Earthmovers Nov 2021 sample by Sundial Magazines

NUMBER ONE FOR ALL THE LATEST PLANT & MACHINERY NEWS

EARTHMOVERS FIRST DRIVE

Power & finesse in a small package

NOVEMBER 2021

NOVEMBER 2021 £4.30

TAKEUCHI’S NEW 2.5-TONNE MINI

PLUS

25-TONNE VOLVO IN THE RIGHT HANDS

SITE VISIT

NEW 56-TONNE

SCOTTISH HITACHI

Irish Hyundai pile rig

MARKET GUIDES COMPACT HANDLERS & ROTATING GRABS

High-specification JCB Liverpool dock demo

● Caernarfon bypass fleet ● Constructing the M9 motorway EM1121 Cover_v7.indd 1

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WELCOME NUMBER ONE FOR ALL THE LATEST PLANT & MACHINERY NEWS

PHOTO CREDIT: NICK DREW

Editor Graham Black Editor@EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk

News Editor Kyle Molyneux Sub Editor Paul Carter Advertisement Sales Tom Pickford +44 (0) 20 8639 4416 Jacob Hayes +44 (0) 20 8639 4416 Sales & Marketing Manager Richard Cosgrove Administrator Martin Attis Publishing Director Paul Cosgrove

EARTHMOVERS is published by Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS. +44 (0) 20 8639 4400 www.EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk Info@EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk Subscriptions Earthmovers subscriptions Trinity House, Sculpins Lane, Essex, CM7 4AY, England. +44 (0) 1371 853 632 earthmovers@escosubs.co.uk Newstrade If you have any difficulty obtaining Earthmovers from your newsagent please contact Seymour Distribution, 5 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT. +44 (0) 20 7429 4000 Repro Design & Printing Solutions Ltd, First Floor, Unit 45C, Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3PS. Printing Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ. Copyright Sundial Magazines Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the written permission of the publishers. ISSN 1743-0372 Sundial Magazines Ltd. Registered in England No 4134490. Conditions for advertising All advertisements are accepted subject to the publisher’s standard conditions of insertion. For a copy of Advertising Terms & Conditions, please write to Paul Cosgrove at Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS. Australian subs sales agent Greg McNiece, Rally Badges, PO Box 9, Tatura, Victoria 3616, Australia. +61 (0) 3 5824 1734

www.twitter.com/ EarthmoversMag

EARTHMOVERS FIRST DRIVE

Power & finesse in a small package

NOVEMBER 2021

TAKEUCHI’S NEW 2.5-TONNE MINI NOVEMBER 2021 £4.30

November 2021 Issue 211

PLUS

25-TONNE VOLVO IN THE RIGHT HANDS

SITE VISIT

NEW 56-TONNE

SCOTTISH HITACHI

Irish Hyundai pile rig

MARKET GUIDES COMPACT HANDLERS & ROTATING GRABS

High-specification JCB Liverpool dock demo

O Caernarfon bypass fleet O Constructing the M9 motorway EM1121 Cover_v7.indd 1

17/09/2021 15:11

Today’s trends oming towards the end of this eventful muck-shifting season, a number of trends are becoming apparent. For a start, excavator buyers are increasingly moving up a weight category, discovering that the additional performance, from something just a bit heavier than a 13- or 22-tonner, comes at a surprisingly low premium. There also seems to be a significant investment in attachments across the industry, to further improve site productivity. Looking towards the challenges of the 2022 season, the recent buoyant demand has resulted in waves of ultra-low emissions Stage 5 machines beginning to clock up the hours. All the feedback indicates that this latest generation of excavators really are as fuelefficient as their manufacturers suggest, a welcome trend indeed. Machinery trends aside, what is also becoming obvious to all in the chain is the true value of the operator. Providing the right tools of the trade is one thing, training and retaining such individuals, who with the advent of GPS effectively manage their own section of the site, is a key to future success.

Yours till next month Graham Black, Editor

The next issue of EARTHMOVERS magazine is available on 5 November NOVEMBER 2021

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CONTENTS UPFRONT

FEATURES

45 MARKET REVIEW SMALL TELEHANDLERS

FIRST DRIVE TAKEUCHI TB325R Report from the cab of this new 2.5-tonne class reduced radius mini.

13 NEWS

51 SITE VISIT CAERNARFON BYPASS

A round-up of the latest news from the earthmoving and associated machinery industry.

November 2021

IBE R C S B SU AVE! &S

N RIPTIO SUBSC P NNUAL AND SAVE U A N A UT UE TAKE O MISS AN ISS BARGAIN! E – DON’T 8.20 INTO TH TO £ E 86

G SEE PA

Report focuses on the fleet of machinery deployed by Jones Bros.

23 PRODUCT LAUNCH CAT 6040

55 SITE VISIT OAKLEY TEST SITE

Report on Caterpillar’s new 400-tonne class hydraulic mining excavator.

Constructing the first UK proving ground for autonomous vehicles.

59 MARKET GUIDE ROTATING GRABS

26 TRAINING CPA AWARDS Graham Black reports as apprentices get the recognition they deserve.

The wide range of rotating selector grabs available on the UK market.

65 DEMOLITION LIVERPOOL DOCKS

29 SITE VISIT KELHEAD QUARRY First Hitachi ZX530-7 sold in Scotland is settling in on quarry duties.

A tricky demolition job on a former warehouse in the Port of Liverpool.

69 PILING MOVAX SG45V

35 SITE VISIT VOLVO EC250E

Piling attachment hard at work with a new compact radius Hyundai.

Old-school firm’s high-tech kit and some of the south-west’s top operators.

73 ATTACHMENTS REPTAIL SPREADER

41 NEW PRODUCTS CAT HANDLERS M-Series updates, including details of an additional model, the MH3026.

Compact handlers that offer a lifting capacity of up to 3.6 tonnes.

ISSUE NUMBER 211

Finnish-made stone-spreading attachment run by a JCB 437 wheel loader.

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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35 TAIL END

79 FACTORY VISIT EURO-FAB Resurrected Scots firm specialises in the manufacture of steel buckets.

83 EURO FOCUS SLIPFORM SURFACING Wirtgen machinery at work on the D1 motorway in the Czech Republic.

87 CLASSIC PLANT M9 MOTORWAY Tarmac’s pioneering use of hydraulic excavators for mass muck shifting.

93 TECHNOLOGY FUELS Report on an early adopter of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

95 INTERVIEW L. LYNCH MACHINE CONTROL Paul Keenan heads-up the hire firm’s significant move into machine control.

96 PLANTMOBILIA BYMO PC8000-6 Limited edition 1:50-scale model of an 800-tonne Komatsu face shovel, produced in Drummond livery.

98 NEXT MONTH

Here’s a taster of just some of the exciting features planned for the next issue.

102 PICTURE POST

Got any interesting or unusual pictures of earthmoving men or machinery? WIN £20 for our ‘Pic of the Month’.

NOVEMBER 2021

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EARTHMOVERS

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A LONG WAY

TOGETHER

EARTHMAX SR 41 No matter how challenging your needs, EARTHMAX SR 41 is your best ally when it comes to operations that require extraordinary traction. Thanks to its All Steel radial structure and the special block pattern, EARTHMAX SR 41 provides excellent resistance against punctures and an extended service life. In addition to long working hours without downtime, the tyre ensures extraordinary comfort. EARTHMAX SR 41 is BKT’s response to withstand the toughest operating conditions in haulage, loading and dozing applications.

IMPORTER FOR THE UK

Tel: +44 0151 728 4171 bkt_enquiries@kirkbytyres.co.uk www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

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FIRST DRIVE // TAKEUCHI TB325R Below and inset: The latest addition to the Takeuchi range is the 2.5-tonne class, reduced radius TB325R mini-excavator.

“THE NEW TB325R HAS BARELY ANY REAR OVERHANG, JUST A MEASLY 70MM WHEN WORKING AT 90 DEGREES TO THE TRACK FRAME”

TIGHT FIT TAKEUCHI

Nick Drew reports from the cab of Takeuchi’s new 2.5-tonne class reduced radius mini-excavator apanese compact excavator manufacturer Takeuchi continues the roll-out of its ultra-low emissions Series 3 machines. Following hot on the heels of the TB370 model is the

all-new TB325R, a reduced tailswing 2.5-tonner. It is the natural replacement for the extremely popular, but now discontinued Takeuchi TB23R mini, over 1200 examples of which have been sold to UK customers since its launch back in 2004. Although marketed as a reduced radius machine, the new TB325R has barely any rear overhang, just a measly 70mm when working at 90 degrees to the track frame. Complete with a hitch and a standard bucket, a cabbed TB325R weighs in at 2440kg, or 2310kg in canopy form. Such near zerotailswing minis, which can be towed under a 3.5t gross weight limit, are extensively used by utility contractors, and plant hire firms report growing demand from ever-more congested sites.

IN THE CAB Cheshire-based Scott’s Hire kindly supplied a brand new TB325R for my First Drive, which was conducted within the facilities of Greater Manchester Construction Training (GMCT) in Rochdale. My first impression is that the TB325R has a far more pleasing look than the outgoing TB23R model that, despite its popularity, was a bit of an oddball in the Takeuchi range in terms of its styling. I was impressed at the way the cab door folds back into its locked open position within the recessed counterweight and lower side skirt, to protect the open door from any accidental damage. Unfortunately, I found the door opening to be on the tight side. Considering that I’m a little fella, it was a bit of a squeeze to get in. However, once ensconced in the comfy suspension seat, the cab felt roomy enough for such a compact swing excavator. Although NOVEMBER 2021

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Above, right and inset: State-of-the-art Japanese engine and hydraulics are packaged with an offset boom and near zero tailswing.

TB325R WALK-AROUND With an overall crawler length of 1890mm and a width of 1500mm, this fixed undercarriage model offers a good footprint, resulting in a well-balanced working platform for this reduced radius 2.5t mini, when equipped with an appropriate bucket. This example is fitted with standard 250mm-wide rubber tracks, and 250mm steel tracks are available as an option. Triple flanged bottom rollers are fitted, four on each side, with one top carrier roller. This provides a much-improved ride for the operator and better track retention on tough ground conditions. At the business end, it’s all classic Takeuchi: all the pipework is nicely routed up the boom and down through to the dipper, offering the hoses great protection. The heavy-duty dozer blade is fitted with guarding for its hydraulic ram. There is a choice of auxiliary hydraulic pipework, first and third service lines are fitted with hitch pipework as standard, while a second auxiliary line is an option. This example did not use Takeuchi’s integrated hitch control system, its new owner preferring a simple but effective Harford Safelock manual hitch.

there is no dedicated storage shelf behind the seat, you could actually set a lunch bag down there, a welcome rarity among recentlylaunched compact radius minis. The cab floor has one main pedal, which operates the offset boom function. T-bar track levers are fitted, but fold-away track pedals are an optional extra. The sturdy rubber floor mat looks like it would be easy to clean out with a quick brush. A small round heel pedal, on the offside

rear of the floor, is used in conjunction with buttons on the proportional joysticks to control the integrated Takeuchi quick-hitch release function. Takeuchi has retained the rotary throttle dial recessed into the right arm rest, which is a neat feature. But I couldn’t get comfortable with the dozer control lever, which seems to be a bit of a stretch; longer-armed operators would probably not find it an issue.

