Construction Plant News January/February 2021

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

Construction

PLANT NEWS THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR PLANT PROFESSIONALS

MATERIALS HANDLING TAK E A LOAD OFF!

HIGHWAYS & INFRASTRUCTURE IT’S TIME TO HIT THE ROAD

A SOUTH EAST TOOL AND PL ANT HIRER IS GOING GR8 GUNS WITH KUBOTA

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CONTENTS @CPN_mag

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 cpnonline.co.uk

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Construction Plant News, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.

ljones@hamerville.co.uk

THIS ISSUE...

REGULARS

SPECIAL REPORTS

5 6 14 34

8 11

EDITOR’S VIEWPOINT NEWS FLEET ADDITIONS NEW PRODUCTS

BAM in Antarctica Hirer Focus – Kubota and GR8

14

FEATURES 8

MATERIALS HANDLING 16 The JCB E-TECH range is on the charge 20 Bobcat – Rotary Telehandler 22 Rubble Master – Scalping Screener 25 NEW PRODUCTS

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32 HIGHWAYS & INFRASTRUCTURE

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26 JCB – PotholePro 28 Doosan – Wheeled Mini Excavator 31 Brigade – Vehicle Safety 32 Machines in Action 34 NEW PRODUCTS CPN I JANUARY / FEBRUARY 3

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VIEWPOINT

THE CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

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he must have accessory for the publicity-seeking politician, it would seem, is currently a hard hat and hi vis. Indeed, our PPEclad legislators are veritably falling over their muddy boots to get in front of a lens, with the obligatory excavator and busy site as Lee Jones, backdrop. Whilst we might Editor previously have dismissed these somewhat staged scenes as superficial spin there are signs that there is substance behind the snapshots, with the sector visibly edging its way up the Whitehall agenda – and it is a trend that is being accelerated by the pandemic.

In the first lockdown, we will all recall the confusion as to what could, or should, remain active, with many merchants and hirers shutting their gates, for example, whilst others moved quickly to put in place the processes that would allow them to continue to operate. This time the message from government has been very clear: not only should the building industry in all its diverse facets be emphatically open for business, it is now central to driving the economy through the current crisis.

With so much of UK plc flat-lining in the face of Covid-19, our built environment is currently front and centre, and it is repaying that support with growth in many areas, particularly in infrastructure. Where previously some may have baulked at the billons that have been allocated to HS2, Hinckley Point, or Heathrow expansion, these sums are now mere boulders in comparison to the mountain of debt that has been accrued in the battle against this terrible virus.

As any contractor or plant hirer will know, it should not have taken a pandemic for the penny to drop. High Speed Two is alone expected to employee at least 30,000 people in its construction phase, along with more than 2,000 apprentices, whilst it’s impact on a supply chain that can rival the railway line itself for length represents a largesse for businesses both large and small.

Managed properly, these uber builds can equally act as a force for good, showing the way to a more sustainable future when delivering projects. Moreover, with many of the construction products used manufactured on these shores there is a corresponding boost for that sector, a far from inconsiderable consideration post-Brexit.

Of course, the decisions to proceed with these schemes were taken long before our society so radically changed last March, but what the past year has precipitated as much as anything is a change in mindset. It has crystallised what is essential and what we can simply do without, and builders sit firmly in the former category. Whether it’s an operator digging the footings for an extension that will ultimately become a home office, a utilities provider laying the groundworks for vital broadband provision, or a night worker toiling by the light of LED lamps on a highways or rail job, contractors are the engine room that powers so much of what keeps the modern world moving.

Take them away and it’s tantamount to putting a very large wrench in the machine.

In the months ahead that is a privileged position that construction must maintain, because every downturn has, without exception, seen the built environment in the vanguard of the recovery. Whether it’s private housebuilding, repair, maintenance and improvement works or infrastructure, the underlying strength of demand is holding firm. It is an industry that already accounts for some 8 per cent of UK GDP and, with many other sectors inevitably needing more time to return to prepandemic levels, that is a share that is likely to increase. Whilst it remains to be seen how many of the changes that have been forced upon us all will remain, we have demonstrated that as an industry we can adapt, and the reward for the businesses that make building their living so should be the status they deserve.

Editor LEE JONES

ljones@hamerville.co.uk Managing Editor TERRY SMITH

tsmith@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 Roche Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: Watford (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2021

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 9,034 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020

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NEWS OPEN FOR

BUSINESS THE GOVERNMENT IS EMPHASISING THE CRITICAL ROLE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONTINUES TO PLAY DURING THE PANDEMIC Whilst the nation continues to battle an unprecedented public health crisis, the government has underscored the importance of the construction sector in our future economic well-being. In an open letter to the construction industry Business Secretary, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng has emphasised the vital role that workers in the built environment play.

“It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and I want to reassure you that the Government values the crucial contribution your sector is making,” declares the Member of Parliament (MP) for Spelthorne.

“Whether delivering on large or

small construction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.”

At the start of 2021 infrastructure projects and the energy sector have been identified as amongst the driving forces in the economy, with private housebuilding also recovering strongly.

i To find out more

SEVEN UP

THE SITE OPERATING PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE IN ENGLAND The changes in Version 7 include updated guidance on selfisolation and shielding and the removal of the requirement to display a QR code in site canteens. Build UK has also updated its flowchart on the actions to take if a worker has COVID-19 or needs to self-isolate to reflect the latest Public Health England (PHE) guidance which requires employers to contact PHE if they identify five or more cases within 14 days.

i To find out more

SMART MOVE

FORMING AN ATTACHMENT ENGCON UK & HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY UK STRIKE A DEAL

Engcon UK and Hitachi Construction Machinery UK (HCMUK) has announced a new partnership to supply and fit their range of tiltrotators at HCMUK’s state-of-the-art preparation centre in the North East. L Lynch Plant Hire recently became the first to receive two ZX130LCN-6 excavators with tiltrotators installed

by Hitachi-trained technicians. Merrill Lynch, Director at Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, commented: “As the scope and scale of our work increases, so too must the diversity of our excavators.

Having considered incorporating tiltrotators into our fleet for some time, partnering with Engcon seemed the logical next step. ” The partnership will offer customers a full-service solution from the point of order, to delivery.”

i To find out more

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INDUSTRY CARD SCHEMES TO ROLL OUT SMART TECHNOLOGY

The Construction Leader ship Council (CLC) has update d its Industry Card Schemes Recommendation, which requires the use of cards carrying the CSCS logo, to increase the uptake of smart technology. The aim is to ensure a consist ent approach across the ind ustry so that the inform ation held by cards can be easily access ed by sites of all sizes and used to improve building quality and safety. By 31 March 202 2, all card schemes must use smart technology which has the capability to electronical ly check agreed informatio n relevant to a cardholder, using a common interface , without the need to manually ent er data. Sites are asked to use the technology available to ensure cards are genuin e and that workers have the approp riate qualifications and tra ining for the occupation they are undertaking.

i To find out more 6 JANUARY / FEBRUARY I CPN

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GOING LIVE

DEMOLITION EXPO AND LETSRECYCLE LIVE HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED TO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 2021 AT NAEC STONELEIGH, COVENTRY. Demolition Expo and Letsrecycle Live are free to attend and will offer two days of seminars, demonstrations and networking. The indoor and outdoor setting at Stoneleigh provides an environment to learn, socialise and build lasting business relationships with other industry professionals. More than 3,000 visitors and 160 exhibitors attended the inaugural event in 2019 with over 5,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors anticipated at the 2021 event.

i To find out more

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TALENT SPOTTING THE INDUSTRY IS STILL RECRUITING, OFFICIAL STATISTICS REVEAL

The Construction Talent Retention Scheme has announced almost 1,000 vacancies listed on its online portal already. The Government-backed jobs initiative is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and is free to access for employers and candidates. Companies range from large contractors through to smaller regional and local businesses throughout the UK.

i To find out more

FULL SPEEDY AHEAD SIEMENS SCORES £100,000 SAVING THROUGH SPEEDY DIGITAL HIRE SERVICE

The MySpeedy service has saved the business £100,000. It allows company employees to manage on-hire equipment individually, while enabling them to off-hire products at the click of a button. This removes the need to call Speedy to arrange collection of equipment and eliminates the risk of products being held beyond their hire-period.

i To find out more

THE EUROPEAN RENTAL ASSOCIATION HAS LAUNCHED THE ERA EQUIPMENT CO2 CALCULATOR The independent and free-to-use online tool determines the carbon footprint of construction equipment over its entire lifecycle, and is applicable to all types of equipment, from mini excavators and wheel loaders to generators, boom lifts and access platforms. It can be used on individual pieces of equipment or fleets.

