHIP MYCRANE PARTNERS WITH PV-E CRANES

MEWP specialist Sinoboom is set to increase its sales of large spider lifts within China under a new agreement that has been announced with Danish spider lift manufacturer Falcon Lifts.

The partnership was celebrated at Bauma, last week, and follows extensive research and cooperation during the

last 12 months which has seen Sinoboom successfully launch its own-branded spider lifts built by Falcon into the China market.

The new agreement is also intended to further develop international sales opportunities for the Chinese manufacturer. Sinoboom will not market its spider lifts in the USA, Canada

Brian Falck-Schmidt, Sales Direcror for Falcon Lifts added, “The commitment by Sinoboom to this partnership will allow Falcon to take its products and development to the next stage, it is a major achievement for our company.”

Falcon Lifts A/S has been developing large spider lifts since the late 1970s and has delivered a range of models from 29-52metres. The new agreement is effective immediately.

Dubai-based MYCRANE has agreed a partnership with PV-E Cranes of the Netherlands, allowing the company to offer zero-emissions cranes for sale and rent on its digital platform.

Engineered and manufactured in the Netherlands, PV-E’s emissionfree crawler cranes are fully electric, battery-operated and can run for 10-12 hours on a single charge. The product range consists of 80, 100, 160 and 250-tonne crawler cranes, with several boom options such as fixed jibs, luffing jibs and heavy duty jibs.

As a result of the partnership agreement, signed last week in MYCRANE’s Dubai headquarters, PV-E’s crawler cranes will be available to buy on the MYCRANE Marketplace, and can be rented through the MYCRANE platform.

“There is a clear drive towards zero-emission working in the construction sector, as we will no doubt hear at Bauma,” said MYCRANE CEO and founder Andrei Geikalo.

METSO OUTOTEC

UPDATES METRICS

Metso Outotec has announced it is expanding its cloud-based Metrics system to cover tools, sensors and dashboard access allowing operators, controllers and service professionals to monitor stationary screening equipment.

BOBCAT ROLLS OUT GROUND MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT

Bobcat has made its line-up of ground maintenance equipment (GME) available to customers across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The news was announced at Bauma 2022, which is currently taking place in Munich, Germany. The GME range includes the recently launched MT100 mini track loader, and L23 and L28 small articulated loaders that entered the market last year. These machines remove the need for manual labour, replacing the use of wheelbarrows, shovels and hand tools across multiple ground maintenance applications. The models are also versatile tool carriers, with a broad range of compatible attachments that enable contractors to maximise productivity and safety when undertaking ground maintenance tasks.

Raimondi Cranes unveils new additions

Raimondi Cranes has unveiled two new cranes, the T187 and T357 in addition to its new extended crane cab, the Raimondi Lumina X.

The T357, which was presented at Bauma as part of the Class 150 series, alongside the company’s other new products, has a 16t maximum lifting capacity and is designed to offer significant hoist speed and tip load with a maximum radius of 77.5m and a maximum tip load of 2.67t in UltraLift.

The T187, part of the Class 110 series has a maximum capacity of 10 tonnes with a maximum jib length of 67.5 metres and a jib tip capacity of 1.6 tonnes.

Similar to the Class 110 series, the full range of Class 150 machines is designed and conceptualised as a whole set of cranes by prioritising modularity

MINING TECHNOLOGY EPIROC TO ACQUIRE MINING AUTOMATION

COMPANY

Mining specialist Epiroc has agreed to acquire Remote Control Technologies Pty Ltd, an Australian company that provides automation and remote-control solutions to the global mining industry.

According to Epiroc the acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2022, will help the company become a “world-leading automation solutions provider” for underground loading and haulage as well as surface and underground rock drilling.

Remote Control Technologies (RCT) is headquartered in Perth, Australia and provides

automation solutions applicable for either a single machine or an entire mixed fleet of machines regardless of manufacturer or type of equipment.

“Automation is increasingly important for the mining industry to strengthen safety and productivity, and RCT’s advanced solutions complement Epiroc’s existing automation offering well. Together we will provide complete automation anremote-control solutions to support our customers on their journey towards optimal operations,” sayid Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO in a statement.

of mechanical and carpentry parts, as well as interchangeability of the jib elements. The new crane series’ name is drawn from the 1.5m wide jib section.

COMANSA INTRODUCES NEW DIGITAL SOLUTION FOR CRANE MONITORING

Comansa has officially launched Crane Mate, its new digital solution for fleet management and crane monitoring.

Crane Mate, which was presented at Bauma, provides real time technical information, location, alerts and productivity and maintenance parameters for tower cranes.

Additionally, it allows users to record machinery rental periods and the duration of construction projects.

“We presented the T357 for Bauma, as it demonstrates the superior characteristics of the Class 150, the Raimondi’s new range of six flattop cranes. With a maximum lifting capacity ranging between 12t to 24t, this new class was designed with the Central & Northern Europe, American and Canadian markets in mind,” explained Cristian Badin, Commercial Director at Raimondi Cranes.

“The Raimondi T357 is aptlysuited for construction of mediumto-high infrastructural jobsites due to its maximum lifting speed of 152 metres per minute using a 75 kW winch, and the drum capacity of 800m,” Badin added.

Volvo CE to accelerate shift towards electric hauling

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced its intention to continue the shift towards electric hauling solutions by investing approximately $32.7million, into its production facility in Braås, Sweden between now and 2027.

The facility, which specialises in the design and manufacture of articulated haulers for the global market, produced the world’s first fossil-free construction machine, an A30G which was delivered to Swedish construction company, NCC earlier this year.

As part of the investment the factory is expected to be adapted over the coming

years to enable it to produce a larger range of articulated haulers with different types of powertrain to reflect the shift in demand towards equipment with more sustainable power sources.

The investment will also be used to extend production capacity at the 45,000 m² site in southern Sweden to broaden the product range going forwards, with the addition of new buildings and production equipment.

As well as this, Volvo CE says it will invest in automation and ergonomics to both reduce the need for employees to engage in repetitive tasks and create a safer work environment.

“In addition to the technical advantages, Palfinger’s strong service network and customeroriented support were decisive for us”

PALFINGER CRAWLER SHOWS POWER IN AUSTRIAN CAVERN

The Palfinger PCC 57.002 crawler crane has been working at the heart of the new Tauernmoos pumped storage power plant owned by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, deep inside the mountains near Uttendorf in Salzburg, Austria. The cavern, in which the crane is operat ing, extends over a length of 73 metres, a width of 25 metres and a height of 40 metres, equivalent to a twelve-floor building. Bit by bit, stage by stage, the infrastructure of the future underground hydro power plant is being built here.

Over the course of the project the crawler crane will be required to lift 5,000 m³ of structural concrete and 2,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel, installing formwork panels within the cavern in a very confined space and on a tight schedule. As there is not much space for parking machines, and moving them is often associated with a lot of effort it was decided that regular cranes cold not possibly handle the project’s special lifting operations. With a size of 5.8 by 1.9 metres, a lifting capacity of 450 kilograms and a working radius of almost 30 metres the extremely compact PCC 57.002 was chosen as the most suitable crane solution for this complex project.

Due to its unique shifting function and 360° geometry monitoring, it can also increase lifting force and reach. The software calculates all centres of gravity of the machine simultaneously to achieve optimum stability. The additional equipment with an articulated knuckle boom (14°) and fly jib (25°) is essential for successful work operations. It means the PCC can be even

closer to the scene of action without taking up space there, and can cleverly avoid objects and protruding edges.

As a special challenge, the crawler crane must complete tasks on the various levels, the “floors”. These tasks are special in terms of maneuvering in confined spaces, which is easier than ever with the PCC 57.002: Within a very short time, the crane unit can separate from the crawler module and be transported to the next level in two compact parts. Deep inside the mountain, the crane also features impressive sensitivity and minimal reaction movements. While it can be operated either by diesel or electric drive, inside the cavern for the pumped storage power plant it is electric powered for completely CO2 neutral operation.