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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FIRST DRIVE // TAKEUCHI TB325R

“THE MACHINE DISPLAYED ALL THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT FROM A MODERN TAKEUCHI EXCAVATOR” Above, above right and inset: The new mini follows the well-regarded Takeuchi take on cab interior design – comfortable and practical, with very few frills.

Takeuchi’s cab interiors have come a long way since the days of the old Series 1 models, which were practical, no-frills machines. That practicality has continued through the Series 2 and into the Series 3 machines, but with successive upgrades to the quality of the interior. All the machine’s auxiliary controls are located on the right-hand console, a bank of eight waterproof rocker switches, including those for lights, the wiper, screen wash and the engine auto-idle function. There is also a switch for the fan motor to supply hot air into the cab. As there is no air-conditioning option on this model, in the summer it is a case of turning off the tap in the engine bay and using the fan to blow fresh air. All-round visibility is excellent. I especially liked the 60/40 offside sliding window. When combined with the opening top screen and removable lower section, stored at the rear of the cab, there are a range of options for air flow and communication with ground crew. At the rear of the offside console an AM/ FM Bluetooth radio is fitted, offering full connectivity with mobile devices, which can be powered from an adjacent 12v socket. Keeping things practical, and in line with

the TB325R’s compact dimensions, there is a small 3.5in display monitor. The top part shows coolant temperature and fuel level, together with a variety of warning lights. The lower LCD element displays machine hours and features a basic menu to allow the operator to make adjustments to the hydraulic flow to suit a particular attachment.

IN THE DIG With a flick of the high-tech Takeuchi security key and cranking up the throttle dial, the latest version of the little threecylinder Yanmar engine sprang to life, producing that familiar drone of the top-quality Japanese power-pack. Selecting the top speed of 4.3kph, I tracked the machine towards a mound of earth on the training ground. As I reached the slope, the undercarriage’s load-sensing automatic shift system geared down to allow an easier climb uphill. On reaching the summit I set up to shift some loose soil about on top of the heap. The machine displayed all the characteristics that we have come to expect from a modern Takeuchi excavator. Cutting-edge Japanese hydraulic components ensure smooth and effortless control on the joysticks, combined with good speed and power. A slew speed of 8.9rpm confirms that this 2.5-tonner is no slouch.

But all was not well, as the factory-fresh mini had been temporarily equipped with a bucket that was far too large for a 2.5-tonner, which unsettled its balance when working over the side. Fortunately, Takeuchi soon turned up with correct-sized buckets, allowing me to get a realistic feel of the machine. With the correct bucket, the TB325R performed like a totally different animal, remaining rooted to the floor no matter how far the digging equipment was stretched. This example is fitted with a UK-spec long dipper arm, providing a maximum reach at ground level of 4350mm. No matter what I tried, I failed to unsettle the new Takeuchi’s balance. Coming down off the heap, we then fitted a 600mm digging bucket to undertake some trenching work. The ground on the training area is a real mixed bag of clay and rubble, which can be quite wet the deeper you dig. None of this caused a real problem for this tough little compact mini. Visibility down into the excavation was good, and the TB3235R provided a maximum dig depth of 2540mm, while the maximum dumping height is 2775mm. The offset boom offers a slew angle of 55 degrees to the right and 70 degrees to the left. If I had one wish for mini-excavators these days it would be for a return to the NOVEMBER 2021

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FIRST DRIVE // TAKEUCHI TB325R “DESPITE THE RATHER CRAMMED LOOK IN THE ENGINE BAY, ACCESS TO THE REGULAR DAILY MAINTENANCE POINTS IS RELATIVELY EASY”

Left, right and inset: All service points within the rear engine bay are easy to reach, with particularly good access to the fuel tank located at the front offside corner.

90-degree offset angle to the left, which is so handy when cutting or cleaning out ditches and the like.

CONCLUSION As sites become increasingly congested, the demand for compact radius and zero-tailswing minis is increasing at some pace. No doubt they are safer for any ground workers that get too close. There is also far less risk, compared with a conventional mini, of damaging the machine when slewing close to a structure. The downside of such designs is a 10

comprise in the size of the cab. It is a bit of a tight fit to get into the TB325R, but this is outweighed by the tight corners this near zero-tailswing mini, complete with an offset boom, can operate in. Once seated, there is adequate space and good visibility, plus the pleasure of working with the latest generation of Takeuchi’s legendary hydraulic systems. This is yet another cracking machine from Takeuchi, which is sure to appeal to the ‘Red & Grey’ faithful. As will what is thought to be Takeuchi’s next compact excavator launch, a 3.5-tonne reducedtailswing machine.

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS

NEWS A round-up of news stories in the plant ant and machinery construction industry

MECALAC

TILT-ROTATORS ecalac has introduced dedicated tilt-rotators for use with the firm’s unique Connect hydraulic quick coupler system. Two models, the MR50 and MR60, provide 360 degrees of rotation and 40 degrees of tilt to each side. Available with or without a grab, they are offered together with a selection of appropriately-shaped grading buckets and come with a two-year warranty. Tilt-rotators for the 11MWR and 9MWR wheeled excavators are already available. Over the coming months they will be introduced for the 8MCR and 10MCR tracked machines, and tilt-rotators for the rest of their excavator range will follow in due course.

MINING GIANT GOING

GREEN WITH CAT lobal mining giant BHP has announced a collaboration with Caterpillar to develop zero-emissions mining trucks for its massive surface mining sites. This agreement will help shape the technology, processes and infrastructure that will be required to support such machinery on sites around the world. BHP will have early access to the future Cat technologies that they have helped to shape, and will be ahead of the game as far as getting hands-on experience with the kit, which will ease the eventual deployment of production machines. During the next year, BHP will provide operator and maintenance input into the Cat design process. Interestingly, this process also has the goal of developing mining machines that can be operated and serviced by a broader range of the workforce.

PROMOVE DEMO KIT FROM TDL Sheffield-based TDL Equipment is now a dealer for the Promove demolition range of attachments. All the major parts are manufactured in-house by the Italian company, whose range includes hydraulic breakers suitable for excavators from 600kg micro-machines right up to 130-tonners. Features include valve technology to prevent unintentional blank firing, an auto-greasing system and even a telematics system if required. TDL will also sell and support its full range of selector grabs, which are suitable for excavators from 700kg micros up to massive 200-tonners. They are relatively compact in design and feature a large opening and high loading capacities. TDL will also carry Promove’s range of scrap shears, which are compatible with excavators from two to 85 tonnes.

NOVEMBER 2021

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NEWS

LPG KUBOTA

MINI ubota has launched a liquid petroleum gas (LPG)-powered version of its KX019-4 miniexcavator. This spark ignition power pack emits almost zero particulate matter and, compared to a diesel compression engine, very little in the way of nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons. The engine does not need an expensive diesel particulate filter and operates at lower noise levels, while providing the same levels of power in a conventional mini. Editor’s note: This development further demonstrates the wide range of environmentally-friendly fuels that can be used in internal combustion engines; the future is certainly not going to be allelectric. Kubota should be congratulated for expanding the choice of significantly more environmentally-friendly fuels, which could also be cheaper to run than diesels. However, LPG-powered kit is unlikely to gain widespread acceptance as, contrary to popular belief, it is a heavier gas than air. Just in case there is ever a fuel leak, it’s best not used indoors, nor if there are ground workers in the trench being excavate, particularly in cold weather, which tends to hold the vapour together, slowing down its dissipation. Saying that, this LPG-powered mini will no doubt be exactly what some folk have been waiting for. Especially in those parts of Europe where the cost of LPG is significantly lower than diesel, which may well include the UK from next spring.

WELDERS WANTED:

APPLY TO JCB A

s is almost becoming a matter of routine this year, as a result of soaring demand for its products, JCB is on another recruitment drive. The latest vacancies include 100 new welders for its Staffordshire factories, permanent jobs at JCB’s World HQ and its plants in Cheadle and Uttoxeter.

TOP-SPEC DUMPER TO NORTHERN IRELAND County Down-based John Dan O’Hare has bought the highest specification JCB site dumper ever ordered from a customer in Northern Ireland. Supplied by Dennison JCB, the ultra-low emissions 9T-2 cabbed site dumper boasts a power-shuttle four-speed transmission, a road light kit, front screen guard, a skip guard, a 360-degree multi-camera system and a rear radar warning system.

EARTHMOVERS

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MINIMUM SWING

NEW

245XR | EXCAVATOR

MAXIMUM SPACE

Introducing our latest addition to the X Series. At just 1,720mm, the new 245XR has a 40% shorter tailswing than the conventional 220X, making it ideal for work in conﬁned urban sites and highways. Despite having reduced tail swing, the 245XR still boasts one of the biggest, most comfortable, quiet and easy to operate cabs on the market, while our proven Stage V DIESELMAX engine and selectable swing smoothing as standard provide optimum performance in any application.

WWW.JCB.COM/245XR

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NEWS

FIRST NEW GKD HEIGHT

LIMITER FITTED ynch Plant Hire is the first company in the UK to use GKD Technologies’ advanced height limiting system, recently installed on a new JCB 540-140 telehandler. The system guards against overhead dangers and uses integrated angle and boom extension sensors to ensure that height limits are not exceeded. The telehandler is now working on the HS2 rail project.

TEREX TRUCKS REBRAND

Volvo-owned, Scottish-based Terex Trucks has rebranded its articulated dump trucks as Rokbak, reflecting the change with a new colour scheme. MD Paul Douglas said, “We already have a very healthy order book for the new brand, and we want to further expand our reputation, dealer network and market share. We’re still the same skilled, experienced and passionate team, committed to making rock-solid haulers every day. But we also have a clear vision for where we want to go and who we want to be.”

EARTHMOVERS

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NEW COMPACT BOBCAT DUCK obcat has introduced an ultra-low emissions six-tonne class wheeled excavator, the E57W. It is powered by a Stage 5 Bobcat 2.4-litre engine, rated at 57hp (42.5kW), which does not require AdBlue. This engine produces its maximum torque of 202Nm at 1600rpm, which is 200rpm lower than its Stage 3B predecessor. With a cleaner-burning engine mated to a more sophisticated control system, which includes engine auto-idle and auto shut-down, expect this more environmentally-friendly compact duck to be more fuel efficient as well. The cab is pressurised and boasts a low noise level of 74dBA, together with low vibration levels. It comes with a fully adjustable and heated air-suspension seat and air conditioning as standard, alongside a 7in touch-screen monitor.

NOVEMBER 2021

17/09/2021 15:16

GO FURTHER GO HIGHER MERLO

ROTO RANGE

FIND YOUR AUTHORISED DEALER ON OUR DEALER LOCATOR ON MERLO.CO.UK

Kg Tilting Cab

360 Visibility

Frame Levelling

16-35m

Lifting Height

7000kg

Lift Capacity

LEADERS IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

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THE

REACH NEW HEIGHTS

merlo.co.uk

15/09/2021 09:21

NEWS

MERLO FOR BTE

Dealer BTE Plant Sales now sells and supports the Merlo range of construction machinery.