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SHOW TIME!

THE EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO 28TH AND 29TH APRIL 2021 Following consultation with exhibitors the feedback received has been positive and the decision to reschedule the event has been met with overwhelming support. 70 per cent of exhibition space is sold and the show is confident that the event will be a sell out once again.

i To find out more

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK

THE SCOTTISH PLANT OWNERS ASSOCIATION (SPOA) CALLS FOR CONCERTED INDUSTRY ACTION TO TACKLE DRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE

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TELL-TALE FOOTPRINTS i To find out more

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The SPOA has called for action against the widespread problem of operators failing drug and alchol tests without any impact on their competence cards. It is is calling for a system where they are either suspended or revoked.

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CU010

STARS OF THE FUTURE

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PLANTHIRE ASSOCIATION’S (CPA) STARS OF THE FUTURE There’s six national titles and nominations are welcomed from plant-hire companies, manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and others with apprentices and trainees.

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CU011

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: B A M I N A N T A R C T I C A

E H T G N I BR E A K

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he first phase of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) includes a £140 million programme, and will be putting the structures in place to enable the British Antarctic Survey to continue its pioneering scientific work in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments. Beginning in 2018, Phase One has seen the erection of a new utilities facility on Bird Island, the construction of Rothera Wharf, and a similar build on King Edward Point, South Georgia.

With the mercury plummeting precipitously during the Antarctic winter, building can only be undertaken from November to May. BAM Plant Manager, Jasper Blom has been on the ground for every active season since the commissioning

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Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones reports on the BAM machines that are building vital infrastructure for the British Antarctic Survey in the frozen wilderness of the far south of the first pieces of equipment on Bird Island, and has become well acquainted with the demands of managing plant in such an extreme environment.

The AIMP scheme demanded a veritable armada of machinery to be shipped south, as Jasper explains. “Our fleet included a 300tonne crawler crane, and 75 tonne mobile rough terrain model. In terms of earth moving, in order to facilitate the dismantling of the existing wharf, two CAT 390 excavators were specially fitted with a purpose-built 29metre long reach boom configuration, which were complemented with additional

counterweights and extended track frame, whilst four Cat 730 ADTs were utilised, along with a 50 tonne Doosan, and 36 and 8 tonne Caterpillar diggers. In materials handling the construction team needed telehandlers, tractors and trailers at their disposal, whilst the project’s quarrying operation would bring a Sandvik crusher, Finlay screener and Atlas Copco Drill Rig into service.”

It is a testament to the durability of the engineering of the chosen equipment that much of it is left outside during the brutal winter months, when temperatures can regularly descend to -30º and below, before it

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s During the brutal temperature of the Antarctic winter much ry of the BAM fleet of machine is stored outside

is resurrected from its icy tomb and made ready for the coming season. Jasper describes the logistics of the operation: “We built a substantial workshop facility on site, and as much of the equipment as possible is housed there, specifically the snow removing machines that will be initially required on our return. Storing a 300-tonne crawler crane inside is not really feasible, however, so these remain at the mercy of the elements.”

The British Antarctic Survey are themselves well-versed in managing machinery in this snow-covered wilderness and they were able to advise the BAM team on the best locations for parking the equipment. Specific winterisation procedures have to be put in place for each piece of plant, which includes removing the engine bay

cover plates, for example, so that the snow can be more easily removed from beneath a machine.

“Given the cold, before it is deployed, all of the equipment has to be fitted with 110V electrical systems to pre-heat the engine and oils, whilst dry cell batteries or battery heaters are also utilised for the same purpose. When these are activated they bring the equipment up to a minimum temperature, and remove much of the ice and snow that’s built up during the coldest months. Left in a deep freeze, the viscosity of the oils can change and these need to be brought back to a workable condition.

Even with these tools at our disposal, however, there’s still a lot of digging out by hand. It can take around three days to render a crawler crane operational once again, and it’s a process in which we proceed with extreme caution. Any moving components need to be completely free of frozen material or they could blow completely on ignition.

The cranes were crucial to the build programme, and a fatal breakdown would be disastrous for our schedule.”

A major infrastructure project is always a daily exercise in problem solving but add one of the world’s harshest environments into the equation and considerable resourcefulness is required. “With a finite store of parts on the Antarctic site, a careful appraisal of which components are most likely to fail is required,” continues Jasper, “with high risk items stocked as priority. The remoteness of the location, and its inaccessibility for much of the year, also needs due consideration. If an engine fails it can’t just be flown in quickly, so we have to be careful with our machines, and have sufficient synergy within the fleet to

cover for such an issue. In addition, it’s essential to keep ample spares of critical components in our stores.”

All equipment will require pre-start inspections before it’s put to work, but in Antarctica pre-heating becomes an imperative, especially at the beginning and end of a build season, when the temperatures can be particularly low. That includes idling the engine for at least 20 minutes, repeatedly rotating the unit through it full 360º, and stretching the boom, all to ensure that the hydraulics fluids and oils are all at an effective working temperature. “We are provided with a low sulphur marine gas/oil and, whilst it does include additives to stop it from forming paraffin wax at low temperatures, when the thermometers readings get well beneath the minus there are issues with wax build up in the filters and injectors, which is something we have to pre-empt.”

“It’s not necessarily the cold that is a limiting factor for our work but visibility and snow conditions,” Jasper reveals. “Blizzards can make some of the building work impossible, and there are also some problems that are pretty unique to the Antarctic. There are penguins and seals everywhere, for example, so you need to first check that any mammal has not made the space between the tracks or wheels their home.”

Projects within Phase One of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) has been completed to both budget and schedule, and the construction of the new Discovery building will continue in the next season. For Jasper, that’s a testament to the professionalism of the BAM Nuttall team: “Unforeseen issues will inevitably arise on site,” he concludes. “It’s thanks to the competent and skilful people we have in place to first pre-empt any issues through planning and preparation, or to be resourceful enough to overcome them.”

i For further information on BAM and the Antarctic Infrastructure Improvement Programme WWW.RDR.LINK/CU012

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HIRER FOCUS

GR8 Expectations Construction Plant News talks to a plant hirer with a fleet of Kubota machines that continues to be in GR8 demand.

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ne man’s loss is another’s gain, and that’s certainly true of Covid-19’s impact on business. When the pandemic brought the shutters down on the economy last March GR8’s Josh Thompson initially furloughed his staff, only to subsequently receive no less than 48 frantic calls from contractors in just a single week who were looking to place orders. “There were so many people who’d closed their doors that the trades suddenly had their established supply chains severed without warning,” explains the owner of the tool and plant firm. “There are many people in the building industry that just have to keep going, because the work they do is so vital, and we actually opened up again just as quick as we could. Since then revenue each month has been 30 – 40 per cent higher year on year”.

Bishop’s Stortford-based GR8 provides a full range of tool and plant hire services from its Hertfordshire base to the general public and building industry alike, with further depots in Saffron Walden and Cambridge. Its geographical reach extends down the M11 corridor into London, and surrounding counties to the north, where the company’s three thirteen tonne lorries can be found delivering diggers from the Kubota range, and it is a brand in which the business has built considerable faith.

