CONTENTS @CPN_mag
JULY / AUGUST 2019 cpnonline.co.uk
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ljones@hamerville.co.uk
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THIS ISSUE... REGULARS
SPECIAL REPORTS
3 4 18 49
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VIEWPOINT NEWS FLEET ADDITIONS NEW PRODUCTS
FEATURES
Construction Plant News, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.
Lighthouse Club JCB’s New Products
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SKILLS & TRAINING
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14 CPA Stars of the Future 16 Kubota: Nurturing Talent
RAIL PLANT 20 Reducing Emissions on Rail Sites 23 A Look at the Rail Live Show 26 Prolec: Hazard Mitigation Tools
28 Kinshofer’s Range of Rail Solutions 31 Engcon: Making Life Easier on the Tracks
SHOW TIME 46 Plantworx Review
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360° EXCAVATORS 32 JCB’s Electric Minis 34 CAT Next Generation 38 Doosan’s High Track Excavators 41 Plantworx Excavator Round-Up
VEHICLES 42 Meet the Isuzu Yukon 44 Pick Up Round Up CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 1
VIEWPOINT Editor LEE JONES
ljones@hamerville.co.uk Consultant Editor NICK JOHNSON
nick.johnson@constructionplant.info Managing Editor TERRY SMITH
tsmith@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Editor KIERAN NEE
PAYING THE PRICE t is a scourge on the redressing the economic building industry that, balance of power between tier according to the Federation 1 contractors and their of Small Businesses, suppliers. Not only that, but contributes to more than real innovation in delivery 50,000 insolvencies each year in could well be introduced by the wider economy and, as smaller companies with plant hirers and contractors will particular specialisms, whilst testify, the construction sector local firms, with local solutions, Lee Jones, has a particularly lamentable will be more readily equipped Editor record. Help, however, could to provide tangible benefits to shortly be at hand with Minister the regions. for Implementation, Oliver Dowden Small and medium sized businesses are recently reminding major contractors that the engine room of our economy, and it is tough new rules are coming into force this clear that few of either the construction September. As a result, large companies will industry’s or wider society’s issues can be be required to pay 95 per cent of their addressed without their involvement. In invoices within 60 days and, whilst this has housebuilding, it has been recognised that been a requirement of membership of the SME participation is imperative if the Prompt Payment Code for some time, it will government’s ambitious targets for new now feature potentially punitive penalties. home completions is to be reached, but the Any company bidding for a government progress of the kind of compact plots that contract in excess of £5million per annum they could supply are still being stalled will be required to demonstrate compliance within under-resourced planning to the code, for example, or risk a lock out departments. Similarly, it is the duty of from the potential Whitehall largesse of government to engage with the finance infrastructure projects. Whilst, many in the sector to facilitate greater lending to small industry would welcome a link between house builders. payment practices and the awarding of Over the coming months the work, there are some who suggest that the construction sector will face many more government should go still further, with a challenges, some of which are already upon strengthening of the role of the small us, with a reduction in overseas workers, business commissioner to fine late payers, and a parallel failure in our training and for instance. skills strategy, already pushing up wages, but Moreover, with a favouritism to a few the prospects in the years ahead remain large players still stubbornly embedded in broadly positive. Housing has become the the system, it is equally clear that a wider kind of political issue that cannot be ignored, examination of procurement, and the regardless of the incumbent of No. 10, industry’s supply chain at large, is long whilst a number of large infrastructure overdue. One positive intervention on the projects are already underway, with more part of the public sector could be to break still to begin in earnest. Now more than up large contracts into the kind of smaller ever we will need to focus on how the parcels with which SME firms could easier industry can deliver the built environment engage without undue risk, thereby we all deserve.
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pb@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant DAVID MOLLOY
dmolloy@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager CRAIG JOWSEY
craig@hamerville.co.uk 07900248102 Advertisement Manager JACOB TATUM
jtatum@hamerville.co.uk 07825773737 Magazine Designer GEMMA WATSON Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Publisher BRYAN SHANNON Subscriptions Construction Plant News is a business magazine for plant professionals, contractors, materials extraction and processing companies, waste and recycling operations, as well as local authorities. If you are not on our circulation list and would like to subscribe email circulation@hamerville.co.uk To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk. Printed by Walstead Peterborough Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: Watford (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2019
The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication.
Total Average Net Distribution 9,180 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018
CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 3
NEWS
‘STUDY’ PROGRESS A NEW STUDY UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SECTOR TO UK PLC. The UK construction equipment sector ranked number one in Europe with a 24 per cent market share, that’s according to a new report commissioned by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) and HMG. The Sector Report also underlined that the current Brexit debacle had not had a direct impact on sales in the UK with record revenue in 2018, and sales of £13bn, up by 18 per cent on the benchmark set for 2013.
The UK was the largest producer of construction equipment in Europe in 2018, and the 5th largest in the world – producing in excess of 60,000 units – earning manufacturers around £13bn in revenue. Around 60 per cent of UK machine exports are outside the EU, but component suppliers are more reliant on the EU.Value is skewed towards niche products with ADTs, crushers and screens a major UK Export.
Rob Oliver, CEA Chief Executive highlighted that the confidence in the sector is due in part to massive infrastructure projects like High Speed 2 (HS2), Hinkley Point C and Highways England’s current £15bn five-year roads programme (RP1). The Government has committed to further significant infrastructure
investment and aims to expand the current housebuilding programme by another 30 per cent to 300,000 new homes a year. 2017 was a record year for new infrastructure and housing projects, with a value of around £106.5 billion.
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FALL VICTIMS
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ANNUAL WORKPLACE FATALITY FIGURES FROM THE HSE REVEAL THAT DEATHS DUE TO FALLS FROM HEIGHT HAVE RISEN 11 PER CENT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, 14 PER CENT FROM LAST YEAR.
“To see that fatal injuries have increased is both extremely saddening and deeply frustrating,” declares Ken Diable, Managing Director and Founder of Heightsafe, “especially as again falls from a height continue to be the most prevalent workplace killer. It is an enormous tragedy that deaths as a result of Working at Height have increased 11 per cent in the last five years.” Earlier this year Heightsafe proposed a series of measures that could go some way in changing Working at Height practices for the better. These included a call to make work at height equipment a legal requirement on all new buildings and redevelopment projects – with a minimum standard set in Building Regulations.
i For further information on Heightsafe WWW.RDR.LINK/CG002
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BALANCING ACT
200 YEARS TO REACH GENDER EQUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION, RESEARCH SH OWS.
The number of women in construction will equal men by the year 2194. This is acc ording to figures revealed at GMB’s annual Congress. The uni on has arranged a summit with the major construction com panies to discuss the lac k of women in construction, a move backed by Shadow Education Secretary Angel a Rayner. ONS data shows that there are an estimated 60, 972 more women in the construction industry tha n there were in 2009, but that still only equates to one in eig ht workers – the lowest sha re of any broad industrial gro up.
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RAISING THE BAR
HOT WHEELS
LEEA AWARDS 2019 OPEN FOR ENTRIES.
PLANT MANUFACTURER SETS NEW SPEED RECORD FOR TRACTORS. A JCB Fastrac tractor has broken the British speed record for tractors, notching up 103.6mph at Elvington Airfield with TV presenter Guy Martin behind the wheel. The TV star described the feat as a “proper job with some right proper engineers.” A team of engineers had been working for months on the secret project to develop the tractor and JCB Chairman Lord Bamford praised their “amazing achievement”. No stranger to land speed records, the firm’s DieselMax streamliner reached over 350mph in the USA in 2006, a record that stands to this day.
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The LEEA Awards 2019 portal is now open for entries. As the largest trade association in the industry, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association is rewarding members who have done the most to raise standards. The association’s new awards scheme offers members eight distinct categories which they can enter. An independent panel of industry experts will judge the entries. Ross Moloney, LEEA: “The Awards offers our members the chance to be recognised as among the best companies in the industry by their fellow members and their customers.”
i For further information
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SMOOTH OPERATORS
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FROM UK PLANT COMPETITION CHALLENGE. Beating competitors from all over the UK & Ireland, Liam Lambert and brothers Thomas and Maurice Murphy have been announced by Finning as the three Operator Challenge 2019 finalists that will be going through to the European Regional Heats in Malaga. The time-trialled event consisted of three different challenges using Cat machines. All trials involved precision control using the latest joystick controls featured on Next Gen models. The overall winner of the global competition will win a two person,VIP allexpenses-paid trip to any of Caterpillar’s global facilities that they choose.
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SETTING THE TRAIL
LAUNCH OF NEW HIRE CONTROLLER TRAILBLAZER APPRENTICESHIP. The Construction Plant-hire Association has officially launched the new Hire Controller Trailblazer Apprenticeship in order to attract new recruits to the construction plant industry, as well as upskilling existing staff into a new role. Co-ordinating the hire of plant, tools and equipment to customers, Hire Controllers play a key role within plant hire companies nationwide.
i For further information
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A LIFTING LEGEND
LEADING FIGURE IN THE POWERED ACCESS INDUSTRY, ART MOORE, DIES, AGED 94. Powered access manufacturer Snorkel has announced the sad passing of its founder, Arthur Deshon Moore, 94, who had remained a board member until the end. A spokesperson for the company praised Moore’s “innovative vision, insightful wisdom, whimsical humour and cheerful personality” which took the company from strength to strength since its inception 60 years ago. Known for developing the first ‘big boom’, which reached 38m, Moore was the recipient of a litany of industry awards and honours over his career.
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NEWS IN THE WORKS
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS FAVOUR WORKERS THAT ARE ADAPTABLE, RESILIENT AND WILLING TO UPSKILL. New research from CV-Library reveals the key skills that construction employers are favouring right now, including the ability to adapt, resilience and willingness to upskill. The study surveyed 300 UK employers on the top skills they believe are most important in a potential hire right now. According to the study, 92.4 per cent of employers in the construction industry say they take a proactive approach to helping their employees upskill.
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CODE MAKERS
COMMON CODE NEEDED TO DRIVE UP H&S STANDARDS, ACCORDING TO REPORT. A new report by Hilti brings together expert opinion from across the sector, including contributions from the HSE, on the most effective ways to confront the construction sector’s future health and safety challenges. The call for collective action includes the need for a sector-wide health and safety code. There is not enough consistency across jobsites and only by committing to shared practices will we ensure that all UK construction workers are able to go home safe from each shift.”
i For further information
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OUTSIDE HELP
NFB: EU WORKERS MAKE A CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO UK CONSTRUCTION. At a time when Britain faces the most acute housing crisis since the 1940s, the National Federation of Builders supports the calls to enshrine into law the rights of EU citizens, who make a crucial contribution to the UK’s construction industry. Concerns remain that many skilled construction workers may not have the language or technical skills to wade through the EU Settlement Scheme. Richard Beresford, NFB: “If we are to build 800 homes a day, the 164,000 EU citizens working in construction should have their rights protected.”
i For further information
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UPWARDLY MOBILE GLOBAL MEWP RENTAL FLEET NEARS 1.5M UNITS.
The mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) rental market is still booming, with the worldwide fleet nearing 1.5 million units, according to IPAF’s Global Powered Access Rental Market Report. The level of investment remains significant, as rental companies focused on both expanding and renewing their MEWP fleets with more specialist, sophisticated and generally greener equipment.
i For further information on IPAF
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WHEELING & DEALING CONSTRUCTION PLANT NEWS ROUNDS UP THE LATEST TAKEOVERS, DISTRIBUTION DEALS AND EXPANSIONS. 씰 LiuGong establishes UK seller LiuGong recently acquired Portsmouth-based Construction Plant & Machinery Sales, who served as the sole dealer for the UK. In doing so, the Chinese firm established its first international retail operation. The new entity has five-branches located in Portsmouth, Kent, Cambridge, London and Manchester, with plans to open two more in Birmingham and Bristol.
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씰 Utranazz signs UK distribution agreement with SBM Mineral Processing Concrete equipment specialist, Utranazz has announced that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the UK with SBM Mineral Processing GmbH for their premium range of Concrete Mixing Plants and Mineral Processing Plants. Under the agreement, Utranazz will be able to supply SBM’s entire product portfolio, which covers the range from super-mobile to stationary concrete mixing plants and mineral processing plants.