Construction group Swietelsky AG is carrying out the work on the ÖBBInfrastruktur AG power plant project. “In addition to the technical advantages, Palfinger’s strong service network and customer-oriented support were decisive for us,” says Civil engineer Arnold Künnert, project manager at Swietelsky AG’s civil engineering team, who is responsible on site for the construction of the concrete power plant cavern.

He adds, “Our crane operators received four days of training right before the start of the project, where they got to know all the functions of the crane model and practiced health and safety procedures. This enabled them to work efficiently right from the start of the project. The Palfinger service centre in Zell am See also guarantees rapid availability of spare parts.”

STUDY: AI ROADMAPS AT RISK

ALTHOUGH A GROWING NUMBER OF MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE LOOKING TO STREAMLINE OPERATIONS WITH THE LATEST DIGITAL TOOLS, NEW RESEARCH SAYS THAT 60% OF UAE BUSINESSES STILL STRUGGLE TO DELIVER ANALYTICS ROI DUE TO LEGACY STRATEGY

Equipment manufacturers and distributors in the Middle East are increasingly turning to the latest digital tools to streamline busi ness operations, gain visibility and agility and improve operational efficiency. In today’s world, having an AI roadmap that can allow a company do all these things whilst scaling has become more than just an indulgence. It has become an essential must-have to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. How ever, Alteryx, Inc., the Analytics Automation com pany, has revealed, in a new study, core factors blocking organisations from delivering in-demand business intelligence through data analytics. The Alteryx-commissioned IDC research highlights that despite businesses needing faster, more accurate insights to navigate competitive markets, many

are still attempting to meet their future AI analytic goals with legacy strategy.

According to the study, 60% of UAE businesses struggle to deliver analytics ROI due to legacy strategy and while 79% of UAE organisations invest in analytics ahead of all other technology, historic unsolved challenges mean critical business insights aren’t fully utilised.

The research showcases the negative ROI impact of lagging upskilling, democratisation, and accessibility initiatives. When these foundational data pillars are not prioritised, the result is a broken link between in-department expert and analyticdriven insight, one where analytics is limited to those who can code and not the person best placed to answer the question.

Today, two thirds of UAE organisations say they don’t always trust - and (84%) say they don’t even use - their own analytic insights for decision making. Widening the analytics maturity gap, 60% also report

minimal (0% to 5%) financial ROI from their analytics.

“Futureproofing business using AI-driven insights needs more consideration than simply investing in new technology. The business appetite for more insights - faster than ever before - requires a whole business shift driven from the top down. The people closest to the problem must be enabled with the tools to deliver these insights and empowered to solve it themselves,” says Alan Jacobson, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Alteryx.

He adds, “The business opportunity from analytics – and by extension AI/ML insights – is huge. Being able to make accurate decisions to quickly meet disruption head on is a goal that businesses have aspired to for centuries. With so much unused data and underutilised talent, combining upskilling, accessibility, and democratisation is the only way these businesses will generate the ROI needed to transform their business with automated AI-based decision-making.”

Building an AI future - the AI-ttainment Gap

Highlighting the imminent need for high-ROI business intelligence, 71% say “the business landscape is changing faster than ever before”. To meet this continually shifting landscape head on and deliver valuable insights at scale, 79% now intend to prioritise their analytics investment above all “other technology” in the near future.

By 2027 businesses see a strong need to deliver AI-generated insights, but also face a clear gap between AI automation roadmaps and the foundational pillars needed to deliver:

• AI Adoption Today: The vast majority of UAE businesses (70%) say fewer than a third of their decisions are automated using AI/ML technology today.

• AI Integration Tomorrow: By 2027, 47% want at least a third of their core business decisions to be driven by AI and automation.

Removing legacy roadblocks and prioritising ROI

While AI-based decision-making is undoubtedly the next step in transformation, the research underlines a hamster wheel-style innovation roadmap,one defined by momentum but lacking progress. The Alteryx-commissioned IDC Infobrief – “4 Ways to Unlock Transformative Business Outcomes from Analytic Investments” – highlights the cognitive dissonance separating those who are, and are not, delivering high ROI analytics.

The research sets out the foundations behind successful analytics programmes, showcasing priorities for organisations looking to deliver AIgenerated insights by 2027:

• Democratisation: Three quarters of UAE businesses still rely on manual coding - blocking vital expertise from in-department experts.

• Upskilling: 82% do not closely match technology investment with the human upskilling needed to

deliver more impactful and timely insights.

• Accessibility: Globally, 82% of businesses say their data access policies are, at best, only moderately effective, cementing an over-reliance on data science teams and the inability of users to access data/insights.

Karl Crowther, Vice President, MEA, at Alteryx, adds, “It’s surprising to see so many businesses still actively using outdated spreadsheets or exclusively relying on those few experts with advanced coding knowledge to deliver insights.

“The IDC research validates a number of best practice strategies for delivering ROI from analytics. Breaking down silos, developing a data culture that aligns technology spend with upskilling, and ensuring alignment between IT and line of business priorities are the core pillars that will help deliver the turbocharged whole-business insights needed to futureproof operations.”

“The business appetite for more insightsfaster than ever beforerequires a whole business shift driven from the top down. The people closest to the problem must be enabled with the tools to deliver these insights and empowered to solve it themselves”

SMART OPERATIONS

You have a strong presence in the machinery and manufacturing industry. Can you explain which areas this predominantly covers?

PL: Infor specialises in industry-specific cloud software solutions to help industrial manufacturing and distribution customers in the Middle East automate and simplify complex systems and prepare for the future. One of the key subsectors we service in the Middle East is construction machinery production, servicing and rental, which is booming in the GCC and especially Saudi Arabia.

Companies that supply construction machinery face numerous challenges to cater to demand. Construction machinery is a broad category and includes large, complex, valuable machinery that is often tailored for the needs of the customer. To supply such vehicles and machinery on time and on-spec involves keeping track of thousands of component parts, across a complex supply network. Our cloud-based ERP solutions help organisations in the sector to be more agile and efficient, to manage their operations smartly, and to follow a policy of continuous innovation.

Infor’s smart, pre-configured cloud

solutions, feature built in industry functionality to enable customers to simplify complexity, transform business processes, accelerate time to value, and put their end users at the center of the experience. Our solutions are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which helps us to provide customers with the power and responsiveness they need to stay ahead amid the current challenges of rapid technological change, tough competition, global inflation and supply chain issues.

Transformation is about organizations taking a comprehensive analysis of their operations and understanding what they want to achieve, followed by a journey of continual innovation. Infor’s software is helping to drive this type of holistic innovation in the construction machinery sector by connecting companies to their customers, supply chain network, and plant and equipment. By embracing powerful cloud-based software and a culture of continuous innovation, organizations can turn many of their current challenges into advantages, bringing simplicity where there was complexity, gathering and using data to maximum effect, and enhancing their ability to work in tandem with suppliers and partners.

Infor’s industryspecific cloud software solutions has been helping industrial manufacturing and distribution customers in the Middle East.

“Infor’s smart, pre-configured cloud solutions, feature built in industry functionality to enable customers to simplify complexity, transform business processes, accelerate time to value, and put their end users at the centre of the experience”

One of the key reasons companies seek out Infor is because you are industryspecific but can you explain what this actually means?

KA: It’s our number one selling point. We do not believe ‘one size fits all!’. Instead we have CloudSuites that are made for that particular industry. We then surround that core industry with industry specific solutions where organisations need enhanced capabilities. All of this sits on a digital platform that enables our customers to control their business processes including how they operate as an organisation. It helps them to optimise what they do, and ultimately, how to transform the way they operate going into the future.

Innovation in cloud technology is happening at a rapid pace. What kind of trends are you seeing in the way this is being used to manage and supply equipment?