“In truth plant was not our initial focus at all,” admits Josh, “but it has rather taken over of late. We were in a position where we

found ourselves cross-hiring for existing clients, so it made more sense to make the necessary moves to become a one-stop shop for our customer base. We can then supply all the equipment they need for a project from groundworks to completion.”

GR8’s Kubota Fleet From the initial investment in a Kubota U-17 GR8 has expanded exponentially, with a fleet of 65 units from the Japanese excavator manufacturer now on its books, and a further 12 on order. All are either micro, 1.8 or 2.6 tonne machines – and supplied by Colchesterbased Hosplant – together with a number of the same company’s track dumpers. “I really can’t fault the service we’ve received from the dealer,” enthuses Josh. “Continuity of supply is important to us – which is why we’ve also been loyal to Thwaites for our 1 – 4 dumpers, for instance – and Hosplant has always been there when we’ve need them.”

“One of the crucial factors in maintaining that association is that the residual values on Kubota excavators are phenomenal – and can be as high as 60 – 70 per cent after three to five years, in fact. For any hirer that’s always a key consideration. Not only that, but the rental sector is often a harsh taskmaster for machines, which makes durability and reliability the watchwords. There are, of course, always going to be clients who treat the equipment with not quite the respect it deserves, shall we say. We find that providing

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HIRER FOCUS

“With striking liveried vehicles, and a client centred ethos, this is one hirer that’s going GR8 guns.”

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the best new equipment we can in a wellappointed condition does help in that regard.

They’re more inclined it keep it that way if that’s how it’s delivered to them, and none of our diggers are more than four years old as a consequence. As with anything mechanical there are always things that will go wrong, but we make sure that we always have more fitters on hand than we actually need so we can address any issues quickly.”

Rival Construction is one of the larger organisations that make use of GR8’s portfolio of plant with a development of 35 executive homes in east Hertfordshire playing host to one of the hirer’s Kubota U27-4 units since July. “Because of their versatility, and the range of tasks they can undertake, these are the machines that tend to go on hire for longer,” explains Josh. Indeed, these 2,590kg units can multi-task throughout the course of a build schedule, whether on groundworks, utility or landscaping duties, and have a footprint that makes them nimble around tight sites. There’s a dig depth of 2.82m and all hoses for the dipper, bucket and service port pipes are routed through the centre of the boom, reducing potential for damage and downtime – again, a useful feature in the rental sector. The U27-4 also benefits from the largest cab in its class, and expansive field of vision from the driver’s seat. It’s powered by a 21hp engine with maintenance points all conveniently available on one side.

Another local firm, AJD Landscapes is currently in possession of a zero tail swing U17-3a. The digging depth and reach on this 1,650kg micro has been a particularly welcome feature in landscaping the sloped grounds of a substantial Bishop’s Stortford property.

“Our plans are to expand the Saffron Walden facility into a superstore where most of our machinery will be based. Lockdown has seen a surge of interest in domestic home improvement in particular and we’re certainly seeing the benefit of that. We’ve had to double our fleet of wacker plates and mixers as a result and, because the excavator range is at the smaller end of the weight classes, we’re in a position to supply homeowners as well as the trades.”

With striking liveried vehicles, and a client centred ethos, this is one company that’s going GR8 guns, and Kubota has proved to be the perfect partner in plant.

i For further information on the tool and plant hire services available from GR8 WWW.RDR.LINK/CU013

i For further information on Kubota dealer, Hosplant WWW.RDR.LINK/CU014

i For further information on Kubota WWW.RDR.LINK/CU015

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FLEET ADDITIONS

BATEMAN GROUNDWORKS IN SUBSTANTIAL DUMPER DEAL “Whatever question we asked, whether it related to safety, quality, suitability, preference or cost of ownership, the answer came back Thwaites”. That’s the view of Bateman Groundworks Managing Director, Jason Ramsey, as the Norfolk-based contractor took delivery of 26 of the manufacturer’s 6 tonne forward tip dumpers, all supplied by approved distributor, Ernest Doe. In line with the Government’s announcement that construction should continue through the lockdown, Bateman have identified multiple sites across their extensive portfolio, ensuring each of the new units will go straight to work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU016

YANMAR DELIVERS FOR FOURTHGENERATION FIRM When it came to replacing its well-worn micro excavator, Holmfirth Building Services purchased a Yanmar ViO26-6 from local dealer MTS Plant. Since taking delivery of the new model, the fourth-generation firm has been delighted with the model’s impressive power, performance and stability. Thanks to its zero tail swing design, the ViO26-6 performs in even the tightest spaces, while its compact dimensions allow easy transportation – even with accessories – on a trailer. A flow sharing hydraulics system ensures smooth control, whilst the three bucket variations specified, and a hydraulic quick hitch, ensure versatility and safe attachment changes from within the cab.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU017

MB CRUSHING BUCKET IS PAYING FOR ITSELF As a one-man band it’s vitally important that any investments are the right ones for Lancashire-based PB Horrocks Contracting, and the decision to bring in an MB BF60 Crushing Bucker from Worsley Plant is definitely seeing a return. “We don’t need to pay to take material off site now and also not to bring it in. We are effectively recycling the materials we are digging up. It’s saving us a lot of money and time,” explains owner, Peter Horrocks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU018

GAP HIRE SOLUTIONS GETS CABIN FEVER Already boating one of the largest towable welfare unit fleets in the UK, GAP Hire Solutions has confirmed an order of an additional 240 units from AJC EasyCabin. The deal will extend the hirer’s fleet to over 1,700 units. The new models include the EcoHybrid fully automatic welfare unit and the EcoHybrid Solar model, both of which are some of the most fuel efficient on the market. The hire company has also added more of the EcoSmart ZERO welfare units to its fleet, which are run completely on solar and hydrogen fuel cell power. All of these models come in sizes ranging from 12ft to the extra-large size of 22.9ft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU019

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L LYNCH PLANT HIRE ADOPTS MACHINE CONTROL Machine control manufacturer, GKD Technologies has been supplying nationwide plant hire specialists L Lynch Plant Hire since 2017. One of the latest installs for the hirer was for two, 2RCI (Rated Capacity Indicators) on a brace of CAT 308's, which Lynch has recently added to its growing fleet. What makes this system unique, is that it was designed specifically for the CAT 308 machine by GKD and utilises the capabilities of the 2RCI system, with full protection and slew walls, including offset boom monitoring with motion cuts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU020

CITY HIRE PUSHES FORWARD CADMAN CRANES EXPANDS WITH LIEBHERR Colchester based UK mobile crane hire company Cadman Cranes has taken delivery of the south of England’s first 110 tonne Liebherr LTM 1110-5.1 All Terrain crane. The five axle LTM 1110-5.1 features an extra-long 60 metre telescopic main boom, one of the longest in its class, along with VarioBase Plus support technology. The machine can travel on UK roads complete with its 29tonne counterweight whilst remaining within STGO regulations, removing the need for any additional ballast transport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU021

BOOM TIME FOR ADVANCED ACCESS Already a champion of green working at height, Advanced Access Platforms has taken delivery of two of the first bi-energy 26-metre Hinowa spider boom lifts to be sold in the UK. The machines, powered by a low-emission diesel engine or lithium electric batteries, will be based at Access Platforms' ‘Eco Depot' in Canning Town, east London, the first of its kind in the capital. The platform can be operated just with the long-lasting lithium batteries, for zero-emission and low noise operation, or on full diesel power. Operators also have the choice of tracking to a worksite using the diesel engine, and switching to lithium electric to work at height.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU022

Ten Snorkel S3010P push-around mini scissor lifts are joining City Hire’s expansive low-level access offering. With a maximum working height of 5.0m and a lift capacity of 240kg, yet weighing just 370kg, the scissors delivers a safe and productive low-level working at height solution. With the ability to be carried in a passenger elevator, they are particularly well-suited to multi-storey building construction, fit-out and maintenance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU023

IT’S TRIME FOR SUNBELT RENTALS Trime UK has secured an order for over one thousand eco-centred tower lights from Sunbelt Rentals. The order is comprised of the manufacturer’s X-Eco LED, X-Hybrid, X-Solar Hybrid and XSolar lighting towers. The X-Eco LED is a diesel-powered unit and the X-Hybrid utilises a battery/engine system. The XSolar Hybrid is a combination of solar and engine power that runs for 3,000 hours before refuelling and the X-Solar sets are entirely diesel and noise free.