NEW CVT

WHEEL KOMATSU’S 10-TONNE

DUCK UPGRADED eplacing its Dash 10 predecessor is the Komatsu PW98MR-11, a 10-tonne class compact wheeled excavator, which is mated to an upgraded hydraulic system. The newcomer meets Stage 5 regulations without the use of AdBlue and Komatsu says it will be 5% more productive, thanks to faster boom hoist and upper-structure slew functions, with up to a 10% improvement in fuel economy. A 100% differential lock on both axles as standard will aid traction on slippery and uneven surfaces. The slewing boom allows digging parallel to buildings or barriers, and the boom lift cylinders are protected for safer truck loading. High-flow auxiliary hydraulics come as standard, which offer 10% more flow than its predecessor, with proportional joysticks also in the standard build. They are said to offer precise control and are equipped to handle not only sophisticated attachments, but also to activate a number of machine functions. Travel direction, stabilisers and manual/automatic axle lock can be actuated by switches on the joysticks, or by conventional switches on the dashboard. For example, without removing a hand from the right joystick, an operator can switch its function from activating the boom to offering precise control over its dozer blade.

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LOADER oosan has launched the DL420CVT-7, a wheel loader with a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 cubic metres, which features a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Power is provided by an ultra-low emissions Stage 5 Scania engine rated at 326hp (240kW). This 38kph driveline should deliver significant fuel savings over a standard transmission. The CVT offers the best of both worlds, as it combines both mechanical and hydrostatic elements.

NOVEMBER 2021

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PRECISION MEETS TOUGHNESS With more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing telehandlers, we’ve engineered the new R-Series range to provide a balanced combination of a dependable, robust machine for maximum uptime with precise controls, unrivalled comfort and smooth operation for tackling any job.

Meet the new generation of Bobcat Telehandlers for construction: Control at any height thanks to precise controls and extremely rigid boom New operator workspace with intuitive operation Fully protected components for maximum uptime

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR VISIT WWW.BOBCAT.COM

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NEWS

HITACHI’S DASH 7 ROLL-OUT CONTINUES urope’s first ultra-low emissions 13-tonne class Hitachi ZX130-7 excavator has been put to work by the Birmingham-based specialist groundworks and infrastructure contractor, MV Kelly. Rightfully so, as Kelly has bought more than 3000 Hitachi excavators over the years. It currently runs over 500 examples, ranging from the ZX33U-6 mini to the ZX300-6, across 227 sites in central England.

Hitachi appears to be on a roll in the UK, as the new generation of Dash 7 machines increasingly appear on sites. We report elsewhere in this issue on a new ZX530-7. The wholly Hitachi-owned UK distributor seems to be investing heavily in its service and parts support infrastructure for UK customers. This includes opening a new product support depot in Normanton, near Wakefield. The 5200sq.ft facility is intended to better support

customers in the Yorkshire region, bridging the coverage between Hitachi UK’s Newcastle and Warrington parts and service depots. It has created three new jobs, including an additional field service technician. In this month’s ZX530-7 feature, EARTHMOVERS exclusively reveals another development: Hitachi is also heavily investing in a new Scottish depot, based at Cumbernauld.

LATEST PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM Plant hirer Plantforce has installed the latest pedestrian detection system on one of its new Kobelco SK350 excavators. Supplied by the FTC Group, the range-finder camera system includes a sophisticated algorithm, able to distinguish between people and other objects, to provide the operator with a warning should people enter the working area.

EARTHMOVERS

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PRODUCT LAUNCH // CAT 6040 “AT THE HEART OF THE 6040 IS A PAIR OF 32-LITRE CAT V12 ENGINES, WHICH OFFER A COMBINED GROSS POWER OF 2079HP”

The new Cat 6040 is available as a 22-cubic-metre face shovel or backhoe, designed to load up to 4000 tonnes per hour.

LATEST 400-TONNER David Wylie reports on Caterpillar’s new 400-tonne class hydraulic mining excavator, the mighty 6040 decade after buying the RH range of mining-class hydraulic excavators from Bucyrus, Caterpillar has closed the historic former O&K factory in Germany. These monster miners are now designed in Tucson, Arizona and built at Cat’s Batam factory

in Indonesia. In addition to promoting the latest versions of its 300- and 600-tonners at the recent Minexpo show in Las Vegas, Cat took the opportunity to launch the new 400-tonne 6040 model. The 6040 is designed to load up to 4000 tonnes an hour with a 22-cubic-metre capacity bucket, either as a backhoe or in the classic O&K configuration of a TriPower face shovel. It can load a Cat 785 in four passes, while it’s a five-pass match to a Cat 789 and a six-pass match to Cat 793 mining trucks. Both types of front-end working equipment have a design life of at least 60,000 hours. At the heart of the 6040 is a pair of 32-litre Cat V12 engines, which offer a combined gross power of 2079hp (1550kW). Interestingly, this massive twin power pack meets the Stage 5 ultra-low emissions

standards without the use of either a diesel particulate filter or an AdBlue system. As has already appeared on the 600-tonne 6060 model, the 6040 receives Cat’s new heavy-duty undercarriage. It features extremely durable rollers and idlers that have duo cone seals, steel-back bronze bearings for increased service life and to eliminate overheating during tracking. Updated track pads and a track tensioning system are also part of the new undercarriage package, which is intended to lower long-term operating costs. NOVEMBER 2021

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PRODUCT LAUNCH // CAT 6040 “THE NETWORK OF ELECTRONIC SENSORS AND CONTROL SYSTEMS WITHIN A 6040 GENERATES A HUGE VOLUME OF DATA”

CAT 6040 BASIC SPECS Face Shovel

Backhoe

Total Gross Power

2079hp

Operating weight

404.6 tonnes

407.3 tonnes

Bucket payload

39.6 tonnes

Bucket capacity

22cu.m

Crowd/ tearout force

1791kN

1018kN

Max breakout force

1201kN

1123kN

As part of the standard package, the principal access route features shallow angle steps for greater safety, plus an emergency egress ladder adjacent to the cab.

HIGH TECH

STOP PRESS As we go to press, further information has been released by Caterpillar about their plans for this product line. They confirm that autonomous and remotely-operated prototypes of the larger 6060 model are currently being evaluated at their Tinaja Hills proving ground in Arizona, with the new 6040 model next in line for such development. The 6040, 6060 and 6090 are available as tethered electric-drive machines, as opposed to being powered by a pair of massive diesel engines. A new development is that owners of diesel-powered 6090s, the largest hydraulic excavator in the world, will have the option of converting it to electric drive during a planned major rebuild. One would expect this service to be extended to the smaller models, with Cat also confirming that they are evaluating other drivetrain options, including an on-board hydrogen fuel cell.

Above, right and below: The 6040 features a heavy-duty undercarriage for increased durability and lower operating costs, and a host of high-tech systems.

The network of electronic sensors and control systems within a 6040 generates a huge volume of data. Cat’s standard mining telematics system has been upgraded to Product Link Elite, which provides simultaneous data transfer both to the cloud and to the mine’s local server. This reflects a greater use of machine data across the customer’s business, not just to monitor machine health, but also to help plan future workloads and site layout to achieve maximum efficiency. Product Link Elite is said to be easy to navigate and simple for the operator to create widgets and lay out the screen to their own preference. The latest Cat 6040 represents a new era for this historic mining shovel, which started back in 1995 with the 340-tonne O&K RH170. As its upgraded undercarriage, engines, hydraulics and main structures are now fully integrated within Caterpillar’s vast engineering and global support network, the new 6040 is a 400-tonner for the future, not from the past.

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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“THE STANDARD OF ENTRIES FOR STARS OF THE FUTURE THIS YEAR WAS EXCEPTIONAL” Stars of the future 2021 (from left to right): Luke Thornton, Lucy O’Rourke, Amy Wicks, Liam Basson, Beth Doel, Jim Baraclough and Dean Johnston.

AN INDUSTRY IN SAFE HANDS

Graham Black reports on the potential leaders of our industry, as apprentices get the recognition they deserve ollowing the worst of the pandemic, the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) hosted one of the industry’s first live events, to honour outstanding apprentices and trainees within the plant industry. Over 220 people attended the Stars of the Future awards ceremony, held at the Heart of England conference centre near Coventry. This national awards scheme is

intended to recognise and reward outstanding individuals. People who not only bring ability and commitment to their learning and work, but also possess something more: attributes that mark them out as being not only the future foundations of the industry, but also potentially its leaders. Despite the many challenges that employers, training providers and apprentices have faced over recent

months, the number of entries was one of the highest ever in the award programme’s nine-year history. As well as receiving national recognition, Stars of the Future winners won prizes on the day, including Snap-on tool kits, training courses, iPads, vouchers and an all-expenses paid trip to a factory in Germany. Kevin Minton, chief executive of the CPA said, “The standard of entries for Stars of the Future this year was exceptional and we were delighted to welcome the nominees and winners to the awards ceremony and congratulate them in person. The judges really had a difficult task choosing the winners, and it was reassuring to see that the future of the construction plant sector really is in safe hands.” I echo Kevin’s words, as I was part of the external judging panel, which had the difficult task of whittling down the shortlists, which were made up of the

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TRAINING // CPA AWARDS Jim Baraclough, Plant Operative of the Year.

2021 STARS OF THE FUTURE National Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2) Winner: Dean Johnston, Liebherr, NSCG Stafford College. Highly Commended: Jason Pritchard, Focus Enviro./Edg-Tec, NSCG Stafford. Lochlan Lewis, Fitzgerald Plant Services, Bridgend College. National Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3) Winner: Luke Thornton, GGR Group, Activate Apprenticeships. Highly Commended: Tom Willgoose, Traction Equipment (Stafford). Plant Operative of the Year Winner: Jim Baraclough, L. Lynch Plant Hire. Highly Commended: Sid Verrill, L. Lynch Plant Hire.

finest trainees in the land. In all the categories there was no clear winner, which made my life hard, but is an indication of the quality of recent entrants to the industry. The origin of the Stars of the Future awards scheme was to attract more young adults to the industry, particularly trainee plant mechanics. The scheme has expanded significantly over the years and now includes a range of trades, including plant operator. A new

Luke Thornton, National Plant Technician of the Year (Level 3).

Plant Installer of the Year Winner: Liam Basson, Falcon Tower Crane Services. Highly Commended: Danny Walden, L. Lynch Plant Hire. Hire Controller of the Year Winner: Amy Wicks, L. Lynch Plant Hire. Highly Commended: Lucy Adams, GAP Group. College of the Year Winner: Askham Bryan College. Highly Commended: Reaseheath College. Best Personal Statement Award Beth Doel, HSS, Reaseheath College. Young Business of the Year Award Joseph Rollitt, Grasmere Plant Hire. Judges’ Special Award Lucy O’Rourke, Sunbelt Rentals, Reaseheath College.