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씰 Warwick Ward continues to expand Warwick Ward has now relocated to larger premises located less than 10 miles away in nearby Alcester. The new facility is now open and is home to a local designated sales team, service technicians and parts resource.
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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: I N D U S T R Y C H A R I T Y
GUIDING LIGHT Construction Plant News talks to the Lighthouse Club’s Bill Hill about the latest support available from the charity.
ur ambition is to ensure that no construction professional has to face a crisis alone,” declares the Lighthouse Club’s CEO, Bill Hill, “and what’s more we’re putting the tools in place to make sure that’s the case.” The construction industry charity might have a distinguished 60-year pedigree of supporting tradespeople and their families at the time of most need, but the world in that time has changed radically, and the Lighthouse Club is changing with it. “Today we recognise that the mental health of our workforce is one of the most serious issues we face, and it’s something that the industry is putting significant resources into tackling,” continues Bill. “Not only that but the means of communication is evolving rapidly, and that’s why we introduced our Construction Industry Helpline App. Its development has been thanks to the generosity of construction software suppliers, COINS, and we’ve had over 10,000 downloads on Android since its launch.”
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The app is designed to provide that first crucial step in the journey towards addressing an issue, especially for those who are not yet ready to engage in direct interaction with a counsellor, friend or support worker. It provides a wealth of resources and points of contact, and the ambition is to extend its scope still further. “With the continued help of COINS, we intend to move the concept forward, by including other health issues,” Bill explains, “whilst there are plans to allow access to the microsites of larger infrastructure projects or companies. We are presently piloting just that kind of microsite with Heathrow, for instance, where workers at that site can find details of anything from mental health first aiders, gym access and social events – all from one portal.” It is clear even from the anecdotal evidence of the Lighthouse Club’s own
helpline that workers in the built environment are becoming more confident and comfortable in verbalising their problems, even those that relate to their mental health, and with, on average at least, one industry professional committing suicide every two days – a higher figure than in any other sector – the need is indeed pressing. Bill Hill tells us just how vital the Lighthouse Club’s work really has become: “We’ve seen an 80 per cent increase in individuals contacting our helpline and we’re now dealing with 200 new cases every month. What we’re trying to promote is a more holistic approach, because many of the problems that are presented to our helpline staff are connected with other underlying issues. Anxiety or stress could be the result of financial difficulties, for instance, and it’s important that we send out the message that these issues need to be confronted before they inevitably escalate. An app and helpline offers the technological routes, but there’s equally a significant effort afoot to get boots on the ground in the battle to improve mental health
in construction. That’s why CITB is allocating significant resources to ensuring that staff have access to a mental health first aider at their company, and it is The Lighthouse Club that provides the training. “This is one of the best projects that CITB has undertaken in recent years, and so far we have trained up to 84 instructors. It is these individuals who deliver the two-day mental health first aid course, and these have now certified 1,200 people as mental health first aiders as a consequence. The courses we’ve been running have all been full, so there is clearly an appetite for promoting this kind of intervention, and there are plans to deliver a further 134 instructors in the months ahead.”
Company Supporter Of course, success will always bring its own challenges and, for a charity, a significant engagement means extra resources are required – and that means money. At present, 95 per cent of the Lighthouse Club’s funding comes from relatively unpredictable sources, like events or individual and company donations, but Bill Hill is looking to
complement that income with a slightly different approach. “Last year we inaugurated our Company Supporter Programme, with the aim to provide us with the kind of predictable income stream we will require if we are to properly plan for the future. Whether it’s a manufacturer, contractor or plant hirer, an organisation can pledge an annual amount that they can afford. The aim is to raise something in the region of £1 million of vital funds for our work via the scheme and so far we’ve had pledges of annual donations from £250 all the way up to £50,000. “There are so many different ways to communicate these days that we have to be covering so many more bases,” concludes Bill. “Whether it’s through our app, helpline or a network of mental health first aiders, our aim is to provide anyone who asks for it the support they need.”
i For further information on the
Lighthouse Club GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG016
S P E C I A L R E P O R T: J C B P R O D U C T L A U N C H E S
EASY AS JCB ith more than 330 products currently in its portfolio you might think that JCB already has every class of construction plant covered, but it is testament to the ingenuity of its R&D department that new concepts are consistently emerging. Indeed, last year alone the Staffordshire manufacturing giant delivered 25 new lines to its agricultural and construction customers, and these will be joined by at least 35 in the course of 2019. That new equipment is entering a market that has witnessed global growth on an unprecedented scale with – for the first time in a calendar year – over a million units sold worldwide. Whilst that rate of record expansion is unlikely to be sustained, with the demands of major infrastructure projects, and a continued political focus on the residential housebuilding sector, the UK will maintain its own position as Europe’s largest market for construction equipment for the foreseeable. Of course, it’s not just about scale, but how projects are delivered, and the latter is equally experiencing unparalleled change. The way we build determines what machinery we buy, and the construction plant landscape on these shores diverges in key classes of equipment from our European neighbours as a consequence. The rotary telehandler is a case in point, in that it has hitherto been far more common on the continent than in the UK. With the rise of modular construction,
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Construction Plant News attends the international launch of the latest innovations from JCB.
however, where prefabricated components are craned into position, JCB’s Hydraload 555-210R rotating telescopic handler is a timely introduction. This 5.5 tonne, 20.5m lift height unit has the versatility to replace smaller mobile cranes, or aerial work platforms, and JCB is offering pallet forks, a 5.5 tonne carriage winch, a 2 tonne x 2m jib winch, a reduced height jib, 5.5 tonne hook, light duty buckets and a range of fork-mounted accessories, such as waste skips and concrete placing skips. Remote lift end operation and access platforms will also be offered. To ensure that set-up time is minimised, the outriggers have Auto one-touch deployment, stowage and levelling. Competitive lift end cycle times and high auxiliary flow rates for efficient winch work, boost productivity further. With a lower chassis engine layout, the machine offers excellent access and class-leading serviceability. A low, clean boom design gives excellent all-round visibility, augmented by comprehensive work light options and camera kits, including a boom head camera for precise placement at height. The machines are powered by JCB’s proven highly efficient Ecomax engines, offering a high degree of parts and service commonality with other Loadall models. The JCB LiveLink telematics system is fitted as standard and will incorporate features that
enable operators to fully exploit the performance of this versatile machine. With a maximum lift capacity of 5.5 tonnes, the machine offers excellent highly competitive load charts. Easily selectable lift end speed profiles and lift envelope limits help the operator to optimise the machine for specific tasks. A range of specially developed JCB attachments using RFID technology can be identified by the machine, to automatically offer the correct load chart for safe operation. The great movement for change of our age is, of course, sustainability and it is driving a demand for alternative powertrains. JCB is now leading the charge in lithium ion technology with its electric mini excavator, a full review of which can be found in this issue on page 32. Elsewhere the introduction of a fully electric Teletruk will herald a new era of zero emission solutions in materials handling. As the world’s only telescopic lift truck, on its launch in October 1997 it was itself an industry first. Offering the benefit of substantial forward reach, a curtain-sided trailer could be loaded and unloaded from just one side, whilst long wheelbase vans can also easily be loaded with pallets via the rear doors.
Versatile Solution The new electric-powered JCB 30-19E can be utilised indoors and outside, challenging a forklift market where almost 250,000 units are sold worldwide. It is quiet in operation, produces zero emissions and the 80-volt lead acid battery can power a full eight hour shift on a single charge. Clearly we are all on a journey that includes an electric avenue, but clean diesel will remain the most common destination, and that’s why the demands of legislation have led to enormous levels of investment in recent years. The manufacturer’s latest engines, for example, will use a combination of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), integrated diesel particulates filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet European Stage V emissions regulations. Stage V demands even greater reductions in particulate matter, and will apply to a broader range of power outputs than ever before, and JCB has achieved the standard without any changes to engine canopies, which means there’s no need to redesign a machine and no impact on visibility for the operator. JCB’s three litre Dieselmax engine is rated at 55kW with a class-leading maximum
torque of 440Nm. It powers JCB’s backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and other mid-range machines. It features a compact after-treatment system comprising JCB’s particulate control technology and auto-stop which shuts down the engine after a period of idling to minimise fuel consumption. The Stage V version of the 4.8-litre EcoMAX engine, which powers the Loadall telescopic handlers, mid-range wheeled loading shovels and the larger TM telescopic wheeled loaders, produces 81-129kW (108174hp) and boasts peak torque outputs from 516Nm to 690Nm. If sustainability is one engine of change then connectivity is certainly another, and JCB recently celebrated a landmark with over 250,000 of its machines now being monitored
by its LiveLink Telematics system. New features for 2019 include LiveLink Fleet, which enables fleet operators to monitor vital information such as fuel consumption, faults and machine idle time to improve profitability as well as hit sustainability and environmental targets by monitoring carbon emissions. The JCB Operator app can be linked to LiveLink Fleet, and allows daily checks and inspection documents to be recorded and submitted digitally as well as storing useful manuals. All JCB machines fitted with LiveLink can also be tracked from its Uptime Centres. Launched in 2010 the Uptime Centres bring together JCB’s dedicated parts and technical specialists to ensure machines work at their most profitable level – keeping downtime to a minimum. CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 11
S P E C I A L R E P O R T: J C B P R O D U C T L A U N C H E S
These are home to JCB Uptime Dashboards and its Machine Health Monitoring System. By making use of real-time data and predictive algorithms at-risk machines can be identified enabling specialists to make recommendations on preventative maintenance that may reduce unforeseen downtime. Whilst so much is changing in the construction plant sector, there are reassuring constants, and for JCB one of those is undoubtedly the backhoe loader. Whilst it might be the machine where it all began for the eponymous Joseph Cyril, it is by no means immune to a process of evolution, and the latest incarnation is the 3CX Compact Highways Master – a one machine solution for roads and highways maintenance. Specifically designed to meet the needs of highway contractors, local councils and rental businesses, the unit is replete with red chevrons livery, and Chapter 8 safety decals. It
is benefits from a skid steer loader quick hitch on the front loader arms and a SMART attachment integration system, to make it easy to carry out a range of tasks with buckets and a wide variety of specialist attachments. The machine will offer customers a safer two-in-one road planing solution, as the only model on the market that can be readily deployed for road planing applications with a 300mm rear as well as a 600mm front planer attachment. Standard Powerslide side-shifting capability at the rear also allows the operator to mill a square patch without having to reposition the machine – an industry first feature enabling a cross cut within a single carriageway without requiring manual hand tools. In addition, depth control will improve operator accuracy and productivity.
Compact Machines In addition to the Highways Master there are now two additional variants of the JCB 3CX Compact. At just 1.9 metres wide and 2.74 metres high, the machine is perfect for not only road resurfacing and repair contractors, but for the utilities, groundworkers and municipalities working in the confines of congested urban areas. The new 3CX Compact PLUS and the 3CX Compact PRO are equipped with a number of new features, including, front Auxiliary Constant Flow (70 litres per minute on the PLUS and 120 1itres per minute on the PRO.Varispeed transmission enables the travel speed to be set independently of
hydraulic flow, and there’s a front skid steer quick hitch on these models as well. In addition, the new 3CX Compact PRO features a 7-way multifunction joystick. One class of machine that certainly has received considerable scrutiny over a drawing board has been the site dumper, with JCB’s Hi Viz concept now an established solution. This year will see the 7T model joined by a new sibling – the 6T Hi Viz. Just like the original it addresses the visibility issues associated with larger forward tipping dumpers. In fact, the operator can see a 1.4m high object at a distance of 1.0m from the machine when fully laden, and a 0.8m high object at 1.0m when unladen, far exceeding legislative requirements, all without the need for expensive cameras, sensors and additional mirrors. Construction Plant News will be conducting further test drives of these, and other machines from the JCB stable in the future editions, with a more in-depth look at the Hydraload coming up in our September issue.
i For further information on any of the products mentioned use the appropriate link
HYDRALOAD GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG075 LIVELINK GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG076 3CX COMPACT HIGHWAYS MASTER GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG077 3CX COMPACT PLUS GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG078 3CX COMPACT PRO GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG079 6T HI VIZ FORWARD TIPPING DUMPER GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG080 STAGE V ENGINES GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG081
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SKILLS & TRAINING
AIM FOR THE The Construction Plant-hire Association is celebrating the industry’s ‘Stars of the Future’.
