ISSUE 91 MAY 2019
PLuS
E S I R E H T N O L A T REN L RentaL Regiona eS on comPaniing a n u PS w
LOAD E H T F O T H G I L G M A K IN deRS a wheeL Lo to take PoweRediteS on joB-S
H C I MUN S L E V MAR
19 Bauma 20
The s a T s e b ir e h er T g g n i i b g s n e i o r sb wg d o n h a s r e b d p a To Tr T s e g g i b world’s
TOUGH AND VERSATILE The Volvo EC210DL has been designed with toughness and versatility in mind. Powered by a 4 cylinder Volvo D5E engine, this machine will drive down your cost per tonne every bit as efficiently as it handles whatever heavy-duty task you throw at it. Equipped with ECO mode, it provides significant fuel efficiency improvements; and the Volvo CareCab environment helps to ensure that the operator will give of their best too. Talk to your local Volvo dealership today.
volvoce.com
CONTENTS MAY 2019
14
6_news The latest news from across the region and further afield.
14_Munich Marvels CMME is in the Bavarian capital to cover Bauma 2019, where top brands bring in their best as the world’s biggest trade show goes even bigger.
24_sTeely resolve SSAB’s regional sales manager talks to CMME about how the SwedishAmerican company’s special steel products are doing in the Middle East.
28_renTal on The rise Rental companies in the region are on a slow upswing with expansions
12 SpoTTeD y an in Gercm rawler
in their businesses and fleets in the GCC’s equipment rental market.
r e w o p raw 35_Top Te
n
care llow to take n tips to fo
. eel loaders
of your wh
D emag er man replaces G viaduct
12
Top te
ce experien maintains quality. h T i w s w it iscusses ho 38_Truck s division d uck cks’ used tr Renault Tru
d f The loa ’s job-sites. o T h g i l g e region to take on th 42 _ M a k i n all the ers pull out Wheel load
stops
o cenTre ue. M e d s p hi revaM perience at its Amsterdam ven 48_hiTac er ex ves custom ajor impro Japanese m
6
24
42
28
2
EDITORIAL M AY 2019
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 EDITORIAL EDITOR ANIRBAN BAGCHI anirban.bagchi@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5715
the industry’s pulse Every time a Bauma show comes around – and this happens once every three years – it’s a special occasion for the global construction machinery industry. The world’s biggest trade fair, held in east Munich, is a bellwether for the global construction machinery industry and a guide to where it is headed. Bauma 2019 was no exception, and it was doubly special for CMME. Firstly, it was the very first Bauma that yours truly was able to attend – and I can confirm that all the superlatives used to describe it are not only well-deserved, but indeed actually fall short of doing it justice. Or at least this year they did. This time around, the event threw up some astonishing figures. More than 620,000 people from all over the world visited the seven-day trade fair to see over 3,700 exhibitors from 63 countries. All these figures shattered the previous records held by Bauma, confirming yet again that the event is in a loop of breaking its own records for the biggest fair in the world with each successive edition. Just to give you an idea of its size, my trusty Fitbit logged an average of 31,000 steps per day during my perambulations at the event. The average most people manage is around 5,000 steps, I’m told, and those who aim to get fit are advised to get to 10,000 a day. Putting this into perspective, it might seem miraculous that I also managed to gain a kilogram in weight during my visit, but that is easily explained when you consider the atmosphere that Bauma evokes. For Bavarians, Bauma is a celebration. The love that the denizens of Munich of all ages have for engineering and machinery is on clear and ample display at the event, with families and student groups walking the halls and outdoor areas and thronging the demonstration areas, fathers lifting their children on their shoulders to give them better views of, say, a giant Komatsu
mining shovel, a huge Volvo rigid hauler or a humungous Liebherr all-terrain crane at full boom extension. With this sort of interest on display from people not even in the construction industry, Bauma for the Germans is not just a trade event – it is a public one. And no public celebration can be possible without a culinary component, with an entire road that runs between the fair grounds closed to traffic and turned into a ‘food boulevard’ with local and even global delicacies on offer – for this is after all a global event. Ergo my weight gain, despite the miles of trudging – or perhaps because of the hunger induced by it. But now that Bauma is over, it’s time to concentrate on what it gave us. In this issue we present the first part of our show review, looking at what the top brands did at the show. Among other features, we also take a look at the wheel loaders segment and discuss how the regional rental sector is faring. To end with Bauma, the second reason it was special for CMME was because three out of the five winners of the Bauma Innovation Awards this year were innovations that we had voted for as part of the global media jury at the Bauma Media Dialog in January, vindicating the fact that at CMME Towers we have our fingers on the pulse of the industry.
Sub EDITOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERTISING SALES ExECuTIvE TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5496 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING MARKETING MANAGER SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 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 MOHAMMAD AWAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINTED by PRINTWELL PRINTING PRESS LLC PUbLIShED by
Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE. www.cpitrademedia.com
Anirban Bagchi Editor, CMME
© Copyright 2019 CPI. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.
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4
ONLINE M AY 2019
MOST POPULAR
ReAdeRS’ COMMeNTS
feATURed
CONSULTANT
‘BUILd whAT They wANT ANd They wILL BUy IT,’ JLL’S PLUMB TeLLS CITySCAPe ABU dhABI
Saudi Arabia unveils Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion design
Such a great soundbite ‘Build what they want and they will buy it’ and so true! We recently had some family travel over for a visit in Dubai.
CONSULTANT
It was their first time in
Aldar launches waterfront development in Abu Dhabi
a couple of years, and they couldn’t believe how many different projects had popped up in that time. They were also
feature: Best of Bauma – digitisation of the industry
puzzled as to who will actually live in them. It is reassuring to hear, then,
CONSTRUCTION
that Abu Dhabi appears
Foundation stone laid for AASTMT facility in Khor Fakkan
to have found a balance between the ambitions of developers and the reality of the real estate market. Hopefully, Craig Plumb is correct that the market is now providing property priced at where
CONSTRUCTION
the demand is – largely
Losberger De Boer launches modular temporary structures for KSA cinema sector
the middle part of the market and not super expensive properties. The capital has a lot going for it from a resident’s point of view, so let’s hold onto this sensible thinking. We don’t want to be entering a new decade with the potential of a collapse in
CONSULTANT
Damac says $229m London tower is a ‘major vote of confidence’ in the UK
Interview: Roofing experts BMI looking to make an impact in region
the property market. Name withheld by request
The revolutionary approach to reliability! The B877F backhoe loader
The B877F backhoe loader builds on the SDLG reputation for reliability, adding versatility and superb operational control. When using the excavator, the front bucket of the B877F is put to work as a stabilising ground support. Cab ergonomics have been optimised for visibility, operator comfort and efficiency. A powerful AC system is offered as standard, while a powerful new 70 kW engine and a 55º steering angle add to the versatility. Reliability is key with SDLG, so access for regular servicing and inspection has been made easy with everything necessary in comfortable reach. All filters are located centrally and a large rear-hinged hood offers swift access to the engine. The SDLG Reliability Revolution is an ongoing process – but our message never changes: SDLG reliability brings you profitability. facebook.com/sdlgcm
S W NE 6
Middle east debut
Abu DhAbi to host WorlD roAD Congress
jeCts, o r p W e n offiCes, W e n , s e hin ArounD k o neW mAC o l e ives – W t A month i t s i i n h i t W e ne W WhAt’s n t A n o i g the re MAMMOET
The World Road Congress comes
ExPANDS ABU
to the Middle East for the first time
DHABI TEAM
this year, with Abu Dhabi hosting the
Mammoet has
26th edition of the five-day event in
expanded its
October under the theme ‘Connecting
workforce and
Cultures, Enabling Economies’.
equipment in
The organiser, World Road
Abu Dhabi by
Association (PIARC), said more than
adding two new
5,000 delegates from 120 countries
team members
and more than 40 ministries of various
and bolstering its
governments are expected to attend the
barge and tug boat
event. This includes some of the world’s
fleets. The global
leading experts in road infrastructure,
engineered heavy
transport and technology.
lift and transport
“The World Road Congress 2019,
specialist said the
from October 6-10 at the Abu Dhabi
two new members
National Exhibition Centre, will offer
in its team are
a unique global platform for the UAE
Enrico Luconi
to demonstrate its commitment to
Trombacchi,
innovating in the surface transport,
who will head
tunnels, bridges and infrastructure
the company’s
space,” said a PIARC statement.
UAE branch, and
The event will be held under the
Vimal Jose, its
patronage of His Highness Sheikh
new operations
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown
manager in
Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy
Haulotte booms build Art Centre in Dubai
Abu Dhabi.
Supreme Commander of the UAE
Trombacchi
Armed Forces, and comes at a time
previously held
when the UAE has been consistently
executive roles in
recognised by the World Economic
the heavy lift and
Forum as having the best roads in
transport industry
the world from 2015 to 2018.
Five machines from French powered access specialist Haulotte are helping in the construction and finishing works of the Art Centre project in Dubai. Located in the city’s Al Barsha neighbourhood, the centre will become the first specialised mall in the GCC region dedicated to uniting the furniture market, and will host brands ranging from medium- to high-end. Haulotte’s distributor in the UAE, United Gulf Equipment Rentals, has supplied five units of Haulotte’s articulated boom lifts with working height of 41m for use in all phases of the project. Airolink Building Contracting
in the MENA
LLC was assigned by project owner MMS Gulf as the main contractor for the project. MMS Gulf is currently leading a number of projects at various stages of development in the UAE. According to Haulotte, the HA41PXNT articulated boom lift in use on the project has been designed to meet the needs of customers who specialise in technically complex and sustainable projects. Its design makes it possible to reach more diversified work areas, thanks to a working height of 41.5m, up to four simultaneous proportional movements and a wide horizontal outreach of 20.1m to access difficult-to-reach areas.
Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi,
region, while Jose
Minister of Infrastructure Development
brings 13 years
and chairman of the UAE Federal
of heavy haulage
Transport Authority – Land & Maritime,
experience in
said: “This year, the 26th International
Abu Dhabi.
Road Conference will be an opportunity to present and address programmes and issues related to different modes of transport and advancements in the sector, such as smart innovations. It will be an opportunity to demonstrate the development and sustainability of the UAE infrastructure and to meet like-minded industry experts to share experiences and information.”
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8
NeWs ROuNd-uP M AY 2019
disRuPtive techNOlOgy
besix lAunChes 3D ConCrete print stuDio
Famco hosts UAE Volvo Trucks driver contest
AURECON APPOINTS NEW ASIA MD Global engineering company Aurecon has announced that Stephane Asselin has taken the reins as its
Belgian construction giant BESIx has
new managing
launched a 3D concrete printing studio
director for Asia.
in Dubai, combining its engineering
The move comes
and construction capabilities with the
as the company
expertise of construction materials
launches a growth
specialist SIKA and international 3D
initiative in a
printing designer Witteveen & Boss.
region it sees as a
The UAE final of the third annual Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge, which took place in Dubai earlier this month, saw drivers from 55 companies compete to be declared the best in their profession. Organised in the UAE by Volvo Trucks and its dealer Famco, the competition focused on three key areas: safety, fuel efficiency and productivity. According to the organisers, the aim of the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge is to draw attention to the important work done by truck drivers
NEW CEO FOR SIEMENS OIL & GAS Siemens has announced that Arja Talakar is the new CEO of its Oil & Gas unit. He will be based in Houston, the global headquarters of parent operating company Siemens Gas and Power. Talakar was previously head of Siemens KSA.
and to attract more drivers to the constantly growing sectors of transportation, construction and logistics. The overall winner this year was Tawhed Ali from Abu Dhabi company Trojan, who claimed the title of the UAE’s best all-round truck driver after beating the field in the final round, held in Dubai April 15-17. The competition this year involved more challenges than before. Speaking about his victory, Ali said: “Winning the UAE 2019 Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge is a big achievement for me!