Dean Johnston, National Plant Mechanic of the Year (Level 2).

category in this year’s scheme is plant installer. This is intended for both those training to commission machinery on site, such as cranes and mining excavators, but also for those who are learning how to install sophisticated systems, such as 3D GPS and tilt-rotators. I was impressed with all the finalists, across all the categories, but three super stars of the future stood out for me. Particular

congratulations to Jim Baraclough of L. Lynch Plant Hire (Plant Operator of the Year), Dean Johnston of Liebherr (Plant Mechanic of the Year) and Luke Thornton of GGR Group (Plant Technician of the Year). Without wishing to embarrass these individuals, so in no particular order, when thinking about their potential I had one marked down to become a chartered engineer, one destined for senior management and one that could become a millionaire! That’s a reflection of the realistic opportunities available within the plant community, as the quality of all the finalists is a strong indication that our industry will be in good hands. NOVEMBER 2021

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SITE VISIT // KELHEAD QUARRY

GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE

David Wylie visits the Grange Quarry Group to see how its new prime mover, the first Hitachi ZX530-7 to be sold in Scotland, is settling in s we have reported over the years, Lockerbie-based Grange Quarry has a network of quarries, concrete batching plants and local operating centres, together with fleets of both tipper and mixer trucks, supplying aggregates and ready-mixed concrete across Dumfriesshire and northern Cumbria. Since our last visit to Kelhead quarry near Annan, a new market has been developed for the limestone deposit on site, in the form of an agricultural lime. Last year 70,000 tonnes of this high calcium material were distributed by Grange Quarry to farmers throughout Scotland. A key product on site is a Breccia stone, known as Kelhead Red, which has many applications and is used extensively by Grange Quarry’s Lockerbie and Dalbeattie batching plants. Once the distinctive red rock has been through the primary crusher at the face, new Liebherr wheel loaders feed a fleet of articulated dump trucks, which haul the material to the top of

the quarry. Much of it is tipped directly into the washing plant’s in-feed hopper, which produces various finished products, including 10/20/40mm stone, together with grit and sand.

NEW PRIME MOVER Every few weeks a team from contractor RJ Blasting carry out their trade at the Kelhead quarry. Depending upon demand, the blast releases 20,000 to 60,000 tonnes of material at a time. Around 350,000 tonnes a year are extracted from this site, using a 50-plus tonne excavator as the prime mover at the main face. These duties have recently been entrusted

Grange Quarry has replaced a 50-tonne class mass excavation spec machine at its Kelhead quarry with a standard reach Hitachi, which weighs closer to 60 tonnes.

“THE ADDED ADVANTAGE OF MUCH BETTER REACH TO EFFECTIVELY LOAD THE MOBILE CRUSHER FROM ONE POSITION” NOVEMBER 2021

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to a Hitachi ZX530-7, the first example of this model to be sold in Scotland. It represents a minor, but important change in the working method at the face. The previous excavators were configured with mass excavation working equipment, while the new Hitachi – weighing closer to 60 than 50 tonnes – swings a larger threecubic-metre bucket on a longer, standardlength dipper arm. The extra reach this excavator provides will come in handy when loading material into a tracked crusher and for descaling the rock faces. The standard-length working equipment is robust enough to regularly host a 4.7-tonne Rammer 5011 hydraulic hammer. Despite trying various blasting configurations over the years, this formation of Kelhead Red always seems to produce a lot of oversize material. The new ZX530-7 will typically spend the first few days after a blast reducing the larger rocks to a size suitable for the tracked crusher. However, appropriately-shaped large lumps are increasingly being diverted out of the production chain at this point, to help fulfil the growing demand for rock armour – more about this later.

OPERATOR FEEDBACK At the time of our visit the new Hitachi was using its 3cu.m MST rock bucket to feed the Kelhead Red stone into a Kleemann 122 impact crusher, which has a rated throughput of 475 tonnes per hour. At the controls of the ZX530-7 excavator was Denny Duff who, over the last seven years, has operated every new prime mover at the quarry. He said, “Compared to my previous 50-tonne mass excavation machine, this new ZX530-7, with its standard stick and boom and bigger bucket, has lots of digging performance. And has the added advantage of much better reach, to effectively load the mobile crusher from one position. “The heavy-duty undercarriage and 600mm-wide double grouser track pads make for a very stable machine and the full-length track guards offer good rock protection for the bottom rollers. The cab is nice and comfortable as it comes with all the very latest creature comforts. I particularly like that the levers and seat slide independently from each other to get the most comfortable operating position.” Denny was also enthusiastic about

a number of those all-important minor design details, which make his life easier. They not only include an automatic greasing system, but also a grease gun reel with a long enough reach to maintain the quick-hitch. In addition, the hydraulic connections to feed the hammer line are easily reached from ground level. With much experience gained over the years of breaking this tough material, the front of the new Hitachi has been provided with additional protection. Collaboration between the site’s fitters and local company DK Engineering has resulted in a large hoist cylinder guard, which also provides protection for the cab’s offside window. The team have also designed and built a dismountable fine screen to stop fragments coming through the standard quarry-spec front screen rock guard. Quarry supervisor George Lowther explained, “We suffered from a few minor cracks

Above and below: Providing almost 12m of reach, the ZX530-7 works with a 3cu.m MST rock bucket, a Rammer 5011 hammer and a heavy-duty Eurofab ripper.

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SITE VISIT // KELHEAD QUARRY in the front and side windows of our last machine. The team decided to do something different and came up with an effective side guard and detachable mesh screen to protect the front window when breaking the oversize rocks.” The new Hitachi is subject to a full five-year/10,000-hour service and repair package from the manufacturer, as George continued, “We’re delighted with the new machine’s performance and the service back-up has been fantastic from our local Hitachi engineer. From arrival to its recent first 500-hour service, the machine has not missed a beat. We’re also delighted with the new Hitachi’s fuel economy. It’s burning less diesel than the previous machine and AdBlue consumption is also low, as it’s only using about 10 litres every few days.”

MD Stuart Dodd, said, “With the big threecubic metre MST bucket it will be tipping the scales at nearly 60 tonnes, loading the primary crusher with fast cycle times with its bigger bucket and longer reach stick than the

ZX530-7 SPEC HIGHLIGHTS At the heart of the ZX530-7 is a Stage 5 ultra-low emissions six-cylinder Isuzu engine, mated to the latest in cutting-edge Japanese hydraulic systems. Hitachi claims that this combination results in fuel savings of up to 11% compared with the previous model, together with faster cycle times. The driveline features Hitachi’s unique ConSite Oil system, which continuously monitors the quality of the engine and hydraulic oils. The data are available remotely in real time from Hitachi’s telematics system and its various portals. Periodic oil sampling is a widespread maintenance technique in the quarry sector, and ConSite Oil helps to provide a highly accurate estimation of component health, plus the ability to react immediately to any indication of an imminent component failure. The ZX530-7 comes with wide full-length catwalks to provide safe access to the engine and hydraulic bays on the nearside of the upper-structure. This example also features full boxing-ring handrail structures round the upper-structure, in addition to quarry-spec flashing rear strobe lights and chevrons. An interesting feature in the cab is the fitment of Hitachi’s aerial angle camera system, which provides a 360-degree view round the machine, displayed on a large LCD control monitor.

THE BIG PICTURE The improved fuel consumption from this ultra-low emissions excavator (see spec panel) is only one part of the equation, as it is also more productive than its predecessor. Grange Quarry’s founder, Right, below right and inset: In addition to a large guard protecting the main hoist cylinders, an easily mountable mesh screen is used to protect the front screen when using the hydraulic hammer.

“WHILE IT IS STILL EARLY DAYS OPERATING THE ZX530-7, EVERYONE IS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE” NOVEMBER 2021

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SITE VISIT // KELHEAD QUARRY “WE WERE IMPRESSED TO HEAR OF HITACHI’S PLANS TO SUPPORT SCOTTISH CUSTOMERS WITH MORE SERVICE SUPPORT STAFF”

previous machine. Hitachi is a well-respected brand for reliability and durability. “When we looked at the market for a heavy-duty excavator that would fit the needs of Kelhead quarry, I spoke to Oliver Halligan at Hitachi about the ZX530-7. We have a long-standing relationship with Oliver, who understood our needs and put together a competitive package for a high specification machine and service contract to suit our needs. Since service support is very important to us, we were impressed to hear of Hitachi’s plans to support Scottish customers, with more service support staff and a larger depot situated in central Scotland.” With the changing climate there is an increasing demand from various local authorities for rock armour as part of flood defence projects. Although a limited amount of suitable material can be diverted from the main blast heave, Stuart ordered a heavy-duty ripper tooth for the new Hitachi to prise out large square-shaped rocks from the face. It was designed and built by local attachment manufacturer Eurofab, which is featured elsewhere in this issue. 32

CONCLUSION The Kelhead quarry currently has planning permission for another 15 or so years. The site is being progressively restored, and at the time of our visit a Komatsu PX65 dozer was spreading sub- and topsoil to reinstate a worked-out section. Elsewhere on site there is a state-of-the-art CDE M2500 E4 mobile washing plant with an AggMax 83 portable logwasher. It produces a range of saleable products manufactured from inert waste materials accepted into the site’s recycling station. Without rebated red diesel from next spring, off-road machinery businesses such as Grange Quarry are facing a significant increase in their fuel bill. One way to mitigate this is by bulking up a number of marginal gains. The new Hitachi is proving to be more economical than its predecessor, but also delivers more productivity, while its flexibility has been increased with the provision of specialist attachments. Stuart concluded, “While it is still early days operating the ZX530-7, everyone is really impressed with its performance.”

Below and inset: The Hitachi feeds a Kleemann impact crusher, following which the material is hauled to the processing plant. Elsewhere on site progressive restoration is underway.

HITACHI CUMBERNAULD In what is rapidly becoming a local centre of excellence for the off-road machinery trade, Hitachi has relocated its presence in Scotland to Cumbernauld near Glasgow. No longer operating from a small parts depot at Bellshill, Hitachi now supports its Scottish customers from a 12,500sq.ft facility, complete with a parts warehouse and a trade counter. There are also workshop facilities together with a large concrete yard to accommodate the stock of new and used machines. Eight full-time members of staff will be based at the depot, which has created a number of job opportunities, as Hitachi UK’s Stephen Creaser explained, “By investing in bigger premises, employing new sales staff, additional service engineers and a dedicated product support manager, we can ensure that customer uptime will be maximised throughout the region. “There is massive scope for growth here in Scotland. We have already gained the trust of many new customers since the announcement of the new depot, and we look forward to driving their businesses forward over the coming months and years.”

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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SITE VISIT // VOLVO EC250E

QUALITY COUNTS Nick Drew visits an old-school firm that works with the latest high-tech kit, run by some of the south-west’s top operators

stablished in 1960, BT Jenkins is one of the premier earthmoving contractors in the south west. At the beginning of 2017 the firm was acquired by Bristol-based CJL Construction. Run in the same professional manner as a wholly separate company, the business continues to go from strength to strength. In addition to its earthmoving contracts, Jenkins also runs inert landfill operations, as well as recycling and screening operations at three local waste stations. BT Jenkins is run by operations manager Russell Lowton, who has been with the firm for 25 years, assisted by experienced contracts manager Simon Bray. The business has a long-standing and enviable reputation for directly employing some of the best plant operators in the south west. The formula is simple enough: treat the operators well, including a good wage, a new van and the latest machines, and they will look after the firm. Jenkins is not a massive concern, running around 22

Right and inset: BT Jenkins’s latest excavator, a high-tech Stage 5 Volvo EC250E, has been entrusted to experienced operator Phil Nicholson

machines, but big enough to cope with a wide variety of projects, delivered by an extremely experienced team with a level of professionalism that is highly sought after. Simon Bray said, “Because the company is not stupidly big, we find it easier to keep control of the operator situation. Some big firms have a need to fill the seats and end up pulling in people who might not be up to the required standard, which as we all know can cause problems. In that respect, we are lucky. We source the very best operators, look after them well and they stay with us.”