Stars
early 2 ½ million people are employed by it and it generates over 8 per cent of our entire GDP, but the level to which the construction industry underpins our society goes deeper still. The offices and factories we work in, the schools that educate our children, the roads we travel to them on, and the homes we return to are all a result of the workforce that delivers our built environment. The value of the construction sector to UK plc might be well documented, but what is often less well publicised is the personal fulfilment and financial rewards that its diverse roles can offer the individuals it employs.
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LIFTING TECHNICIAN STAR OF THE FUTURE
Niki Fitzgerald, Select Plant Hire
“I was shocked to win this award and I feel very lucky. I’ve always been super keen and I ask a lot questions. For me, it’s all about selfimprovement and I’ve previously been in the armed forces and also operated my own carpentry company. I’m now part of a huge team at Select and we really are well looked after.” Niki Fitzgerald, Select Plant Hire
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That’s why initiatives like the Construction Plant-hire Association’s Stars of the Future are critical in promoting a positive image of construction to the next generation. The event celebrates the industry’s emerging talent, and rewards the combination of skill and effort that is fundamental to career progression. “It is no exaggeration to say that the future of Britain is in the hands of the young men and women who are nominated for awards,” declares Kevin Minton, CPA Chief Executive, and if that is the case then the future is in safe hands. The construction sector is littered with inspiring examples of entrepreneurial journeys from shovel to boardroom and at that same awards ceremony a leading hirer delivered just one example. P Flannery Plant Hire has much to be proud of, not least a turnover of more than £90 million, and over 3,000 machines on its books at an industry leading average age of just 1.8 years. One of the statistics that gives its founder and his sons the most satisfaction, however, is the 30 apprentices it takes on every year. Patrick Flannery senior came to the UK in 1969, initially working as a labourer, and spending whatever spare time he could find on site learning to operate and maintain plant. It was his dream to own a JCB, and when he achieved that ambition the national plant hirer that now bears his name was born. “We must
inspire a future generation,” declares his son, Patrick, speaking to apprentices as the same awards ceremony. “That’s why our company is focusing on attracting previously under-represented groups and we have had a 7 per cent increase in female plant operators last year. The personal fulfilment and earning potential of a career in construction plant is consistently under-rated in wider society, and that’s a message we want to deliver to young people.” An individual who could be taking the first steps on the same path, is Campbell Howie. A Stars of the Future, National Level 3 winner in 2017, his story is indicative of the value employers place on the CPA awards. With that accolade, and his qualifications, Campbell was able to experience life working in Canada for a time, before returning to set up his own business. “If you can solve a problem that others are struggling with that gives you real satisfaction,” he tells an audience of over 300 apprentices at the awards presentation.
i For further information on the CPA GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG074
THE 2019
CPA Stars of the Future WINNERS NATIONAL WINNERS – PLANT MECHANIC STARS OF THE FUTURE
National Level 2 Winner Joe Adcock, Cementation Skanska Ltd (Askham Bryan College) National Level 3 Winner Adam Dalton, Toppesfield Ltd (National Construction College East) National Level 3 Highly Commended - Adam Davies, Molson Equipment Services (Wiltshire College)
LEVEL 2 PLANT MECHANIC COLLEGE AWARD WINNERS – EMPLOYER AND COLLEGE
Joe Adcock, Cementation Skanska (Askham Bryan College) Lea Poole, Lifterz (Askham Bryan College) Joseph Vincent, D and D Plant Services (Bridgend College) John Beckett, Finning UK (Finning Academy) Ross McLeod, Marubeni Komatsu (Glasgow Kelvin College) Paul Talent, Riwal (Myerscough College) Tyler Pearson, Wirtgen (National Construction College East) Liam Mullin, AT Best Handlers (National Construction College Scotland) Lewis Scott, Liebherr (NSCG Stafford College) Shane Lynton-Edwards, A-Plant (Reaseheath College) Stuart Arkell, Grant Plant Maidenhead (Wiltshire College)
EMPLOYER NOMINATED PLANT MECHANIC AWARDS Keeran Moore, Go Plant (Level 2) Brad Timmins, Go Plant (Level 3) Kye Connop, Ainscough Crane Hire (Special Recognition Award)
LEVEL 3 PLANT MECHANIC COLLEGE AWARD WINNERS – EMPLOYER AND COLLEGE PLANT OPERATOR STAR OF THE FUTURE
Jake Howard, P Flannery Plant Hire
Dan Pickles, Charles Wilson Engineers (Askham Bryan College) Sophie King, CRH Plant (Bridgend College) Benjamin Taylor, Finning UK (Finning Academy) Paul Geddes, West Dunbartonshire Council (Glasgow Kelvin College) Michael Barton, Chippindale Plant (Myerscough College) Adam Dalton, Toppesfield Ltd (National Construction College East) Sophie Gray, George Leslie Limited (National Construction College Scotland) Scott Paskin, Dewsbury and Proud (NSCG Stafford College) Ruby Potts, Burnley Plant Engineers (Reaseheath College) Adam Davies, Molson Equipment Services (Wiltshire College) CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 15
SKILLS & TRAINING
ATIME TO How do we weather the skills gap storm and nurture talent within the construction industry? Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager, Kubota UK, gives his views. he construction industry is currently under a lot of strain, with recent figures showing the industry to have stalled amid heightened levels of uncertainty over Brexit. We’ve also seen that one in twenty construction companies believe their workforce doesn’t have the skills required both for now and for the future. This is a number that is only set to increase as skilled workers retire and the technologies and machines they use every day continue to develop at the rapid rate we are currently seeing. The UK government announced in November 2018 that it would invest £22 million to reduce the skill shortage across the industry. This investment will be used to set up ‘hubs’ based at live construction sites, in order to train up thousands of workers with the skills the industry is currently lacking. The investment is positive. However, if the sector is to increase productivity and thrive, then more must be done by the industry itself.
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Getting In At The Grass Roots Earlier this year, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association’s chief executive Alasdair Reisner, claimed that the industry and government need to continue to work together to boost recruitment and training in the UK. If companies working across the sector are able to provide the younger generation with the schemes and the experience needed to excel in a career in construction, the skills shortage will no doubt, reduce. It will also go a long way to
encourage those who have potentially been put off by a career in construction, to pursue what could be a successful and fulfilling profession that will last them a lifetime. For example, I asked Jordan Scott-Ely, a construction apprentice here at Kubota UK, about his feelings towards a job in construction and he told me that he had always “had an interest in mechanics, and knew from an early age that I preferred working with my hands, so I wanted to be in a line of work which allowed me to do so – construction seemed the perfect fit!” By having the opportunity to work through what aspects of working in the industry that he liked and disliked, Jordan was able to pursue opportunities that he might not have had a chance to explore if he hadn’t
applied through an apprenticeship scheme, including a placement at Bryco, a construction plant and parts dealership. Jordan says that the opportunity gave him “insight into the engines that I work with day-to-day. I worked there for six weeks right alongside their current technicians which was invaluable, as I got to experience everything through the eyes of a full time employee.”
Skills Of The Future With such a focus on the skills of the future, such as the use of AI, virtual reality or even 3D printing, it is essential that schemes offer new recruits training in the latest technological advancements. Failing to recognise the importance of this will do nothing to help shape our workforce of the future. While the use of these technologies may not be commonplace yet, knowing and experimenting with how they can be used and improve common processes will be essential for everyone working in the construction industry.
It is also important that those that enter the sector via apprenticeship schemes are able to follow their interests and are given full exposure to what their career will entail. Jordan felt this approach meant he was able “to understand the individual components of an engine and how they work. As well as equipping me with the specific knowledge of individual machines that I will need, I also now have a greater level of in-depth knowledge of mechanics overall – from identifying an issue to working through structured processes to obtain the right ‘first time fix’ and knowing the symptoms that caused the issue in the first place.”
The Future Is Bright I’m sure if you were to ask any construction professional on their thoughts on the skill shortage, they would show some concern about where the industry is headed. We’re currently experiencing turbulent times, but with a combined focus from the government and businesses in the sector on closing the skills gap, we will all be able to look toward a brighter future. If more schemes are put in place to nurture, upskill and entice new recruits into the industry, the sector will be able to weather the current storms and thrive both now and for decades to come.
i For further information on Kubota GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG019
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FLEET ADDITIONS
CANNON ACCESS SNAPS UP FIRST GENIE LIFTS With its latest delivery of six new scissor lifts, Cannon Access has become the first UK rental company to own Genie’s latest quiet and emissionfree model. Designed to meet the needs of space- and weight-restricted workingat-height applications, the new electric GS-1330m scissor lift weighs less than 900kg and offers a maximum working height of 5.9m. The lift combines a capacity of up to 227kg with the benefits of a power-efficient e-drive system.
COUSSENS GETS A LIFT FROM DEMAG Coussens Crane Hire has just added two new Demag all terrain cranes to its fleet, comprising an AC 60-3 with a 50m main boom and an AC 100-4L with a 59.4m main boom that can have its reach extended with a 19m swing-away jib, which the company also ordered. Both cranes feature the IC1-Plus control system, which utilises the maximum available lifting capacities when working with asymmetrical outrigger configurations in tight space conditions, as well as a remote control. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG066
GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG065
CONTRAK GOES BIG WITH VOLVO Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Contrak Construction has taken delivery of its first ‘large’ Volvo excavator in the guise of a reduced swing 16.7 tonne ECR145E for its groundworking and general construction activities. The machine has been supplied complete with the twopiece boom option, dozer blade and a Steelwrist tiltrotator. Besides the hammer shear hydraulics, which come fitted as standard, the machine also sports an X3 rotation circuit. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG068
R COLLARD GOES FOR THE DOUBLE Demolition and waste management specialist R Collard has selected two RubbleMaster impact crushers from UK supplier Red Knight 6. The company opted for an RM 70GO! 2.0 and an RM 100GO! after extensive demonstrations of both machines. Both units specialise in processing concrete with rebar, asphalt, C&D waste and rock, producing a wide range of materials on demand. The RM 70GO! 2.0 is one of the most mobile tracked conveyors in the range and offers flexibility to customers. The RM 100GO! processes up to 275 tonnes per hour. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG067
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FIRST HYUNDAI HX900 L SOLD IN EUROPE The very first Hyundai HX900 L crawler excavator in Europe has been sold to demolition contractor Able UK. The 90 tonne machine is equipped with a 10 tonne Fortress Shear to tackle tough demolition tasks and was also supplied with a 4.85m³ bucket for excavation use. Located on the north east coast, close to the mouth of the River Tees, the excavator is shearing metal to size, which will then become suitable for recycling. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG069
DAVIES CRANE HIRE CELEBRATES WITH LIEBHERR Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Davies Crane Hire has purchased a fifth Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 crane. The mobile crane is equipped with VarioBase and a refinery kit, which includes engine shutdown and overspeed protection. This model, featuring a compact three-axle chassis and other useful features, such as a boom length of 48m, offers versatility and compactness. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG071
FLANNERY REVAMPS FLEET WITH CAT
BOSS PLANT SALES TAKE ORDERS FROM AGETUR Agetur UK, a leading civil engineering company based in Brackley – specialising in the construction of roads, sewers and civil engineering works – has recently taken delivery of a batch of Kubota excavators and Ausa site-dumpers from Boss Plant Sales. The six Ausa D600 6 tonne swivel dumpers, two Kubota KX 080-4 8 tonne tracked excavators and a KX 57-4 6 tonne excavator join Agetur’s fleet of over 100 machines. Boss Plant Sales is an official dealer for Kubota, Manitou, BOMAG, Ausa, Boss Cabins, Socomec and most recently D’Avino dump trucks. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG070
Totalling over £30 million, Flannery Plant Hire’s latest investment in 230 new Cat machines will bring the average age of the hirer’s fleet down to 1.8 years. Part of its fleet refurbishment programme, the deal sees the delivery of the UK’s first D6XE next-generation dozer, alongside units from the Next Gen Hex range of excavators, including 308 minis, 315 and 325 excavators with zero tail swing. Also included are the new 730 ADTs, which come fitted with the Caterpillar Production Measurement (CPM) system. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG072
MORRIS LESLIE LOADS UP ON JCBS Morris Leslie Plant Hire has placed its biggest ever telehandler order worth £36 million with JCB. The deal includes 555 Loadalls, ranging from the compact six metre 525-60 up to the 20 metre 540200, all of which feature LiveLink. The machines offer unrivalled fuel consumption and emissions, according to the manufacturer. The metrics that LiveLink delivers enable fleet managers to plan maintenance schedules in advance, providing instant notifications when a service is due. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG073
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RAIL PLANT
RIGHT ON Construction Plant News reports on a major carbon reduction milestone from Network Rail.