The final was tough and [I was] up against many experienced drivers. We are impressed that Famco stages this motivational event which attracts so many drivers from all over the emirates.” Vladimir Knezevic, MD, Famco UAE, said: “The Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge 2019 in the UAE brings together all the different challenges that truck drivers face every day. Their skills are often the critical factor in the safety, fuel efficiency and productivity of our customers.”
BoBcat launchesing ll self-leve ers flail mow ing portfolio
s landscap ng extended it as h t ca b f self-levelli o B ew range o n a f o rs. ch to n va mini-exca with the lau ents for its m ch FM ta at SL and flail mower the SL FM 60 o models – E17 to E20 t ca b o The first tw with the B le ib at p tors m mini-excava 85 – are co 5z 2.6-3.5t E3 to 6 g E2 in tt 1.7-2t and 60 has a cu . The SL FM w of o fl lic respectively u ra m and a hyd m 0 60 f o width 85 sports ile the SL FM h w , in /m 16-38l -70l/ 0mm and 36 figures of 85 . ly ve min repecti
BESIx 3D is proposing a
key focus. Based
comprehensive production chain, from
in Hong Kong,
concept design, structural modelling
Asselin will oversee
and printing to assembly. It is also
all commercial
investing in several R&D programmes in
operations with a
partnership with universities to further
focus on driving
develop the technology and materials,
new business and
and to apply 3D concrete printing
continuing the
techniques to different environments,
C
acceleration of
such as marine applications.
M
digital engineering
“The market is moving out of the
and advisory
innovation phase and [is rapidly]
offerings to clients,
entering into the growth phase.
Aurecon said.
BESIx 3D Studio has been set up to support the region in its vision to disrupt the traditional approach
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
of construction by offering a one-stop-shop solution to each stakeholder,” said Jonas Vandeven, head of the BESIx 3D Division.
K
www.famcointernational.com/uae/
10
NeWs ROuNd-uP M AY 2019
iNdustRy bOdy
vDmA lAunChes mAChines in ConstruCtion 4.0 Working group
Continental to bring in new monitoring tool
A new technology feature from Continental targeted at improving performance and productivity for its off-the-road tyre customers is set to arrive in the Middle East in the second half of this year. According to the German tyre and automotive technology company, its new ContiLogger is a consultancy concept that offers cost-effective analysis of cycle downtime, distance, speed, lateral forces, cornering and road grade, enabling optimised route management and coordinated tyre use. ContiLogger, which had its world
GLOBAL SALES AT ALL-TIME HIGH The global construction equipment sector recorded total sales of 1.1m units at a retail value of $110bn last year, an all-time high. According to OffHighway Research, the 2018 figures are higher than the previous record of 2011, during the peak of Chinese spending, as well as the figures recorded in 2007. This time, North America and Europe also contributed, along with Asia.
premiere at Bauma 2019 last month, combines tyres, hardware, software, data and manpower into an individual consulting service approach, says the company. Using a range of components including GPS, the new system captures data such as tyre pressure, tyre temperature, and vehicle and topographic data in real-life applications and transmits it to Continental experts for analysis. With the aid of the GPS-generated data, Conti’s field engineers are able to identify whether a tyre is being overloaded or underused and thus extend tyre life and adapt operational processes so that overall productivity is increased. “We see this as extremely important in the OTR earthmoving business, where conditions are very harsh and tyre replacement costs are high,” said Enno Straten, head of Commercial Specialty Tyres.
The Europe-based
standardisation,
Mechanical Engineering
ISO 15143-3 (the
Industry Association
communication scheme
(VDMA) organised
designed to provide
the first meeting of a
mobile machinery
new working group at
status data from a
RECORD Q1 FOR
Bauma called Machines
telematics provider’s
HAULOTTE
in Construction 4.0,
server to third-party
Powered access
which was founded
client applications
major Haulotte
at the construction
via the internet),
Group achieved
equipment industry
and data rights.
its best quarterly
trade fair in Munich
result for 10 years
with the aim of
the group is open
at the end of the
involving all players in
to equipment
quarter ending
the construction value
makers, construction
March 2019, with
chain to work in a more
companies, material
consolidated
structured manner.
suppliers and software
sales of €163.2m
With the main
manufacturers, as well
compared with
goal of networking
as universities and
€137.5m for the
machines together, the
research institutions
same period in
group is concerned
globally. The new
2018, an increase
with machine data,
group also allows in
of 17%. The Europe
machine to machine
companies unable
and North America
communication,
to join the VDMA.
Membership in
markets were up 20% , while Latin America posted a 21% rise in sales. Asia-Pacific was down 3%, due to a slowdown in the Middle East, particularly Turkey. Overall sales were up 19%.
uD trucks DeButs n Quester in mew eena UD Trucks un veiled its
New Quester Middle East, in the East and Nor th Africa (MEE a special laun NA) at ch event in Ba hrain last mon Volvo Group th. The -owned Japa nese company updated heav said the y-duty vehicl e arrives with enhancemen “a range of ts that will en ab le logistics co across the re mpanies gion to tackle critical indust challenges an ry d boost their bottom line th smart logistic rough s”. For the fir st time in the the Quester ha region, s a high roof sleeper optio long-haul w n for ork. Power ha s been booste and other en d, hancements improve fuel efficiency and productivity .
THE PLANS AREN’T CONCRETE. YET.
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12
KIT SPOTTING M APRIL AY 2019 2016
Demag crawler replaces german viaDuct
H
eavy cranes with a large lifting capacity demand one thing above all when setting up the main boom: space. A lot of it. This can quickly become a challenge at tight work-sites where every metre counts. When replacing the old viaduct on the A45 freeway that spans the Lahn River near Dorlar in Germany, crane service provider Wiesbauer solved this problem with the Demag CC 3800-1, which made it possible to set up the 84m-long main boom without a Superlift counterweight, thus saving space. “This work-site required us to lift loads of 96-148t at radiuses of 40-64m, so there was no option but to use a crawler crane in the 650t class despite the constrained space conditions,” Wiesbauer project manager Marco Wilhelm explains. The company decided on the Demag CC 3800-1 lattice boom crawler crane, which was then assisted by an AC 1605 all-terrain crane from the same manufacturer. However, before the CC 3800-1 could be brought to the site, its work area needed to be prepared. “The Lahn flows right along the site, so the ground wouldn’t have been able to bear the load the machine exerted. So the work area was prepared with a concrete foundation for the crane,” Wilhelm says. This made it possible to safely set up the crane with an LSL1 configuration featuring an 84m main boom, 36m Superlift boom, 50t central ballast and a crucial 225t counterweight.
Wilhelm says: “The extremely heavy counterweight enabled us to set up the main boom without an additional Superlift counterweight. Moreover, this was what made it possible to use the enormous crawler crane to pick up the loads at such a tight work-site, as leaving out the Superlift counterweight actually increased the crane’s usable working area.” In order to build the two bridge sections, it was necessary to perform the work in two different steps at two different work areas. The steel components had to be lifted over the river in one step and over a parallel rail line in the other. At each step, one steel cross beam and four longitudinal steel girders had to be put into position. All the lifts followed the same pattern: due to space limitations, the Demag CC 3800-1 picked up the steel beams – which were up to 54m long and weighed 96148t – from the SPMT units without a Superlift counterweight. The crane then slewed to a pick-up point where it was possible to attach the ready-to-go Superlift counterweight frame and its counterweight of 325t to the CC 3800-1, so that the latter would be able to work at bigger radii and lift the beams to a height of around 22m, then set them down at the intended bridge points. The radii ranged from 40m to 64m – due to their length, the beams were rigged to 20m and 25m spreader beams that made it possible to achieve the required precision for the lifts.
14
COVER STORY M AY 2019
Munich Marvels
With more than 620,000 people from all over the World visiting over 3,700 exhibitors from 63 countries – all records – bauma 2019 saW the global construction equipment industry celebrate its current state of health With a focus on digitisation and neW kit, reports CMME in the first of a tWopart series from munich
W
hen Bauma 2019 concluded on April 14 in Munich, the figures and feelings generated by the triennial event provided ample evidence that the global construction machinery sector is in glowing health. With more than 620,000 visitors from over 200 countries, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment generated the best results in the exhibition’s 65-year history. According to official figures released by organisers Messe Munchen, visitor numbers rose by about 40,000 compared to the previous edition in 2016. More than 250,000 visitors came from outside Germany, with the top 10 contributors being Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland and the UK. The event also experienced a strong increase in attendance from overseas visitors this year. Significant gains in this group were produced by China, Australia and Japan, with more than 5,500 visitors coming from China alone. The number of exhibitors
15 Bauma 2019 created fresh records with its attendance figures, total area covered and total number of exhibitors, as the global equipment industry showed off its latest tech.
“In these times of sweeping technological change that is being triggered by digitisation, Bauma provides the industry with security and confidence. Bauma 2019 highlighted the opportunity and tremendous outlook of the industry as a whole�
16
COVER STORY M AY 2019
CaSE
future case study on shoW With the way to the future being one of the most important
waste into useful energy. “We’ve been researching
occasion at Bauma, an original Case 1530 Uniloader from 1969 took pride of place on the stand.
themes for manufacturers at this
sustainable fuel sources for our
year’s Bauma, Case Construction
construction machinery for many
Equipment joined the bandwagon
years,” says Carl Gustaf Goränsson,
introductions were several
with its own unique offering:
president, Case CE. “Biomethane
operator-focused advancements,
the highlight of its stand and its
was the most logical choice for
including the reveal of its patented
presence at Bauma 2019 was
the wheel loader. We needed a
combined steering functionality
the unveiling of the world’s first
fuel that could provide the drive
on the Case 856C AWD grader.
wheel loader that runs entirely on
and power that our customers
Case said this unique development
alternative and renewable fuel.
demand. The fuel needed to be
provides the template for its
readily available, easy to refuel
next generation of graders.
Case says the new machine, a
Among the company’s new
Case also unveiled an
methane-powered wheel loader
and power through a full day of
concept called the ProjectTETRA
work. We wouldn’t compromise
electrohydraulic (EH) control
prototype, “reimagines wheel
on performance, so we set our
system for its 321F compact
loader design, marking a clear
designers quite a challenge.
wheel loader. The new hydraulic quick coupler improves visibility,
departure from anything seen in
“We were fortunate to work
construction equipment to date”.
very closely with sister brand FPT
while a new frame for the forks
Industrial, pioneers in developing
increases the rollback angle,
methane-powered engine
sustainably-fuelled powertrains,
allowing safer handling of loads.
specially designed and developed
with over 40,000 gas-powered
by sister brand FPT Industrial for
engines produced to date. This
were a 1121G wheel loader, a
construction applications. With
technology is already tried and
CX300D excavator and an Iveco
a maximum 230hp, it delivers
tested in other CNH Industrial
Astra HD9 truck – all apt for the
the same power and torque
brands, as there are some 28,000
demands of quarrying applications.
as its equivalent diesel engine
methane-powered Iveco trucks
For the recycling sector, there
found in the Case 821G wheel
and buses on the roads today.”
was a Case 821G Waste Handler
The concept includes a
loader. The concept can be
Apart from unveiling the
Among the machines on display
(WH) wheel loader and an Iveco X-Way NP crane-tipper truck.
powered by biomethane, which
showpiece concept machine,
is produced in biodigesters
Case also showcased a total of 15
from waste products such as
machines at its stand, shared with
there was the new Case CX90D
waste food, wood chippings
sister CNH Industrial brand Iveco,
excavator, the TV450 compact
and animal waste. With carbon-
which displayed four vehicles. A big
track loader, the CX18C and
neutral production, biomethane
focus area for Case was this year’s
CX37C excavators, a 570ST
provides a closed-loop, virtuous
50th anniversary celebrations of
backhoe loader and a 321F
energy cycle, converting
its skid steer loader. Marking the
compact wheel loader.