KA: Yes, innovation is something that we take very seriously and digital transformation is a top priority for us to help our customers bridge the gap between their corporate strategies and digital strategies. AI and machine learning is one area that we offer to our clients in the cloud, building use cases and partnerships with many customers and organizations to apply AI to various business processes.

Data, combined with AI and machine learning is increasingly important in many scenarios, especially for measuring, predicting and maintaining the health of equipment

and machinery. To give one example, if a customer is renting an industrial digger, the provider of that piece of equipment will ideally have an automated system, using 5G and Edge technology to give them live data about how the digger is being used. Meanwhile AI and machine learning can analyse the data and make decisions about what actions to take. For example, the system can ‘see’ in advance what level of servicing and new components the equipment is likely to need based on the type of work it has been exposed

to. The AI and machine learning component is very important here as it can suggest which parts need to be ordered, do a soft booking or reservation from the inventory, and assign the technician who is in charge and has responsibility to fix such issues. By digitising the whole process, organisations can drive agility, efficiency, and productivity.

Digital transformation is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot but what does it really mean and how do companies get started on this journey?

PL: Our core focus in the Middle East is mainly around manufacturing, distribution and the verticals that sit within that, of which, equipment is one. It’s actually a massive challenge for those organisations to understand where to start with digital transformation. There are so many options available, which is why Infor has simplified the process for customers.

Underpinning all of our cloud applications is our digital platform. Infor has a cloud innovation platform to help customers achieve value from digital transformation. It’s powered by Infor OS (Operating Services), which delivers everything the customer might need to tackle any innovation use case, from integration, workflows, and alerts, to automation and extensibility to data and insights. It is the fabric that connects the customer’s entire enterprise ecosystem. It has analytics that are predictive and prescriptive in approach and offer up things like next best actions to drive the activity of your workforce. It has capabilities to seamlessly integrate to whatever you need to integrate to, including user experience capabilities that can improve internal productivity and efficiency but also connect with customers and suppliers. We remove all of the worry about technology, such as how to use it and get it working, because it’s ready out-of-the-box.

Typically how does that interaction with your customers work?

KA: We work very closely with our customers and have long term relationships with them. This is important, as digital transformation is very much about continuous innovation. As a consultant and provider of solutions, we like to have a deep understanding of the customer and what they want to achieve. Our industry expertise means that we can present customers with ideas for new services that are made possible by our cloud-based solutions. Many of our long-standing customers are upgrading and migrating to the cloud with us.

Is your digital platform something that companies have to use exclusive to other

Machinery and equipment is a core focus for Infor in the Middle East along with the wider industries of manufacturing and distribution.

“Our cloud-based ERP solutions help organisations in the sector to be more agile and efficient, to manage their operations smartly, and to follow a policy of continuous innovation”

technologies or can it be used in parallel to other systems that are out there?

PL: There are very few customers out there that are wall-to-wall Infor, and we recognise that fact. When we first built the digital platform the decision was made very early on that it needed to be open: we had to coexist with other vendors’ solutions. This can be seen in the way we built the Infor OS platform, which actually began life by solving two problems: How do we integrate our solutions together so that they work as one, and how do we make the solutions look like one? That’s where it began, with a focus on integration and user experience.

It’s only natural that customers will have applications and technologies from multiple vendors. While some vendors like to make their products proprietary and make it difficult to connect to other companies’ solutions, we decided that it’s better to have an open strategy of coexistence because we want our customers to have the freedom to choose and gain the maximum benefit from their investment, no matter where it comes from.

In this region are you looking to take on more clients in the heavy equipment industry?

KA: Absolutely. In our market, the Middle East, we decided that the equipment business is one of the areas that we want to focus on. You will find most of our customers based in the equipment space are between the UAE and Saudi Arabia today. And I think that’s natural considering the boom and the impact of that construction on the dealerships of the equipment. That’s going to continue, I think, for many years considering the development that’s happening in UAE and Saudi Arabia. We should also be expanding in markets like Turkey very soon.

Technology is evolving all the time. What is Infor doing to keep with this everchanging landscape?

PL: If you want to be considered an innovative company, you need to take these things seriously. Infor has invested more than $5 billion in the last 10 years on research and development in order to make sure that we always bring our customers the best technology in terms of machine learning and user experience. When you look at our roadmaps for process mining and process modelling, you will see that Infor is taking this very seriously and will continue to do so.

One of the themes of Gitex this year has been exploring the metaverse. Moving forward, can you give us an insight into

how digital transformation is likely to take shape in this new world?

PL: Yes, sometimes we take a voyage of discovery on behalf of our customers when it comes to cutting edge technology. Everybody’s talking about the metaverse but there isn’t a single person here who really knows where it’s heading. There are a number of embryonic thoughts out there around what the metaverse should be, and what it will be, and what it can be. We need to keep an eye on that because undoubtedly it will play an

important part in the future, especially in areas such as global collaboration in R&D for sure.

Have you got any thoughts on how this kind of world might look practically for heavy equipment manufacturers?

PL: One of the use cases that I have been thinking about a lot recently is how companies develop and introduce new products. It appears likely that Virtual Reality will feature prominently in ideation, design, prototyping, and 3D rendering in the future. It could also help distributed teams to collaborate on product design and development. For example, people in different parts of the world could collaborate on 3D designs simultaneously in the same virtual lab, using VR headsets. There are lots of great ideas about what the future might look like and it will be fascinating to see how it develops.

So it’s just being as ready as you can possibly be?

PL: Yeah, I think it’s way too early to bet everything on the metaverse, but it’s important to have an appreciation, keep an eye on it and understand some of the potential use cases for our customers. And when the time is right, we can consider moving certain processes to the metaverse, but it will purely be about adding value to our customers, because that’s what we’re here to do.

KA: You can see clearly that Infor is not focusing on a B2B model. It’s better described as a ‘B for B’ model. There is a huge difference: with a business for business model, the customer is far more than a passive entity who simply buys your products or solutions. The customer is a long-term strategic partner, and our success is intertwined with their success. We look at our customers and think deeply about how we can contribute to their success; how we can have a positive impact by taking a close interest in their business and objectives.

In the equipment space in the Middle East Infor is currently most active in UAE and Saudi Arabia and has plans to expand into other markets like Turkey soon.

Self-levelling technology for boom lifts has helped tackle one of the real on-site job challenges of working safely on uneven terrain.

“Self-levelling technology for boom lifts and variable-tilt technology for scissor lifts, have greatly improved stability by making it easier to adjust the machine’s chassis to the ground conditions rather than trying to do it the other way around”

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Safety and technology have come a long way since the early days of wooden scaffolding, which was used, as evidence suggests, in ancient Greece as early as the 5th Century BC. It is recognised that the first moves towards modern scaffolding began in ancient Chi na, where bamboo was tied together with rope to create something similar to the structures we still see today. In fact, you only have to look at images of iconic, historic structures all around the world today to see that work at height has been carried out for thousands of years. Yet, it is in the last eighty years that the work-at-height sector and the equipment used to safely carry out this work has seen the most dramatic improvement of all, brought about by the introduction of the MEWP.

Whether for on-site construction work, mechanical, electric and plumbing works, or even the maintenance of high structures, the MEWP has not only provided a more

convenient means of operation, reducing time spent on risk assessment and setting up equipment, such as scaffolding on-site but it requires less staff to operate and is more flexible and easier to move mid-job. With greater technology and a deeper understanding of access equipment the modern-day MEWP is now available in such a vast array of sizes and configurations that it can meet almost any work-at-height need. With that being said, there is perhaps no better time than now to look at where today’s technology is taking us beyond just the MEWP itself. How is it impacting operations as well as the latest access equipment? How is it changing the way work at height is carried out from beginning to end? Here, CMME analyses these trends and what we can expect to see more of in coming years.