t has been characterised as a climate emergency and, with increasingly dire warnings from our politicians, government is in the mood to respond. Indeed, Whitehall has recently announced a unique pledge for the UK to be zero carbon by 2050. Whilst much more needs to be done to achieve that ambitious target it is worth reflecting on the progress that’s been made. It was reported last year, for instance, in the first time since the industrial revolution, renewable energy generation surpassed that of fossil fuels, and the construction industry can equally point to a host of success stories in the quest to tread with a lighter carbon footprint. Our rail sector needs to embrace innovation if it is to deliver value for money for taxpayers, and travellers alike, and it is here that some of the most testing standards are laid down. HS2 is already demanding far more stringent emissions targets of the plant that operates on its sites, for example, and alternative powertrains are now a routine feature trackside. In another small step on the way to a carbon free future, a project led by Network Rail and Colas Rail has used innovative solar lighting and power
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generation to create the ‘site of the future’, achieving 97 per cent diesel-free operation in support of a major rail renewal project at Llanwern, South Wales. During a 14-day project, centred around a 72-hour possession over a Bank Holiday weekend, solar and battery technologies from Prolectric were utilised instead of diesel generators, saving 6,000 litres of fuel and more than 15 tonnes of CO2. The results are being viewed as a significant achievement, marking an environmental
the same as driving a family car at 40mpg twice around the circumference of the world. It’s also clear where we have learnt the lessons from Llanwern so we can aim to close that small gap. We really want to get to that 100 per cent fuel-free figure by the time of our next challenge, planned for a rail renewal project later in the summer. There’s no doubt these technologies are going to be a complete gamechanger, and we need to push on to get to a place where using this type of technology is just business as usual.”
“A project led by Network Rail and Colas Rail has used innovative solar lighting and power generation to create the ‘site of the future’.” milestone towards clean, carbon-free offgrid working, in support of Network Rail’s CP6 target to reduce non-traction energy consumption by almost 20 per cent and carbon emissions by 25 per cent. “A 97 per cent diesel reduction at the first attempt is great achievement” declares Ryan Ballinger, Production Manager for Colas Rail. “Saving close to 6,000 litres of diesel is
Power and Light Prolectric’s clean, silent solar lighting and power generation technologies were used across the site covering more than 21-acres. This included access roads, the welfare cabin area, car parking and the track working area itself, where the London to Cardiff main line meets the Llanwern steelworks spur, near Newport. The set up and core works
spanned a period of around 14 days leading up to and following 72-hour possession, with more than 70 rail staff employed on site. Two 25kW Solatainer solar generators replaced conventional diesel generators providing light and heat for seven welfare cabins, including site offices, a canteen, toilets and a drying room.The Solatainer is modelled on a standard 20ft shipping container with an array of photovoltaic solar panels charging on-board lithium ion batteries. A total of 21 Prolectric ProLight solar tower lights illuminated the site compound, car parking and work preparation areas, as well as being deployed on the trackside, where 200m of ProTrack battery-powered link lighting was also used. Prolectric ProTemp column street lights were positioned along the access road to the site.
Range of Solar Applications It was just as important to explore and extend the range of renewable applications, including a new solar-powered Gate Guardian camera security system. It was also possible to demonstrate the versatility of using portable lithium battery packs, recharged as necessary from the solar generators to power dust suppression systems, water cooler stations and point motors. Using diesel generators to support rail renewal work has been the only option for reliable off-grid power. Now viable solar technologies are being seen as a vital contribution to non-traction carbon targets, as well as to reduce the noise, smell and air pollution from diesel exhausts, especially next to residential areas. The first thing that staff and visitors noticed at the Llanwern compound was
“The Llanwern initiative has proved that dieselfree operation is possible, and was a vital learning experience for us, so we can move to eliminate the use of any diesel for lighting and welfare on future projects.” how quiet it was, compared to the usual continual background hum of diesel generators. “The environmental impact of running diesel generators all day on a major worksite like Llanwern is absolutely huge,” explains Ballinger. “It’s not just about carbon emissions; our lineside neighbours are very important to us. By using solar harvesting, we’re not polluting their environment with unwelcome fumes and noise.”
with an aspiration to achieve diesel-free operation as standard. Ryan Ballinger, explains: “We have worked closely to drive the development of suitable on-site solar tower lights and walking lights. Now at Llanwern we have been able to add solar generators for the first time and moving forward we want to add smaller plant and tools such as disk saws and band saws.”
Cost Savings Partnership The Llanwern Site of the Future project is the culmination of determined development work driven by the Network Rail and Colas Rail team to adapt and refine solar and renewable technologies for the rail industry,
The Llanwern project not only provided feedback to help refine the solar and battery technologies, but also identified energyefficiency initiatives that can contribute to 100 per cent diesel-free operation. Chris Williams, Managing Director of Prolectric, said: “This has been a very successful collaboration with Network Rail and Colas Rail. The Llanwern initiative has proved that diesel-free operation is possible, and was a vital learning experience for us, so we can move to eliminate the use of any diesel for lighting and welfare on future projects.” Working in close collaboration with rail partners, Prolectric expects further advances in solar and battery technology in future to drive forward the capabilities of off-grid solar light and power generation so it continues to become more powerful, compact and versatile.
i For further information on Prolectric GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG021
CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 21
Force One has now incorporated its suction head equipped road rail Doosan into a self contained suction excavation train.
RAIL PLANT
THE KEY TO
‘SUCK-CESS’
The QTS Group stand at Rail Live displayed the updated Gallmac access platform (left) and the new Mega Chipper V2.
Nick Johnson highlights road rail plant and associated equipment seen at the recent Rail Live and Railworx / Plantworx exhibitions. orce One used both the Rail Live and Railworx exhibitions to give the maximum exposure to its innovative road rail suction excavation train. This March, the Cambridgeshire based company exhibited its road railed Doosan DX140-5LCR as a carrier for its suction excavation head whilst being coupled by hose to one of its truck mounted suction excavation units. Now the Doosan forms part of a new self contained suction excavation train. As seen at the two recent rail shows, the new Force One suction excavation train consists of three rail mounted modules. Ballast removal from between the sleepers is carried out by the first unit – the Doosan DX140-5LCR with the suction head carried beside its boom and dipper arm. This machine has been converted for on rail operation by GOS Tool and Engineering Services of Blaenavon in south eastern Wales.
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Complete with rubber pad tracks and rail wheels, the Doosan DX140-5LCR has been fully customised to carry the suction head on a Geith tilt rotator. The machine is equipped with a GKD rated capacity indicator with SpaceGuard selectable slew and height restrictions to allow operation under live overhead wires (OLE) or next to open traffic lines (ALO). The Doosan road rail excavator and the suction head can both be operated by full remote control so the operator does not have to sit in the machine cab. The converted Doosan has hydraulic and air braking systems and its towing capability is 46 tonnes. The 250mm diameter hoses from the suction head pass over the back of the Doosan to the 15.0 tonne capacity material storage module coupled on behind the excavator. Once full, this module is unloaded by means of a clamshell grab equipped excavator or another suction excavator. The third module of the Force One suction excavation train is this Network Rail Product Approved Suction/Fan unit.
Pro Rail Services’ new road rail Doosan DX140 tracked excavator revealed its offset digging capability.
The third module in the suction excavation train is the Network Rail product approved suction/fan unit. Powered by a 522.0kW (700hp) Deutz V8 engine, it has a large diameter 4-fan suction system complete with fine dust filtration and automatic cleaning. Having already successfully used the suction excavation train in its current format, Force One is already working on a future development. The middle material storage module will be replaced by two hopper wagons and a conveyor system. CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 23
One of the new Engcon tiltrotator equipped Liebherr 924 Rail Road Rail excavators which have joined the Readypower fleet.
RAIL PLANT
There will be a side discharge conveyor so that the excavated ballast can be continuously loaded into hopper wagons in an engineering train on an adjacent track. Now being constructed by GOS, these new wagons should be in operation in the autumn. A number of interesting products were shown by the QTS Group at Rail Live. These included a new version of the Mega Chipper for lineside vegetation control and a refurbished and improved Gallmac road rail vehicle. Produced in Holland by Euro Forestry, the new tracked Mega Chipper V2 is powered by a 343.0kW (460hp) Cat Tier 4 engine. The chipper has four infeed rollers and four staggered cutting blades for smoother running. After Rail Live, the machine was going to Rexquote to have its rail conversion work carried out.
Twin Cab Gallmac Distinguished by its twin cabs, the refurbished Gallmac from Italy has now gained a new access platform boom. The basket has a capacity of 350kg and it can be rotated 70 degrees either side of centre. Available for hire across the UK, the machine is capable of working and travelling on 150mm of cant with 11.0m of reach at 90Ëš to the track. Pro Rail Services used its Rail Live stand to exhibit one of its new Doosan DX140 tracked excavators with rail equipment by GOS. This 32.0 tonne machine had a Geith quick coupler and an offset boom to enable drainage trenching to the side of the track carrying the machine. It is equipped with the GKD 3RCI rated capacity indicator system with SpaceGuard.
The latest version of McCulloch Rail’s tracked TRT is able to provide both hydraulic and compressed air power for hand tools.
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Promax Access has introduced a new hybrid version of the Platform Basket RR14 EVO2/400 road rail boomlift
Atlas excavator dealer TDL Equipment showed this RA300RR road rail conversion by Rail-Ability at Plantworx.
On its Rail Live stand McCulloch Rail exhibited a new variant of its tracked TRT (Trac Rail Transposer) now produced in association with Unipart Rail. Powered by a Kubota 4-cylinder water-cooled engine, the new TRT has been configured as a mobile power pack complete with an Dynaset air compressor (for jack hammers) and a hydraulic power take off with hose reel to supply a hand held Stanley hydraulic rail saw. Readypower Rail Services showed one of its new Liebherr 924 Rail Road Rail excavators at Rail Live. The company now has four of these 26.6 tonne machines working in Scotland with another six on order. The show unit had an Engcon tiltrotator and was fitted with a clamshell grab. The TDL Equipment stand at Plantworx revealed a new Atlas 180WSR wheeled excavator converted by rail plant engineering solutions provider Rail-Ability to become the RA300RR road railer. Now weighing 32.0 tonnes, this much-modified machine is part of the A P Webb Plant Hire fleet. A brand new road rail access platform that was seen at both Railworx and Rail Live was the Platform Basket RR14 EVO-2/400 Hybrid from Promax Access. Providing a maximum working height of 14.4m and a basket capacity of 400kg, this hybrid boomlift has both a Tier 5 diesel engine and a lithium battery pack. For on rail operation it has auto cant levelling and there is a pantograph option.
i For more information on any of the rail plant machines mentioned in this article use the appropriate numbers below:
A P WEBB GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG022 FORCE ONE GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG023 McCULLOCH RAIL GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG024 PROMAX ACCESS GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG025 PRO PLANT SERVICES GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG026 QTS GROUP GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG027 READYPOWER GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG028
RAIL PLANT
THE
PRO
CHOICE A new suite of hazard mitigation tools from James Fisher Prolec promises to provide a site-wide solution to safety. he rail industry is amongst the most heavily regulated in our economy – and with good reason. The pressure on contractors to work safely, but also quickly, brings its own unique challenges, and the consequence of failure could well be catastrophic. That’s why any technology that can facilitate both will be welcome, and why James Fisher Prolec’s latest PMX solution has already found favour with Network Rail, but it is a system that could equally be deployed in smart motorways, inner city projects and a host of other construction sites.