Each set features a 9-metre vertical mast and energy saving LED lamps.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU024

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M AT E R I A L S H A N D L I N G

ZERO TO HERO I

t was 75 years ago last year that JCB began its journey from the tiny lock-up garage of its founder Joseph Cyril Bamford to global force. Many of the innovations it has pioneered along the way are firmly established as amongst the indispensable companions of generations of contractors. The manufacturer was quick to produce machines that could operate efficiently in our urban centres, for instance, with the likes of the compact and nimble 3CX Backhoe Loader emerging as a champion in that space. Thanks to the demands of climate change – and a welldocumented clean air crisis – the challenges of operating in our cityscapes have evolved still further, with a new era of

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JCB is completing the circuit in its Road to Zero programme with a number of electric launches.

Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones reports. environmentally-conscious JCB solutions emerging as a result – and the atmosphere is most definitely electric.

In just a few short years, the company’s road to zero programme has witnessed the introduction of a wide range of electric solutions. 2018 saw the launch of a brand new access platform portfolio powered by lithium ion batteries, for example. Perfect for working indoors, the five models operate at working heights from 6.6m to 10.1m, offer longer running times, faster charging times, and a longer battery life.

Award Winning That same year saw the introduction of the zero emissions JCB 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator, entering full production in mid2019, and subsequently garnering two prestigious accolades from the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Automobile Club. It’s not just on pollution control where it scores points either, because this battery-powered mini is also five times quieter than its diesel counterpart, and is equally adept at working outside or indoors – eliminating the need to utilise expensive extractions systems in confined areas. Moreover, low noise could extend the window of activity for the machine earlier into the morning and later at night, whilst it makes for a much pleasanter environment for the driver. Its four next generation lithium-ion packs ensure full energy capacity of 20kW hours, which is more than enough for a full shift.

Not ones to stop in their tracks, 2020 has seen the E-TEC become a machine for all seasons, with JCB becoming the first manufacturer to offer a cab on an electric mini excavator, providing instant heat for demisting and defrosting, whilst keeping the operator comfortable. Cleverly, even when operating on its maximum setting, the

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heating only draws on half of the power from one battery, so there’s no impact on digging or tracking performance.

In order to ensure that the infrastructure the end user requires to successfully run these machines is available, JCB has introduced a number of charging options. The high power Universal Charger delivers a single solution for all of its electric machines, and is compatible with all current and future electric products from the Staffordshire-based manufacturer. It works from 48V to 96V and above, simply requiring a standard three-phase mains electrical supply, and is equipped with both 4 and 5 pin standard C form electric connectors, to extend power provision across Europe.

What it offers is the convenience of a highspeed boost during the working day, with the 19C-1E mini fully charged from zero to full in just two and half hours.

Charging Solutions If customers don’t have access to three phase electricity on site, then the answer is a zero emissions, maintenance free, charging solution, with no noise and vibration and the point of use, and that’s precisely what JCB’s new range of power packs deliver. Ideal for rental companies, they can just as easily be utilised as back-up power for lighting, security and site welfare provision and, when coupled with a JCB generator set, can become a part of a hybrid arrangement. A steel canopy, and fork pockets for ease of transportation – and to position for recharging from a mains supply – enhances durability and convenience respectively.

The onward charge of electric is now relentless and the more machines that are introduced to the market, the more the horizons for lithium ion will expand

“With zero emissions, low noise, and reduced maintenance, electric is no longer just a niche but is entering the mainstream.” exponentially. That’s reflected in a swathe of new launches from JCB, which includes the HDT-5 E-Dumpster, an all-electric high tip dumpster which is capable of carrying up to 500kg. Powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery pack, that takes just two hours to charge, it makes use of either a 240 or 110V electricity supply. The 9kW motor delivers travels speeds up to 3km per hour and the machine is either walk behind or ride on. In the latter mode end users can make use of an optional ride on smart step, a feature which isolates power to the tracks if the operator steps off whilst the dumpster is moving, whilst still providing power to the skip and hydraulics.

Crucially for the smaller contractor, it can move through standard doorframes and, because it’s zero emissions, is ideal for indoor use. For larger jobs in materials handling you’ll need to move up the payload scale, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer from the electric avenue, because JCB are now offering an all-electric one tonne 1T-E Site Dumper.

The ideal partner for the electric 19C-1 E-TEC mini, this high tip solution, benefits from a steel skip with a maximum load over height of nearly 2.4m, and a heavy duty articulated chassis that can handle a maximum payload of one tonne. The trend in diesel dumpers has been towards hydrostatic but, thanks to the adoption of drive axles and a dropbox in favour of hydrostatic drive motors, the 1TE remains a full-time, all-wheel drive unit. Power is provided by twin 5kW hr lithium-ion batteries, and a 7kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the aforementioned dropbox, whilst a second hydraulic pump powers the hydraulic circuit for steering, and for the lifting of the skip. The batteries can be charged from a conventional site

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electrical supply with 110V and 230V cables available, or from the JCB Universal Charger for rapid charging. Site dumpers are a class of machine that have been under scrutiny from a health & safety perspective in recent years, but plant hirers and contractors can take comfort in the fact that all of the safety features that are present on the diesel are evident on the electric version.

HIT THE GAS! Telescopic Site On its launch the Teletruk challenged conventional fork lift design, with a telescopic side mounted boom providing the kind of reach and versatility that a vertical mast unit simply could not compete with. The electric 30-19E Teletruk sits alongside its diesel and LPG siblings in that range, offering 3 tonnes of lift capacity.

Indeed, by utilising its telescopic reach, it can place a 1,600kg load 3metres into a van, and that machine is now joined by the 35-22E, with a 3 ½ tonne lifting capacity.

It is just a short conceptual leap from the idea of a battery powered electric telescopic forklift to a telehandler that utilises the same technology, and its one that JCB has now bridged with its 525-60E Loadall.

This 6m, 100 per cent electric solution is every bit as capable as its diesel counterpart, but with a battery powered design from the ground up. A 96V lithium ion battery replaces the diesel engine, which can be fully charged from the previously introduced Universal Charger in just 60 minutes and is capable of a full shift operation on one charge. A regenerative braking system provides top-up charging in operation, the maintenance-free battery can be charged over 5,000 times – or over ten years of typical usage – and will function at temperatures as low as -20ºC and as high as 60ºC. The 525-60E features two electric motors, one for the driveline and the

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Whilst electric is making inroads into certain classes of plant it is still the case that for many applications, particularly at the heavy duty end, clean diesel remains the only game in town – and these days it is very clean indeed.That doesn’t mean that we won’t need to ultimately end our addiction to fossil fuels, of course, and an active area of research for the company is alternative fuels.

It’s a programme that is developing apace with the announcement last year of the industry’s first hydrogen powered excavator.The Prototype 220 X-Series machine makes use of a hydrogen fuel cell and has been undergoing testing at the JCB proving ground for the last year. second to power the hydraulic system. A motor controller converts the 96V lithium ion battery’s Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) to power the 17kW transmission system motor and the 22kW hydraulic system motor. That motor controller manages the electric power demand from the transmission, and the hydraulic systems, ensuring optimum machine performance, balancing acceleration, decelaration and hydraulic control whilst loading, placing and transporting loads.