Drones and Robots

Advances in robotics and AI have led to modern commercial drone technology, which is changing how certain businesses interact with the world. In high-risk professions such as construction or maintenance where work at height is a significant part of the job, drones

can dramatically transform these industries, making them safer and more efficient. Not only can drones remove the danger of having to physically reach high, inaccessible spots but they offer new ways to amass data refining the role of the worker as an operator of technology, collecting data for analysis and decision-making.

For example, a January 2017 study by McKinsey on Automation, Employment, and Productivity reported that less than 5% of all occupations can be automated entirely using demonstrated technologies, but two-thirds of all jobs could have 30% of their work automated.

Of course, there are still some things to consider such as the cost and maintenance of commercial drones, training that will need to be provided to operate the drone, limitations on where drones can be deployed and operating in bad weather, which may reduce overall visibility. Despite this, drone controls continue to become more simplified and easier to operate for the average user. While repair or maintenance work such as plumbing, mechanical or electric works will almost certainly need a physical presence at height there is no doubt that the growing popularity of drones is likely to continue. In turn, this equipment is set to become an increasingly important tool for managers and operators looking to complete inspection tasks at height in a timely, safe and efficient manner.

5G battery-powered tracking devices

Self-contained, battery-powered tracking devices that work independent of machine power have already been introduced to the work-at-height sector, offering users a 5G-ready solution that can easily be installed and immediately connects equipment of all shapes and sizes.

Especially on larger projects we can expect to see this type of technology to

become the industry standard in the coming years, offering visibility of the full fleet of access equipment, significantly reducing operating costs and increasing the utilisation of every single machine in real-time. This will increasingly provide equipment and site managers with a secure means of quickly locating equipment at depots and worksites whilst as an additional benefit it can guard against equipment theft. One stolen asset can lead to significant replacement costs, lost opportunity costs and unplanned downtime.

It is a threat that has been recognised as particularly dangerous when it comes to aerial work platforms and one of the reasons that smart card technology has been introduced by manufacturers and technology providers in recent years. As a result, MEWPs can be restricted to operation only by trained personnel while access can be granted to the machine through a smartcard that records training such as the IPAF Pal Card. Having the right security in place is a necessity when it comes to any fleet, Advances in tracking technology can achieve this even further, giving fleet managers the peace of mind that their equipment is safe, and even if theft does take place the equipment can be recovered quickly and efficiently.

Virtual reality training simulators

Each year, over a million MEWP operators need training and recertification for a wide range of industries and increasingly, we are seeing simulators that include all-inone controls for both boom and scissor lifts. In addition to this, specially designed simulators also offer training for several types of cranes.

The Serious Labs MEWP VR Simulator, for example, can be used in multiple ways such

Lifting materials to height can be particularly dangerous too with rear-end collisions identified as one of the most common causes of forklift injuries.

as assessing operator skill levels to reduce risks and determine work assignments, training operators to improve efficiency and safety on the job site and even rehearsing challenging scenarios that can only be practiced in VR – like operating in tight spaces or near expensive equipment. Virtual reality simulation is a trend that was further highlighted during the pandemic in line with a global shift towards technologybased solutions.

One of the advancements in this sphere in recent years is Haptic technology, also known as kinaesthetic communication or 3D touch. This refers to any technology that can create an experience of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user. However, it is much more than just the feeling of a vibrating mobile phone, for example. Haptic feedback is used to engage more of the user’s senses to provide a deeper and more immersive experience and is something we may see much more of in the future in simulation training as its technology continues to progress.

Forklift anti-collision systems

Forklift trucks are primarily intended for lifting materials and not people. They can

be used with working platforms to allow people to work at height in exceptional circumstances only. Regular exposure to forklifts, however, puts operators, pedestrian workers, and others in the environment at high risk with OSHA estimating that every year more than 85 people are killed in forklift-related incidents, around 34,900 are seriously injured and another 61,800 suffer non-serious injuries. Rear-end collisions have been identified as one of the most common incidents, accounting for 20% of forklift accidents. It is no surprise, in that case, that anti-collision systems, which are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of an accident right before it occurs, have become an increasingly necessary hightech safety device.

As the quest continues to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace, expect the development of artificial intelligence systems to further enhance anti-collision technology, recognising pedestrians and detecting people in various motions in a more reliable and precise manner than ever before.

Increased performance data

As in every industry, the role of data and how this data is utilised is taking on growing importance in the work-at-height sector. Stability and performance control systems, for example, not only calculate a machine’s maximum performance in real time through things like basket load, geometrical configuration and position of outriggers but they make the operator’s job easier as a result. Other factors, like forward and backward stability and wind influences, can also be measured more precisely, further reflecting the considerable impact of data on improved performance and safety. Although, this technology is already present on the market, as its benefits to the work-at-height industry become even more apparent, the rise in both vendors and adoptees is likely to accelerate, too.

There are many ways to continue to advance the access industry through technology and sometimes the best approach is to solve real-world job site challenges, like working on uneven terrain.

In the last several years, we have seen further developments in the machines themselves. Suspension technology, for example, such as self-levelling technology for boom lifts and variable-tilt technology for scissor lifts, have greatly improved stability by making it easier to adjust the machine’s chassis to the ground conditions rather than trying to do it the other way around. New technologies that help make common aerial jobsite challenges more manageable, like

Virtual reality training simulators are increasingly becoming a safer, more practical way to train operators for both boom and scissor lifts.

working on rough terrain, being productive in tight work areas or working continuously can all deliver important safety benefits too. As the technology at our disposal becomes more diverse and more readily available, and the uptake of new technologies continues to increase, there is no doubt that there will continue to be new realworld job site challenges. In ensuring that these challenges are met in the safest and most efficient ways possible all stakeholders will have a part to play.

“Anti-collision systems, which are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of an accident right before it occurs, have become an increasingly necessary hightech safety device”

Kanoo Machinery is an authorised distributor of Combiift machinery, spare parts and accessories in its key material handling segment.

TAKING STOCK WITH KANOO

Few organisations in the Middle East can be considered as widely diversified as Kanoo Group with key footholds in energy, shipping, travel, logistics, finance, real estate and more. As one of the largest independent familyowned group of companies in the Gulf the breadth of its business operations in the region is truly impressive. For one of its core divisions, Kanoo Machinery, the same can be said. And having built a host of successful partnerships with international equipment brands, spanning several decades in the UAE and other GCC countries, there is perhaps no business better placed to understand the deep changes taking effect in the heavy equipment industry today.

From material handling, welding, construction and mobile cranes to engines and power generation, compressors, and aerial work platforms (AWP’s), the company possesses a key vantage point of the wider construction industry in the both the Middle East and beyond.

Keenly aware of this is Kannan Chandrasekaran, Kanoo Machinery’s Country Manager for UAE & Oman who

sat down with CMME recently to discuss several trends that he is seeing firsthand in the equipment industry today.

Eastern takeover

“Having just returned from Bauma, we were able to see the new technological innovations in terms of lot of electric machines. But what I could observe most clearly is that the world order is clearly changing. Global manufacturing is going from west to east and that was very clear this time,” Chandrasekaran says.

“Some of the main manufacturers are now manufacturing in India. Bobcat, for example, is now manufacturing their backhoe loaders from Chennai in India. Hyster forklifts is another example. Five years ago we were not selling any equipment manufactured in China. Today, all Hyster products are very fast moving.”

Chandrasekaran’s own observations are further reflected in recent analysis from global consultancy firm, Bain & Company which revealed that India’s manufacturing exports, have seen a surge in growth over the last two years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%, up from its traditional growth of between 5% and 10% pre–Covid-19 years.

Among the megatrends it says that has

fast tracked its export growth are supply chain diversification, advantages for India in certain manufacturing sectors, government initiatives to bolster manufacturing in the country and capital expenditure infusion into manufacturing sectors.

“It’s just not China and India but also other places like Vietnam,” Chandrasekaran is keen to point out.

“The products are coming from everywhere. For example, in the building industry, we are representing a company called Hyundai which manufactures in Vietnam.