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Hazard Mitigation Traditionally, the approach to safety has been machine-centric, but in our data-driven future site wide solutions are emerging, and it is that approach that James Fisher Prolec is championing. At its heart PMX combines single machine-based safety systems and site-wide fleet control in order to improve not only safety but also productivity. Currently available hazard mitigation systems will allow an operator to set slew
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restrictions, height, and reach to create a safe working envelope based on a machine’s position and geometry. Move the machine, however, and the co-ordinates have to be re-established. Where PMX stands apart is in the combination of the two wellestablished technologies of hazard mitigation and geolocation, which come together to prevent plant and equipment from striking pre-defined hazards. Virtual walls and ceilings are quickly and easily set-up by site managers, allowing operators to move safely within pre-defined
work zones. Hazard maps only need to be established once and can deployed to any PMX-enhanced excavator to provide consistent, site-wide safety limits without the need for operators to repeatedly re-enter hazard locations. As a result, it minimises operator input, accelerates set-up time and limits repositioning, offering benefits in site safety, productivity and cost reduction. PMX is the first system of its kind to receive accreditation from Network Rail for Any Line Open (ALO) projects. It was demonstrated on central reservations of the
M1 and M6 All Lanes Running (ALR) smart motorway projects and has since been nominated for a Highways England Blue Star Innovation Award. A site can be mapped using existing techniques or PMX mapping tools. R2S, for instance, is an intelligent information hub that digitises the construction site during project planning phases. Aggregating mapped elements and tagging hazards, obstructions, site infrastructure and other safety-critical data (such as buried services and topography), insight is collated into a single, powerful platform. Used in conjunction with PMX, the solution can set safe working zones, demonstrate progress to remote teams and provide pin-point location accuracy of hazards and obstructions on site. Post construction phase, R2S can be integrated with other technologies, such as bridge monitoring solutions, to ensure asset integrity is effectively monitored. The investment in new products from the safety experts at James Fisher Prolec doesn’t end there, however, because the same
company has also introduced TrackPilot, a system which is specifically designed for excavator rail-road vehicles (RRVs). According to its developers, TrackPilot can achieve ten times faster processing and functionality speeds than any other solution on the market, meeting both UK and EU compliance standards (IEC61508, SIL2, RIS1530 Issue 6 and EN15746).
Designed from the ground up, the TrackPilot ECU is mounted directly in the engine bay, protecting it from damage or theft. Coupled with this, its on-board diagnostics (OBD) maintains necessary protection for all input sensors and output actuators. One of the things that James Fisher Prolec has worked hard to avoid is cognitive overload for the operator. As a result, a minimalistic graphical user interface has been developed for ease of use, with only information relevant to the job at hand displayed. These technologies represent ambitious aims for future site safety from James Fisher Prolec. Indeed, it is the manufacturer’s avowed aim to bring together the likes of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, IoT logistics, real-time big data and connected equipment, in creating the fully-connected, digitalised construction site of tomorrow.
i For more information about James Fisher Prolec GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG029
RAIL PLANT
The rail sector promises to be a significant source of new work in the coming years and the Kinshofer Group supplies a full range of solutions.
The lightweight RBS sleeper changer is capable of continuous 360-degree rotation and multi-directional tilting up to 50 degrees when paired with Kinshofer’s NOX-Tiltrotator.
Sleeper beauty “R ailroad crews don’t have time to bring in large sleeper exchangers for quick repairs and maintenance; it’s a cumbersome and time-consuming process,” explains Andy Little, Kinshofer UK National Excavator Sales Manager. “Our Sleeper Changers enable quick and easy repairs with a machine that’s readily available – an excavator. An experienced operator can change as many as 40 sleepers per hour with one of our attachments.” As the extensive display of rail focused attachments Kinshofer recently brought to the Railworx Show at the East of England Showground demonstrated, the company is ideally placed to provide just such a solution.
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Founded in Germany in 1971, the Group includes the Kinshofer, Demarec, RF System, Auger Torque, Doherty, Solesbee’s and Hammer brands. In fact, Kinshofer prides itself on being a one-stop shop, offering a wide product range with just about every type of attachment for equipment carriers, with or without hydraulics, in sectors as diverse as rail, construction, waste and recycling, demolition, landscaping, utilities and forestry. Additionally, it offers multiple mounting options for a carrier machine, whether via direct mount, mounting bracket or quickchange coupler. The RBS Sleeper Changer is a specialised attachment for efficient railway maintenance and repair. The RBS can be used with 12 to 24 tonne rail excavators to quickly exchange existing concrete and wooden sleepers without disrupting the track. Kinshofer Group company RF System designed the RBS to make quick work of railway maintenance as well as short track segment repairs, small track exchanges and placement of secondary tracks. The attachments’ large shields allow operators to easily clear ballast from the tracks, and after the new sleeper is placed, quickly
backfill and level the ballast. The lightweight RBS sleeper changer quickly replaces various sized concrete and wood railway sleepers using hydraulically operated grippers for precise operation. For enhanced efficiency, the attachment is capable of continuous 360-degree rotation and multidirectional tilting up to 50 degrees when paired with the same manufacturer’s NOXTiltrotator. This compact, cylinderless unit enables operators to pick up items close to the tracks and work quickly with minimal excavator movement and without incurring downtime due to damage to rams or protruding parts. To ensure safe operation, the attachment features a special holding valve to maintain a secure grip even if pressure drops. Made from Hardox steel to reduce wear and increase product longevity, it also comes with an industry leading two-year warranty.
i For further information on Kinshoffer GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG030
RAIL PLANT
s one of the UK’s foremost providers of bespoke plant, road rail vehicle (RRV) and civil engineering solutions for the country’s rail sector, Readypower employees understandably spend a lot of time trackside. From renewals of overhead lines to crucial on-track maintenance, the team are used to operating heavy machinery, such as excavators, in safety-critical environments. With space at a premium for trackside workers, Cameron Barr, head of operations in Scotland for Readypower, was keen to identify ways in which excavators could
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AT THE READY deliver even greater flexibility and manoeuvrability. The solution he found was tiltrotators. Cameron explains: “The ontrack team are essential to keeping the UK rail network safe and on-time, but the work they carry out is both incredibly technical and labour-intensive. There’s very little space to work trackside, and even smaller margin for error, so I wanted to maximise the flexibility of our existing fleet of excavators. “Engcon’s EC219 tiltrotator seemed to be the obvious choice. I was already familiar with the brand as I’d been using the manufacturer’s hitch successfully for years at a previous company, so when I was looking at increasing the productivity of our machines at Readypower at our Scotland depot, Engcon’s tiltrorators were the
Engcon delivers for Readypower.
obvious choice. Delivering unbeatable rotational flexibility and a +45° tilt, the EC219 is the perfect bit of kit for our operators working trackside.” The EC219 has been manufactured to comply with stringent European safety standards, with operators able to choose between a number of different control systems based on the machine’s unique characteristics. What’s more, the EC219 can be equipped with the company’s Micropop proportional control, offering operators stepless control and maximum precision – crucial assets when working in environments as challenging as railway sidings. Cameron adds: “The purchase of the EC219 tiltrotators came at the perfect time, with our rail sector customer-base
increasingly wanting to see work completed faster, but to the same high standards they’ve come to expect. We took delivery of the first four units in January, and, thanks to the hugely positive impact they’ve had on our productivity and ability to streamline operations, have placed an order for a further two to be delivered later this year. The Engcon hitches in particular have proved invaluable for us in obtaining work from our clients, not only because the hitches increase on-site productivity and efficiencies, but they are also much safer, meaning operators don’t have to get out of the cab to change attachments. “The scope of our work is incredibly diverse and takes in the entire Scottish rail network, covering everything from embankment grading work, drilling, rock cutting and signal erecting with manipulators. All of these jobs require the precision movements that the Engcon provides, so we’ve seen first-hand what an effect tiltrotators have had on our fleet, and are looking forward to seeing how we can push this further with the addition of an additional two EC219’s.”
i For more information on the full-
range of services offered by Engcon GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG031
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The 2019 Executive Hire show provided the ideal indoor location for the public launch of the new JCB 19C-1E electric mini excavator.
E X C AVAT O R S
Nick Johnson reports on JCB’s new electric mini excavator and does some comparative trenching with this green machine and its diesel engined counterpart. growing number of plant makers have now unveiled details of electric compact excavators. But whilst most of these trailblazers remain prototype or pre-production units, JCB has grasped the metal and put its new 1.9 tonne electric machine into production. The development of an electric version of the JCB 19C-1 mini excavator was first revealed at a press event in March last year. The 2019 Executive Hire Show in February provided the public launch and the machine went into production in June at the JCB Compact Products factory in Cheadle. JCB proudly claims that its new 19C-1E all electric mini excavator is the first full electric 1.9 tonner to actually go into production. The first three units off the line were supplied to dealer TC Harrison JCB and its first sale was made to Abba Plant Hire of Lincoln, who displayed the landmark machine at the Lincolnshire Show. The new 19-C1E has been designed to be used without the restriction of a trailing electrical supply cable. So, to provide untethered operation, the machine has three or four well-protected lithium-ion batteries and a sophisticated battery management system. Information from the JCB LiveLink telematics system indicates that most mini excavators only work for a maximum of four hours a day. So JCB is confident that the 14.8kWh or optional 19.8kWh of energy
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ChargingAhead Nick Johnson compared the trenching ability of the electric 19C-1E with the diesel 19C-1.
The operator gets a clear view of the blue light indicating motor running and the gauge showing the charge left in the batteries.
storage provided by the manganese laminated lithium ion batteries in the 19C-1E is more than enough for a full working shift for the majority of mini excavator customers. The machine is initially being equipped as standard with an on-board battery charger to provide both 110V and 230V charging. The 230V 16A supply requires an eight-hour charge time from empty whilst the 110V supply requires a 12-hour charge time. There will soon be the option of using an
external charger with connections to a 415V 3-Phase supply that will allow charging in under two hours. To coincide with the 19C-E going into production, JCB provided the opportunity to see the unit in action at its new Kelvin demonstration quarry that has now replaced the Arena display area next to the main factory. When describing the electric newcomer, JCB boldly states that it is able to deliver all of the performance of its equivalent diesel-powered counterpart. So, to put this claim to the test, I decided to dig similar trenches with both the new 19C-1E and the established diesel powered 19C-1 in the challenging quarry terrain. The test 19C-1 with its 10.8kW Perkins 403D-07 diesel engine was equipped with a cab whereas the electric 19C-1E at present only comes with a ROPS/TOPS and FOPS certified canopy. A cab for the electric model will become available in the future.
Both these 1.9 tonne class JCB machines have the same adjustable width undercarriage (980-1330mm), Bosch Rexroth load-sensing hydraulics and digging equipment, which can provide a maximum digging depth of 2,819mm with the longer 1,344mm dipper arm. Interestingly, JCB has retained the use of hydraulics rather than opting for electric actuators as on some of the prototype electric minis from other makers. The start-up sequence for the 19C-1E requires the left hand control pod to be raised and the operator’s seat belt secured before the 7.0 kW (continuous) AC permanent magnet electric motor is switched on using the ignition key. Turning the key to Position I illuminates the instrument panel and continuing to Position III starts the motor and illuminates a blue light to indicate that the motor is running. The left hand control pod is then lowered and the hydraulics are activated by pressing JCB’s useful 2GO safely button. Rather than a traditional throttle, there is a rotary dial to increase motor rpm. In the ‘low’ setting the electric motor runs at 1,200rpm, in ‘general’ it operates at 1,600rpm and in ‘high’ mode the motor spins at 1,800rpm. There are two tracking speeds of 2.0 and 4.0 km/h and, using the latter with safety bleeper sounding, I travelled the 19C-1E to the area I had selected to go trenching. Tracking makes the biggest drain on the batteries so it is advisable to minimise this activity where possible. With the conventional 19C-1 positioned alongside, I alternatively used both machines to dig parallel trenches to the same depth.
With the small rear inspection doors open it was possible to see just how different the internals are.
With all the covers opened, the all-electric 19C-1E revealed the secure positioning of its valuable batteries.