Whilst the diesel 6m Loadall has hydrostatic drive components, these have been removed from the 525-60E and replaced with electric motors that are more suited to this particular powertrain. The 17kW drive motor is connected via a dropbox and prop shafts to the front and rear JCB axles providing the same level of control that would be expected from hydrostatic.

The electric machine’s hydraulic system is also completely new, with the 22kW motor powering an internal gear pump, providing the same flow and pressure as on the diesel. Importantly, hydraulic flow is not linked to engine rpm with joystick position alone determining the flow and speed of operation. Moreover, smart, regenerative hydraulics deliver improved efficiency when lowering and retracting the boom, helping to preserve battery charge. In short, there’s exactly the same performance, but with zero emissions, and that means a lifting capacity of 2,500kg, and maximum load of 2,000kg at the full 6metre height. This size of machine is the most likely to be working in and around people – and indoors – which makes it the obvious first leg of the electric journey for the Loadall family.

Watch this Space!

Electric machines are no longer just a niche option but are destined to occupy the mainstream. With zero emissions, low noise, reduced maintenance and cost of ownership they deliver what the modern world is now demanding. The bright sparks at JCB have promised that there’s much more to come in battery powered solutions, and its customers are increasingly switched on to the idea.

i For further information on the JCB E-TECH range WWW.RDR.LINK/CU025

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the

360˚ Bobcat has joined the rotary club with

view

its new range of telehandlers

L

ast year was a memorable one for Bobcat for all the right reasons, with its Next is Now campaign heralding the biggest expansion of the company’s product range in its history.

New machines and moves into entirely new classes of equipment, were certainly a statement of intent, and one of the most intriguing introductions is a new collection of rotary telehandlers.

These versatile units are already a fixture of many European markets, but it would be fair to say they are still less common on these shores. With the likes of prefabricated and modular building

methods – or modern methods of construction as it is known – now entering the mainstream, particularly in housebuilding, their versatility is beginning to be appreciated by many more, and the opportunity for growth is prodigious.

Invented in the early 1990s, rotary telehandlers feature a rotating turret and four stabilisers, which enable them to work solidly in place with full operating capacity.

The 360° turret rotation allows the machines to handle loads everywhere in the working envelope without needing to move – an ideal solution in urban areas where space is tight and manoeuvring is limited.

Their ability to work from a single point to cover all of a site, and the fact that they can be used from the first to the last day of a construction project, have made them an increasingly attractive proposition. Indeed, with the ability to combine the attributes of a telehandler with those of an aerial working platform – and a crane – rotary telehandlers are often called 3-in-1 machines.

Developed with in collaboration with Magni TH of Italy – an established expert in the field – the Bobcat rotary telehandler range includes ten Stage V compliant models, with lifting heights from 18 to 39m and lifting capacities from 4 to 7 tonne. In addition to 360º performance there’s a choice of over 20 attachments, and further options designed to enhance versatility, efficiency, and safety on site.

Inside Story Today, the welfare of the individual at the controls is recognised as a means to maximise productivity, and it is not a consideration which Bobcat has neglected.

The driver is treated to a fully pressurised environment, with 100 per cent air filtration, heating and air conditioning. On the tighter building sites that a rotary could well be utilised visibility is even more important and large windows have been added for an

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“In Europe the rotary telehandler market is riding high. In fact, this is a machine class that rose through the 3,000 units sold landmark in 2019.” connecting the machine to an external electricity supply (380 V), this provides power for the machine, allowing it to perform all normal lifting and load positioning operations. A 15 kW electric motor and a 90 litre/min piston pump guarantee the performance and precision required for each and every movement.

Bobcat Naming Scheme

optimal view. Not only that but this ROPS/FOPS certified space equally benefits from an easily adjustable steering column and fully adjustable seat.

Thanks to a large, bright touchscreen display with intuitive machine controls, our happily ensconced operator is as much in control as he or she is in comfort. Machine settings are easily navigated and managed over five different pages, using either the aforementioned touchscreen or the jog shuttle.

It is the attachments that turn rotary telehandlers into true multi-taskers and the Bobcat units are available with a full range of forks (supplied as standard), crane jibs, winches or jib winches, man platforms and buckets. Moreover, most of the new Bobcat rotary telehandlers are equipped with a remote control to operate the machine from the man basket when elevating people, as well as enhancing visibility and precision by operating the machines remotely.

Bobcat rotary telehandlers automatically recognise the attachment they are being

paired with using RFID technology, which also uploads the corresponding load charts onto the display. As a result, the machine is ready to work safely within seconds, with the touchscreen displaying a dynamic load chart which allows the operator to keep an eye on the load's centre of gravity.The Limit page also allows the operator to restrict the working zone in three dimensions and limit working speeds for maximum control and safety.

Construction is, of course, the most diverse of industries, and fleet managers need to be sure that the equipment at their disposal is fit for the task at hand. That’s why the manufacturer is making available a raft of additional options, including remote control with drive function. This provides radio control equipped with a screen, that allows the machine to be driven remotely and the stabilisation phases to be managed directly from the basket.

Elsewhere, a Twin Power system allows the machine to be used without starting the diesel engine, keeping the emissions on zero level and providing noiseless operation. By

Taking the TR60.250 model as an example, Bobcat rotary telehandlers are named according to the product line [(T)elescopic (R)otary], lift capacity (6.0 tonne) and lift height (25 m). The range for Europe comprises ten models – the TR40.180, TR50.180, TR50.210, TR50.250, TR60.210, TR60.250, TR70.260, TR60.300, TR60.350 and TR60.390 rotary telehandlers.

In Europe, the rotary telehandler market is riding high, increasing by 23 per cent over the last five years. In fact, this is a machine class that rose through the 3,000 units landmark in 2019 for the first time and, despite the Covid induced disruption to the sector, it is an upward trend that is likely to continue. For that reason it is a class of machine that manufacturers like Bobcat cannot ignore and, given the versatility and productivity wins that can be accrued, the same can be said for contractors and plant hirers.

i For further information on the Bobcat Rotary Telehandler range WWW.RDR.LINK/CU026

i If you want to watch a walkaround video of the Bobcat Rotary Telehandler WWW.RDR.LINK/CU027

i To view a video of the machine in action WWW.RDR.LINK/CU028

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Shorts Agricultural have made a significant investment in Rubble Master machines through UK dealer, Red Knight 6.

Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones goes on site to find out why.

‘‘W

e took one on demonstration initially and I fell in love with it,” declares Matthew Campling, Shorts Agricultural’s Commercial Director. Two months on and the HS3500M tracked Rubble Master scalping screener has been hard at work at the Berkshire home of the hirer and contractor, joining an existing RM70GO crusher from the same manufacturer that’s already given Shorts four years of reliable operation. Both units were supplied by the UK dealer for the Austrian manufacturer’s equipment, Red Knight 6, and Shorts team are convinced they’ve added a screen star to a growing cast of equipment.

MASTER AT WORK

Multi-tasking “This is a very versatile machine,” continues Matt, and the screener is being used here for a range of applications, including 40mm type 1, but we’re also running our topsoil, composts and planings through it. As well as that, it goes out on hire, and we utilise it on some of our own contracting projects.”

Given that this is a machine that’s on the move, ease of transportation is a prerequisite for the Shorts Agricultural team, and that’s just what this Rubble Master Screener provides. “The compact dimensions are particularly welcome, and it

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folds up very neatly. When deploying it on site, or delivering to a customer, it’s a 15 minute job to render it operational.”

That view is endorsed by operator Andy Philips, who points out some of its time saving features. “The detail in the design is evident,” he enthuses, “and it makes the delivery a oneman operation. The hopper slides back and lowers in one movement, for instance, which does save time, and it’s then fully secured

with just two locking pins. The integrated folding side conveyors lift and then articulate over the machine via dual controls. When you’re lifting the conveyor you complete the operation from one side and – when it comes to folding it over – there’s another set of controls on the other side of the machine, which means you’ve got a good view of every stage of the manoeuvre. I’ve worked on some screeners where you’ve had to remove up to 16 bolts just to fold a single bail, and that can take a lot of time. In operation there’s also very little that can go wrong.”