“More and more cost-efficient products are being manufactured in the east. China, for example, has come a long way up in terms of quality manufacturing and the perception of Chinese manufacturing is now much better than before. Now with supply chain issues going around in Europe, China and India are both better positioned as they can deliver in shorter periods of time while manufacturing costs are also cheaper.”

With increased production opportunities, product diversification among the world’s major manufacturers continues to grow and today there are customers for almost every product whether that is a forklift that is required to work for three hours a day or one that is required to work for 20 hours. Understandably, the type of benefits and features that contractors look for in each of these machines will not necessarily be the same.

“It depends upon your continuous operations or non-continuous operations,” Chandrasekaran explains. “So based on that, we have a product to offer. For the Chinese manufactured product, having basic things is often sufficient for its application. There is a market for it, there is an application for it and there is a price difference for it, so why not.”

The path to zero emissions

The second major change that was evident at the recent Bauma trade fair was the

growth of zero emissions equipment and it is no surprise that even in the Middle East, customers of Kanoo Machinery have increasingly been exploring this possibility. As pressure from governmental bodies intensifies, with new sustainability directives, machinery suppliers in the region have also had to face up to their responsibility in ensuring that key long-term targets are met.

A key aim of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 is to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 per cent to 50 per cent by 2050 and reduce carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent, saving AED 700 billion in the process.

“Fortunately, all of our suppliers that we are representing have similar principles or even better,” says Chandrasekaran on the issue of sustainability.

“So in that sense, everybody is moving towards better technology, lesser emissions, and cleaner equipment. Kanoo Machinery entirely believes in this particular reduction goal, and we will continue to work towards achieving it.”

In terms of Kanoo’s core divisions, it is in material handling equipment, cleaning equipment and aerial work platforms where the change has been most striking, with electrics in these divisions already making up about 30-40% of the total portfolio.

“In construction equipment the electrics are not there to that same extent yet because of the nature of the job and it is heavy

Kanoo Machinery’s country manager for UAE and Oman, Kannan Chandrasekaran has over 25 years experience in the machinery industry.

machinery,” Chandrasekaran continues. “But this is also moving to electric equipment. If you take forklifts more and more people prefer to use these inside and they don’t want smoke coming out. They are using LPG now which is a cleaner fuel and after LPG we are seeing more electric, battery run equipment which has no emissions. So we are already working in electric equipment, but the pie chart of nonemitting power sources will only increase.

“In terms of the Middle East, however, the temperature goes up to 45, 50 degrees here, so there is still prototype testing going on at that kind of temperature because there are still problems arising from electric machines working in a high temperature environment. We see a lot of innovations happening in electric powered equipment, but because of the ambient temperature in the Middle East, that is an impediment. That is a factor which people have to consider, which is not available in places like Europe. much of North America and in Japan or in Korea.”

Serving the region

Aside from global supply chain issues over the last twelve months Kanoo Machinery has dealt with the everyday “normal challenges” such as getting in quality manpower, keeping manpower motivated and retaining that manpower. It continues to work on this along with all other internal issues, whilst, on the services side, its “100% Customer Service Excellence Movement (KM100),” continues to thrive. This idea was brought to life in 2019 by providing a 24/7 toll free number so the company could provide one hundred percent customer service at all times.

“As a result,” Chandrasekaran says, “we have attributes which includes one hundred percent response time promise, 100% quote given within one working day and 100% ontime job completion. It covers service and parts and then sales and rental after that. The philosophy is that if you do your service and parts correctly, sales and rental will follow.”

He adds, “We really take service very seriously. We have done a lot of research in terms of what the customer wants. All our customers can contact our managers directly because we are ready to help and give the service that is needed.”

As for next year, the company is aiming to increase its product portfolio further with Chandrasekaran predicting up to 20% growth in the business.

“This could involve new partnerships and that’s the reason why we are participating in shows like ADIPEC and the Gulf Food

Manufacturing exhibition. We want to see what more can we offer our customers. So we are increasing our product portfolio slightly wider, but we are not agency collectors. We don’t want to just collect agencies and their brand logo. Their core competencies have to be aligned with our business too.”

It is an approach that has served Kanoo Machinery well over the years having developed several successful partnerships with some of the region’s leading brands including Manitowoc Grove, Perkins, Combilift,

Snorkel and Bobcat among others. In fact, it has been a leading Bobcat dealer, distributor and supplier in the UAE since 1962.

“The success of this partnership is because we have been with them for several decades. I have been working with Bobcat for nearly three decades. Similarly with Perkins and Hyster. Those have all been very long relationships, which means we have been honouring our commitments and that’s why they are with us. ”

Over the next ten years a key trend set to continue is productivity with Kanoo’s UAE country manager predicting that the trend of less downtime and increased uptime will only become more pronounced in the years to come.

“Productivity of the equipment is going to be a very important factor for equipment distribution where downtime is less and uptime is increased. In ten years from now, the products might change and evolve, but the service remains the same. So you’ve got to be a dealer not just on paper but by continuing to provide excellent service too.”

Kanoo distributes authentic Lincoln Electric equipment in the UAE such as arc welding equipment, welding consumables, plasma and oxy fuel cutting equipment.

“Everybody is moving towards better technology, lesser emissions, and cleaner equipment. Kanoo Machinery entirely believes in this particular reduction goal, and we will continue to work towards achieving it”

KNOWING THE LINE

IN THE SECOND PART OF A SPECIAL SERIES WITH TRELLEBORG WHEEL SYSTEMS CMME LOOKS AT THE “PIT STOP LINE”, AN INNOVATION THAT LETS OPERATORS AND FLEET MANAGERS KNOW WITH 100% ACCURACY WHEN THEIR TYRES NEED REPLACING

Knowing when to replace in dustrial tyres is critical - replace them too early and you risk spending too much, replace them too late and you risk machine and operator safety. Solving this conundrum was key to the motivation behind the ‘Pit Stop Line’ innovation, which Trelleborg Wheel Sys tems first launched in the Middle East in 2014 but which continues to be more relevant than ever today.

“Today’s e-commerce industry is moving faster than

ever due to supply chain integration, globalisation, and just-in-time methodology,” explains Yasin Seker, Business Development Manager at Trelleborg Wheel Systems.

“Warehousing is far more complex and material handling tyres play an important role in maximising the performance and operations of the material handling equipment.”

He continues, “Forklifts keep the Middle East industry moving; almost everything we buy, use, and consume has spent time on a forklift at some point in its lifecycle. It is the responsibility of all of us who are active members of the material handling industry to make safety our top priority.”

With this in mind, the Pit Stop Line was introduced, taking a surprisingly simple but highly effective approach. Today it is available globally on maximum intensity product range solid tyres Trelleborg XP1000, Trelleborg Elite XP, Trelleborg M² and press-on-solid tyres Trelleborg PS1000. As the tyres wear down a highly visible orange band appears on the tyre surface indicating that replacement tyres should be ordered, and service fitting scheduled. When this Pit Stop Line appears on a tyre it will have approximately 100 hours life remaining meaning that replacement tyres can be fitted at the most convenient time.

When Trelleborg started working on this concept Trelleborg tyre experts wanted to find a simple way

to indicate the FLT (Fork Lift Truck) operator when to change the tyres: without changing it too soon - and therefore not using it to the maximum -or too late, with the risk of working in an area of the wheel not designed for working on the ground.

Maximum value, maximum uptime

Aside from safety, Trelleborg also knew that there was a recurring problem in the industry of replacing tyres too early, which meant taking forklifts out of service needlessly resulting in potentially large productivity costs in a busy factory or warehouse.

“Typically industrial solid tyres are replaced with 25% of life still remaining as guidelines on industrial tyre safety are not well known. By choosing the Pit Stop Line tyres you always get maximum value for spend,” Seker points out, adding, “by never replacing too early, tyre spend can be reduced by up to 20% over a typical 5-year lease. In addition to this, downtime is reduced and critical machines are kept working.”