For urban construction,
totalled about 3,700 from 63 countries, another record, as was the event’s unprecedented 614,000sqm of space, the largest Bauma ever held. Exhibitors consider Bauma 2019 a success, according to statements gathered by the organisers. Frank W. Reschke, MD of concrete fabricator Masa, describes it as “the most successful Bauma of all time”. Martin Herrenknecht, founder of tunnelling equipment giant Herrenknecht, agrees: “Every Bauma is something special. But 2019 topped everything for Herrenknecht.” Domenic G. Ruccolo, CEO of the Wirtgen Group, rated Bauma 2019 as “the most successful in the history of the Wirtgen Group”. Many exhibitors of Bauma 2019 partner country Canada were enthused as well. Melinda Zimmerman Smith of Serious Labs says Bauma created “exciting opportunities that we didn’t even know existed”. What’s more, Bauma was “simply a whole lot of fun”, she adds. During the 2019 edition, exhibitors unveiled a huge number of innovations and new products to the trade fair’s global visitors. Caterpillar, for instance, combined with its illustrious German dealer Zeppelin, the biggest Cat dealer in the world, to introduce more than 20 world premieres. Other highlights from major manufacturers included a return of backhoe loaders at Komatsu, as well as the Japanese giant announcing mini electric excavators and showing off its range of giant earthmovers. Another Japanese giant, Hitachi, focused on excavators of various sizes and also demonstrated the special application machines developed in its European development centre. Case Construction Equipment unveiled concept studies of future machines, while Volvo CE followed up its announcement a few months ago of going all-electric with its compact range by premiering electric kit in the mini excavator and small loader categories. Business conducted at the exhibition was correspondingly good. Many exhibitors spoke of a high willingness to invest, which reportedly had a strong impact on order books as exhibitors generated the highest sales in the history of their participation at Bauma. New digital age technologies took centre stage at Bauma 2019, with a clear focal point of the event being sustainable and digital solutions. All exhibitors agree that digitisation is a “megatrend” in the construction machinery industry, says Andreas Klauser, CEO of Palfinger. Sensors and communication interfaces that collect and analyse data have become standard
17 Caterpillar had a huge indoor stand and an outdoor area with its German dealer Zeppelin. The emphasis of its display was on its Next Generation machines.
CaTERpillaR
neW cats out of the bag Electric and low-emission machines
had approximately 13,000sqm of
zero-emission compact wheel
that Cat is known for, three new
stole the limelight at Caterpillar’s
exhibit space at Bauma 2019.
loader, powered by a lithium-ion
Cat Next Generation excavators
battery with an electric drivetrain,
were on display, including the 330
stand in Bauma 2019, with the
Perhaps the biggest highlight for
world’s largest equipment maker
Cat was the launch of the world’s
was another highlight and hinted at
and 336, equipped with integrated
launching a bevy of models in
first high-drive electric drive dozer,
the way forward for the equipment
Cat technology that can increase
several categories, powered
the D6 XE, which offers up to
giant. Keeping to the theme of
operating efficiency up to 45%
with new technologies.
35% better fuel efficiency than its
low-emission and fuel efficiency,
compared with conventional
D6T predecessor. With a power
there was another first for Cat – the
grading operations, and enhance
showcased more equipment,
rating of 215hp, the D6 XE has an
988K XE, the brand’s first diesel/
fuel efficiency up to 20% compared
technology and services at this
operating weight range of 21-24t.
electric-drive wheel loader, which
with predecessor models.
year’s edition than ever before,
“Constant power to the ground,
The new launches apart, Cat
claims to dramatically improve fuel efficiency and productivity.
The Next Generation Cat machines offer functions such as
with the expansive Caterpillar
continuous push and greater
display covering a full hall and
manoeuvrability mean faster cycle
featuring diverse product lines as
times, making electric drive a top
were eight new Cat Next Generation
COMMAND to improve productivity
well as interactive displays of the
choice to achieve the highest level
mini hydraulic excavators designed
and safety while reducing cost.
company’s enhanced services.
of productivity and fuel efficiency.
for high performance, versatility,
Added D6 XE productivity and
affordability and safety. Operator
with more automation, integrated
64 machines, 20 of them new
reduced fuel cost mean customers
convenience is enhanced in
technology and digital solutions
introductions, a large selection
looking for these benefits can
these models with the addition of
that enable customers to focus
of work tools and a full slate
expect to see payback of the
industry-first standard features such
on their most important task:
of dealer-delivered support
added investment over a D6 in
as joystick steering (Stick Steer)
running their businesses,” says
services. Together, Caterpillar
less than two years,” says Cat.
for the 1-10t class machines.
Construction Industries Group
In total, Caterpillar displayed
and German dealer Zeppelin Cat
A concept 906 fully electric,
Also among the new launches
Among the big earthmovers
GRADE, PAYLOAD, DETECT and
“Cat machines are available
president Ramin Younessi.
18
COVER STORY M AY 2019
Volvo CE’s presence at Bauma 2019 was divided between indoor and outdoor areas. The company unveiled a new mini excavator and mini wheel loader, both electric units.
VOlVO CE
committed to the future At the beginning of the year, Volvo
all the way through to today’s market-
fewer maintenance requirements
trucks – and a demonstration
CE announced that it would go all-
ready products, seen here for the first
compared to their conventional
of Volvo Penta’s engines.
electric with its compact machines
time at Bauma. But we cannot do this
counterparts, says Volvo.
by 2020, making it the first global
alone. Our ongoing collaboration
equipment manufacturer to make
with all our stakeholders is proof
were not the only new technology
compact pavers yet, the P2820D
such a stiff yet game-changing
that partnership really is the new
products at Volvo’s stand, however.
and P2870D. The new-generation
commitment. Any doubts about
leadership. We are proud to be taking
The company also displayed the
EW60E and EC750E high-reach
whether the Swedes would be able to
this journey alongside our partners,
hydraulic-hybrid EC300E and the
demolition excavators were also
stick to their word were duly dispelled
working together to answer the most
semi-autonomous EC220E excavators
shown, while Volvo’s flagship R100E
on April 9 in Messe Munchen’s Hall
complex challenges society faces
with Volvo Active Control automated
rigid hauler made its first appearance
C6, Volvo’s stand at Bauma 2019.
with sustainable solutions – for today
boom and bucket movements,
at a show of this magnitude.
and tomorrow,” Jernberg says.
and the small EC60E excavator.
In a joint press conference hosted
The two new electric machines
Among the Volvo CE machines on display were the brand’s most
Volvo Services were also in the spotlight, with every
The electric machine launches
And there were more machines
from Volvo Penta and Volvo Trucks,
mark a “significant moment” in the
across Volvo’s two stands at Bauma
machine supported by a
Melker Jernberg, president Volvo CE,
company’s drive towards building a
2019 – the indoor stand in Hall
dedicated service offering via
delivered on his company’s industry-
more sustainable future. The ECR25
C6 covering 2,293sqm, as well as
touchscreens and other displays.
first pledge by unveiling the ECR25
and L25, the first to be shown from
a 5,870sqm outdoor live demo
Electric and L25 Electric, Volvo’s
a new electric range of Volvo-
arena and an additional 297sqm
global launch of ActiveCare, an
first compact electric excavator
branded compact excavators and
outdoor stand. The complete line-
intelligent telematics service that
and wheel loader respectively.
compact wheel loaders, deliver zero
up consisted of 47 construction
bundles together the monitoring
exhaust emissions, significantly
machines, six commercial trucks
of machine health and the
dedication to innovation, from our
lower noise levels, reduced energy
– including both the Autonomous
provision of weekly reports that
pioneering research and development
costs, improved efficiency and
Volvo FH and a series of electric
together help reduce downtime.
with Volvo Group counterparts
“We have a longstanding
The major highlight was the
19 equipment. Machines and vehicles are becoming cleaner, quieter and more efficient. Many now have electric and hybrid drive systems. “Customers’ interest in electric drive systems has never been so high as it was this year. It was a dominant issue at Bauma 2019,” says Dr Frank Hiller, chairman of the board at engine specialist Deutz. Some of the most interesting innovations were honoured with the Bauma Innovation Award on the evening before the trade fair opened (See box). Klaus Dittrich, chairman and CEO of organiser Messe München, says the smooth operation of the exhibition and the consistently positive feedback by exhibitors are the reasons for his satisfaction with the event’s results this year. “For the industry, Bauma is by far the world’s most important innovation platform and economic engine, something that we clearly saw this year. Particularly in these times of sweeping technological change that is being triggered by digitisation, Bauma provides the industry with security and confidence. Thanks to the momentum in demand generated by the fair’s seven days, companies will be
“For the industry, Bauma is by far the world’s most important innovation platform and economic engine, something that we clearly saw this year”
20
COVER STORY M AY 2019
able to calmly face economic slowdowns. Bauma 2019 highlighted the opportunity and tremendous outlook of the industry as a whole.” Franz-Josef Paus, MD of Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik and chairman of the Bauma Advisory Council, describes the trade fair’s unique character this way: “With exhibitors from more than 60 countries and visitors from over 200 nations, Bauma is an industry platform where technological variety, ingenuity and performance can be demonstrated to an immense international business audience.”
KOmaTSu
back With the backhoe
With more than 30 machines on
an operating weight of 8.1t and
given up and then suddenly
display on a 4,000sqm indoor
an improved EU Stage IV Komatsu
decided to come back. It has
stand and a 2,600sqm outdoor
engine with a 102hp gross power
been a continuous process of
demonstration area, Komatsu
output. Fuel consumption is
development, in cohesion with
introduced some of its latest
reportedly low and a viscous
our other machines. Due to certain
models and innovations at
fan clutch helps to achieve fuel
constraints and priorities, the
Bauma 2019, focusing on the
savings and reduces engine load
development took some time. But
European market with EU stage
when maximum cooling is not
now we are back and we’re happy
IV engines. A few were relevant
required. Komatsu’s Closed Load
we have just the right combination
from a Middle East view point,
Sensing System is at the core
of engine and features. We have a
either because of their features or
of the machine’s hydraulics for
larger model coming up towards
the possibility of being brought
fast and smooth operations.
the latter half of the year as well.
here by Komatsu in future.