The 16 ½ tonne unit, part of a range of screens, is equipped with a heavy duty screenbox, and 5m3 hopper capacity.

Whether it’s concrete, asphalt, and millings, or construction and demolition waste, the HS3500M will run through it fast, whilst even wood chips are food for its insatiable appetite, and everything’s kept on the move by a reliable 75HP, 55kW Tier 4 final Deutz engine. Rubble Master purchased Northern Ireland mobile tracked screens maker, Maximus in 2018

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“The expertise for which Rubble Master has become renowned in its impact crushers is now evident in the screeners.”

and has since employed its manufacturing expertise in enhancing key elements of the range, and the new Shorts Agricultural unit features enjoys all of those upgrades.

“The expertise for which Rubble Master has become renowned in its impact crushers has been brought to bear on the screener range,” enthuses Paul Donnelly, Red Knight 6 Managing Director. “Since that takeover there have been improvements in the factory and a streamlining of the range. Ease of use is a principle that runs through the Rubble Master DNA and that’s evident in the design changes. The folding mechanisms, the controls, and access to the walkways have all been improved with the express aim of making life easier for the operator.”

The quality of Teutonic engineering needs no introduction, of course, whilst the Northern Ireland production base of the Rubble Master screeners is in one of the established centres of the sector, but the Austrian manufacturer also brings a particular knowledge of fuel saving diesel-electric drive systems to the table. Paul looks ahead to what will be coming off the assembly line in the future: “The direction of travel is now firmly away from diesel, and Rubble Master are very well-placed to be at the forefront.

A lot of our competitors are still running fuel hungry hydraulic drives whereas Rubble Master has invested heavily in perfecting it electronic systems. There’s a RM120 Hybrid impactor coming, for instance, that can be run 100 per cent electric from an on-site power source, and that’s a concept that will filter down to the rest of the range.”

The impact crusher is a class of machine that is still less prevalent in the UK market than its established jaw crusher counterparts. The higher quality and more marketable end product that impactors can provide is, however, making them more and more appealing, and Rubble Master can point to nearly three decades of experience with the technology. Its crushers can accommodate a very wide range of material,

including rubble, asphalt, concrete, and medium-hardness natural rock.

“It’s very easy to run, manoeuvre and transport, and I particularly like the remote control,” he enthuses, “which can adjust the hopper and move the whole unit itself on its tracks.Those tracks will plough through rough terrain, or gradients, and overall, it’s just kept running for us. All we’ve had to do since we’ve been using it is change the hammers, and there’s a handy device for that, including a lifting hoist, whilst you can store spares on the unit itself, so you’ve got them on site when you need them.” In operation, the Rubble Master RM70GO produces up to 150 tonnes of cubic high-quality grain per hour, weighs just 19 tonnes, and is powered by a low noise and reduced emissions John Deere, 4 cylinder, 115 kW engine.

“The aggregates market is now demanding very clean, consistent material that is sized to an application,” concludes Matt, “and that’s just what an impact crusher like the RM70GO and the HS3500M Screener working in tandem will provide, all in a very user-friendly package.”

i For further information on Rubble Master WWW.RDR.LINK/CU029

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COMPACT WHEEL LOADER

COMPACT PLANT It’s the undivided vehicle frame, stability and manoeuvrability of the Kramer range of wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders and telehandlers that makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. All-wheel steering and a steering angle of up to 2x40 degrees is complemented by a high payload, low operating weight and a comfortably designed cabin with optimised vision, low vibration and ergonomically arranged operator controls.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU030

CRAWLER SKID EXCAVATORS The Mecalac 6MCR, 8MCR and 10MCR tracked skid excavators are now equipped with a ‘Speed Control’ travel management system as standard. This new feature allows the operator to set a maximum travel speed – regardless of engine speed. With 20 speeds available, the transmission essentially acts as a limiter, making it easy to drive at very low speeds for applications such as mowing or planing.

It’s the low front carriage and the wellbalanced weight of the Wacker Neuson WL28 wheel loader that allows a high tipping load of 1.6 metric ton with pallet fork (machine straight). The 3-metric ton machine is outfitted with a tiltable operator's cab or a tiltable cabin, allowing easy access to the engine, hydraulic system, and electronics, making inspection and maintenance very easy. The engine hood can also be opened widely, thereby allowing for optimal access.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU034

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU032

TELEHANDLER The UK’s first Fendt Cargo T955 telehandler with elevated cab is now available for hire from Monks Contractors. The cab can raise to a sight level of 4.25m, and is designed to improve vision and safety in waste management environments. Known as the wheel loader of telehandlers, the machine is also equipped with an overload system to prevent tipping and stepless drive to enable quicker movement of loads.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU031

ELECTRIC MACHINES

WHEEL LOADER The benefits of a traditional automatic transmission, and a hydrostatic transmission in one machine. That’s what Hyundai is offering with its HL975A CVT (continuously variable transmission) wheel loader. The Stage V solution also features a range of new technologies which are said to greatly improve fuel efficiency, keeps harmful emissions to a minimum and deliver maximum power and performance needed for heavy-duty work in tough conditions. It’s makers are also promising increased productivity, better safety, more convenience, and improved uptime management.

With zero exhaust emissions, low noise levels and vibrations,Volvo Construction Equipment’s ECR25 Electric compact excavator and L25 Electric compact wheel loader are the perfect choice for inner-city jobsites or any sensitive work environment. They equally provide lower maintenance levels, improved operator comfort and the ability to meet stringent environmental and noise regulations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU035

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU033

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STREETS AHEAD A new solution from JCB could be the ace in the hole for the road repair sector

T

he government has made some significant commitments in infrastructure spending in recent times – not least HS2 – but that doesn’t mean it is neglecting the maintenance of what already exists, and as far as our road network is concerned the need is indeed pressing.

Any regular traveler on or highways and byways will testify that potholes are the bane of the modern motorist, with a staggering £8.1 million paid out by local authorities just last year in compensation to drivers for vehicle damage. Indeed, the statistics are an eloquent demonstration of the scale of the problem, with councils receiving a request to fix a pothole every 46 seconds, and figures from the AA revealing that as much as £11bn needs to be spent on the problem.

In addition, with more and more commuters taking to two wheels rather than four, and the threat of very real injury to cyclists from a close encounter with an unsuspecting pot hole, the

26 JANUARY / FEBRUARY I CPN

James Harper of Stokeon-Trent City Council

issue has even more serious implications. In an effort to address the question, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last November that his administration would be investing £1.6bn to fix potholes in Britain and ‘level-up’ uneven roads, which makes the latest solution to emerge from the JCB drawing board all the more timely.

Described as a rapid, permanent repair solution, PotholePro utilises just one machine and should eliminate the need for labour intensive and physically punishing repair methods. Indeed, if it’s speed you’re after then the Staffordshire-based international plant giant’s answer can complete the job in less

than eight minutes, four times quicker than standard methods – and at half the cost.

“Potholes really are the scourge of our nation,” declares JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford, who has personally led the machine’s development. “Our country is quite rightly fixated on this dreadful problem and, as a British manufacturer, I am fixated on finding a solution. We simply cannot allow our road network to continue to be blighted by potholes. JCB’s solution is simple and cost effective and fixes potholes permanently, first time. Once the machine has done its job all the contractor then needs to do is just add tar.”

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The machine has been in trials on roads in Stoke-on-Trent for months and the city council has worked with JCB over the last 12 months as innovation partners to develop the PotholePro. In initial testing, the machine completed 51 road repair jobs in 20 days, which would have taken a team of up to six operatives 63 days to complete normally.

Productivity Wins

It is through testing with contractors and local authorities that the manufacturer can be confident that its PotholePro can complete a repair in less than eight minutes, and that is equivalent to 700 potholes per month.