After I had got used to the quietness of the electric version I was soon impressed by its digging capability – certainly up to that of its diesel engined stable mate. Whilst a quarry floor is not a natural worksite for mini excavators, I found that both units were well able to extract some quite sizeable rocks. The electric machine performed surprisingly well and it scored by being a bit quicker on the uptake as there is no diesel engine lug down. Also the newcomer seemed a bit more precise on slew. The 19C-1E comes with electro proportional control as standard with an auxiliary thumb switches to allow for the finer control of attachments. Suitable for
indoor demolition work, the machine can be fitted with a polycarbonate front protection screen and used with a matched JCB HM012T hydraulic breaker that does not create any extra drain on the batteries. A visual inspection of the 19C-1E revealed a strong H frame undercarriage, a heavy-duty kingpost and the boom cylinder position out of harm’s way above the boom. There is a wide 180° opening steel service door to provide good access to the service and maintenance points together with a separate door to allow daily checks and access to the electrical isolator. The maintenance free batteries are located deep within the structure of the machine so that they cannot be easily stolen. Despite having a significant capital cost premium over its diesel counterpart, the very capable 19C-1E ought to be a bright future – especially on jobs where quietness and zero emissions are deemed essential. Electricity is cheaper than diesel and, with electric excavators, their operators do not face time restrictions when working indoors in confined spaces and there is no need for expensive sound barriers or fume extraction equipment. The machine should prove attractive for emergency utility work as it can be used in residential areas day or night with much less disturbance to nearby residents. It could be towed to the jobs by a van with a PTO driven generator. Then, if the batteries are exhausted, the machine can be connected to the van’s electrical outlet so that it can be tracked back onto its trailer.
i For more information on the new
JCB electric mini excavator use the number below: JCB Electric Mini Excavator GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG032
The two machines were both able to prise out some quite sizeable chunks of rock from beneath the quarry floor.
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The smallest and largest of the Next Generation Cat compact excavators – the 301.5 mini and 310 midi.
E X C AVAT O R S
aterpillar is particularly known for its big machines and, on its large stand at Bauma this year, much attention was paid to the flagship D11T bulldozer, the 992K wheel loader and the 777G rigid dump truck. But amongst the somewhat smaller exhibits were the first of the Next Generation Cat compact excavators with some very interesting features. Whilst Bauma in April was the international debut for the new Cat compact excavators, the smallest unit was unveiled in the UK at the Executive Hire Show in February. This surprise appearance indicated the determination of dealer Finning to sell more mini excavators into the competitive UK rental market. Whilst Caterpillar is a very respected name it is up against some very popular and well-established mini excavator brands in the UK. The company entered the mini excavator
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SmartCATs Nick Johnson makes good use of the Customer & Training Centre at Desford to try out examples of Caterpillar’s new mini and midi excavator ranges. market later than others in 1998 through the Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi joint venture with machines made in Desford, Leicestershire. In subsequent years the range expanded and other Caterpillar factories around the world took over making different models. Since 2010 Caterpillar has sourced its smallest (under 3.0 tonnes) mini excavators
The 1.5 tonne class 301.5 mini made its first UK exhibition debut at the Executive Hire Show in February.
The 301.5 with its operator’s compartment tilted back and side covers removed to show the good internal access.
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from Wacker Neuson in Austria under a badge engineering agreement. However, in 2016 Caterpillar announced that it intended to shift design and production of small minis to its own facilities and the new models that have appeared this year are the result. The new Cat that appeared at the Executive Hire Show was the 1.5 tonne class 301.5 which has standard tail swing and is fitted with a canopy. Other Next Generation models include the 301.6 (1.5 tonne class, standard tail swing, with cab), the 301.7 CR (1.7 tonne class, compact radius, with canopy), the 301.8 (1.8 tonne class, standard tail swing, with either canopy or cab) and the 302 CR (2.0 tonne class, compact radius, with either canopy or cab). All models are available with a variable width undercarriage. These new all Cat minis all utilise a 14,3kW (19.2hp) Stage V emissions compliant Cat C1.1 three-cylinder diesel and load sensing hydraulics. They are being produced at Caterpillar’s factory in Wuijang, China with their engines coming from the Caterpillar factory in Wuxi, China. The machines also utilise a Bosch Rexroth pumps and Husco valves. An exclusive feature for the new Next Generation models is the stick steer system
An interesting attachment was the rotary brush fitted on an Exac-One Black Splitter carried by this 302CR.
Nick Johnson went trenching with the 301.5 at Desford and was impressed by its performance.
that Caterpillar has previously used successfully on its skid steer and compact track loaders. Now installed for the first time in an excavator, this system allows the operator to switch (with the touch of a button) from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to left-hand joystick control. The stick steer system has also been deployed in the Next Generation of Cat midi excavators. The five new midi models are the 307.5, 308 CR, 309 CR, 309 CR VAB and 310. Also made by Caterpillar in Wuxi for Europe (with another production centre in Athens, USA) they have maximum operating weights from 8.2 to 10.2 tonnes and provide standard dig depths from 4,107 to 5,174mm.
Using the yellow button to instigate stick steer helped Nick Johnson to quickly backfill his trench.
Examples of the new range created a lot of interest at the recent Plantworx exhibition where there was no D11T distraction on the stand. And, after the show, I visited the Caterpillar Customer & Training Centre next to the Desford factory to try out some of the Next Generation machines. Luckily, by then it had stopped raining! The classic roots of Caterpillar are very evident as you approach the Caterpillar Customer & Training Centre, as there is a very well preserved Cat D8H cable dozer of 1958 vintage at the entrance. Regrettably I was not able to drive this beast from the past but there were several Next Generation excavators waiting for me in the Centre’s digging area. Given its suitability for UK hire companies I first took a close look at the smallest of the newcomers – the 301.5 standard tail swing mini excavator. Only available with canopy, it is the entry level model in the range, but it does come with many of the new features including
stick steer, an intuitive Next Generation LCD monitor and another industry first for this size of machine – cruise control. Caterpillar claims that its new 1 to 2 tonne mini excavators provide up to 15 per cent lower total ownership cost (compared to previous models) due to extended service intervals, more common parts, lower repair costs and the use of a tilt-back canopy / cab. The company also contends that the newcomers are up to 20 per cent more productive (versus competition) in travel and trenching aided by customisable operator settings and cycle time improvements.
Precise Slew I went trenching with the 301.5 at Desford and I was impressed by its performance. There was plenty of digging power and the slew was very precise. Fuel economy is added by the new auto idle function and there is a clear fuel gauge on the wellpositioned LCD monitor. The most interesting new feature on this and the other Next Generation Cat compact excavators is the stick steer function. By depressing a prominent yellow button on the top of the left hand joystick this control lever changes from the usual dipper and slew function to travel direction and steer. The 301.5 retains the usual travel levers, but using joystick steer means you can move the machine whilst still sitting back comfortably in the seat. No more hunching forward over the travel levers which, when traversing rough ground, is not good for operators with bad backs. I found that the stick steer function helped me to more quickly backfill the trench that I had dug. The joystick control of the steering also made it easier to do spin turns more comfortably. And usefully the mini also benefits from CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 35
E X C AVAT O R S This 309CR High Flow midi at Desford was matched with a Cat HM210 mulcher.
Look no hands – Nick Johnson uses the cruise control to go bank mowing with a 301.7CR.
having both two speed (2.9 and 4.4km/h) tracking and dozer float as standard. In the future it will be interesting to see if Caterpillar removes the travel levers, thereby providing clearer floor space and eliminating the risk of clothing getting caught. However, when operators switch between different makes and models of machines there is an argument for more, rather than less, standardised control layouts. Perhaps more machines need to be equipped with QR codes in order to obtain operating information, or even an Alexa or Siri type virtual assistant to provide vocal instructions? The new compact excavators offer more scope for customising the control settings to suit individual operator preferences. And there is the opportunity to programme different flow settings to suit different powered attachments.
Tool Carriers Caterpillar places great store on promoting its excavators as mobile tool carriers and the line-up of the new minis at Bauma saw them carrying a variety of attachments, including breakers and augers. The demonstration fleet at Desford also included machines with attachments other than digging or grading buckets. An interesting attachment was the 737mm diameter rotary brush fitted in place of the usual log splitter cone on the ExacOne Black Splitter carried on a 2.1 tonne 302CR. This compact radius machine was fitted with a sealed and pressurised cab which, like all the cabs on the Next Generation Cat compacts, comes with air conditioning as standard. A welcome bonus for operators on hot summer days. The compact radius superstructure and 36 JULY / AUGUST 2019 I CPN
The top of the range 310 with a full backhoe digging bucket was found to be nice and stable.
extendable (1,090 to 1,400mm) undercarriage aids stable working in confined areas. But operators need to be mindful that, if the cab door is latched in the open position, its outer edge protrudes beyond the machine’s tail radius. Another Exac-One attachment was coupled onto a new cab equipped 1.7 tonne class 301.7CR. This was a 800mm cutting width Osmar TE80 DXL Mini Mower from Exac-One. So I went bank mowing with a mini excavator. Using a mower attachment on an excavator can prove problematic due to the need to provide sufficient hydraulic flow to the attachment whilst maintaining steady slow speed travel. But these new Cats with their standard stick steer and cruise control features are ahead of the game. The mower was positioned on the bank and set in motion and a suitable travel speed was selected before the cruise control button on the front of the left joystick was activated. Then the machine continued to cut the bank without me having to hold the controls. As soon as any control on the machine is touched the cruise control is instantly disengaged. Next I turned my attention to the Next
Generation midi excavators. The 7.5 to 8.2 tonne 307.5 is a standard tail swing model powered by a 41.7kW (55.9hp) Cat C2.4 turbo diesel engine. Its bigger brothers – the 308 CR, 308 CR VAB, 309 CR, 309 CR VAB and the new (for Cat) 10.0 tonne size class 310 all use the Cat C3.3 diesel engine rated at 52.4kW (70.3hp). All these midis meet EU Stage V emission standards. Compared to the 308CR models, the 309CR models (with standard monobloc or variable angle booms) gain high flow (140l/min) auxiliary hydraulics to power more heavy-duty attachments. To show off this extra capability a 309CR High Flow machine at Desford was fitted with a 1,012mm working width Cat HM210 mulcher. I tried out the top of the range 310 with a backhoe digging bucket on the bank at Desford. This machine was fitted with the extra 250kg rear counterweight so it was nice and stable. The 310 dug well and the standard fitment of a dozer blade adds operational versatility. The addition of these Next Generation compacts – with the promise of more intermediate sizes in the future – augers well for greater sales. Cat excavators are now a more common sight in the UK and Finning has gained more ammunition to propel (or should that be stick steer?) the marque further up the sales league.
i For more information on the new
Cat compact excavators use the number below:
Cat Compact Excavator GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG033
E X C AVAT O R S A Scottish forestry contractor chooses Doosan’s High Track Crawler Excavators.
HIGH OLD TIME he Doosan High Track excavators are well built, fit-forpurpose machines,” declares Simon Richardson, owner of Langholm in Dumfriesshire Scotland-based S Richardson Contracting. “They have provided us with many advantages in the forestry work we do from preparing ground and mounding work to drainage and building forestry roads.” It is just that experience that has led Simon to invest in eight new Doosan DX160LC-5 HT 16 tonne High Track Crawler Excavators for work on the
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company’s forestry contracts throughout Scotland and North England. The machines were supplied by James Gordon (Gordons), the Authorised Dealer for the Doosan Heavy range in the South West and Borders regions, as well as the central-belt of Scotland as far as Argyle and Bute and the county of Cumbria in Northern England. The Doosan High Track models are designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a combination of higher ground clearance, a reinforced track frame and a strong traction system with reinforced upper rollers
for work in harsh environments and on projects where larger travelling distances are involved. The units are particularly suited for constructing roadways, mounding, earthmoving and other duties in the forestry industry, where the higher ground clearance, durable travelling system and the traction force allow them to move with ease over rough terrain, negotiate obstacles such as fallen tree trunks and to pull trailers loaded with wood. Simon continues: “We were introduced to the Doosan DX160LC-5 HT High Track Excavators by Darren Nicholson, Sales Manager Cumbria & Borders for Gordons Construction Equipment. The design allows us to easily negotiate tree stumps and other obstacles in forests, traversing sites much more easily and not having to move/remove the amount of material we had to in the past.” The DX160LC-5 HT excavator combines the upper structure from the same manufacturer’s DX140LC-5 14 tonne model with a heavier-duty 18 tonne class high track undercarriage, increasing the ground clearance from 410mm in the DX140LC-5 to an impressive 615mm. In its standard configuration, the digging depth of the DX160LC-5 HT is 5,355mm, the digging height is 8,940mm and the digging reach is 8,080mm. Simon Richardson added: “Unlike our previous excavators, which were specially modified, the Doosan DX160LC-5 HTs are
Doosan Dealer
purpose built machines for the forestry and rough terrain work we undertake. We initially tried out a unit from Gordons and it performed really well and our operators liked the machine. So it was an easy decision to purchase more of them, particularly when they are part of the excellent package offered by Gordons combining reliable service and maintenance with their fast response.” S Richardson Contracting employs a team of highly skilled machine operators with great experience in the forestry industry. In addition to tree felling and thinning, the company undertakes road and track maintenance within Forestry Commission and private land, tree replanting projects, together with land ploughing contracts prior to re-planting. The company has been in the business since 2003 and has worked all over the Scottish mainland and islands, making ground ready for tree planting. Opening new land for planting trees is not easy but thanks to a strong fleet of equipment including the Doosan excavators, S Richardson Contracting can take on any job anywhere. Doosan also offers the larger DX180LC-5 HT High Track model, which is an enhanced version of the company’s DX180LC-5 excavator, incorporating a reinforced structure and a carefully re-engineered, high performance braking system, offering the same ground clearance of 615mm as the DX160LC-5 HT, compared to 460mm in the standard DX180LC-5. The DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT are powered by the Perkins 1204F engine, which combines reduced fuel consumption with the power and torque of larger engines with a
smaller displacement.The Perkins 1204F engine provides an output of 81.6 kW (109 HP) and 94.9 kW (127 HP) at 2,000 rpm, respectively, in the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT.