Asked by CMME about the
“Right now we are only
re-entry into the backhoe loader
launching the backhoe loader in
Komatsu’s return to the backhoe
market and the prospects of the
the European market, specifically
loader space after a period of
machine being available in the
in areas such as Eastern Europe,
absence. The WB93R8 backhoe
Middle East, Masatoshi Morishita,
Spain and Portugal, where the
is the first model of a new range,
CEO, Komatsu Europe, said
machine is popular. But we are
said Komatsu. Launched for the
the reason for his company’s
definitely open to taking it to the
European market, it meets the
absence from the segment
large global backhoe markets,
latest emission norms and is built
for a while was that it did not
like India and the Middle East, and
around the successful features of
have the adequate engine.
we will explore the possibilities
Of particular interest was
previous Komatsu backhoes. It has
“But it’s not as if we had totally
with our dealers there.”
Excellent business platform Several exhibitors note that Bauma once again proved to be an excellent business platform. Andreas Böhm, a member of the board of directors of Liebherr International AG, says: “We took orders from all parts of the world and made a whole lot of new contacts.” Others expressing similar sentiments include PERI, whose MD for marketing and sales, Alexander Schwörer, says the company also took “many excellent orders home with it”. Zeppelin Baumaschinen also “closed a lot of business deals”, says Fred Cordes, chairman of the management board. Joachim Schmid, MD of the Construction Machinery and Building Material Association of the German Engineering Federation, says he was enthused by his conversations with exhibitors. Many attendees “had a specific interest in buying when they dropped by company booths, something that fuels hopes for continuing economic stability”. According to Messe Munchen, Bauma 2019 was impressive not just because of the internationality of the visitors who journeyed from all parts of the world to Munich, but also because of their importance in terms of making key decisions. This was also noted by exhibitors such as Magni Telescopic Handlers, whose president, Riccardo Magni, has an explanation for the trade fair’s tremendous performance: “The experienced and professional visitors and the careful organisation were the foundation of Bauma’s success.” Seconding him, Herrenknecht says: “The quality and quantity of decisionmakers from our target groups were exceptional.” Gernot Hein, director of Communications and Public Affairs at ZF Friedrichshafen, adds: “The number and quality of professional conversations were very high.”
21 Hitachi had a huge stand at Bauma 2019, with an indoor and outdoor area. A highlight of the stand was the demonstation of Hitachi machines at work on a specially built ‘job-site’.
HiTaCHi
making neW connections The new app, available to
Hitachi Construction Machinery
general public for the first time, the
equipment on display, there was
(Europe) NV (HCME) was among
ultra-large EX1200-7 and EX2600-
something of interest for everyone.”
the leading manufacturers at
7 mining excavators attracted a
Bauma 2019, with more than 30
large number of visitors. They were
revolution in the machinery sector,
the exact location of every Hitachi
machines on show. The company
joined by Hitachi’s first ICT hydraulic
Hitachi also introduced a new
excavator and wheel loader in a
showcased a wide range of products
excavator in Europe, the ZX210X-6.
app that enables customers to
customer’s fleet, using Google
manage machines remotely using
Maps. Owners can also keep track of
and services, from the new Zaxis-6
A wide variety of medium
Catering to the ongoing digital
download from the Apple and Google Play stores, can pinpoint
mini excavators to the latest EX-7
and large wheel loaders, special
a smartphone or mobile device.
their machines’ status on-site from
quarrying and mining machines.
application machines, medium
Designed to complement Hitachi’s
anywhere at any time – real-time
The 6,495sqm display was modelled
crawler excavators and wheeled
Global e-Service monitoring
alerts are sent to them and their local
on HCME’s theme for the event,
excavators completed the Hitachi
system, the ConSite Pocket app
dealers, who can act immediately if a
‘Connect with Hitachi’, with a
stand. Visitors also enjoyed testing
has been developed with owners in
situation requires urgent attention.
focus on how customers access a
their skills on the dump truck
mind and features a user-friendly
world of connectivity when they
simulator and getting a virtual view
interface and easy navigation,
announced an agreement with
purchase a Hitachi machine.
of a selection of Hitachi machines.
said the Japanese giant.
Kiesel Technologie Entwicklung
HCME presented a broad
“Our team has worked hard to
Customers can use the new app
In another landmark move, Hitachi
GmbH (KTEG) – the group company
selection of the latest Zaxis-6 mini
create an engaging and stimulating
to download monthly ConSite
of European Hitachi Construction
and compact excavators, from the
environment on our stand this
reports for their Hitachi machines,
Machinery’s distributor Kiesel
ZX17U-6 to the ZX85USB-6, and the
year at Bauma, so that we can
including data on daily working
GmbH – to establish a new company
ZW75-6 and ZW95-6 compact wheel
really connect with visitors at
hours and fuel consumption. They
to develop electric construction
loaders, which have been updated
the event,” says HCME President
can compare previous months’
machinery and special application
to comply with Stage V emissions
Makoto Yamazawa. “With such a
reports and keep up to date with their
products for further expansion
requirements. Unveiled to the
wide variety of our construction
machines’ operational performance.
in the European market.
22
COVER STORY M AY 2019
The Bauma Innovation Award winners were announced a day before the trade fair opened. Three concepts CMME voted for won in their respective categories.
Bauma innOVaTiOn awaRdS
cmme’s picks among Winners C
On the eve of Bauma this year,
And now CmmE is happy to report
MOBA Mobile Automation took
Science category. Together with
M
five companies and one university
that three of the picks we voted
first place in Component/Digital
its partners, it developed a driver
received the Bauma Innovation Award
for – Herrenknecht, MOB and Max
Systems. With the PAVE-TM system
guidance system 4.0, which supports
2019 for the best technical innovation
Bogl – emerged as winners this
for automatic and non-contact layer
construction machine operators with
CM
in their category. The prize was
year. The prizes were awarded in a
thickness measurement in road
holograms during their construction
MY
awarded for developments that point
ceremony at the Court Church of
construction, material requirements
site activities. Virtual 3D models and
the way to the future, are economical,
All Saints in the Munich Residenz,
can be planned precisely and
data from different sources overlay
environmentally friendly, practicable
with prominent guests from
accident risks minimised, since
real objects and the environment.
and take particular account of people
politics and business attending and
manual remeasurements are no
The operator receives all relevant
in their working environment.
Bavarian Minister of State Hubert
longer necessary. This leads to
information in the field of vision.
Aiwanger as guest of honour.
enormous cost savings and a
This provides a better overview and
better-quality road surface.
facilitates the implementation of
The winners were decided by a voting panel comprising industry
Herrenknecht won in the Machine
Max Bögl won in Construction/
changes in the construction process.
peers, eminent people and institutes
category with its E-Power Pipe. The
in academia, and select members
company has developed a process for
Construction Methods/Construction
of the international trade press.
the economical and environmentally
Processes. With a mobile production
won in the Design category. With
As reported here over the last few
friendly laying of underground cables.
facility for wind turbines, the
its new operating environment
months, the CmmE editor had the
Cable conduits with a small diameter
company can completely implement
for construction machines, the
honour of being invited to the Bauma
and a casing length of more than 1km
German factory production as
company takes the digital control
Media Dialog in Munich in January,
can be quickly and safely installed.
a mirror image anywhere in the
environment to the next level by
to participate in the voting process.
This protects the landscape from
world, avoiding costly transport and
combining physical and digital units
In our March issue, we presented our
major changes and thus enables
promoting the local economy.
by integrating standard tablets
choices from among the innovations
greater acceptance by the population
nominated in several categories.
when it comes to laying power lines.
The Technical University of Munich won the race in the Research/
Liebherr Hydraulik Bagger
into the control environment of a construction machine.
Y
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CMY
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Innovative Ren o T tal ay w So e t lut a G i r
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24
Hard Hitter M AY 2019
STeely reSolve
At the heart of heavy-duty construction machinery, such as dump trucks, is Hardox, a toughened steel developed by SSAB for very rough and abrasive conditions.
Making the steel that goes into the production of a high-quality construction equipMent is a special undertaking in itself and is the reason behind the robustness and perforMance of a Machine, ssab’s regional sales Manager tells CMME
T
he construction equipment industry is used to seeing some tough machines being produced by almost every manufacturer of note – machines that can dig through the toughest quarries or crush the hardest of rocks. While we marvel at these tough pieces of engineering, what gives them their strength is often not given as much importance. The metal they are made of, which forms their all-weather, allcondition skin, allowing them to take an unimaginable amount of punishment in their stride and still do the job – this is the real reason they are as tough as they are. And one of the best-known makers of this tough metal is steel giant SSAB. Speaking to CMME about the Nordic-American company’s products, innovations and operations, especially in the Middle East, Ozgur Yalcin, area sales manager, Middle East, says with years of research and development under its belt and with a track record of developing some of the most innovative hard-wearing steel products in the world, SSAB has become a by-word in the toughened, high-strength, specialty steel sector with products such as Hardox and Strenx. “Headquartered in Stockholm, SSAB has three manufacturing bases - in Sweden, Finland and the US – producing a total of 8.8 million tons. With 15,000 employees and sales offices in more than 50 countries, we are truly global company. SSAB was established in 1978 when three steel mills near Stockholm came together to form Swedish steel. The consolidated company acquired US steel maker IPSCO in
25 “SSAB is well known in the area of light, high-strength steel, which enables users to build stronger machines with longer lifetimes and lower fuel consumption. We have some special product lines for use in making construction equipment, such as Hardox and Strenx,”
2007 to become a Swedish-American entity and expanded its operations to Finland in 2014 by acquiring Finnish steel maker Rautaruukki. “SSAB is well known in the area of light, high-strength steel, which enables users to build stronger machines with longer lifetimes and lower fuel consumption. We have some special product lines for use in making construction equipment, such as Hardox and Strenx,” Yalcin says. “Hardox is among our most famous and important products. It has some unique properties and has becone very popular in the market for use in applications where there are very high wear conditions to increase the lifetime of the product, such as in shovels, buckets and loaders, in concrete mixer drums and lathes. Strenx is our high strength performance steel, mainly used in structural parts of equipment to increase strength and reduce weight for less energy consumption. Typical applications of Strenx include the chasses of heavy transport vehicles and the booms of mobile cranes and aerial work platforms. In all of these, we are trying to reduce the weight of the body, decrease fuel consumption and increase load capacity.” Both these types of steel are manufactured by SSAB in Sweden, Yalcin says, especially in plate form, in its facility near Stockholm. While Strenx is also produced in SSAB’s facility in Finland, Hardox is made only in Sweden. “We supply these specialty steel products to many companies worldwide, which are very well known in their respective fields. Hardox is the abrasion resistant steel of SSAB and has been in the market for more than 40 years, during which we have built up a really good expertise in manufacturing it. We cater to many segments, such as mining, concrete, agriculture, crushing and quarrying, heavy transport – all areas where there is a need to increase the longevity of the product, reduce maintenance costs and reduce the fuel or energy consumption.” SSAB also believes in supporting its customers by offering them a high level of service to make their products competitive in tough market conditions, Yalcin explains. This is done in various ways, such as reaching out to customers through seminars and training sessions. One such outreach happened recently in the Middle East when SSAB trained tipper and trailer users in the UAE last year in a technical seminar. The event targeted end-users and introduced SSAB’s flagship product lines, Hardox Wear Plate and Strenx performance steel, while touching upon the benefits of high-strength steel and sharing customer success stories. “SSAB has always had a strong end-user focus. And we have been sensing a need gap in the market to address end-user concerns as well as educate them on the benefits of using high-strength steel in superstructures. The technical seminar had detailed discussions on the advantages of upgrading fleets and how SSAB can help end-users achieve the same benefits with lighter but stronger steel, leading to low fuel consumption and higher payload capacities,” explains Yalcin. The seminar further provided end-users with insights into modern structural design trends and suitability of SSAB steel for such projects. Attendees also learnt about the latest compliance standards for steel and manufacturing, while SSAB highlighted its full compliance with existing regulations and environmental concerns. In addition, existing end-users shared their own journeys and success with using SSAB steel.