Moreover, with a 40km/h travel speed, the machine can rapidly relocate between sites without additional transport costs.

So just how does it work? The unit is equipped with a modified Simex planer, with integrated dust suppression, mounted on the machine’s rear skid steer hitch. The planer is 600mm wide, with up to 1.3m of side-shift adjustment. This allows the operator to plane a full carriageway from the kerb, without repositioning. Hydraulic tilt and depth control provide a consistent depth for larger patches.

A TAB two-piece boom is fitted with the JCB ‘Multi-tool’, mounted on an X12 Steelwrist tilt-rotator. The ‘Multi-tool’ comprises of two attachments, a dedicated hydraulic cropper and a sweeper/bucket. The 600mm cropping tool eliminates the need for floor saws or hydraulic breakers, providing a squared off, clean cut to the repair area. The operator then rotates the boom head to

“The PotholePro can prepare up to 250m2 of roadway in a single shift or 5,000m3 in a month.” bring a 1.2m wide sweeper/bucket into use, to clean up the pothole area, eliminating the requirement for a separate sweeper truck.

Material lifted by the sweeper/bucket can be loaded directly into a support truck for rapid removal from site.

The PotholePro can prepare up to 250m2 of roadway in a single shift, or 5,000m3 per month, and allows the contractor, or local authority, to cut the defect, crop the edges and clean the hole with one machine – mechanising jobs traditionally done by pothole gangs and delivering up to a 50 per cent cut in daily costs. Safety is also improved as the gang does not have to complete the hand-held cutting and breaking, eliminating the risk of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Councillor Daniel Jellyman, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and heritage, said he had seen a 700 per cent increase in productivity: “Potholes are a nuisance to motorists up and down the country and we’ve worked closely with JCB to come up with a solution to what is a national problem. In a time when every penny and pound counts for local authorities, we’re delighted to be at the forefront of developing and trialling new technologies and ways of working, especially ones which could save residents money.”

“The toll of pothole damage on cars is already breathtaking,” concludes AA President Edmund King OBE. “However, as more people take up cycling due to avoiding public transport in the pandemic and if e-scooters are legalised, then sorting our poor road surfaces becomes more important than ever.

JCB has taken the initiative to fix these problems, and we're excited to see its new PotholePro take to the streets.”

i For further information on the PotHolePro from JCB WWW.RDR.LINK/CU036

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AT THE A new wheeled mini-excavator from Doosan is the perfect partner for highways and infrastructure work ABOUT THE SIZE OF IT BUCKETS: ........................................0.175m³ OPERATING WEIGHT:.............. 5,790 – 5,920kg DIGGING DEPTH (ARM 1.9 M): .......... 3,795mm DIGGING REACH (ARM 1.9 M): .......... 6,400mm DIGGING HEIGHT (ARM 1.9 M): ........ 6,170mm WHEELBASE: .................................. 2,100mm OVERALL WIDTH (SINGLE WHEEL):...... 1,920mm OVERALL HEIGHT (STD FRONT): .......... 2,855mm OVERALL LENGTH (STD FRONT): ........ 6,120mm REAR SWING RADIUS: ...................... 1,650mm BUCKET DIGGING FORCE (ARM 1.6 M) (ISO): .. 4.2t ARM DIGGING FORCE (ARM 1.6 M) (ISO): .. 2.8t LIFTING CAPACITY AT GROUND LEVEL (OVER FRONT): ..................................1.25 t at 5.0m MAXIMUM TRAVEL SPEED: .................. 30km/h ENGINE (SAE J1349): ......................................

Doosan D24 Stage V 42.5 kW (57 HP) @ 2400 rpm

W

ith rapid depolyment between jobsites, versatility in lifting and excavating, and the maneouvreability to navigate tight spaces, wheeled excavators are the driving force on many projects, and Doosan has the range to steer build schedules in the right direction. Powered by a 42.5 kW (57 HP) D24 Stage V engine, the DX57W-7 is ideal for finishing work on new surfaces, whether in new housing developments between properties or on grass verges at the side of roads.

Equipped as standard in the single tyre configuration, the operating weight of the machine when equipped with a 0.175m3 bucket is 5.88 tonne, with a dual tyre configuration available as an option. There’s also two travel speed ranges, with a maximum travel speed of 30 km/h, which makes for efficient transport on the road between different workplaces. Indeed, with no need for a trailer or a vehicle to tow it, the DX57W-7 can negotiate narrow streets and other city centre spaces, where a truck and trailor cannot access.

This is an excavator that can reach the parts that others can’t but it’s equally a multi tasker, with a stability and lifting ability that is adept at either trenching and groundwork jobs, or materials handling tasks, such as truck loading and moving pipes. When undertaking those lifting tasks, operators have the reassuranace of an overload warning device at their disposal, as well as safety valves in the boom and dozer blade hydraulic systems.

The undercarriage benefits from the durability of a rigid, welded frame with the routing of hydraulic lines, protection for the transmission and heavy duty axles all making it ideal for wheeled excavator applications.

The Wheel Deal The DoosanCONNECT telematics system utilises sensors to collect insightful data on the machine. Operators welfare is enhanced with the addition of a stereo system integrated in the gauge panel (with a Bluetooth streaming function), together with a USB charger in the cab. There’s the option of a new all-round 360° view camera array, and ultrasonic detection of obstacles.

In addition, the steering wheel can be positioned to suit the driver, the position and angle of the seat cushion – as well as the position of the consoles – and can be adjusted independently of each other.

Additional comfort is provided by an adjustable seat back and lumbar support. As well as that, a seat heater, cab light, sun visor and side mirror are all standard equipment.

i For more information on Doosan Construction Equipment WWW.RDR.LINK/CU037

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FOR ALL THE VERY LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS AND NEW PRODUCT INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.CPNONLINE.CO.UK

Packed with articles on a wide range of industry topics, www.cpnonline.co.uk is the first place to visit for all the latest news in plant and machinery – from the smallest skid steers and micro excavators to the giants of the tower crane market, or the heavyweights in crawler excavators, weʼve got it covered.

Get the latest information on the industryʼs biggest deals, as contractors and plant hirers renew their fleets in our Fleet Additions section, as well as all of the newest products to hit the market.

Our website is updated daily, bringing you the most important industry news quicker than ever before.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @CPN_mag

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H I G H WAY S & I N F R A S T R U C T U R E

IN T O T H E

NIGH T Brigade Electronics is improving safety for nighttime road construction workers

N

ight-time road works and motorway improvements have increased in recent years with many road construction companies now choosing to undertake improvements in the hours of darkness. While operating overnight provides clear benefits for those using the road network – minimising disruption and reducing diversions for commuters – there are serious implications for construction workers’ safety due to poor visibility and worker fatigue.

Blind spots on vehicles are a major contributing factor to collisions, and are often the main reason groundworkers are killed or injured, with dusty worksites and difficult weather conditions often exacerbating the issue. Meanwhile, ground workers who are required to wear ear defenders cannot always hear a vehicle approaching.

Vehicle safety systems are helping to address this issue. While passive systems, such as mirrors and cameras, will help assist a driver to spot objects in a vehicle’s blind spot, active systems, including operator alerts and reversing alarms, ensure that drivers receive an immediate warning that an object is

present, and pedestrians are aware instantly that a vehicle is nearby. Emily Hardy of Brigade Electronics, a global leader in vehicle safety systems, explains the importance of active systems for night-time working.

“Work sites present a number of challenges when it comes to visibility. Not only are they dusty and dirty places to be, but when this is combined with night-time hours or difficult weather conditions, it can become increasingly dangerous for ground workers to be spotted by those operating moving vehicles. Active safety systems are therefore crucial to assisting drivers and enhancing safety for workers operating in these conditions. This is why we always recommend that a combination of both passive and active systems, such as cameras and alarms, are fitted to vehicles for the ultimate safety solution.”