25-TONNERS Volvo is Jenkins’ long-term excavator supplier, and the firm – like countless others – traditionally runs 21/22-tonne excavators. Having tried out the larger EC250E model,

Jenkins took the view that it was a relatively small price difference between the two, considering the improvement in lifting and digging performance the EC250E could offer, which would weigh at least 26 tonnes. Associated with this change, instead of being matched to 25t capacity ADTs, they now run larger Volvo A30G haulers. Running higher capacity load and haul machines will bring the business productivity benefits. The same can be said for Jenkins’ latest Cat D6s, which are far more of a dozer than their processors. Regarding preference for Volvo machinery over the years, Simon continued, “In the first instance we have a great relationship with our regional sales manager Richard Shelbourne. In addition to that the back-up we get from Volvo after the sale is fantastic. Dan Thirtle the head engineer for the south west is a great guy, nothing is too much bother.

“WE SOURCE THE VERY BEST OPERATORS, LOOK AFTER THEM WELL AND THEY STAY WITH US” NOVEMBER 2021

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“THE NEW EC250S ARE BRILLIANT MACHINES, THE DRIVERS LOVE THEM. THEY LOOK THE PART AND THE CAB COMFORT IS SECOND TO NONE”

“That is the key really. Good back-up is crucial in our game and that’s another reason we stick with Volvo and dealer SMT GB, which has really come on leaps and bounds in this region over the past 10 years or so. It’s not hard to see why, as it’s just a very good product. The new EC250s are brilliant machines and the drivers love them. They look the part and the cab comfort is second to none by anyone’s standards. As we see it, a happy operator is a productive operator. These lads spend half their lives in the cab, so it pays to have the best.” We encountered the latest ultra-low emissions Stage 5 version of the EC250E in a stunning location, on a hillside overlooking the Devon seaside town of Dawlish. Not a massive job by Jenkins standards, the team were brought in to construct an access road across agricultural land, then create two large compound areas to serve a £28m project to be undertaken by Morgan Sindall for Network Rail. The earthmoving involved an initial topsoil strip, followed by a 5500 cube cut-and-fill operation. When this was complete, the team were to spread 6500 tonnes of 40mm stone, which would then 36

be cement stabilised to form a strong concrete haul road and compound area. In a year’s time, following the rail works – a 200m-long extension to the rockfall shelter to the north of the Parsons Tunnel – the team will return to site to dig out the compounds and roads, then restore the land for agricultural use.

by main dealers under a service contract. Modern Volvo excavator cabs have long been the stuff of legend, packed full of creature comforts while being ergonomic and spacious with low interior noise levels. This latest model continues that theme. It certainly looks a nice place to spend your days.

FEEDBACK The new EC250E has been entrusted to experienced operator Phil Nicholson, who has been with the firm for around eight years. Earlier this year Phil, while operating an older version of the EC250E on the Jenkins’ fleet, had a little bit too much of an experience. He made TV headlines after unearthing a seriously large WW2 bomb on a site in Exeter. It was destroyed by a so-called controlled explosion, which caused substantial damage to surrounding properties. A scary experience for any excavator operator for sure! Jenkins adopts the old-school approach of allocating one operator to one machine, with an expectation that they will stay with that machine for the rest of its time on the fleet. All the front-line kit, which is regularly upgraded, is maintained

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SITE VISIT // VOLVO EC250E EC250E BASIC SPECS Depending on its configuration, the latest version of the Volvo EC250E will tip the scales at between 26t and an impressive 31 tonnes. It is powered by a Stage 5 ultra-low emissions Volvo six-cylinder engine rated at 225hp (168kW). While providing 5% more power than its predecessor, more importantly this engine is mapped to provide incredibly high torque at a surprisingly low 1600rpm. The engine is physically and digitally linked to Volvo’s cutting-edge electro-hydraulic system. This includes a new auto work mode setting, which matches engine power to the demand on the hydraulic system. According to Volvo, this state-of-the-art excavator driveline offers a fuel economy improvement of up to 10% over its Stage 4 older sibling. When the two EC250Es are working together, the dynamic new design of the latest counterweight is noticeable. The new machine has also been supplied with the hi-viz access handrails and upper-structure fall from height protection. It was supplied Trimble Earthworks ready from the factory and sits on standard UK spec 700mm-wide track pads. At the business end, this example is fitted with a Miller Powerlatch fully automatic hydraulic quick coupler, and came with three Miller buckets that feature the Volvo tooth system.

Weighing over 26 tonnes and matched to 30t capacity articulated dump trucks, the EC250E was getting through this task with barely a purr from its ultra-low emissions engine.

However, Phil’s new Stage 5 EC250E is brimming with the latest technology, which includes the optional joystick steering system. The thumb rollers on the SVAB joysticks also used for proportional rotation and tilt control, make this excavator tilt-rotator ready – something that Phil is

keen embrace. This example is also fitted with Volvo’s optional multi-camera system, providing a bird’s-eye view around the excavator. Volvo describes this working environment as the world’s first all-electric excavator cab. In addition to fly-by-wire joysticks, even the

travel pedals are now electric. Phil can even digitally adjust the boom swing and travel functions of the working equipment to suit his operating style, or to match jobsite requirements. He said, “This is my first brand new machine in eight years and it’s quite simply a dream to drive. I love the fact that it is so stable and remains planted at all times, nothing seems to unsettle it. The electric levers are a dream, very responsive, but you do still get that all-important feel and feedback. Having tracking on the joysticks is a real bonus, I rarely use the tracking levers anymore.” After a quick chat, Phil was back at work, excavating for the access road by cutting into the side of the field, which would be final trimmed by one of the dozers. The EC250E just purred away as Phil loaded A30G dump trucks in six passes at a slew speed of 11.7rpm. It’s a lively machine, with the power to match. The job looked so effortless, a credit to both the operator and the machine. Left and far left: Only two ADTs were required on this part of the job, so the third driver operated the compaction roller.

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SITE VISIT // VOLVO EC250E “IF THEY FIND THE CAB COMFORTABLE, THEN THEY ARE HAPPY, A HAPPY OPERATOR IS A PROFIT-MAKING OPERATOR”

CONCLUSION Elsewhere on site, an 18-month-old EC250E was being operated by Danny Austin. On the pair of nearly new Cat D6s were two south-west dozer legends, Mike Cann and Justin ‘Go Back’ Gliddon, who we last featured in the November 2020 edition of Earthmovers. Justin’s son Jamie is one of the A30G operators, alongside Scott Lowton and Dan Warren, who was temporarily operating the Volvo SD135B single-drum vibratory roller. The main production machines on the fleet, including the latest Volvo excavators and Cat dozers, are fully kitted-out to work with Trimble machine guidance systems. Boss Russell Lowton concluded, “Although we only run Cat and Volvo these days, we have always historically run a very mixed fleet and never had an allegiance to one particular brand. With the dozers, a switch to Cat 10 years ago was mainly due to the System One 38

undercarriage and strong residual values, which made future deals easier. “With our excavators and ADTs, the drivers have more impact than anything. We feel if they find the cab a comfortable place to be, then they are happy. And a happy operator is a profit-making operator.

Above, below and inset: A pair of nearly new Cat D6s on site were being operated by two south-west dozer legends, Mike Cann and Justin Gliddon.

Both Cat and Volvo offer tracking systems and we use them both to the maximum. On top of this, the integrated Trimble 3D GPS systems and SIM card connection to the machines work very well for us, saving both time and money. “In conclusion I would have to say a company is only as good as the team and that’s the ethos I work to always, as we are a team here at BT Jenkins.”

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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NEW PRODUCTS // CAT HANDLERS “A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN SWING TORQUE FOR THE MH3026 TO PRODUCE FASTER CYCLE TIMES”

There are now four models in the new Caterpillar range of materials handlers, with operating weights ranging from 22 to almost 40 tonnes.

FASTER AND SMARTER HANDLING As Kyle Molyneux reports, Caterpillar has released more details about its new range of materials handlers and has introduced a further model, the MH3026

he previously announced models in Caterpillar’s new range of materials handlers – 24.5t MH3022, 26.8t MH3024 and 38.5t MH3040 – have been joined by the 29.2t MH3026, which is primarily aimed at scrap metal and other waste applications. The newcomer is powered by an ultra-low emissions Stage 5 Cat engine rated at 171hp (128kW), featuring a new Eco setting for even better fuel economy. It powers a state-of-the-art electro-hydraulic system, which promises to reduce both cycle times and the fuel bill for this 13m-reach handler. Cat claims a significant increase in swing torque for the MH3026 over its old materials handlers, allowing the operator to produce faster cycle times. There is also a new heavy lift mode and hydraulic regeneration circuits on the working equipment This new range is much more than a Stage 5 upgrade, offering a host of improvements for the operator while making life a lot easier for the service technician.

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NEW PRODUCTS // CAT HANDLERS “DRAMATIC CHANGES TO SERVICE INTERVALS MOUNT UP TO A LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE SAVING”

Visibility from the hydraulicallyelevating cab is excellent, and the new hydraulic system delivers faster cycles times and an improvement in fuel economy.

IN THE CAB There is the choice of specifying Deluxe or Premium versions of Cat’s latest cab, on a hydraulic elevating mechanism offering a maximum cab height of 5.75m. The cabs come with a suite of high-tech sub-systems, including an E-fence, which prevents the machine’s working equipment moving outside of pre-defined parameters set by the operator. This system also includes a cab avoidance system, to prevent contact between the attachment and the cab. Entry to the cab has been improved by a nearside tilting console. Inside there is a high-resolution, 10in touch-screen with a jog dial for navigating the controls. It includes a feature that enables operators to save their preferred joystick and power mode settings. There is also an ex-factory joystick steering option, which further improves visibility and space in the cab, as there is no steering column Visibility is further boosted by the thin pillars on the new cab design, which is fitted with large tempered glass windows. Various thicker, higher impact-resistant windscreens 42

and roof windows are available on the options list. Offside and rear cameras are fitted as standard, and a full 360-degree system is available as an option.

MAINTENANCE BENEFITS The engine’s exhaust gas after-treatment packs are maintenance-free. All daily maintenance points can be accessed from ground level, while a new service platform

gives access to the upper service area. Cat reckons that its high-tech hydraulic oil filter lasts 50% longer than traditional designs, as change intervals are pushed out to 3000 hours. Anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement. All the fuel filters, including the air filter that features a new pre-cleaner, are changed at 1000 hours. Such dramatic changes to service intervals follow a similar treatment applied to Cat’s tracked construction excavators. Over time it could mount up to a long-term maintenance saving of 20% on this new MH Series of handlers. Operators can monitor filter life and maintenance intervals on the in-cab screen, as can the site’s office and the dealer. As you would expect, the new machines come with Cat’s Product Link telematics system, capturing and sending data on its location, hours, fuel usage, productivity and idle time, together with any maintenance alerts or fault codes. A ground-level shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine and shuts down the machine. In the event of an unexpected loss of hydraulic pressure, boom and dipper stick check valves are fitted as standard.