In the Cab The features offered as standard in the operator’s cab include a novel system that enables attachments to be operated from either the joystick or a twoway pedal. Being able to switch control of the auxiliary lines between the joystick and the two-way pedal greatly lessens any discomfort that may be caused by extended or repetitive use of the joystick alone to control attachments (such as a mulcher or a breaker). It is also helpful when precision is required – as the operator can keep full control of the excavator via the joystick while using the two-way pedal for attachments. For additional convenience, the controls for the auxiliary lines on the joysticks have been repositioned, with the rotation and shear rollers positioned for left/right movement. The joysticks have also been shortened to reduce the effort required to operate them and an additional pedal for straight travel has now been installed on the left of the main travel pedals, a very useful feature when travelling straight over longer distances.
Headquartered at Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, Gordons has six depots managing its territory. As well as Doosan crawler excavators, Gordons is responsible for sales and servicing of the manufacturer’s wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck and attachment ranges in the areas covered by the company. Gordons’ customers benefit from superb on-site service networks, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of plant and machinery. Founded in 1865, Gordons is a wellestablished and much respected agricultural machinery business in South West and Central Scotland, providing a fast, efficient local service for machinery supply and, most importantly, the best possible aftersales support with 35 service engineers, five of whom are mobile, Simon Richardson (left) & dedicated to Darren Nicholson with one of construction and the S Richardson Contracting’s Doosan trained. new Doosan excavators. As well as covering existing contracts, Gordons provides flexible service agreements, depending on the requirements of the customer. The company offers service and warranty work on all existing Doosan machines in its area, backed by a full selection of genuine accessories and parts. Gordons also holds a stock of new and used Doosan branded machines, to respond quickly to customers’ needs.
i For more information about Doosan construction equipment GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG034
i For more information on Gordons
GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG035
CPN I JULY / AUGUST 2019 39
MOVING THE MUD
E X C AVAT O R S
The heavy rainfall during Plantworx meant that many of the new 360° excavators at the show were being demonstrated or trialled in very muddy conditions. Nick Johnson was watching.
ollowing on from Bauma meant that Plantworx would provide the UK exhibition launch for a number of new excavators previously seen in Munich. But the Peterborough venue with its demonstration areas meant that newcomers could be seen in action. Kato Construction Equipment was showed a significant number of its excavators at Plantworx on both its stand and its increasingly muddy demonstration area. Of particular interest was the company’s new range of standard sized tracked models.
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Hyundai exhibited its new HX220AL tracked excavator.
Hyundai used Plantworx for the UK debut of its new HX220AL tracked excavator. Powered by a Stage V ready Cummins B6.7 diesel engine, the machine kicks off the company’s new A series with several new service features including ECD (Engine Connected Diagnostics), MCD (Machine Connected Diagnostics) and FOTA (Firmware Over The Air). This new Komatsu PC360LCi-11 Intelligent excavator was on the Marubeni-Komatsu stand.
The Kato HD514MR-7 in action at Plantworx.
Prominent on the Kato demonstration area was the 14.1 tonne HD514MR-7 short radius model with an Isuzu engine. Its bigger brothers include the 21.0 standard tailswing HD820-7 and the 23.0 tonne compact radius HD823MR-7 (both with Isuzu engines) and the 32.0 tonne class conventional tailswing HD1430-7 powered by a Daimler engine. The Sany models SY215C and SY135C were demonstrated.
Sany dealer TDL Equipment was busy demonstrating the SY215C and the new SY135C tracked excavators from China. These machines weigh in at 23.0 and 14.9 tonnes and are powered by the latest Mitsubishi and Isuzu engines respectively.
Dealer Marubeni-Komatsu brought the latest Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control excavator into the UK for the first time at Plantworx. The newcomer is the 36 tonne class PC360LCi-11 and it features automatic real time digging control and an intelligent touch screen monitor. This machine has been purchased by East Coast Construction.
J Mac Excavators put the Sunward SWE25U through its paces.
A host of Sunward mini excavators were showcased at Plantworx by the enthusiastic new dealer J Mac Excavators of Solihull. Its most popular machine so The newly created far here is the LiuGong Direct (UK) 2.65 tonne showed this 950EDM demolition excavator. SWE25U with a Yanmar engine. This zero tail swing model was demonstrated at Plantworx fitted with a Whites Total Lock hydraulic quick coupler. Plantworx was used for the official announcement that the Chinese plant maker LiuGong has acquired its successful UK dealer Construction Plant & Machinery Sales (southeast). The new subsidiary company will trade here as LiuGong Direct (UK). Prominent on its Plantworx stand was one of three 30.0m high reach 950EDM demolition excavators for the Squibb Group.
i For more information on the 360°
excavators mentioned in this article use the appropriate numbers below: HYUNDAI GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG036 KATO GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG037 KOMATSU GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG038 LUIGONG GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG039 SANY GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG040 SUNWARD GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG041
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VEHICLES
t would be fair to say that the pick up market has become rather crowded of late, with almost every manufacturer of commercial vehicles launching a variation on the theme – and, it has to be said, with equally varying degrees of success. Whilst some of the new entrants at the premium end have chosen to court an unashamedly lifestyle and family-orientated audience, construction professionals will always need that combination of workhorse and show pony that is the unique appeal of the double cab in particular. There is, however, one company that could be considered the experts in the field – simply because it’s all they make. Isuzu has actually been building commercial vehicles since 1916, and it is a pedigree which is evident in the D-Max vital statistics. If you’re towing plant, for instance, then you have the maximum allowable 3.5 tonne at your disposal, but there are also brains at work as well as brawn. A new trailer sway control system, for example, uses sensors to detect trailer sway, reducing vehicle speed if required.
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Construction Plant News reviews the latest D-Max from pick up specialist, Isuzu. Indeed, closer examination of the design will reinforce that workmanlike theme. A load liner protected rear will accommodate up to 1,136kg of payload, with cargo bay dimensions on the double cab Yukon of 1,485 x 1,570mm. That same model is also available in an extended cab format, with revised figures of 1,795 x 1,570mm in the rear and additional storage space behind the front seats.
Drive Time On the road, the high driving position which is characteristic of this class of vehicle is complemented by a good level of visibility over the bonnet, whilst all models from Yukon up benefit from a reversing camera – always a useful feature in and around a busy site. Ride quality is enhanced with a 3-piece leaf spring suspension, hill start assist and hill ascent control will help you with those inevitable ups and downs in life and, for such a large vehicle designed to carry heavy loads, it handles well in corners. Our Isuzu Yukon test vehicle is equipped with the same 1.9ltr diesel engine that features across the range, and delivers 164PS and 360Nm of torque. Nobody would choose a pick up on the basis on fuel economy, but
that powertrain will deliver a respectable 40.4mpg combined, with the added convenience for the end user of achieving Euro 6 emissions standards without the need for AdBlue. Where the D-Max will leave many of its rivals trailing in its rear view mirror is with its warranty, offering a generous 5 year/125,00 mile package. Inside the cab, the Yukon offers a 7in. touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity and front and rear USB port.There’s steering wheel mounted buttons for the RDS radio, and cruise control, whilst a leather steering wheel elevates the interior from the purely functional. The double cab pick up has always been a vehicle with a split personality – eminently family friendly when off duty, but utilitarian in the working week. For the owner, of course, it still holds that a second row of seats – combined with a payload in excess of 1 tonne – means you are sitting pretty with the VAT man, in that you can claim back that particular tax.
i For further information on the
Isuzu Yukon GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG042
VEHICLES
TESTING TIMES Honest John Vans has crunched Government data to uncover the UK’s most reliable pick-ups for passing the first MoT at three years.
TOP FIVE PICK-UPS FOR PASSING THE FIRST MOT 1 I VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK 84.2% MOT PASS RATE
failed MoT can be a costly nightmare for construstion professionals. Not only will it put your vehicle off the road, leaving you without a works vehicle, but the repair costs can run into the thousands and dent your profits. That's why Honest John Vans has crunched the official numbers to uncover the most reliable pickups for passing the MoT. The van advice website has analysed millions of MoT pass and failure rates from the DVSA – Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. It found that a quarter of a million vans and pick-ups had their first MoT test in 2017, with 61,000 failing due to potentially dangerous defects. It’s no secret that the humble pick-up lives a hard and difficult life. According to the latest MoT test data, the average vehicle will have covered 47,000 miles by the time it has its first test at three years, while a car will have covered 26,000 miles over the same amount of time. As a result, one in four fail the first MoT test at three years, compared to one in six cars.
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The Amarok sails through its MoT test with excellent pass rates for both tyre and brake wear. Suspension problems – a bugbear for many pick-ups, due to the weight they often carry – is also reassuringly low, with a failure rate that’s below one per cent.
2 I FORD RANGER – 81.0% MOT PASS RATE It might be the UK’s best-selling pick-up, but the Ranger can’t match its VW rival when it comes to the MoT. Pass rates are generally good, with tyre and brake wear being up to 50 per cent better than average, but suspension issues drag the overall score down with leaf spring wear being eight times worse than other pick-ups.
3 I TOYOTA HILUX – 80.9% MOT PASS RATE Given its steadfast reputation for reliability, some might be surprised to see the Toyota
MoT failure categories The DVSA introduced new defect categories for the MoT in 2018, with test faults being listed as Minor, Major or Dangerous. Any van or pick-up that gets a Dangerous fault will automatically fail and be deemed illegal to be driven on the road. A Major fault will also result in a fail and be subject to a repair and retest. Minor defects are considered along the same lines as advisories, allowing the vehicle to pass with the faults being noted to the MoT history. Hilux in third place when it comes to MoT pass rates. However, steering problems and suspension wear prevents the Hilux from climbing any higher than 80.9 per cent. That said, eight out of 10 still pass at the first time of asking, which is impressive.
emissions. Brake and tyre wear are also low, with the D-Max performing up to 43 per cent better than average.
4 I ISUZU D-MAX –
By 2014 the Nissan Navara was on the verge of being replaced with an all-new version. However, despite getting on in terms of age, the Navara remains a strong performer at the MoT test. Indeed, models having their first ever MoT boast an average pass rate of 79 per cent, with exceptionally low failures rates on lighting and electrical equipment.
80.5% MOT PASS RATE The D-Max’s MoT score would be higher, if it were not for hundreds of models failing due to a relatively small fog light defect. That aside, the Isuzu is a strong MoT performer with low failure rates for exhaust, fuel and
5 I NISSAN NAVARA – 79.0% MOT PASS RATE
i For further information on Honest John Vans GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF043
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PLANTWORX REVIEW The new Thwaites Super Seven site dumper has a skip with a lower front edge to improve forward visibility.