Intensity segmentation

Of course, first it’s essential to know the application really well when choosing the most suitable tyres you need to use and replace. It’s possible to determine the application intensity by evaluating the loads, speeds and distances of displacements. Trelleborg has a complete offering for low, medium and maximum intensity material handling applications.

Maximum intensity applications, for example, require a more durable tyre that can operate around the clock or across two or three shifts a day.

Trelleborg says its newest XP1000 has already become a popular choice for continuous operations on ports, warehouses and shop floors, a key reason being the combination of the Pit Stop Line technology and its high-performance tyre compounds which helps provide “maximum performance and minimal waste.”

“Specifically designed for maximum intensity applications, its introduction has allowed our customers move materials indoors and out with optimum traction and minimal vibration to bring greater comfort, increased safety, lower fuel consumption and a longer life; all adding up to more cost effective and sustainable operations that safeguard the planet,” Seker says.

“In fact, side-by-side performance tests reveal that the XP1000 is made to last up to 9% longer with a 21% greater endurance than competitors’ tyres, and a reported increase in comfort level by up to 13%.

“Starting with raw materials and long-lasting reliability of compounds, Trelleborg brings cutting edge technologies to their tyres, so machine operators can concentrate on what they do best”

Different compound, different environment

Trelleborg says it will continue to focus on resilients solid tyre compounding, developing further an

expertise that has seen leading manufacturers of forklifts and warehouse equipment such as the KION Group, select Trelleborg Wheel Systems as their preferred main supplier for non-marking tyres in the European market.

The Trelleborg non-marking resilient solid tyres reflect the “different compound, different environment” approach which has seen Trelleborg deepen its expertise and engineer specific compounds, according to the environment where forklift trucks operate: from non marking compound designed to keep floors free from tyre marks to ProTex, a unique non-marking compound with electrically conductive properties.

KION Group, which brings Trelleborg together with other industry leading brands under its roof, has been using the Trelleborg non-marking resilient solid tyres variation for counterbalanced forklift trucks that operate in demanding indoor environments where floor care is essential.

As a leading tyre expert and a global supplier of tyres and complete wheels for off-highway vehicles such as agricultural machines, material handling,construction vehicles and specialty applications Trelleborg Wheel Systems offers specialised solutions for its customers. It brings cutting edge technologies to its tyres starting with raw materials and long-lasting reliability of compounds for a sustainable and superior performance in material handling applications; Pit Stop Line perfectly fits into this strategy.

“If the tyre is run on the cushion layer, it represents a significant risk to the operator and machine”

Expert intel on Access & Handling, boosting output, functionality and workplace best practice

About the

A&H Summit

Wave upon wave on new generation machinery is constantly changing even the most basic aspects of access and handling. But do you know the working practices this equipment requires and how to reap maximum return from this strongly mechanised culture?

The Access & Handling Summit assesses the impact of increasingly ‘smart’ machines, bound together by the Internet of Things, and presents detailed accounts of safe, efficient working – always focusing on real-world applications and the routes to best practice.

There is also a unique showcase of the latest equipment and inaction demonstrations of features and capabilities.

Networking

Opportunity

The event presents you with an opportunity to interact with regional industry decision makers and influencers. There are several innovative ways to sponsor, from interactive live polls to session background branding, and from lead generation campaigns to presentations. Contact us now for detailed information.

2022 Conversations

The one-day conference will feature high quality dialogue and provocative discussions; we will be hosting leading names from across the region, providing a terrific opportunity to see how the realities behind the major debates are progressing.

Sponsorship

Mark Dowdall | +971 58 297 7094 mark.dowdall@cpitrademedia.com

Andy Pitois | +971 4 375 5473 andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com

Brian Fernandes | +971 4 375 5479 brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com

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36 NEW RELEASES

The latest releases from the world of construction machinery.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

BAUMA RETURNS

40_JCB DEBUTS HYDROGEN REFUELLER

JCB has unveiled a mobile hydrogen refueller, which, it says is a world first for the industry.

“We’re really thrilled that Bauma 2022 demonstrates the trade fair remains a powerhouse of the construction-equipment industry thanks to our customer’s great variety of innovations, good business deals and many visitors from all over the world”

The final figures released by event organisers Messe Munchen show that almost 500,000 people attended the event over the seven days.

BAUMA RETURNS

THE RETURN OF THE GLOBAL MACHINERY TRADE FAIR WAS MARKED WITH A WEEK OF INNOVATION AND CONCEPTS FOR THE FUTURE. CMME PICKS OUT THE STANDOUT MOMENTS AND PRODUCTS THAT HELPED ELECTRIFY THE EVENT.

After three years of waiting, and wonder ing, the world’s biggest machinery event final ly returned, bringing with it both rain and sunshine in Munich, as all corners of the con struction machinery industry congregated for a truly whirlwind week as hectic as anything its participants are likely to have experienced in recent times.

The final figures released by Messe München show that more than 495,000 visitors from over 200 countries visited Bauma over the seven days. Although representing a drop from the pre-pandemic total of 627,603 visitors in 2019, for organisers and everyone else involved, there should also be a feeling of satisfaction that an event of such scale could again be brought to life with new innovations and themes, enhanced exhibition space, more great products and industry learnings too.

Almost half a million people remains a significant figure in any climate, with Stefan Rummel, the CEO of Messe München adding, “This Bauma has again stoked enthusiasm and fascination. After the world fundamentally changed following the last Bauma, we’re really thrilled that Bauma 2022 demonstrates the trade fair remains a powerhouse of the construction-equipment industry.”

In addition, Bauma 2022 saw over 3,200 exhibitors from 60 countries. Three years ago, 3,684 exhibitors attended the event from 63 countries.

The proportion of international visitors on this occasion was around 50 percent while the share of international exhibitors was nearly 65 percent.

Aside from the vast showcase of products over the seven days, some of which were highlighted in CMME’s sneak preview piece last month, the global machinery event furthered the conversation in key areas.

The road to zero emissions

Low-emission driving and working is currently one of the main development goals of the construction machinery industry, with Bauma 2022 highlighting further progress that has been made, in addition to the last couple of years, where a whole range of new products have reached the market. For example, since February 2020, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has been accepting orders for its ECR25 Electric compact excavator and L25 Electric wheel loader while the first of the machines, offered in 13 countries, has already been delivered to end customers. In the same year, Munich-based manufacturer Wacker Neuson launched the EZ17e mini excavator as a series product, having been on display at Bauma the year before. Since then, CASE Construction Equipment has added an electric construction machine to its portfolio too. The 580 EV was not only a first for the U.S. manufacturer but was the world’s first all-electric backhoe loader. Which brings us to Bauma 2022; where low-emissions machinery again took centre stage, arguably taking even more prominence than at any previous editions of the event.

LIEBHERR HYDROGEN EXCAVATOR TAKES INNOVATION AWARD

What better place to start than the 2022 Bauma Innovation Award in the climate protection category, which went to Liebherr’s first hydraulic excavator to be powered by a hydrogen engine. Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50 tonne-operating weight R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator may in future offer a robust solution for earthworks and quarrying applications.

Hydrogen combustion engines are just one of the technologies being explored by Liebherr as part of its “technology-neutral” approach. The prototype was developed by Liebherr-France SAS, based in Colmar, France. The machine is powered by an H966 hydrogen combustion engine. It was produced at Liebherr Machines Bulle SA, the Liebherr Group’s engine competence centre in the Swiss canton of Fribourg.

In terms of power, dynamics and responsiveness, Liebherr says the R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator gives nothing away to any conventionally powered machine. Nor is it dependent on a continuous energy supply either. When used on a construction site, a hydrogen excavator emits almost no CO2 while from production to decommissioning, CO2 emissions are said to be 70% lower than those of comparable conventionally powered excavators.