CAT HANDLERS BASIC SPECS Model

MH3022

Engine size Engine power

MH3024

MH3026

4cyl/4.4lit

MH3040 6cyl/7.1lit

145hp 108kW

171hp 128kW

202hp 152kW

Min weight (kg)

21,200

22,700

26,400kg

n/a

Max weight (kg)

24,500

26,800

29,200

38,500

Max reach

10.28m

12.01m

13.00m

15.49m

Max height

11.71m

13.03m

14.27m

17.51m

EARTHMOVERS NOVEMBER 2021

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A powerhouse for every situation. Manoeuvrability, speed, agility and power. It’s a Liebherr. Job done. Liebherr telescopic handlers: swift and nimble, equipped with strong work hydraulics and capable of manoeuvring large loads safely. www.liebherr.com

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MARKET REVIEW // SMALL TELEHANDLERS Surprisingly good performance for a telehandler that can fit through small gaps and safely operate in confined environments.

COMPACT TELE TALK Peter Anderson reviews the various options for those looking for a compact telescopic handler with a lifting capacity of up to 3.6 tonnes he telescopic handler, or telehandler, is one of the first items of mobile plant on a construction site, and usually the last to leave, which underlines the popularity of this highly manoeuvrable and versatile materials handler. This versatility is further enhanced by using a range of attachments. Most frequently, the machine is fitted with forks, allowing it to lift and place materials, especially popular on building sites. Loose

material buckets and roof truss lifting attachments are also commonly used, while the machines are able to work with more specialised attachments, such as pipe clamps, soil augers and waste grabs. Compact telehandlers with lift capacities up to 3.6 tonnes are becoming increasingly popular. Their compact dimensions make them incredibly manoeuvrable on congested job sites, and some can fit through surprisingly small openings. The relatively modest power ratings of many of

these machines bring a practical advantage on site, and simple after-treatment systems meet the latest emissions regulations – attractions for both hirers and users alike. Finally, there is a business case for using a compact telehandler: instead of paying for a larger telehandler to be constantly on site, one of these more cost-effective machines could undertake the majority of the routine work. A larger machine would only be required to undertake high or heavy lifts.

GEHL COMPACT RANGE

PAIR OF JLG MODELS

There are six compact Generation 3 models in the Gehl range of telescopic handlers. The range starts with the RS3-14, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1.99t and lift height of 4.34, and extends up to the RS8-44 with a maximum load of 3.6t and a 13.4m lift height. The three smaller models are powered by Kubota, Yanmar and Deutz engines delivering 42kW, 50kW, and 55kW respectively, while the RS6-42, RS-8-42 and RS8-44 models are fitted with an 89kW Cummins engine. All models feature a single joystick control for boom extension and retraction, attachment tilt, auxiliary hydraulics as well as forward, neutral and reverse. Four-wheel drive is standard with operator selectable three mode steering.

Two compact telehandler models make up the JLG offering in the under 3.6t load capacity category, consisting of the G5-18A and 742 models. With a 5t operating weight the G5-18A is powered by a 55.2kW Deutz engine, which drives through a hydrostatic transmission, with a maximum travel speed of 24kph. It has a maximum lift capacity of 2.49t and a maximum lift height 5.6m Weighing 9.74t, the 742 model is powered by a 55.2kW Cummins engine, again driving through a hydrostatic transmission with a top speed of 29kph. The JLG 742 has a maximum lift capacity of 3.17t, a maximum lift height of 12.8m, a reach of 8.86m and an outside turning radius of 3.66m.

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MARKET REVIEW // SMALL TELEHANDLERS UPGRADED & MICRO AUSAS Last year Ausa launched the new T204H and T235H models. Although they carry same model numbers as the previous generation, Ausa says they have been redesigned. The T204H has a 2t payload and a maximum lift of 4.2m. In turn, the larger T235H can carry up to 2.3t and has a maximum lift of 5m. Both models are built on the same platform, powered by a 32.5kW Kubota engine and offer four-wheel drive and three steering modes. Also in the Ausa range is the ultra-compact T144H model, which is capable of lifting loads of up to 1.35t to a maximum height of 4m. Weighing 2.4 tonnes and extremely compact, it can be transported on a 3.5t gross weight trailer.

BRAND NEW BOBCATS Bobcat has recently launched its 12-model R Series of ultra-low emissions telehandlers, three of which – TL26.60, TL30.60 and TL30.70 – cover maximum lift capacities between 2.6 and 3.6 tonnes, and maximum lift heights of 6m and 7m. The new cab offers more space and better visibility than the previous models and features a central control panel for better operator ergonomics and a new 13cm LCD monitor, which also displays the rear camera feed. A new Dynamic mode results in rapid transmission response. There is also an option that will control travel speed independent of engine speed.

NEW ITALIAN DIECIS Italian manufacturer Dieci has recently introduced a new range of compact telehandlers, known as the GD models. The line-up starts with the Dedalus 3.7GD, which offers a load capacity of 3t and a lift height of 6.35m, and goes up to the 3.4t/6.35m Dedalus 34.7GD model. There is also the Zeus 35.11GD model, which features a maximum load of 3.5t and a maximum lift height of 10.6m. All these compact models are powered by 55.4kW Kubota engines. These models feature a brand-new cab, which Dieci says offers unmatched comfort, together with a state-of-the-art electronic control system and an 18cm LCD display.

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MT 730 H MT 930 H MT 930 HA

Access to the driving position

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New optional “Stop & Start” system

The access to the cab has been completely redesigned. Ergonomic, step-free, easy access, reducing fatigue and securing the operator against falls.

Ideal for reaching high levels in a compact package, both with fully automatic parking brakes.

Automatically stops the engine and restarts with a simple press of the throttle or JSM joystick - saving fuel and machine hours.

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11/05/2021 10:29 09:58 14/09/2021

DEUTZ-POWERED GENIES Two compact telehandlers are available from Genie, the GTH-2506 and the GTH-3007 models. Weighing 4.58t the GTH-2506 is powered by a 56kW Deutz engine and offers a maximum lift capacity of 2.5t, and a 2t payload capable of being lifted to the machine’s maximum lift height of 5.79m. It is a compact and lightweight four-wheel drive telehandler that comes with a spacious cab. The larger GTH-3007 telehandler is powered by a 68kW Deutz engine, coupled with a two-speed gearbox with 35kph top speed. It weighs 5.79t and has a maximum lift height of 6.89m, a maximum lift capacity of 3t and a payload of 2.5t at maximum height.

JCB LOOKS TO THE FUTURE The revised range of JCB Construction Loadall telehandlers is powered by Stage 5 ultra-low emissions 448 DieselMax engines rated at 81kW. The firm’s compact 516-40 and 520-40 models now meet the Stage 5 standards with the use of a naturally aspirated 1.7-litre Perkins engine rated at 19kW. In another development JCB is introducing its first ever battery-powered Loadall telescopic handler, an expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines. Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the fully electric 525-60E model offers zero-emissions and reduced noise pollution on site.

NEW MARKET CONTENDER Solihull-based distributor J MAC has added new models to its expanding line-up of construction machines. The new telehandler is the JMT30, which has a 3t maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 4m. The two-wheel drive machine is powered by a 43kW Yanmar engine connected to a hydrostatic transmission and controlled by electric joysticks. It joins the JMT1500 telehandler, a compact road towable machine with a lifting capacity of 1.2t and a 20.9kW Perkins engine driving a hydrostatic four-wheel transmission. Another new model is the JMT368 with a lift capacity of 3t and a maximum lift height of 6.8m, powered by a 61kW Yanmar engine driving a two-speed hydrostatic transmission.

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MARKET REVIEW // SMALL TELEHANDLERS FIVE HIGH-SPEC KRAMERS There are five compact telehandlers in the Kramer range offering load capacities from 1.25 to 3.5 tonnes and lift heights between 4.28m and 7.0m. The smaller machines are powered by Yanmar, Perkins and Kohler engines rated at between 18.4kW to 100kW, driving a hydrostatic transmission producing travel speeds up to 40kph. Operating weights extend from 2.75t for the 1245 model, up to the 7.2t 3509 model. Kramer’s Powerflow hydraulic system is said to provide fast working cycles. Three steering modes and three drive modes are available to the operator, who is safely ensconced in a large air-conditioned cab.

HIGH & LOW LIEBHERRS Three base Liebherr compact telehandlers are available: the T32-7, T35-6 and T36-7 models, providing maximum load capacities of 3.2t, 3.5t and 3.6t, and maximum lift heights of 6.13m and 6.93m. These three base models are available in two distinct levels of specification: the ‘value’ line is designed for simple stacking and lifting applications; top specification ‘S’ models get all the bells and whistles. All are powered by a 100kW Liebherr engine, but the S line models get a high-performance, load-sensing main hydraulic pump, providing an oil flow of 160 lit/min. It is matched to a control block with a load-independent flow rate, enabling simultaneous movements.

LATEST MANITOU COMPACTS Manitou offers a range of compact telehandlers with load capacities under 3.6t. Latest models are the MT730H and MT930H, powered by ultra-low emissions Stage 5-compliant 54.65kW Kubota engines. Weighing 5.88t, the MT730H has a 3t maximum load capacity and 7m maximum lift height, while the 6.55t MT930H has a max load capacity of 3t and a max lift height of 9m. Both have an overall width and height of just under two metres. Forward reach is 4m for the MT730 with up to 950kg, and 2.5t to full height, while the MT930 has just over 6m forward reach with 450kg and can lift 2t to full height.

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MARKET REVIEW // SMALL TELEHANDLERS DYNAMIC MERLO RANGE There are five models under 3.6t load capacity in the Merlo range, comprising the P27-6Plus, 30-9G, 33-7G, 30-10 and 35-11. They offer load capacities from 2.7 to 3.5 tonnes and max lifting heights between 5.9m and 11m. All are powered by 55.4kW Kohler engines. Merlo has developed a dynamic load control system that identifies the weight and the position of the load being lifted, data inputs into a virtual load chart that calculates a stability index in real time. As the index increases, visual and acoustic signals warn the operator that the safety limit is being approached. Once this limit is reached, the system automatically prevents any movements that would further exacerbate the situation.

NEW DUTCH-BUILT COMPACTS Known for manufacturing electric-powered compact wheeled loaders, Netherlands-based Tobroco-Giant has turned its attention to compact telehandlers. Its latest model is the GT5048, which is powered by an ultra-clean Stage 5 Kubota engine rated at 36kW, which drives a hydrostatic all-wheel drive transmission, with steering through 8t capacity axles and a heavy planetary final drive. The GT5048 weighs 2.9 tonnes, has a maximum load capacity of 1.4t, and a maximum lift height with forks of 4.8m. With a width of 1.8m and a height of 1.97m it is a compact machine featuring four-wheel steering.

SAFE LIFT WACKERS Three compact telehandlers are available from Wacker Neuson: the TH412, TH522 and TH627 models, with max payloads of 1.25t, 2.2t and 2.7t, while lifting heights are 4.3m, 5.06m and 5.79m respectively. All of the telehandlers are equipped with the firm’s system to prevent a longitudinal tip-over due to being overloaded, without affecting the operating speed. Where other systems interrupt the working cycle by switching off the hydraulic function, the Wacker system is said to allow for safe and smooth sequence through a uniform and rapid lifting and lowering of the telescopic arm, at the same time as a partial automation of the telescopic movement.