26
Hard Hitter M AY 2019
“We wanted it to be an engaging event along with being educational. I think the calculation models we shared were very inspiring for our end-users and enabled them to understand the real-time benefits of SSAB steel for their specific business,” says Yalcin. Explaining some of the features and benefits of SSAB products, he adds: “When you buy Hardox and set your manufacturing parameters in your factory or manufacturing facility, you don’t need to change those parameters for any delivery. This is because of the consistency we maintain at SSAB with Hardox. It is a very homogeneous product and we maintain uniformly high standards, which is very important for end users as it increases their production efficiency and speed of production while reducing costs.” Describing some technical details of the product, he adds that Hardox is available in several grades, from Hardox 400 to 600, and the thickness measures from 4.7mm to 150mm, which is the widest portfolio in the market today for wear-resistant steel. The different grades of Hardox differ with regard to their hardness, toughness, flexibility and the possibility of welding. “We can cater for almost all sectors where they need long-life steel, reducing fuel consumption and reducing maintenance costs. Hardox is especially useful in crushing and quarrying. In these sectors, avoiding unexpected stops is very important and crucial for customers’ bottom lines. With Hardox we are trying to minimise such stops with the consistency and high-quality of our abrasionresistant features. The components of crushers
and quarry machines made with Hardox have so low failure rates that the uptimes of the machines are very high. Hardox is a unique SSAB product and a proprietary technology. And we are the global market leaders in the quenched and tempered steel sector.” With its focus on customers and end users, as Yalcin points out, SSAB presented a variety of free apps lat month at Bauma 2019 that can help customers become more productive. The apps are available on the App Store and Google Play and help customers do the math
SSAB is actively promotings its various steel products in the Middle East, targetting after market manufacturers of tipper truck bodies and transit mixers.
and add up the savings when using SSAB’s high-strength Hardox wear plate and Strenx performance steel. “Popular apps that have been developed and enhanced over the years include WearCalc and WeldCalc. WearCalc helps users compare different Hardox grades for their particular application and calculate the increase in service life and payload when upgrading from mild steel to high-strength steel. The app can also be used to predict erosion wear, sliding wear and impact wear,” he explains.
Strong connectionS
ssab steel in world record uae bridge SSAB’s long-standing customer ViaCon in Poland produced the corrugated steel plates used to build a bridge in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the UAE. The bridge span, measuring 32.39m, has already earned a place in the Guinness World Records book as “the largest metal buried bridge span”. SSAB’s S500MC steel was used as the basic material to make the corrugated plates at the ViaCon factory in Rydzyna, Poland. Opened to traffic in March this year, the
bridge can withstand a load of 2,000 vehicles per hour and was completed in half the time it would have taken to build a similar bridge made of concrete. It is also estimated that the bridge will last more than a 100 years and require less maintenance than other bridges accommodating heavy traffic. Shammal Bridge is part of the UAE government’s Phase 2 expansion of Emirates Road project to link RAK with the rest of the UAE. The bridge is located within the “mega” RAK Ring
Road that was also recently completed. The steel arch structures comprise corrugated iron sheets that are installed in line with pre-approved designs and project requirements. “We are satisfied with the excellent quality of SSAB steels and the justin time delivery,” says production director Marcin Kaleta at ViaCon Poland. “ViaCon is an important customer for us and we look forward to continuing our business relations,” says Przemysław Beciński, sales manager at SSAB Europe.
28
SECTOR FOCUS M AY 2019
RenTal on The Rise
As demAnd for equipment picks up grAduAlly on the bAck of new projects, regionAl rentAl compAnies Are on A slow upswing with fleet And business expAnsions
T
he field of construction, perhaps more than any other economic activity, follows a cyclical pattern of boom and bust. Not long ago the Middle East’s job sites wore a deserted look as the pace of construction slowed and projects ground to a halt. Before that there had been a boom, which had seen towers mushrooming overnight and cities in the region pockmarked with construction sites. And now, activity is returning to job-sites in the region again as the construction sector gradually wakes from its slumber on the back of projects big and small, such as newly-announced housing in Saudi Arabia, Dubai’s Expo 2020 and a plethora of entertainment and amusement destinations around the GCC. With this return of construction activity, another sector is capitalising on it to make a comeback – equipment rental. The prospect of a possible reawakening of the Middle East construction market has led to some new players from abroad entering the rental sector in this region and some of the established players active in one segment to expand into others. A case in point of a new entrant is Access Hire Middle East, a branch of the eponymous Australian rental major, which has come to the region with both its MEWP equipment as well as new earthmovers. Meanwhile, homegrown companies, such as Byrne Rentals, are expanding their scope of operations to areas such as powered access, where they were not traditionally strong or sometimes not present at all. At Byrne Rental, GM Gareth Conley says the UAE market continues to be a stronghold of his company and other markets in the region are also starting to produce the numbers. “The UAE market is doing well for us and we have a very good reputation here. We’ve been here for around 20 years, so we have a great customer base and we’ve built on those relationships with our turnkey solutions and one-stop-shop concepts. And this has helped us in other GCC markets as well, especially Saudi Arabia, which is also doing really well for us now. In fact, it is one of the best
29 Byrne Rental recently took delivery of a large order of Genie aerial work platforms as it seeks to bolster its presence in the regional AWP rental market.
performing markets for us at the moment.” Byrne Rental is one of the largest rental companies in the region with a wide geographical footprint across the GCC. Conley says the company has a network of 20 operational depots and offices and employs a team of over 1,500 people in the GCC. “We are focused on growth and we will expand into other regions, possibly beyond our GCC-wide coverage and into the countries neighbouring our region,” he explains. Byrne is not a one trick pony, Conley adds. It covers different market segments such as oil & gas, construction, retail, events and other sectors, with different equipment for different projects. “I think that works for us, as you won’t find many rental companies that can offer what we can in this region.” Elaborating on Byrne’s one-stop shop concept, he adds: “We are a specialist but we’re also a generalist. We’ve specialised for long in generators and now we’re moving into powered access equipment. We have a lot of equipment and equipment types: generators, compressors, DMV containers for the oil & gas industry, we have hoists, access, lighting towers and tools. So, we can supply anything really for a construction site, for oil and gas and for events and retail.” An ongoing push into powered access rental is the big news at Byrne. The company recently took delivery of 34 mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) from Genie as part of an order of 166 units with the Terex-owned powered access manufacturer. (See box) Explaining the reason for Byrne’s foray into powered access rental, Conley says: “In late 2017 we decided to go into hoists and mast climbers on the back of a boom in construction, especially with high-rise buildings. So we tested the waters and it was a huge success - and still is across the entire GCC. “On the back of that we looked at some low-level lifting machines, something that you would use in place of small scaffolding or everyday step ladders. When that did well for us, our customers started asking about when we would go into access with the bigger machines. We listened to our customers. It was a perfect fit for us when the customers were asking for it. “We pride ourselves on our service, so if our customers are asking for it and we start supplying the machines, they know that we will give the same level of service as our other equipment that we have offered for a long time.” Powered access rental and pride in service are concepts that also sit well with another rental powerhouse – Safelift. Wayne Taylor,
MD of the UAE-based MEWP specialist he helped establish in 2009, tells CMME that his company’s fleet is made up of several hundred units from 5m push-along units to self-propelled 43m boom lifts. “It’s a mix of JLG, Genie, Skyjack and Niftylift. We also have a dedicated sales division, selling to the likes of Dubai Airport, Royal Jet and the Louvre Abu Dhabi,” he adds. When it comes to sales, Safelift sells what its customers require, tailoring each sale to customer requirements. “We are not aligned with one manufacturer, so we offer a broad spectrum of equipment for sale, tailored to the customer’s requirement.” Selling equipment also means that Safelift follows through with the service and support. “We offer annual maintenance contracts to the customers we sell equipment to and we have an entire maintenance and technical team that takes care of that. Among our recent sales successes, we sold some NiftyLifts to the UAE Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi last year. “All our machines come with an independent third-party certificate. And our own fleet goes through what we call a PPM - Planned Preventive Maintenance. Every machine is inspected before it leaves our yard. It’s around a 50-point checklist each unit goes through.” Safety is also important for the rental sector, and both Byrne Rental and Safelift are associated with the International Powered Access Federation’s local chapter (IPAF), implementing IPAF safety guidelines in their business, especially when it comes to training operators. “I’m actually a member of the IPAF’s Middle East council and have been since its inception in the region. We actively promote IPAF as our preferred method of training,” says Taylor. Every machine that Safelift delivers comes with a safety demonstration carried out by an in-house team whose members meet IPAF standards. “We are also an ISO 9001:2015 accredited company, so we are on a path of continual improvement with regular audits, which is a good way to maintain our track record for safety.” Renting equipment for some of the most prestigious projects in the UAE is also a part of Safelift’s track record. Taylor reveals that his company has supplied kit to Dubai’s upcoming Expo 2020 project and the extension of the Dubai Metro’s Red line to the Expo site. “Outside of Dubai, we are working on the Abu Dhabi airport’s mid-field terminal project and the Fujairah airport project, among others.”
30
SECTOR FOCUS M AY 2019
The focus going forward, though, will not be on construction, Taylor feels. “I think the construction sector has matured. The growth area for us will be facilities management and, especially, oil & gas, which will be our focus going forward. With this in mind we are moving into our new 35,000sqft premises in Abu Dhabi, to have a more determined focus on the oil & gas sector.” Being a heavy user of high reach booms, the oil & gas sector is a ripe area for powered access rental companies and is among the most important focus areas for Manlift, another rental powerhouse. David King, group managing director of the company, says: “We are the leading access and power equipment rental company in the Middle East, involved in key projects such as Dubai’s Expo 2020 Dubai and the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022. Digital innovation such as app developments, virtual reality and augmented reality technologies further enhance our services and enable us to continue delivering the best customer experience.” With two depots in the UAE, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as two in Qatar, Manlift’s main areas of application are in steel erection, cladding and facade work, and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) installations. Construction and maintenance of oil & gas facilities is also an important contributor to its bottom line, King says, adding: “The fast rise of commercial infrastructure construction has also driven
“Our fleet goes through what we call a PPM Planned Preventive Maintenance. Every machine is inspected before it leaves our yard. It’s around a 50-point checklist that each unit goes through”
Manlift, one of the biggest names in the GCC rental market for MEWPs and generators, has seen increased demand for electric machines and spider lifts in the region.
more activity in facilities management.” Diesel booms are the most requested machines for Manlift, he reveals, due to the nature of the construction projects and steel erections. In addition, there is an increase in demand for electric machines as well as spider lifts due to facilities management. With one of the largest fleets in the region, it’s a demand that Manlift is successfully meeting, he adds. However, the times are not without their challenges, says King. “Liquidity is a little
strained in the market and payment terms are being stretched. The Middle East is a construction project-based market and a slowdown in projects has multiple effects from pricing to availability. “The main challenge for us, however, are operator competency levels and lack of legislation to operate MEWPs, along with the difficulty in attracting qualified and experienced workers.” This has not prevented Manlift from emphasizing safety with its deep association with IPAF and maintaining its position as one of the leading rental companies in the UAE and Qatar “primarily because of the adoption rate of MEWPs into construction projects and more focus on a safer working environment on projects”. While the powered access sector enjoys a high rental demand, the earthmoving sector is also showing positive signs, as can be discerned from Access Hire Middle East’s (AHME) move last year. A primarily powered access dominated rental company, it placed a large order with JCB last year for more than 50 new construction machines comprising mainly telehandlers, tele trucks and backhoe loaders. While this foray into construction equipment can be seen as a departure from AHME’s core offering, Middle East MD Robert Carson explains: “We spotted a gap in the rental market for high quality equipment and made the changes to fill this gap.” With the trickle of projects starting to flow a little more steadily, it looks like that gap in the rental market is likely to widen.