The R 9XX H2 is powered by a Liebherr H966 hydrogen combustion engine. It has six cylinders and uses port fuel injection (PFI), which Liebherr employs along with direct injection (DI) for its hydrogen engines. Liebherr’s components product segment plans to start with the series production of hydrogen motors by 2025, leaving plenty to anticipate the next time Bauma comes around.

BOBCAT UNVEILS

TWO-TONNE ELECTRIC MINI EXCAVATOR

At Bauma, Bobcat’s display of innovation across the seven days did nothing to dispel the belief that the ability to innovate is innately part of the company’s DNA. It dazzled the crowds with a host of new excavators, attachments and technological solutions as well as The T7X – the world’s first all-electric compact track loader. This was one of several electrification developments showcased at Bobcat’s stand but perhaps the standout moment came on the opening morning of the event when the new two-tonne E19e Electric Mini Excavator was unveiled to the public for the first time. Although not expected to be made available to the Middle East market for quite some time, the E19e gave further evidence that the process of electrification in heavy equipment involves as series of smaller, incremental steps with the smaller-sized machines. Another thing it showed was Bobcat’s willingness to keep expanding its portfolio as part of its “product bundle” approach. With that being said, the E19e has the same capability as its diesel counterpart with greater capability than the

one-tonne mini excavator and offers another alternative for indoor and environmentally sensitive applications where noise is an issue.

Speaking at the unveiling, Bobcat VicePresident Mike Vought said, “It’s pretty obvious what is happening in the market. There is a green economy coming. There is more and more demand happening all the time for environmentally friendly machines. We started with the one-tonne and we are going to continue to go up through the portfolio and this is another family member to support that.”

CEO Scott Park explained further the concept of the product bundle and how this continues to be a key ingredient of the company’s innovation strategy moving forward.

“Conceptually when we look at our products we don’t just look at the product range but we look at what we call a product bundle. So what do the customers need to be successful to accomplish more?” Park said.

2He added, “As part of the whole journey we continue to explore expanding the whole portfolio for the telehandlers [too] but also expanding the portfolio for the availability of different energy solutions. So we have the diesel solution, we do have in our engineering the hybrid solution, you have seen a few electric machines and we also acquired Doosan Forklift company last year. Just a couple of months ago we introduced the hydrogen fuel cell-based forklift. So all these technologies in some way or form will be showing up in our product bundles, in other products, at some time in the future.”

ELECTRIFICATION

CATERPILLAR CHARGES INTO THE FUTURE

As had been announced in the run-up to the fair, Caterpillar, with its broad machinery offering across a range of segments, was represented by its German dealer, Zeppelin. For the first time in public, the Cat dealer displayed four Cat battery-powered construction equipment models: the 301.9 electric mini excavator, 320 electric medium excavator, 950 GC electric medium wheel loader and 906 electric compact wheel loader.

Currently prototypes, the 301.9, which has up to eight hour run time on a single charge and the 906, which has up to six hours run time on a single charge are expected to

TADANO SHOWS HYBRID ENGINE CONCEPT

As the global market accelerates its shift toward clean energy, a portion of Tadano’s Bauma stand was dedicated to showing Tadano’s commitment to the environment through Tadano Green Solutions. The global crane manufacturer used Bauma to show its hybrid engine concept designed for lowering CO2 emissions and its E-Pack electrohydraulic system for zero emission crane operation. Additionally, it announced that it will introduce its electric rough terrain crane with zero-emissions technology sometime in 2023.

The E-pack has received industrywide recognition since it was launched in 2021 to be used as an alternative to diesel engines in places where there are strict emission-related requirements. It can be equipped on some of Tadano’s latest models presented at Bauma including the AC 2.040-1, AC 3.050-1, AC 3.060-2 all-terrain cranes as well as the AC 3.045-1 City Crane

The E-Pack allows crane operation even without starting the engine, with an electric motor control system that

be the first commercially available models before the manufacturer goes up the sizes with its electric rollout. According to the manufacturer, the Cat 301.9 mini excavator has up to five hours in continuous trenching, powered by a Cat 48V, 32kWh battery while a Cat 300V, 64kWh battery powers the Cat 906 compact wheel loader.

The machines are powered by Caterpillar battery prototypes and include an onboard AC charger but Caterpillar says it also

ensures that only the amount of power needed to carry out the required functions is used. Compared to the diesel system, Tadano says it reduces operating hours and results in lower operating costs.

Tadano also presented a demo all-terrain crane with an electrified superstructure to the public for the first time at Bauma. The fully functional crane runs on a flexible power supply concept in which the electric operation can be powered in three ways -through the integrated

battery, through a connection to external power, or with the help of a generator on the diesel engine that provides power for the electric motor. As a result, it can always run exclusively on electric power, with the electric motor maintaining the same working speed and delivered lifting capacity as that of a diesel engine.

According to Tadano, “that is regardless of which of the three possible sources of power is used.”

With the tech demo, the company said it wanted “to show how it is

plans to offer an offboard DC fast charging option.

Although, it will likely be some time before the Caterpillar 320 medium excavator hits the market, perhaps the most impressive feature of Caterpillar’s lowemissions quartet is the ability of the 320 to operate for up to eight hours on a single charge powered by a Cat 600V, 320kWh battery. Not only does this leave plenty to be excited about for the next Bauma fair in three years but also for the future electrification of larger sized, heavy machinery.

already laying a foundation that will enable it to use all options for carbonneutral crane operation in the future,”

In April 2021, the Tadano Group announced Long-Term Environmental Targets, which include 25% reduction in CO2 emissions from business activities and 35% reduction in CO2 emissions from product use by 2030, and, even more importantly, achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The continued development of these products will be integral if Tadano is to successfully achieve these goals.

HITACHI DISPLAYS FIVETONNE BATTERYPOWERED EXCAVATOR

Any conversation on the pathway to zero emissions equipment could not be had without the inclusion of earthmoving specialist, Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) which continues to take noticeable steps towards bridging the gap between the electrification of smaller sized machines and their larger equivalent. On display at Bauma was HCM’s first zero-emission five-tonne battery-powered excavator in Europe. A standout feature of the new ZX55U-6EB is its ability to operate with high manoeuvrability in confined spaces, as it has inherited the short tail swing of the diesel-powered

ZX55U-6 model. Like many of the other zeroemissions machines at the fair it delivers lower noise levels, enhanced efficiency, and has fewer maintenance requirements and less downtime than conventional models. However, according to the manufacturers users of the machine can choose between battery-powered operation, using 39kWh lithium-ion batteries, and wired operation, which allows the machine to work while charging from a CEE 400VAC 3-phase power source. By utilising both methods operators can work continuously throughout their working day.

The ZX55U-6EB is the first of its kind to be produced by Hitachi. It shares the same concept as the eight-tonne ZE85 electric excavator, which was developed by EAC (European Application Center GmbH), a joint venture between Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd and KTEG (Kiesel Technologie Entwicklung GmbH). It was also a fitting inclusion to the stand of a company that is celebrating 50 years in the industry this year.

HAMM ELECTRIFIES TANDEM ROLLERS

The Wirtgen Group’s compaction specialist brought a whole range of new machines, options and technologies to Bauma 2022, notably its HC series and the HC CompactLine series.

Visitors to Bauma 2022 also had the chance to see the HD 12e VO (with vibration and oscillation drums) and the HD 12e OT (combination roller with oscillation) which are part of Hamm’s series of eight fully electric battery-driven tandem rollers in the compact class.

Four of the e-models are fitted with oscillation drums while two of these are said to be the world’s first e-combination rollers featuring oscillation.

This is where the already quiet oscillation meets with the quiet e-drive resulting in quiet compaction machines that produce no emissions and cause very few vibrations in the surrounding area.

The vibration or oscillation unit is driven by electric means only via specially designed, compact synchronous motors. As a result, the efficiency rating more than doubles and the energy demand reduces accordingly too, Hamm says.