NTD has purchased this 6.0 tonne capacity Wacker Neuson DV60 dumper with Moorend tracks.
Mecalac was demonstrating one of its 2.0 tonne dumpers with a customer instigated Moorend track conversion.
Getting down to ‘W ORX’ T he move of the biennial Plantworx exhibition to a new venue at the East of England Arena & Events Centre in Peterborough proved to be very fortuitous. For this popular outdoor show was once again hit by a prolonged period of very heavy rain. But the abundance of permanent roadways, supplemented by the provision of temporary walkways and the availability of the arena buildings for the indoor exhibits made getting about much more bearable than at the previous Bruntingthorpe location. Whilst the walkways this time were thankfully devoid of mud, the same cannot be said of some of the demonstration areas. But the abundance of mud in the right places allowed some of the new tracked and all wheel drive machines at the exhibition to be given a proper workout. One surprise Plantworx launch that proved well able to conquer the muddy conditions was the brand new DX1000 1.0 tonne capacity Hi-Tip dumper that has been designed and produced by Altrad Belle in Derbyshire.
46 JULY / AUGUST 2019 I CPN
Consultant Editor Nick Johnson braved the heavy rain at the Plantworx construction machinery show to dig out details of more new and interesting exhibits.
This 1,100mm wide articulated machine weighs 1,363kg and provides a fully raised tip height (under the lip of the skip) of 1,540mm. The DX1000 is powered by a 15.9kW (21.4hp) Yanmar 3TNV76 diesel engine and has a hydrostatic transmission with four radial piston hydraulic wheel motors. At Plantworx this four-wheel drive system proved well able to get through the deep sticky mud on the Altrad Belle demonstration track. The machine has a maximum travel speed of 12 km/h and can ascend gradients up to 25 per cent.
Features of the DX1000 include a large 35 litre capacity fuel tank, together with a fuel level indicator and a low fuel warning light. The machine provides a tight turning circle of 2,637mm and a safety valve gives priority to the steering in the event of low hydraulic pressure or flow. Altrad Belle is targeting sales of this new dumper at its traditional customer base that includes tool hire shops and small builders. It has no plans to make bigger capacity site dumpers. Also appearing for the first time at Plantworx 2019 was a new model from long established dumper maker Thwaites. Its surprise newcomer was the Super Seven – a 7.0 tonne payload articulated dumper with a lower front edge to its forward tipping skip. The machine also has a 180 degree front facing camera system to enhance the operator’s forward vision. When it becomes available in the autumn of this year, the Thwaites Super Seven dumper will be powered by a Stage V emissions compliant Deutz engine rated at 55.0kW (73.8hp). A cabbed version of this
Altrad Belle’s muddy demo area did not cause any problems for its new 1.0 tonne capacity high tip site dumper.
Slanetrac used Plantworx to reveal its biggest tracked dumper yet – the 1.5 tonne capacity HT1500XL.
Tufftruk was demonstrating how its Truxta dumpers can work well with the new Tuffbelt modular conveyors.
This prototype 3.0 tonner will be the third site dumper from Mecalac to have a purpose-built integrated cab.
machine will follow next year. The Plantworx 2019 Award for Safety Innovation was won by Wacker Neuson for its Dual View articulated site dumper. This wheeled machine features a forward mounted cab containing a swivel seat and controls so that its operator can always safely face the direction of travel. At Plantworx there was the surprise of a 6.0 tonne payload Dual View DV60 dumper fitted with triangular rubber tracks rather that wheels. The Moorend track conversion has been specially carried out for National Tracked Dumper Hire (NTD) – the joint venture company established by Flannery Plant Hire and Land & Water Plant. Moorend of Slimbridge in Gloucestershire has designed these tracks to suit the 6.0, 9.0 and 10.0 tonne payload Dual View dumpers and, by use of special brackets, it is claimed that wheels and tracks can be interchanged in half a day. A Moorend Four-Track conversion – carried out for customer NCD Equipment – was also seen at Plantworx 2019 on a 2.0 tonne payload Mecalac TA2 SHE site dumper. Whilst this machine (without a cab) ploughed
James Russell showed how his new attachment can quickly convert a mini excavator into a forklift.
through the mud and rain outside, Mecalac was displaying its own latest cabbed dumper inside its covered exhibition stand. Having already introduced 6.0 and 9.0 tonne capacity dumpers with cabs, Mecalac showed a prototype 3.0 tonner with a vibration-isolated cab. Designated the 3MDX, this machine will be powered by a 37.0kW (50hp) Kubota Stage V emissions compliant engine. Due to be introduced next year, the machine has cast iron rear corner protection and gullwing access doors to aid daily checks and servicing. Slanetrac Engineering of Co Meath in Ireland kept up its show tradition of just completing a new product before the start of the event. At Peterborough the new unit was a pre-production version of a 1.5 tonne capacity HT1500XL tracked dumper – the company’s largest to date. The 950mm wide HT1500XL tracked dumper has a 19.0kW (25.5hp) 3-cylinder Kohler diesel engine and its operator has the choice of two travel speeds – 3.0km/h and 5.0km/h. It will go into production in the autumn.
The little Truxta micro dumpers – particularly the electric ones – are gaining in popularity and, at Plantworx, their British maker Tufftruk introduced a complementary range of heavy-duty conveyors. Sourced through the Belgium company Etramo and badged here as Tuffbelt, these modular, electrically powered conveyors come in 2.0m (Micro), 3.0m (Mini), 4.5m (Maxi) and 6.0m (Maxi Plus) lengths. There are also matched hoppers, support stands and transport wheels. An interesting invention, being exhibited at Plantworx by its creator to generate interest was the ExcavatorForklift. Demonstrated on a 2.6 tonne Kubota U27-4 mini excavator, this attachment can lift pallets of materials weighing up to 1,000kg. Engineer and Inventor, James Russell, from Larne in Northern Ireland says that the only excavator modification needed is to change the boom cylinder end pins for longer ones in order to support the mast attachment rollers. Mast tilt is then controlled by the excavator’s boom cylinder and the forks are raised and lowered using the breaker circuit hydraulics. There are both Lift & Load and Lift & Carry versions of the easily fitted and removed attachment.
i For more information on any of the
machines mentioned in this article use the appropriate numbers below: ALTRAD BELLE GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG049 EXCAVATORFORKLIFT GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG050 MECALAC GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG051 MOOREND GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG052 SLANETRAC GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG053 THWAITES GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG054 TUFFTRUK GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG055
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immersive experience
P L A N T W O R X S I M U L AT I O N Z O N E
Visitors to the Plantworx exhibition were able to immerse themselves in virtual machine operation by taking part in the show’s state-of-the-art simulation zone. Nick Johnson reports.
Blue skies and sunshine greeted the simulator operators at an otherwise grey and wet Plantworx 2019.
There was the opportunity to carry out virtual reality inspections of machines before they were put to work.
lantworx in Peterborough this year provided two machine driving opportunities. If you had the right card and PPE you could brave the rain and mud and drive a real machine on one of the many demonstration areas under a grey sky. Or, without any official piece of paper or high vis clothing, you could keep warm and dry in the indoor arena and drive one of an array of virtual machines on a sunny construction site! Plant simulators have certainly come of age and the impressive Simulation Zone at Plantworx this year was a sight – should that be ‘site’ – to behold. Putting together what was billed as ‘the UK’s first fully interactive construction simulation zone of its size’ provided a very good way to promote virtual interactive training. The Plantworx Simulation Zone was sponsored by Plantforce Rentals which is a pioneer of using this technology for operator training. To put on the impressive Plantworx display, the company teamed up with GKD Technologies, Leica Geosystems, Prolec, Sitech, Tenstar Simulation, Trimble and SiteZone to provide a really comprehensive virtual experience. Plantforce arranged for the Simulation Zone to be equipped with six state-of-the-art simulators and a fully immersive ‘Mission Room 360°’. So visitors were able to use the latest advances in virtual reality to accurately create deceptively real looking working construction sites with realistic machines that respond just like their actual counterparts. Three of the Tenstar simulators were linked so that their operators could work together whilst individually driving a tracked 360° excavator, an articulated dump truck
P
and a bulldozer. A separate screen above the three individual simulators showed a composite view of the full working area with the excavator loading the ADT and the subsequent movement of the truck to the tipping area, where the bulldozer then levelled out the discharged fill material. Immersive training experts were on hand to guide each participant through the virtual world of simulation technology as they carried out the multi-machine task. And spectators were offered oculus headsets so that they could join the virtual world as bystanders and offer encouragement and support to the participants. The equipment in the Simulation Zone allowed participants to experience GPS machine control and also the deployment of excavator height and slew restrictors. There was also the opportunity to carry out virtual reality inspections of machines before they were put to work. Plantforce Rentals is one of a growing number of companies that are now using simulators to both help train new operators and to aid its experienced operators to work more efficiently. Such was the popularity of the Zone that that the simulators clocked up a staggering 280 hours of use at the show.
i For more information on simulator training use the numbers below:
PLANTFORCE RENTALS GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG057
TENSTAR SIMULATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CG058
AD INDEX Bobcat .................................................................. (back cover)
Manitou ...................................................................... (page29)
Brigade Electronics PLC .......................................... (page 17)
Manitowoc UK Limited ................................................ (page 2)
Doosan ........................................................................ (page 7)
Measure-Quip Limited .............................................. (page 27)
Global Construction Plant & Equipment Limited .... (page 27)
Mecalac ...................................................................... (page 40)
Hitachi Construction Equipment ................................(page 43)
Perkins Engines Company Limited .......................... (page 30)
Insphire Limited ........................................................ (page 13)
Point of Rental ............................................ (inside front cover)
Kinshofer UK Limited ................................................ (page 22)
Services Machinery & Trucks Limited ........................(page 37)
Kubota UK Limited ...................................................... (page 9)
Takeuchi Mfg (UK) Limited ........................................ (page 25)
NEW PRODUCTS
APP
REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM Bobcat is launching a new Remote Control System for its compact loaders, allowing operators to leave their seat in the cab, and control the machine remotely. It is compatible with skid-steer, compact track and all wheel steer loader models equipped with the company’s Selectable Joystick Controls. The new plug and play system comprises an easily portable and industrial radio remote control solution that can be mounted and dismounted on machines in a matter of minutes. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF059
BATTERY-POWERED RAMMER
KERB PROTECTORS
GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF060
GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF063
For applications in trenches, inside buildings and in noise-reduced zones, Wacker Neuson’s range of vibratory rammers with electric motors has been extended by the AS60e. The new model is used for all classic ramming jobs, with the compaction performance corresponding to the petrol vibratory rammers of the same size class. An additional advantage is the low operating cost, as around 55 per cent of energy costs can be saved by operating with electricity. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF061
Made from tough impact-absorbing recycled PVC, Ground-Guards’ KerbGuard system is fitted as soon as the kerbs and basecoat tarmac are installed. They protect the kerbs from damage by heavy machinery throughout the duration of the site. Their highly visible black and yellow colouring clearly defines road edges, and increases site safety. The system is available in two sizes, KG900 for straight runs and KG400 for corners and curves.
A new smartphone app that promises to increase site safety, and enhance the rental experience for customers has been launched by A-Plant. A-Plant Arena has been developed to give customers full control of their equipment hire. To reduce the risk of theft and potential accidents, the new technology ensures machinery does not end up in the wrong hands by only allowing deliveries to be accepted by people on site who have been preselected to receive equipment hires.
TRUCK MIXER Alongside the flexibility provided by the semi-trailer concept, Liebherr’s new HTM 1205 T/LTB 12+4 truck mixer features an optional telescopic conveyor belt, which can save operators time. The newly engineered 12m³ mixing drum has been designed for optimum distribution of the axle loads and thus optimum economy. The last axle is designed as an electronically controlled steering axle, ensuring optimum manoeuvrability both on the road and on site.
ARTICULATED HAULER Terex Trucks’ TA300 articulated hauler has recently been updated with a new transmission, leading to improvements in fuel efficiency, performance, productivity and operator comfort, when compared to the previous model working in the same application. The 28-tonne workhorse now comes with eight forward gears as well as four reverse gears, to help ensure smoother gear shifting. In addition to this, the hauler’s maximum speed has increased to 34 mph, up from 31 mph. GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF064
GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CF062
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