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SITE VISIT // CAERNARFON BYPASS

CIRCLING AROUND CAERNARFON CASTLE Paul Argent reports on the construction of the long-awaited Caernarfon bypass, focusing on the fleet of machinery deployed by Jones Bros.

he historic North Wales town of Caernarfon sits on the banks of the picturesque Menai Strait, on the main route from the busy A55 to the popular holiday destinations on the Llyn Peninsula. The A487, which runs through the centre of Caernarfon, can often become gridlocked, to the extent that the carriageway cannot be adequately maintained. For many years there have been calls for a bypass, and the Welsh Assembly undertook an initial appraisal of the viability

of such a scheme in 2008. With open water of the Menai Strait to the west of the town, circumnavigating Caernarfon’s eastern flank was always going to be problematic. In 2010 a favoured route was chosen, but was later changed due to budgetary constraints. The contract was awarded in the winter of 2014 to a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and the Ruthin-based civil engineering contractor Jones Bros. This partnership has delivered a number of successful projects across Wales, including the Porthmadog bypass, just 20 miles along the coast. Following the next four and a half years spent in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders, work on the much-needed bypass started early in 2019.

PREPARATORY WORKS The enabling phase of the project included large-scale tree clearance works along the route, for which Jones Bros decided to buy a tree shear

“THE UNDULATING NATURE OF THE ROUTE WILL REQUIRE A LARGE AMOUNT OF CUT AND FILL WORKS ACROSS THE PROJECT”

and a mulcher in preference to subbing it to a local specialist contractor. Hefin Lloyd-Davies, Jones Bros’ project director for the bypass, said, “We decided to do this ourselves, as we didn’t have the permission simply to go from one end of the project to the other due to various nesting issues. This meant the machines would have to be transported back and forth to undertake small sections of work. If this was given to an outside contractor, we would have been hit by higher costs, whereas we were able to fit this in with other preparatory works.” The 10km route across wet scrubland and farmland, bridges a number of roads, a railway and a river, and much focus was given to managing watercourses and constructing large structures (see panel overleaf). Hefin added that the early involvement of their structures subcontractor, R. Betts Construction, had helped immensely to keep the project running smoothly.

The northern section of the bypass requires a deep cut through hard rock, for which Jones Bros is using a Hitachi ZX870 excavator to load the freshly-blasted material.

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FLEET FOCUS The undulating nature of the route will require a large amount of cut and fill works across the project. This work has commenced at a good rate, despite the poor weather, helped by Jones Bros deploying a number of large excavators. The route south from the Goat roundabout first crosses a steep rock escarpment, where weekly blasts are undertaken by the well-known specialist contractor EPC. The blasted material is loaded into a fleet of ADTs by Jones Bros’ largest excavator, a relatively new 70-tonne class Hitachi ZX670. This ZX670 was part of a large order from Jones Bros for Hitachi excavators, which included wheeled machines and tracked 21-tonne ZX210s, some of which were operating on the project. These Hitachis are operated, together with a number of recent 40- and 50-tonne class Volvos, in what has been an excavator fleet historically dominated by Komatsu machines. The big Hitachi was working alongside a Komatsu PC360, the latter used to remove any oversized stone from the blasted material. Both these excavators load a fleet of Volvo and Komatsu ADTs, as Hefin commented, “We took a number of the Komatsu machines a while back, to compare them to the Volvos. So far, they have been good trucks, but they aren’t as popular as the Volvos.”

“THE ROUTE CROSSES AN ANCIENT FLOODPLAIN, WHICH TODAY CONTAINS A HUGE NUMBER OF WATERCOURSES”

Material management was a key part of the project, for which temporary haul roads and bridges were constructed, and teams provided to manage any road crossings.

With a network of local roads along the route, a comprehensive traffic management plan was developed, which featured the construction of a number of haul roads. This was to ensure that all materials were moved within the site ands not on a public highway, although occasionally across one. Hefin continued, “We have spent a lot of time and money looking at the viability of doing this. The construction of the haul roads and installation of temporary bridges will allow us to move materials at a far greater speed, increasing safety and productivity. We have traffic management on every temporary road crossing too. We control the lights to allow our trucks an unimpeded crossing. We also have personnel on hand to ensure that any mud dropped by the trucks is cleaned away before we allow the traffic to flow again.”

WET WATERCOURSES The new bypass is a mixture of two- and three-lane sections, which runs from the Goat roundabout in the north, to the Plas Menai roundabout to the south of the town. Crossing nearly 10km of former scrub and farmland, the route calls for over 30 concrete structures, including two large viaducts. One these, the 280m Gwyrfai Viaduct, was not even in the original design package. Anyone who knows this area will concur that it can be a wet part of the world. The route crosses an ancient floodplain, which today contains a huge number of watercourses, all of which had to be maintained, managed or diverted. While some of them were just small streams, others were much larger, requiring a serious amount of work. One of these areas was at Gwyrfai. The

Jones Bros has deployed a large fleet of machinery across the site, and the arisings from the rock cut are processed by sister company Cambrian.

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SITE VISIT // CAERNARFON BYPASS

Left and above: The 10km Caernarfon bypass will include a high number of structures, both to manage the watercourses and to cross a river, plus a handful of roads and a railway line.

original design to manage the watercourse in this area was to construct a large bund, complete with large-diameter pipes through the structure. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that this was not sufficient, as at peak times the structure would not allow an adequate flow of water, leading to a risk of localised flooding. The redesign of the route along this section was over a low-height, large-span viaduct. The three-span structure, 280m Gwyrfai Viaduct allows more than enough water to pass beneath. Other major structures include a 300m-long viaduct to take the bypass over the (river) Afon Gwyrfai, along with four bridges carrying existing roads either under or over the route, which also involves a crossing of the Welsh Highland Railway.

CONCLUSION Jones Bros deployed a number of large excavators to this project, including the largest machine in their fleet, a Hitachi ZX670, which is currently engaged in an extensive rock cut on site (see panel). As the team hope for a spell of decent autumn weather to allow them to get ahead on the earthworks and concreting operations, the long-awaited bypass should be opened to traffic before the end of next year. Clearly there is lot of work ahead of the joint venture team on this complex project, where good communication helps to keep everybody on track. Both Jones Bros and Balfour Beatty regularly hold ‘boots on the ground’ days, bringing together management, staff and supply chain representatives for briefings and training. Although the construction of a bypass will bring significant benefits to Caernarfon, and

despite measures to minimise the impact on the local community, actively engaging with local residents and business owners also helps to ensure the smooth flow of the project. Hefin concluded, “We are always on hand to speak with the local community. It is far easier doing this, getting early approval and feedback.”

CAMBRIAN PROCESSING In 2016 Jones Bros further diversified with the establishment of the Cambrian business, which operates across three sectors: concrete, quarrying and stabilisation works. It included a significant investment in Metso and McCloskey crushing and screening equipment, alongside a fleet of McPhee concrete drum mixers, mounted on Renault chassis-cabs. Cambrian provides a mixture of services to this project in addition to processing all the rock from the cut. It also supplies all the concrete for the structures. In addition, the new bypass skirts along the side of the former Peblig brickworks. Cambrian has purchased this site to provide a local source of blue clay, ideal to form the sub-structure of the bypass.

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SITE VISIT // OAKLEY TEST SITE

PROVING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Peter Haddock visits a fully connected site in Buckinghamshire, which is going to be the first UK proving ground for autonomous vehicles he challenges of introducing fully autonomous electric vehicles on to our roads are not under-estimated, as the latest development is the construction of the UK’s first dedicated proving ground for such vehicles. It is based on a former World War Two airfield at Oakley, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, where the main phase of the track is due to be opened in spring next year. The groundworks, on behalf of the Spanish-based client IDIADA Automotive Technology, are being undertaken by local earthworks contractor LF Pearce & Son. Founded in 1937, the business is now run by grandson Derek and is based just a mile from the site. Following the successful completion of some enabling works, including establishing access roads and forming a 2.2km bridleway, Pearce obtained the contract for the three-year project.

FULLY CONNECTED For many, the concept of autonomous road vehicles is something from sci-fi movies. A decade ago, the same would have been said about how this complex project is being managed, particularly as the client’s detailed requirements evolve over time. Derek said, “The project itself is being delivered by our fleet of Trimble 3D-enabled equipment, including JCB excavators and Caterpillar dozers. We are using a complete 3D site model to create the road layouts that a vehicle will have to navigate, reflecting what drivers would experience in the UK. “This means we are preparing the site to create everything from alternating cambers, roundabouts, flyovers, straights and a spaghetti junction-

“THE CHALLENGE ON-SITE IS THE EVER-CHANGING DESIGN OF THE PROJECT, AS THE TEAM PICKS UP ON NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING” style road layout. These different road set-ups will be used to test the performance of a range of different autonomous EVs from cars to trucks. The challenge on-site is the ever-changing design of the project, as the team picks up on new requirements for testing, which are being asked for by the authorities and car manufacturers alike. This is why it is being constructed in

Below and inset: As much material as possible will be re-used on site, building up the levels of a former wartime airfield to a vehicle test track.

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phases. The outer track will be completed first, and the inner sections comprising a spaghetti junction design, roundabouts and flyover following.” To create the wartime airfield on this 200-acre site, which has been farmed for the past 80 years, the earth was simply pushed to one side and thick concrete used to form the runways. To reduce or remove these robust concrete runways, a specialised motor breaker was used – further details in panel overleaf. Derek continued, “When you look at the site itself, you have a variety of materials to move, remediate and reuse. For example, the farmland is quite easy to soil strip, cut and fill. But around the runway itself is a challenge, with some really horrible clay mixed with all sorts of bricks and bits of concrete. If we were to remove and remediate this, it would blow the budget and take too long to complete. This is why we have used 3D design to support the best use of material movement, labour and the

“YOU JUST CAN’T DELIVER THIS PROJECT WITHOUT THE MODEL, AS EVERY SECTION IS DIFFERENT AND DEMANDS HIGH LEVELS OF ACCURACY” 56

reuse of the existing base layers of the concrete runway. “As the first proving ground to be built in the UK in 50 years, the design team have gone all out to make this a world-class facility. This creates its construction challenges, which can only be delivered using 3D machine control. For example, we are dealing with cross falls of up to 8% and down to 1%. There are banks into corners where we see material fill of up to about 1.2 metres, which is proving very interesting. To keep costs down, we have engineered a number of ponds, extracting the right grade of material to create the surfaces, drastically reducing the need for imports. “Using 3D to guide our operators, we are not over grading or digging and moving material to the shortest whole route. And because we have a whole site model, our operators are able to work autonomously, as there is no setting out required.

level. Tarmac then comes in and lays a 100mm of type one with a paver, adding a base and then surface asphalt finish level on top. For key track areas, there is a need for very high accuracy, which they are able to achieve using the 3D model.” On part of the east section of the site a GPS-equipped JCB 150X excavator, complete with a Steelwrist tilt-rotator, was being used to shape the trickier sections of

SITE WALK-ABOUT The west section of the project has been completed. Tarmac has carried out the surfacing works using the same 3D site model to lay the pavement. As part of this collaborative process, the Pearce team constructed a network of fixed mounting points for Trimble base stations, to enable the Tarmac machines to work to millimetre accuracy. Derek continued, “We deliver a graded surface that is 330 millimetres off the finish