Compared to the diesel machines, Hamm says the new additions save approximately 10 kg CO2 every hour of operation. The e-rollers, which are operated in exactly the same way as the other models in the HD Compact Line series, will initially be available for the European market only, with the first electric models scheduled for delivery in spring 2023 to regions where the EU Stage V exhaust emission standard currently applies

The energy for travel, steering, and vibration or oscillation drives comes from one Li-ion battery with a capacity of 23.4 kWh. The battery can be charged via a rapid-charge plug a standard plug with a full charge taking approx. 4 hours (400 V) or approximately 7.5 hours (230 V).

The HAMMTRONIC control system monitors and controls the components of the zero-emissions rollers while an automatic electric motor is featured as standard. This deactivates all functions when the machine is idling, thereby reserving battery capacity.

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WHY GET IT?

OWNERHSIP COSTS ARE REDUCED BY REPLACING THE DIESEL ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM

Ammann has launched its new eARX 26-2 Light Tandem Roller featuring a fully electric drive that can operate for up to 18 hours, and sometimes beyond, without recharging, the company says.

As there is no combustion engine the eARX 26-2 is extremely quiet during operation with sound levels said to be 46% less than a diesel version.

In this latest offering the powertrain concept eliminates almost all hydraulic components, and reduces both the ecological impact and ownership costs by replacing the diesel engine and its cooling system.

Important features, besides the electric drive, are the roller’s design, drum construction, operator platform and engine compartment.

The eARX 26-2 is equipped with a powerful battery pack with electric motors for the main drive and vibratory circuits. According to Ammann the advanced 48-volt battery is key, not just because of its capacity of 600 Ah/31,5kWh but also its LiFePO4 technology which is “unique” because each internal battery

cell is independently protected. This makes the entire pack flame-resistant, increasing safety.

The Swiss manufacturer explains: “The roller’s technology provides extended operation on a single charge. Depending on the jobsite and the demands on the machine, an eARX262 can operate up to 18 hours without having to recharge, in which case, the machine must only be charged once per typical working day, usually at the end of the working shift.”

“All electric drive and vibratory motors are equipped with a recuperation mechanism as standard,” it adds. “When the machine stops, or when vibration is turned off, the electric motors continue to generate power – and send it to the main battery to increase charge.”

The battery can be recharged via the recuperation process during machine operation or with chargers when the machine is not operating.

There are two charging systems available: On-board charger – 50-amp charging system with 12 hours total charging time and External charger – 200-amp charging system with 3.5 hours charging time.

The LiFePO4 battery is characterised by a long lifespan and a high number of charging cycles with the battery “likely to last for the life of the machine.”

The operator can continuously monitor battery charge level. An automatic alert is sent via the multi-functional display when charge falls to 10%. If the level drops to 3%, the system automatically disengages the vibrator to conserve power for machine travel to a charging zone.

Ambient operating temperatures are another important advantage. The temperature ranges are wider than Li-ion batteries and other common technologies. LiFePO4 batteries can operate below the freezing point – specifically from -10° C (14° F) – and up to 60° C (140° F).

The fully electric drive also offers possibility for 100% traction control with Ammann Traction Control (ATC), under which, the system is able to precisely distribute drive power to the drums without any delays or losses in power transfer.

Electric drive motors require more space than hydrostatic motors. Therefore, for the vibratory drum design Ammann developed a patented solution that makes it possible for drive motors to be installed inside the drums and within the eARX 26-2’s contour. Ammann says that this removes all limits for operators when working close to obstructions.

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

JLG UNVEILS 45 AND 52FT ELECTRIC ARTICULATED BOOM LIFTS

WHY GET THEM?

INCREASES FUNCTIONALITY DUE TO OPTIONAL FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE AND DUAL 400AH BATTERY PACK

JLG has introduced two new electric booms which were unveiled at Hinowa’s stand at Bauma, continuing a partnership that first formed between the two companies in 2010. Under the partnership, the Italian-based Hinowa has been producing JLG’s electric boom lift series, the EC Series.

The new, upgraded second generation versions of JLG’s 45 and 52ft electric articulated boom lifts, the 45ft EC450AJ and 52ft EC520AJ were showcased at Hinowa’s stand, as JLG decided it would not have a standalone booth at the fair. The two models use the same base machine with a slightly longer boom

on the EC520AJ. As with the first generation JLG 450/520AJs, they use a dual sigma type riser, topped by a two-section telescopic boom and jib with 145 degrees of articulation. Power on the new models comes from a 200Ah lithium-ion battery pack with a recharge time of 3.5 hours, through the 3kW onboard Zivan battery charger.

A dual 400Ah battery pack is optional while the travel function is provided by two AC direct wheel electric drive motors, with the option of four-wheel drive.

JLG’s general manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Karel Huijser said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-lasting partnership with Hinowa. The launch of the EC Series Gen 2 at Bauma, marks a successful collaboration between our two companies that is based on sharing the same values and an equal passion about product design and development. Whilst not being present at Bauma, we are proud to unveil the EC Series at the Hinowa stand.” Hinowa president Davide Fracca added: We’re so pleased to celebrate not only our 35th anniversary this year, but also this meaningful 12.5 year partnership with JLG. We look forward to many more years of success together.”

Manitowoc has launched its latest rough-terrain crane, the Grove GRT8100-1, an upgrade of the GRT8100, which will be available from 2023.

According to the manufacturer many of the improvements in the latest model, which was presented at Bauma, stem from a new chassis that shares commonality with the chassis from the 120t capacity GRT8120. There’s also an updated engine and transmission package, and a new, wider cab with enhanced operating features.

“The GRT8100 has been a popular choice with customers worldwide. With the GRT8100-1, we have taken a great crane and made it even better,” said Federico Lovera, product manager for rough-terrain, industrial, and lattice boom crawler cranes at Manitowoc.

“The new Grove GRT8100-1 will go into production at our U.S. and Italian factories simultaneously, allowing deliveries to customers around the world to begin in early Q2 next year,” he added.

The 100t capacity GRT8100-1 features the same 360° load charts as its predecessor. However, there is an option to integrate the flexible MAXbase variable position outrigger system, which the company says, offers up to 15% capacity improvements in certain configurations.

WHY GET IT?

ENABLES BETTER LIFTING CAPACITY AND SITE ACCESS DUE TO ITS VARIABLE OUTRIGGER POSITIONING SYSTEM, MAXBASE

Ato plot a path away from fossil fuels and towards zero emissions equipment, JCB has taken another important step on this journey with the unveiling of the mobile hydrogen refueller, which, it says is a world first for the industry.

JCB says is investing £100 million in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines while it has already showcased working prototypes of a backhoe loader and loadall telescopic handler powered by hydrogen.

The mobile hydrogen refueller provides a quick and easy way for operators to refuel their machines on site by delivering hydrogen via a nozzle into their machine when needed. According to the manufacturer, around 97 per cent of construction machines have fuel delivered to them while working on site and customers are already used to a transportable fuel, allowing refuelling to take place in a matter of minutes.

He added, “Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come. Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come.”

Hydrogen fuel is a clean, renewable, safe and transportable fuel with zero CO2 emissions.

JCB’s unique combustion process involves lowering the pressure and temperature within the engine to give a clean burn and a zeroemission product. With the refueller, JCB says it can refuel a JCB machine up to 16 times before needing to be recharged.

A team of one hundred engineers is working on the project.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading JCB’s hydrogen project, said, “Since we became the first construction equipment company to unveil machines powered by hydrogen, many have asked how they can be refuelled.

“Well today we have an answer with our new mobile hydrogen refuelling system, which allows hydrogen to be taken from on-site tube trailers and

The first hydrogen powered machine to be unveiled was a JCB backhoe loader followed, a year ago, by a Loadall telescopic handler. The technology went on to be shown in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow as world leaders debated measures to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions. JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing them at plants in Derbyshire, UK and in Delhi, India. Last year, the manufacture celebrated a major milestone with the production of its 750,000th engine.

JCB says it can refuel a JCB machine up to 16 times before needing to be recharged