These include Brigade’s Backeye360, which provides the driver with a complete surround view of the vehicle in real time in a single image. The system combines images from ultra-wide-angle cameras, resulting in a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the vehicle and surrounding area in real time, meaning drivers can clearly see people and objects as they manoeuvre their vehicles.

Active technology like radar obstacle detection can detect stationary and moving objects even in the harshest of environments,

including in darkness, giving the driver an audible and visible warning when objects are within a certain distance. Heavy duty radar systems, which are waterproof and smoke resistant, can even operate in high or low temperatures, and can easily be heard in noisy environments, making them ideal for construction sites.

One construction company which has benefited from installing safety technology on its vehicles is UK-based business Day Aggregates. It fitted Brigade’s Backsense heavy duty radar sensor system onto its fleet of shovel loaders, telehandlers, and trucks. In the last few years of recording incidents, which are split by ‘damage’ and ‘near miss’, the company has reported that this technology has been key to reducing incidents and improving safety. Operator Darren Harfield agrees: “It [the radar] is an extra back up when looking in numerous mirrors and using reversing aids. If you’re distracted, for example because someone suddenly asks you a question on the radio, you can be trying to take in too much at one time. The radar system prevents this. There’s an in-cab display that presents different colours and beeps when anything comes within a certain distance of the vehicle, so it’s not just visual prompts, but audible alerts too.”

i For further information on Brigade Electronics WWW.RDR.LINK/CU038

CPN I JANUARY / FEBRUARY 31

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H I G H WAY S & I N F R A S T R U C T U R E

HEIGHT & SLEW RESTRICTOR

SITE WELFARE & GENERATORS OakTec Power has collaborated with generator manufacturer Sutton Power Engineering and site welfare specialist Advanté to develop a low emission, offgrid, electricity generation solution into a welfare cabin specifically designed for the needs of HS2 construction and its maintenance contractors. It is a hybrid energy system which utilises battery energy storage with solar panels to boost charging. By replacing diesel with LPG, the innovation is set to cut carbon, lower emissions, reduce noise and deliver major cost savings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU039

A Wacker Neuson EZ53 mini excavator now benefits from the addition of a GKD Technologies SensorSafe Height & Slew Restrictor system, installed by Richards Road Rail Plant. The machine needed a height and slew restrictor to carry out railway grading and embankment stabilisation work. The mini excavator is areadly fitted with VDS (Vertical Digging System), where the cab tilts, making precise vertical digging possible on the most uneven of terrain.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU041

WORKING AT HEIGHT The largest Tier 1 supplier on Hinckley Point C, Bylor JV, has purchased 83 Haulotte mobile elevating platforms – scissor lifts, vertical masts and articulating booms – to carry out the main civil engineering and construction works.

The dimensions of the Compact 8 and Optimum 8 electric scissor lifts enable the operator to manoeuvre in the most restricted places. The versatile Star 6 and Star 10 operate both indoor and outdoor, whilst the zero tail swing and a tight turning radius, of the HA12 CJ articulating boom offers optimal agility.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU042

SELF-PROPELLED TRENCHER Mastenbroek, the UK-based designer and manufacturer of self-propelled trenchers has launched the latest edition of its super compact rock trencher – the 20/14. The new version offers 215 horsepower and an off-setting digging mechanism to trench 1.4m deep, whilst the machine width has been reduced to 2.5m. There’s also the facility to remove the forward discharge conveyors to enable a working width of 2.1m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU040

ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK (ADT) The 28-tonne payload Liebherr TA 230 Litronic features maximum ground clearance and what is described as superb off-road performance. Power is derived from a Stage V, 6-cylinder engine with 12litre displacement and 265 kW/360 hp. In addition, automatic traction control is also available. As soon as slippage occurs at an axle, the torque is cleverly transferred to the axle, or axles, with traction.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU043

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NEW PRODUCTS

HYBRID CONCRETE CRUSHER The Dragon Equipment compact hybrid crusher is powerful enough for the toughest of jobs, but also functional and easy to operate. The patent-pending jaws of the new CR300H are capable of crushing up to 7 tonnes an hour into reusable hardcore, the unit is just 700mm wide, weighs under 780kg, has a single lifting point, multiple tie-down points and is easy and safe to transport in the back of a van, a trailer or a 4x4 pick-up. A Vanguard 400 single-cylinder, 14 Gross HP petrol engine acts as the primary power source, combined with a 15kW E-Machine and lithium-ion battery.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU044

STAGE V GENERATOR The popular Atlas Copco QAC series of containerised generators has a new addition – a Stage V compliant model.

The QAC 1350 TwinPower generator is said to be powerful, quieter than other units of the same power size, and easy to transport. The TwinPower technology leverages two smaller engines housed inside a containerised unit instead of one large one to achieve high power density with low fuel consumption, reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) whilst delivering up to 1,350 kVa as a prime power.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU045

MACHINE MAINTENANCE

QUICK HITCH There’s now a hose-free design on Engcon’s latest tiltrotator quick hitch.

Nearly all the hoses in the quick hitch have been replaced with a simple modular system, reducing wear and maintenance needs, increasing service life and with the flexibility of adding more hydraulic functions. With the hydraulic blocks now bolted directly into a distribution block without any hoses, it will also now be easier to install the EC-Oil quick hitch system in the lower bracket.

Like AdBlue, CLEARNOX treats nitrogen oxide (NOx) but reduces downtime by preventing crystallisation in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. By preventing crystallisation, the SCR system will work more efficiently and not need to be replaced.

Crystallisation can arise when the exhaust gases are not hot enough to react properly with AdBlue so that it does not completely turn into ammonia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU047

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU046

AD INDEX CPN Online .......................................... (page 30)

Liebherr .................................................. (page 4)

Case Construction .............................. (page 33)

Manitou UK .......................................... (page 24)

Doosan ............................................ (back cover)

Merlo UK Limited ................................ (page 29)

HIAB ...................................................... (page 19)

Point Of Rental ...................... (inside front cover)

JCB Limited .......................................... (page 13)

Snorkel .................................................. (page 10)

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LOW EMISSIONS The availability of the new Aggreko Stage V compliant 600 kVA generators will aid any companies requiring temporary power when working in any of the UK’s current low emissions zones.

The units achieve the new standard with the installation of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC).

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU048

TAGLESS WARNING SYSTEMS By adapting existing RFID technology, proximity warning specialist, ZoneSafe can now offer its customers a fully tagless option, making it easier for businesses to ensure worker safety in dangerous environments without the need to tag personnel. The adaptation of ZoneSafe’s tag-based system means visitors and office-based staff can enter and exit high risk operational areas safely without the need to be tagged.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU049

ALL-TERRAIN CRANES New standards in comfort and ergonomics for crane operators, is what Manitowoc is promising for the carrier cabin, cab2020. Available on all Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes – the GMK3050-3, GMK3060-2 and GMK3060L-1 – space is used more efficiently.

The CCS (Crane Control System) display is positioned slightly higher, for instance, to ensure it is comfortably and conveniently within the operator’s sight and reach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU050

TELEMATICS SOLUTION Thanks to the Demag IC-1 Remote cloud solution, all relevant crane data can be accessed from anywhere, whilst online troubleshooting by customer support will also be enabled in the future. It is available now for almost all new Demag all terrain and crawler cranes, with a retrofit option being offered for many older models. Users can select the required display parameters and configure their personal dashboard. If various users have access to the crane data, several customised dashboards can be created.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU051

HYDRO-TREATED VEGETABLE OIL (HVO) In a UK first for a rental company, and in a move that will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions from the equipment, Selwood is offering pumps that can be fuelled by vegetable oil. All the company’s pumps which have a Stage 3B engine – including the Eco range of units – S160Eco, D150Eco and HP35Eco – can now be run on the HVO fuel as an alternative to diesel. The Hampshirebased firm has also committed to ensuring that any new pumps it manufactures are HVO-compatible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CU052

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