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byrnerental.com
We provide a wide range of versatile solutions for all your access requirements. Our range of powered manlift equipment includes:
Powered Access Rental Solutions
-
Electric scissor lifts Self-propelled scissor lifts Rough terrain scissor lifts Electric light weight booms Articulated rough terrain booms Telescopic booms Low level access ATEX and non ATEX
Our GENIE / JLG / Power Towers machines feature the latest technologies in the market such as extra capacity and secondary protection.
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ADVERTORIAL: BEST OF THE DECADE M AY 2019
Genie SX-135 XC
The boom lifT ThaT goes where no boom has gone before
“Access Hire Middle East takes pride in always providing our customers with the highestspecification and best-in-class equipment. Genie’s SX-135 XC has outstanding performance coupled with horizontal outreach that is really exceptional even at maximum load. This model ticks the right boxes as an addition to our fleet” Access Hire Middle East: Robert Carson, Managing Director
33 Terex-owned powered access brand Genie, a global leader in the powered access sector, is known for its high-reach XC booms, and the 43.5m SX-135 XC is a popular one.
For more than 52 years, Genie innovations have changed the market and set the industry standard for quality, reliability and safety in aerial lift equipment. Manufactured in Washington state in the US, the Genie SX-135 XC telescopic boom lift boasts exceptional range of motion and goes where no boom has gone before. The first model in the Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) stick boom family, the Genie SX-135 XC self-propelled telescopic boom lift combines a maximum working height of 43.15m with more outreach and capacity throughout the full working envelope than similar units in its category. Providing customers incredible operational accessibility, a compact footprint of 3.94m x 4.11m with Genie mini X Chassis axle design, and the ability to work 6m below ground reach, the XC design features a standard 2.44m trientry platform with side-swing gate offering an unrestricted 300kg capacity for two people or a restricted 454kg capacity for three people, while still leaving room for tools and materials. It also shares commonality in design, parts and accessories, as well as serviceability benefits including easy access to crucial service points with all Genie products. Spec’d for Productivity “With 3m more outreach and 32% more capacity than typical self-propelled booms of this size,” says Adam Hailey, Genie director of Product Management, Terex AWP, “the Genie
“Thanks to our Genie SX-135 XC boom lifts, Expertise now offers customers the ability to do more, and work faster and more easily, using a single machine. Feedback from our customers has been great. They are more than satisfied by the machines’ capabilities, which have proved a perfect fit for the maintenance of their sites. As far as we’re concerned, the Genie SX-135 XC boom is a great investment” Expertise Contracting Co: Mohammed Ashraf, Director, Industrial Supplies SX-135 XC boom lift is ideal for rental and oil & gas customers working on challenging job-site applications, due to its unique up-and-over style capability to navigate obstacles at height.” The Genie SX-135 XC boom’s innovative design also features a working envelope ideal for the most extreme access jobs, with a working height of 43.15m and a horizontal reach of 27.43m to offer 3m more outreach than any other self-propelled boom on the market. Built to lift operators safely and quickly to full platform height – 41.15m – in two and a half minutes, and drive-enabled at full height, the Genie SX-135XC boom lift positions workers and gear exactly where needed. Enhanced Design Adds to Jib’s Versatility and Flexibility The new SX-135 XC boom also boasts
Genie The Pinnacle Building, Office 304 &305, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Dubai United Arab Emirates, P.O. Box 282325 Tel: +971 4 399 0381 www.genielift.com
exceptional range of motion with a 5.489.14m telescoping jib-extend jib which offers operators up-and-over capabilities as well as 125 degrees of jib articulation, boasting 55 degrees down to 70 degrees up of vertical articulation. The working envelope is also increased with this extended reach out and down capability – 6m of reach below grade. “To accommodate the Genie SX-135 XC boom lift’s increased capacity and range of motion, Genie engineers developed a new hydraulically telescoping jib-extend design that is robust enough to handle all of the up, over, out and below tasks rental and oil & gas customers need to do,” says Hailey. “And when the job is done, the jib is designed to be stowed under the primary boom for ease of transport.” He notes that all Genie XC models include new low-maintenance load-sense cell technology that monitors the weight on the platform and disables function if the load exceeds the platform load limit. “Overload sense functionalities are compensated for on all Genie XC boom models by increased platform load capacity, increasing these booms’ utilisation in heavy-load applications compared to units with more restrictive platform load limits.” The Genie SX-135 XC boom is an ideal addition to a customer fleet for the toughest of applications and work-sites, thanks to its industry-leading outreach, dual lift capacity and telescoping jib-extend jib.
Free attendance for industry professionals. Register online accessandhandlingsummit.com
Wider reach and better handling The Access and Handling Summit will highlight the key aspects of the sectors, bringing the best global and regional practices, solutions, products and equipment to delegates through a series of panel discussions and presentations.
21 October 2019 Ritz Carlton JBR Dubai, UAE accessandhandlingsummit.com
Access and Handling Summit and its entities are a product, owned and operated by CPI Trade Media. Š 2019 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved.
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01 daily checkS Make sure to conduct daily checks of all fluids and a visual check of tyres, belts and safety equipment. Preand post-use inspections will provide an extra layer of safety and reduce potential breakdowns before they happen by revealing any unusual wear and tear.
02
Scheduled inSpectionS Certain maintenance tasks need to be done on wheel loaders at regular intervals. Be consistent with the schedule and inspect the equipment every 100 hours of operation or approximately once a week, followed by 250 hours, 500 hours, 1,500 hours and 3,000 hours.
: n e T p o T l e e h w r Tips Fo e c n a n e T n i a m r e load ake sure your wheellife free s To m p e e l T b s u n o e r T long, T a s e v i l loader
03
attention to tyreS Operators and fleet managers should be familiar with the proper psi levels of air pressure for tyres and the maintenance manual’s recommendations on inflation. Tyres should be routinely inspected for chunks of tread that may be missing and to ensure that the bead line and the rim are intact.
Fluids and ulicdsengine, hydfrcoa olants an
The levels o and hydraulic oils n transmissio the levels ked against c e h c e b st ufacturer. mu by the man d e d n e m m parts reco that all main nd re su n e o ls A ted a ntly lubrica are sufficie hoses lic u ra e hyd examine th d damage an for signs of ar. unusual we
04
36
top ten M AY 2019
06
05
Filtered perFormance A clean air filter system plays a major role in engine wear and performance. If your wheel loader is equipped with an air pre-cleaner, make sure to dump any excess dust or debris to ensure a clean air filter system. Monitor the hour meter reading daily to know when periodic maintenance is required.
driveline SealS and axleS One way to protect your wheel loader from failure is to confirm that there is no material build-up along the driveline, especially in wet conditions. Keeping that area clean also helps to identify leaks at the seals and the axles, which will allow better inspection.
07
Guard aGainsTn corrosio
be a priority rust should ve Preventing ct to corrosi aders subje lo l on e ti e c h te w ro r p fo ssive re g g a n A s. osion atmosphere ray-on corr sp a s a h c medium, su lied to the ould be app ents. inhibitor, sh tal compon e m e n ro -p the unit main rust ay is to wash An easier w sive sed to corro daily if expo ts. environmen
09 08
Start-up and Shut-down Let the engine run for 5-10 minutes at startup to allow oil pressure to build and lubricate moving parts. While shutting down, let the engine idle for 3-5 minutes to allow the turbocharger to cool down correctly and have your loader in the best state for the next day’s work.
Study the guidelineS The manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and service should be followed closely, since different models and engines require different upkeep. Certain newer models are built with technologically advanced engines that require varied care compared to older wheel loaders.
halt brake wear One of the most important ways to protect your wheel loader is to have well-maintained and properly working brakes at all times. Operators must be able to not only halt the machine but also hold it with the parking brake in different job-site applications and conditions. Check brakes regularly and replace components at the first sign of wear.
10
haulotte.ae
HAULOTTE MIDDLE EAST FZE, PO BOX 293881 - Dubai Airport Free Zone - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Tel.: +971 (0)4 299 77 35 - Fax: +971 (0)4 299 60 28 - haulottemiddle-east@haulotte.com
38
Heavy Hitters M AY 2019
Renault Trucks’ premises in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone is a central node for its global used trucks operations, outside Europe. All units sold through the facility receive thorough checks.
“The warranty is for at least six months on trucks that are six years old and can have 600,000km on the odo. We are not afraid to provide warranties on our used trucks because we know their history… That’s why we don’t say we are selling used trucks; we say we are selling trucks with experience”
39
I
t may be a Swedish-owned French brand, but for Renault Trucks, Dubai – far from both Sweden and France – has an international function that most people would never guess. For the global truck major, its premises at Jebel Ali Free Zone is the hub for its global used trucks operations outside Europe. But the way Renault Trucks runs its used trucks business, the term ‘used’ doesn’t really apply. Instead, as Alex Vosselman, vice president, Used Trucks, at Renault Trucks tells CMME, what the Volvo Group brand sells in the secondhand market is more accurately described as “trucks with experience”. “We are the central hub here in Dubai for Renault Trucks’ used trucks, for everything outside the European continent. That doesn’t mean all our trucks are here. We have three locations. We have trucks parked in a location in France and we have trucks located in the UK also, because we cannot ship trucks first to Dubai and then from Dubai to, say, West Africa. That will be too expensive for the customer. What we do in Europe is refurbish the trucks, which we sell from here in Dubai. But we send them straight to the customers or to the importers in Africa, Latin America or
the Middle East from there,” Vosselman says. “Our team here in Dubai is responsible for Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. We are 12 people from 11 nationalities, because we want to emphasise that we are working in a lot of countries and we speak a lot of languages. We have here people from West Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and we have one person in Costa Rica to handle the business in that part of the world. What we wanted to do was make sure that every customer who calls feels that he calls somebody in-house. It’s important because, being in the used truck business, for us 90% of our business is about gaining trust.” To gain this trust and make the entire process of buying and running its used trucks a transparent affair, Renault Trucks follows a very methodical process from procurement and refurbishment to sales and maintenance. First, the company has a record of every truck that it has sold and the dealer it has sold it through. This means the truck’s entire service and troubleshooting history is available with Renault Trucks, indicating that the company knows exactly what condition a truck it buys back is in. All this information is shared with the customers who buy it. “This is very important to us. We have
Trucks wiTh experience Renault tRucks tells CMME how its Dubai-baseD useD tRucks opeRation supplies quality vehicles in anD aRounD the Region, with a high level of RefuRbishment, waRRanties anD seRvice contRacts
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Heavy Hitters M AY 2019
the whole cycle with a truck when it is sold and we maintain it. Our trucks have a full second life, sometimes even a third life. And we also show the customer its previous lives if he wants to inspect all the records,” Vosselman explains. “Each used truck we buy back undergoes a 220-point checklist, and we are very open about this. The customer can ask for it and we will put it on the table. You cannot make a completely new truck out of an old one; that would be too expensive and also illogical. But we bring it to the best condition we can for a customer, according to the level he wants and finds viable to his finances.” This also leads to a scope for a certain level of customisation, in accordance with what meets a customer’s needs and purposes, he adds. “So what we do, for example, is that if the brake pads are at 40% or 50%, we report that to the customer. And we ask him if he is satisfied with it or if he would like new ones installed, and what the price of that will be. “What this means is that buyers can customise their used trucks from us through refurbishments. They can choose to either refurbish it much more than we did, or they can say we will take it and drive it for six to eight months more on this brake or any other component. For instance, the tyres may have 9mm of rubber left and still be good for 60,000-80,000km, depending on where he drives, but if he wants new tyres, we will fit new tyres on the truck according to our checklist.” This checklist is prepared, and inspections
All Renault Trucks used trucks are first refurbished in the company’s plant in Lyon, France, where a 220-point check list is run on them to ensure quality and safety compliance.
and refurbishment are done by Renault Trucks technicians in the company’s specialist used trucks division in Lyon. Vosselman explains that all this is done before a truck is sent out to its destination, then repeated when it arrives there. “When they send the trucks to us for the Middle East, for example, we take delivery of them at the port here in Dubai and we run all the checks again to see if everything is as we intend it to be and as promised to the customer. You never know if something
egypt expansion
DRiving in 2019 moDels with new paRtneR Renault Trucks has partnered with Egyptian machinery dealer, Triangle Heavy Equipment, to launch its latest range of heavy-duty truck models to meet the growing demands of the booming construction and infrastructure development sector across the country. The 2019 models launched include the D, C and K ranges; well known in the region for being sturdy and reliable. Amr Eltawil, Triangle Group CEO, said: “Our partnership with Renault Trucks comes in line with the expansion of the transport network in Egypt and following up with the infrastructure development goals according
to Vision 2030. Such valuable partnership will result in more efficient heavy-duty transportation process, for an increasingly demanding and aggressive construction and development timeline for the country.” Gregoire Blaise, president, Renault Trucks Greater Middle East, said: “Egypt has recently become a much more strategic market for Renault Trucks as part of the Greater Middle East region, and for this we’re very excited to choose a partner like Triangle Heavy Equipment who will see us through the next phase of our journey here. The products we reveal here today, particularly the C and K, are among our major
investments that provide a large range of options and solutions for every application. Last month, Renault Trucks invited 10 Egyptian customers to its Xperience Days 2019 in Bahrain, bringing together an international audience of 450 participants from the truck industry in a unique experience that featured test drive experiences of its latest models in the long-haul range, including the C series and the K series construction range, followed by workshops about Renault Trucks’ transport solutions, addressing safety, fuel efficiency, after sales and financing services.
happened along the way, because you cannot tell with the boats. Also, another important point is that we will always deliver the trucks with new batteries, because there is nothing as bad as turning the key in the morning and not having it start.” Despite all the options to customise purchases and refurbish them according to requirements and budgets, there is one aspect which Renault Trucks does not compromise on and retains full control over – safety. “What we don’t let the customer choose is the safety level of the truck. We always make sure that the brakes function to a particular threshold and never below it; we ensure that the truck starts properly; that there is no overheating of the engine; that the gearbox and clutch are working and some other requirements are met. We always make sure that safety of the truck is at 100%. Otherwise it will not leave our premises,” explains Vosselman. With the used truck markets in many countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East serviced and managed through the Middle East, there is also the need to meet regulations and norms which may not always match those in the countries that the trucks have been sourced from. “So what we do is, we look at the legislation of the country where the trucks are going. If the legislation there is Euro 3, for example, then we will downgrade our trucks to make sure that they can handle the low-quality fuel. We adapt our trucks in the factory to Euro 3 and certify that
41 the emissions are at the Euro 3 level and the truck can handle fuel contamination at 1000+ ppm. We want to make sure that our trucks have a decent second life. We give warranties, so we cannot send trucks out hoping they will be good; they have to be good.” And this is the main difference between buying a used Renault Trucks vehicle from a trader and from Renault Trucks itself, he adds. From a used trucks trader, customers will get a vehicle that can come in Euro 5 or Euro 6 specifications without any adaptations or modifications for a target market like Africa or the Middle East. So if the fuel available is of low quality, then a trader-bought truck will not be prepared to handle that fuel, leading to problems sooner than later. Buying a ‘truck with experience’ from Renault Trucks means the vehicle has not only been inspected and refurbished, but also prepared for the market it is intended to be sold in. This allows the manufacturer to offer warranties even on trucks that have seen heavy use. “The warranty is for at least six months on trucks that are six years old and can have 600,000km on the odo. We are not afraid to provide warranties on our used trucks,
EAR 10 Y
LISH S E S TA B
Alex Vosselman, Renault Trucks’ VP for used trucks, says establishing and maintaining trust with customers is the key behind a successful used trucks operation.
because we know their history. If a truck is not fulfilling the needs, or in the 220-point checklist we see there could be doubts about its quality and performance, we will not sell that truck,” explains Vosselman. “Besides, we are also combining selling used trucks with service contracts, which is something new. Now you buy a used truck from us and even after the warranty is over, you still have a service contract. So that makes it as good as new, because you’ve got a service contract with us to
E D I N T H E UA E , J U LY 2 0 0 9 J U LY 2 019
RENTAL, SALES AND TRAINING
Boom Lifts Scissor Lifts & Low Level Access
Locations: ABU DHABI & DUBAI Toll Free: 800 Safelift [72335438]
Email: rental@safelift-gulf.com Website: www.safelift-gulf.com
look after your truck. That’s why we don’t say we are selling used trucks; we say we are selling trucks with experience.” While Renault Trucks normally tries to use its dealer network to sell used trucks, that is not always possible. A dealer may not be comfortable doing business with used trucks, or may not have the resources to spare. That’s when Renault Trucks sells directly to end users, Vosselman explains. “There are also those countries where Renault Trucks is yet to have an official dealer. In these, we sell the trucks with a supply of spare parts and buyers get a service package from us to maintain the trucks for up to a year. If and when required, we will fly in someone from the nearest dealership, or even from Dubai, to attend to trucks in such markets. “Because for us, the worst thing that can happen is a Renault Trucks vehicle that is not driving. We have to make sure that we help the customer. And then we don’t look at costs; we put a person on a plane and whatever needs to be done to help the customer gets done. That is a difference between buying a used truck from a trader, even if it says Renault Trucks on the front, and buying a truck with experience from us.”
42
WHEEL LOADERS M AY 2019
Making light of the load
Caterpillar’s 30t operating weight wheel loader, the 962L, is among its most popular in the region, with features such as Z-bar linkage and an efficent Acert engine for power.
One Of the cOrnerstOnes Of the earthmOving segment, the wheel lOader segment gets new mOdels, technOlOgical innOvatiOns and features as manufacturers respOnd tO the market
A
wheel loader is one of the definitive models of the world of construction equipment. Versatile mobile shovels at their very basic level, the wheel loader is intended to transfer material from stockpiles to trucks, or transport material around job sites. With the development of technology, variations on this basic theme have brought in wheel loaders of different sizes, from compact models to oversized ones in mining applications, with wide-ranging bucket sizes and attachments. Small and mid-sized wheel loaders frequently have an attachment coupler that allows use of work tools such as forks, brooms and lifting jibs, among others. With the wheel loader being central to construction, mining, quarrying and all other allied functions, almost every major equipment manufacturer offers a range of this pillar of the construction equipment industry. Among them is Caterpillar, the world’s biggest equipment maker, offering a comprehensive range of wheel loaders in the Middle East, catering to wide market segments, from compact to large. “Cat has a big model line-up of wheel loaders available in this region. Starting from the compact wheel loader category, our offerings move into the small, medium and then the large models. The applications covered by the Cat range include landscaping, agriculture, construction,
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“The 950GC and 962L are Cat’s most popular models in the region as they both meet customers’ expectations in terms of durability, reliability, productivity, fuel consumption and definitely fuel efficiency”
waste management and mining or quarrying,” says Samer Ismail, product manager, Earthmoving and Excavation, at Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al-Bahar, the Cat dealer for the region. Elaborating on the most popular models, he adds: “The 906, 910 and 914 are most in demand in the compact segment, while it is the 930K in the small wheel loader category. In the medium range, we have the Cat 950GC and 962L, while in the large wheel loader category Cat’s most popular models in the region include the 966L,980L and 988K. It’s a range that covers customer requirements in all spheres of wheel loader applications.” The 950GC and 962L are Cat’s most popular wheel loaders in the region, he adds, as they both “meet customers’ expectations in terms of durability, reliability, productivity, fuel consumption and definitely fuel efficiency”. Speaking about how customer requirements have been met and how Cat wheel loaders have performed in the region, Ismail adds: “The performance has been great, and we’ve been able to assist our customers in getting the right machines at the right time. We have dominated the market across the territory and we’re projecting an increase in the market this year over 2018.” One of the reasons for the market performance of Cat’s wheel loaders is undoubtedly the high level of after sales support that customers receive in the region for all Cat products. For wheel loaders, which is one of the most essential pieces of machinery in earthmoving and many other applications, Al-Bahar makes sure that customers receive the best, Ismail says. “The wheel loader is among the most important machine segments for us and our clients appreciate our machines, which has enabled us to dominate this market. One of the biggest reasons for this is that our after-sales support is almost the key selling point, as customers value our service. We are known for our best-in-class after-sales support.” With Cat showing off new wheel loaders at Bauma 2019, customers can look forward to more from the brand. The 2019 product update package for Cat M Series medium wheel loaders includes technology advances that provide lower operating costs via extended service intervals; added machine configurations; expanded productivity measurement tools; remote software update capability; and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems. The “next generation” of seats and suspensions offers three trim levels — comfort, deluxe, and premium plus — and feature high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. At Case Construction Equipment, part of Italy’s giant CNH Industrial Group, product specialist Zane Barnard tells CMME that the brand has returned a fair performance with its wheel loaders in the Middle East last year. “Given that the market is some way off from its peaks of a few years ago, I would say our performance has been a steady one. In fact, the wheel loader is a segment we are focusing on this year,” he says. That focus syncs well with Case’s activities at Bauma last month, where it unveiled to the world its methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader concept, part of Case’s vision for a future of machines using alternative fuels. (See box) Elaborating about the GCC, he adds: “The Saudi market is starting to come back for us and we have a very strong
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WHEEL LOADERS M AY 2019
FutuRE viSiOn
future case breaks cOver at bauma
Case created a few ripples at Bauma 2019 with the unveiling of its futuristic wheel loader concept, called ProjectTETRA – the world’s first wheel loader which runs entirely on alternative and renewable fuel Billed as a breakthrough in sustainable construction the new reveal is a methane-powered wheel loader concept, “demonstrating a clear pathway to a renewable future for construction equipment, shifting away from a reliance on the traditional diesel engine and addressing one of the world’s most pressing issues – environmental sustainability – with a pragmatic solution for the construction industry”, says Case.. According to the manufacturer, ProjectTETRA reimagines wheel loader design, “marking a clear departure from anything seen in construction equipment to date”. The concept includes a methane-powered engine, specially designed and developed by sister brand FPT Industrial for construction applications. With a maximum 230hp, it delivers the same power and torque as its equivalent diesel engine found in the CASE 821G wheel loader. Carl Gustaf Goränsson, president,
Case CE, says the idea was to use an alternative, environmentally friendly fuel that provided the same power as a diesel machine for a full day’s work. Case turned to sister CNH Industrial brand FPT Industrial, he says, who are pioneers in alternative fuel engines, having produced more than 40,000 gaspowered engines already, most of which are for Iveco heavy vehicles. ProjectTETRA not only uses a sustainable energy source but also benefits the environment in other ways. The methane-powered wheel loader concept produces 95% less CO2 when running on biomethane, 90% less nitrogen dioxides and 99% lower particulate matter than a diesel-powered equivalent. It delivers an 80% reduction in overall emissions and also achieves a 50% reduction in drive-by noise levels. “We don’t believe in developing technology for technology’s sake,” says Goransson. “Our innovations must solve real-world challenges in a simple and straightforward way. ProjectTETRA is suited to do so in common job sites; agricultural environments, waste handling centres and recycling businesses are perfect locations for a biogas production plant, providing a free source of fuel for
the machines working on site. “But biomethane isn’t the only option. ProjectTETRA will run on network methane too, providing access to lower emissions than diesel, even if onsite biomethane production is not an option. This is important as we see changing regulations in some regions.” David Wilkie, director of the CNH Industrial Design Centre, says: “Automation and digitisation were key drivers in our design process These elements are the drivers for safer and more productive machines.” The concept wheel loader follows on from Case’s innovations in other spheres. Among these innovations – and one that is uniquely beneficial to Middle Eastern job-sites – is the design of the cooling cube, which is used in its wheel loaders. It has five radiators mounted to form a cube instead of overlapping, ensuring a constant flow of fresh and clean air from the sides and from the top to maintain constant fluid temperatures. The design and structure of the cooling cube allows Case to bunch up all the cooling duties neatly into the cube, making it the machine’s one-stop cooling shop for fluids.
presence there, through which we are looking to maximise our penetration in the kingdom as construction picks up there. “While Saudi and the UAE continue to be strong markets for us, wheel loaders have registered high year-on-year growth percentages in Qatar and Egypt. We would like to improve our numbers further in all markets in the region.” To do this, Case has a full line-up of wheel loader models in the Middle East. Detailing the range, Barnard explains that the 521 and 621 are the smaller models in the line-up, while in the medium range there are the 721 and 821. The 921 is a machine that borders on the larger size while still being a medium model. And then there are have the 1021 and 1121, Case’s large wheel loaders. “We have a full complement of machines and its part of our initiative to move forward with. We are also currently testing a new wheel loader model which will be launched in due course in the Middle East to target the budget wheel loader segment,” he says. “The 1021 is Case’s flagship wheel loader product in the Middle East. Our 821 is also doing really well in the region. In the smaller machines, our models are geared towards versatility and can work with various attachments. They are tool handlers. So, if a customer needs a side tipping bucket or a broom attachment or forks, or some other attachment for his job, they can all be used effectively with the help of quick couplers. “This means that the smaller 621 and 721 can also work in a variety of projects, such as agriculture, dairy farms, landscaping and others. We also have waste handler versions of the 721, 821 and 921 to work in landfills and dumps. In fact, our entire range of wheel loaders is so versatile that there are many different kinds of uses they can be put to.” Among the features that put Case wheel loaders among the top choices for the Middle East is the cooling cube, with which temperatures can be kept down so that the machines can keep running in the hot ambient temperatures. Explaining its nuances, Barnard says: “On the 821 the cooling cube is actually located just behind the cab, with the engine mounted after it right at the back. That provides extra weight at the rear, in a place where the competition has the radiator and the engine mounted midway. By pushing the engine back on the 821 we get a bigger bucket capacity. When it starts lifting, the rocking force is balanced by the engine. This allows us to use bigger buckets and have higher tipping loads than the competition.” Along with the cooling cube, Case also takes care of robustness to meet the
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Middle East’s tough job-site conditions by offering standard heavy-duty axles on the 921, 1021 and 1121 models, also available as an option on the 821. “We’ve really looked into the climate and conditions that our loaders will perform under in the region and equipped them with features for reliability and longevity,” Barnard explains. “Coming to the operator environment, we have updated the air-conditioning in the cabs of all wheel loaders sold in the region to keep the operator comfortable in the heat. Our wheel loaders also have large cabs, designed with less blind spots and more visibility. There is an option for joystick or lever operation and the cabs are also built with ROPS and FOPS systems up to Level 2 of European standards for protecting the operator should any accidents occur.” After-sales back-up is a vital ingredient in any brand’s success and when it comes to Case, Barnard adds: “Thanks to a strong dealer network and a dedicated team in the Middle East and Africa, our service proposition and after-sales back-up for wheel loaders is very strong throughout the region.” Meanwhile, at Japanese major, Hitachi, the ZW-5A series line-up includes the ZW180-5A, ZW220-5A and the newest addition of the ZW310-5A. Based on the experience that Hitachi has collected through the years, the ZW-5A series machines have been strategically designed. The key concept is a “Profitable machine for customers” with much improved operating
Volvo CE’s Gz series of wheel loaders feature load-sensing hydraulics and a Power Shift feature that adjusts the gears automatically in line with the load and travel speed.
costs for the customer’s profitability and enhanced reliability for customer’s productivity and versatility. The Hitachi ZW-5A wheel loaders are able to provide customer with enhanced satisfaction and values in a variety of job applications. ZW310-5A is a more productive machine, high performer in demanding sites from the quarry industry. With the exciting new features of the ZW5A series, the ZW310-5A is more productive and customer can enjoy minimized
operation costs by the consistently enhanced productivity that is not dependant on operator’s skills. The Active Engine Control – strategically positioned sensors detect movements throughout the machine and adjust engine speed accordingly to eliminate energy losses and delivers smooth operation. The Active Engine Control System is also able to choose optimal traction power and breakout force. To cater for situations like heavy loading and uphill climbing where extra power is required
“Volvo wheel loaders offer high productivity and fuel efficiency. Also, a strong dealer network and a regional parts distribution centre in Dubai help us deliver best-in-class aftersales support for our complete wheel loader range, with high availability of parts”
47 in a short time, the ZW-5A series wheel loader is equipped with the Quick Power Switch (QPS) which provides an instantaneous power boost at the push of the button conveniently location on the operational lever. Moreover, when the power is no longer needed the machine will automatically return to normal to avoid wastage. Swedish giant Volvo CE is another favoured brand in the Middle East for wheel loaders and is represented in the region by an equally well-known local partner – Famco. Heba Gendy, senior marketing person at the Dubai-based dealer says it’s the medium wheel loaders in the 18-26t class that remain market leaders for Volvo over the past two years, with compacts showing some gains. Large wheel loaders remain a necessity for the quarry and mining segment for loading as well as aggregate handling, she says. “Volvo wheel loaders offer high productivity and fuel efficiency. Volvo’s CareCab offers operators a place to relax and feel at ease while being more productive. Some other patented features like OptiShift, Oil Bath Air pre-cleaner and TP linkage are standard for any wheel loader delivered in this market. Also, a strong dealer network and a regional parts distribution centre in Dubai help us deliver best-in-class aftersales support for our complete wheel loader range with high availability of parts.” The L120F and L150H have the highest demand among Volvo’s line-up. While the first one is a utility player and a readymix/ cement industry asset, the second is an industry favourite with versatile application possibilities ranging from earthmoving and recycling to quarry applications. “Volvo’s latest H and Gz series wheel loaders were launched around three years ago and continue to be flag bearers in their respective segments for quality, safety and environmental care. The launch of the new electric compact wheel loaders at Bauma this year was another statement by Volvo and we expect to see these environmentfriendly machines to be launched in our market soon,” Gendy says. Famco recently delivered some 14 units of medium to large Volvo wheel loaders to one of the biggest Korean construction companies operating in UAE, she reveals. “The basic requirement was machines capable of operating in tough underground conditions while offering maximum uptime for their 24-hour operation on a turnkey project for the UAE government, while offering best-in-class total cost of ownership. Volvo wheel loaders ticked all the boxes.”
FOuR-pROngED AppROAcH
sdlg shines in Oman
Volvo-owned Chinese brand SDLG has made major inroads into job-sites in the region with a line-up that includes four wheel loaders for Middle Eastern and African markets as part of its new F-series. The L953F, L956F, L958F and L968F wheel loaders feature a modern design and a host of technical enhancements, resulting in a range that has returned good performances at job-sites in Oman. Whether it is in infrastructure projects in Dhofar or aggregate handling near Salalah, the Chinese machines have made their mark on the Sultanate. In the southern Omani region of Dhofar, two of the company’s LG958L wheel loaders were part of a fleet employed by the Oman Roads Engineering Co to build some 50km of 9m-wide finished asphalt rods in the Teetam area, around 15km north of Salalah and 700m up in the Jebel Qara mountains. “We have built a reputation over the years, that with Oman Roads Engineering Co, there is simply no compromise on quality,” says Periasamy Durairaj, MD. “This is an approach that encompasses our entire operation, including the machinery we use, and it is
for this reason that in Teetam you’ll find SDLG machines headlining our activities. According to Durairaj, the performance of SDLG machines is more than matched by their reliability and the support provided by Omani dealer, Genserv. “We have a strong history and close relationship with this dealership. Indeed, it was at the behest of Genserv that we initially trialled SDLG and we’re delighted we did as the machines truly represent great value.” Another project in the country where SDLG wheel loaders are adding value is at a 7.5-acre rock-crushing facility in Wadi Dahboon, 100km north of Salalah operated by the Naeem Dhofar Trading Company, a specialist in sand and aggregate production. Some 1,530m3 of rocks are delivered to the site each day, of which around 3,000t are crushed and screened in a single 10hour shift. From this, a range of products are produced and used in ready-mix, road building and general construction sectors in the Sultanate. These materials are particularly abrasive and put a lot of strain on equipment at the site. Naeem Dhofar’s SDLG L958F
wheel loader that handles the bulk of the heavy lifting is making light of the strain, however. “From the outset, this machine has impressed us with its power, quick cycle times and overall performance levels,” says plant engineer Devanand Bugde. “Wadi stone is a particularly harsh material, and one that places extreme demands on equipment. Add summertime temperatures that extend well into the 40°C bracket and a general atmosphere of crusher dust, and it is fair to say the working environment is demanding. So far, the SDLG machine has handled this environment very well.” The L958Fand its F-series siblings are additions to SDLG’s range that have been received very positively, says product manager Henrik Sjöstrand. “Customers are increasingly demanding reliable construction equipment at affordable prices. This is SDLG’s specialty. This new range has been specially engineered for high productivity and reliability, and provides customers with an excellent return on investment. The larger cab adds 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety and efficiency.”
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THE LAST WORD M AY 2019
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EFFICIENCY IN A SMALL PACKAGE
GENIE GS -1330m SCISSOR LIFT ®
TM
2 Person Platform Occupancy
227 kg (500 lb) max lift capacity
Lightweight
Only 885 kg (1,950 lb)
Efficient Electric Drive System
Provides maximum runtime per charge
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