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SITE VISIT // OAKLEY TEST SITE Left, far left and inset: A GPS-equipped JCB 150X excavator with a tilt-rotator is used to form the more complex shapes and to prepare the sub-base of the former runways.

cambers and bunds. Every piece of plant on the fleet is named and this one, called Poppy, was being operated by Will Squire, assisted by his dog Maisie. Will was unfamiliar with Trimble machine control before being fitted at the beginning of this year, but has clearly mastered the system, adding, “You just can’t deliver this project without the model in the machine, as every section is different and demands high levels of accuracy. Even though we are working on a big site, we also have to work closely within the boundaries to ensure we make the most of the space for the client, so having a tilt-rotator makes the job very simple.” In addition to bunds and shaping sections of the track, Will also uses the 3D model to level off the base layers of the runways, using a riddle bucket to remove

the oversize material. This makes it easier for the roller team to compact the surface, for which a Cat CS66B has been hired in from Red Bull Equipment. For the larger sections of the project, Derek has invested in a pair of new JCB 22-tonne excavators, named Penelope and Louise, as he continued, “The 220Xs are much more suited to grading large areas of the site, ripping out vegetation and managing the ponds and water runoffs. They are also tasked with loading the ADT fleet, which we have sub-contracted to Moore Transport. We work with Moore because it’s a fellow family-run business and they provide a really good service with some great back-up. For this project, they are using their Bell ADTs to help us move material around the site, which we are then grading with our new-to-us Cat D6N, which we call Lucinda. “Because we look after all of our own kit and know the Cat dozers very well, we look to purchase second-hand machines,

Above and below: A pair of GPS-equipped JCB 220X excavators have been added to the fleet to deal with the more intensive work on site.

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SITE VISIT // OAKLEY TEST SITE as they are very expensive to buy new and the waiting times are also prohibitive. We recently purchased Lucinda, having sold our previous dozer named Lucy through Ritchie Bros, as we felt we had got the most out of this particular machine. We were fortunate to drop one dozer off and pick the other one up on the way back, which was very cost-effective transport-wise.” At the time of our visit Lucinda and Laura, another of the firm’s D6N dozers, were roughly building up the next section of the works to be tackled. Both are plug-and-play ready to use Derek’s existing Trimble GPS receivers and in-cab control monitors. He commented, “I tend not to keep the kit on the machine as it is a remote site, so we lock these items away when not needed. As we are growing the connected fleet, we can hire in or buy new systems as and when we need them.”

CONCLUSION Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of this site visit was the assumption that Derek and his team had many years experience of using cutting-edge earthworks systems, which is not the case. Derek largely taught himself how to manage the 3D model changes and workflow on the Trimble Business Centre cloud-based software. He continued, “Using online tutorials and other videos I came across on the web, I learned how to do all the changes myself, along with our office manager

“WHAT IS REALLY GREAT IS HOW WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK AS A TEAM TO MAKE EVEN MORE FROM THE SOFTWARE”

Below and inset: A self-propelled, rubber-tyred MHB21 Badger Breaker was used to reduce or remove the concrete runways.

MOTOR BREAKER Olivia. To ensure we were using the system properly, we also got some on-site training from dealer Sitech and we haven’t looked back since. I probably go back to the model and make changes on average every two to three weeks.” This family-run business clearly impressed the client during the enabling works for this project. Their can-do attitude and a willingness to learn new skills have helped them win this prestigious contract, which is being managed internationally in real time, thanks to the use of digital 3D site models. Derek concluded by saying, “What is really great is how we have been able to work as a team to make even more from the software. For example, the dozer and excavator operators now know how to take and record measurements of work carried out, like marking the bottom of a trench by saving a reading of the bucket position on the tablet. Having this information allows us to update

A key part of this project was turning wartime runways into rubble as cost effectively and quickly as possible. Antigo Breakers was brought in to deal with material using its MHB21 Badger Breaker, a self-propelled, rubber-tyred multi-head concrete pavement breaker. Derek commented, “The unit itself carries 1200 to 1750lb hammers, mounted laterally in pairs. Half the hammers are in a forward row and the remainder diagonally offset in a rear row. Each pair of hammers is attached to a hydraulic lift cylinder, which operates as an independent unit. It develops between 1000 and 8000ft.lb of breaking energy, depending upon the lift height selected, and cycles at a rate of 30 to 35 impacts per minute. This allows for continuous breakage of concrete from side to side, as it travels up and down the airfield.”

the client team at IDIADA Automotive Technology with as-built models. This has proved to be very useful, as the team is actually based in Spain and they can see the progress of the job and understand what has been achieved in the project’s programme. It also adds an important layer of transparency, as with all jobs that change over time, there are always going to be cost and time variables associated with delivery.”

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MARKET GUIDE // ROTATING GRABS

PICK, PLACE & SORT Peter Anderson reviews the wide range of rotating selector grabs available on the UK market

360-degree rotating grab, also known as a grapple, is a versatile attachment that allows an excavator to pick, place and sort a wide range of materials with relative ease. It is an attachment that is widely used in the demolition industry, including for primary stripping works, selective demo works, together with sorting and loading recyclable arisings, such as wood and metal. Rotating selector grabs are also widely used in waste transfer stations, typically responsible for sorting through the incoming waste streams and feeding the processing machinery. An increasingly large range of specialist grab shells and blades is available, designed for handling specific materials. It’s also become frequently possible to have a custom grab designed and built, particularly from the British manufacturers of this attachment.

UPGRADED

GRAPPLES FROM ECY ECY Haulmark sells and supports attachments made by the VTN Group, which includes the nine-model MD range of 360-degree rotating materials handling grapples suitable for excavators from 1.5 to 60 tonnes. The Italian manufacturer has recently improved the design by adding oversized bump stops and providing hydraulic damping on opening and closing, together with twin rams and an oversized slew ring. In addition, the pivot pins and bosses are now bigger and stronger, and the grab has a larger capacity and gripping strength.

GOING DUTCH

WITH WORSLEY iddlewich-based Worsley Plant is the UK dealer for the Dutch-built Rotar range of attachments, which includes the nine-model RG Series of rotating grabs suitable for excavators up to 60t. Smaller excavators, up to 18t, are catered for by the

ITALIAN INNOVATION ell known for its range of hydraulic hammers, Italian manufacturer Indeco also makes demolition attachments including rotating grabs. The new IMG range are made in five different versions: IMG S sorting jaws, IMG D demolition sorting jaws, IMG H 3+2 material handling jaws, IMG L loading jaws and IMG T timber jaws.

RG5-N, RG9-N, RG12-N and RG15-N models. Weighing 210kg, the RG5-N hass a width of 500mm and is suitable for machines between two and five tonnes, while the RG15-N model weighs 1015kg, g, has a width of 900mm and is designed for or excavators from 14 to 18 tonnes. NOVEMBER 2021

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MARKET GUIDE // ROTATING GRABS

BUY OR HIRE FROM MOUNT HUGE PRODEM RANGE FROM BPH 24-model range of Prodem selector grabs, suitable for excavators up to 200t, is sold and serviced through BPH Equipment, based at Billingshurst in West Sussex. A dozen of these models are suitable for excavators from 700kg to 20 tonnes. The PSG75-D model weighs just 75kg, has a maximum opening of 500mm and closing force of 6kN. At the upper end the PSG603-D grab weighs 840kg, has a maximum opening of 1.8m and a 35kN closing force.

eeds-based Mount Machinery sells and hires an impressive line-up of German-made 4TÉ CapStone demolition attachments, which include rotating selector grabs. There are nine models in the range, catering for excavators up to 60 tonnes operating weight. Four of these models are designed for excavators in the two- to 18-tonne range.

UPGRADEABLE

BLADES NORTHERN POWERHOUSE Leeds-based Northern Track offers a huge range of selector grapples that feature 360-degree hydraulic rotation for accurate positioning. In addition, reversible bolt-on cutting edges are fitted as standard, while the grapple shells are all constructed from 400HB wear resistant steels for durability and performance. Grapples can also be customised to suit individual applications, while enclosed or plate-style baskets are also available, as well as heavy-duty reinforced ribbed baskets for more arduous operations.

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talian-based Meccanica Breganzese produces upgrades for models in its MB-G rotating grapple range, suitable for excavators from six to 25 tonnes. All the grapples can be upgraded using five different accessories, which include a multi-functional blade kit and a double blade that is toothed on one side and smooth on the other. It enables the grapple to handle large objects and oddly shaped materials by providing more grip and increasing safety and control. The blades can be simply and quickly inverted.

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MARKET GUIDE // ROTATING GRABS

SWEDISH RUGELEY ROTATORS GRAPPLES otating grapples are just one attachment in the impressive array manufactured by Swedishbased Epiroc, developed for a wide range of industrial materials handling applications. The 13 models in the company’s MG range of multi-grapples cover carriers up to 100t operating weight. Six of these models, from the MG100 to the MG800, are designed for excavators with operating weights from 700kg to 16 tonnes.

our models make up the Rugeley-based Digbits range of rotating selector grabs, which are designed for excavators from 2.5 to 16 tonnes operating weight. The RG3, RG5, RG8 and RG13 models are all operated by a hydraulic ram and feature a Hardox wear plate. These continuous rotation models can also be supplied as fixed grabs if required.

QUICK TURN-AROUND

OF HEADSTOCKS erkhamsted-based JB Equipment manufactures a complete range of rotating selector and fixed two-way selector grabs to fit excavators from 2.5 to 25 tonnes. All grabs are held in stock and the firm has an in-house CNC plasma table for the rapid fabrication of headstocks to suit any machine. The latest models also feature a marginally reduced hydraulic cylinder stroke, which has been adjusted to better protect the shells from poor maintenance regimes.

GERMAN GRABS he new D-Series of demolition and sorting grabs manufactured by Germanybased Kinshofer are designed for excavators up to 40 tonnes operating weight. Five models within this range are suitable for smaller excavators, up to 16 tonnes. They range from the DO2H weighing 115kg with a load capacity of 1.25t, up to the D12H that weighs 470kg and has a load capacity of 3t. Two models, the DO4HPX and DO6HPX, incorporate the company’s innovative HPX hydraulic drive concept.

IN-HOUSE JCB ATTACHMENTS A range of selector and demolition grabs is available from JCB, designed for recycling and materials handling tasks. The range comprises five models that are compatible with JCB’s eight- to 22-tonne excavators. The design features a heavy-duty oversized slewing ring and integrated lubrication and dust seals in bearing houses, all designed to extend service life.

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DEMOLITION // LIVERPOOL DOCKS

CANADA DRY DOCK DEMO

Paul Argent reports on a tricky demolition job on a former warehouse in the Port of Liverpool he Port of Liverpool extends for 7.5 miles from the Brunswick Dock in Liverpool to the Seaforth Dock just to the north of the city. The first dock structure was built in 1715, and the site has expanding and developed ever since. Today it is the UK’s busiest west coast port, handling over 35m tonnes of cargo a year. The businesses located within the port are constantly evolving, and a major project is currently underway on the Canada Dock, adjacent to the new oil terminal. It involves the demolition of an imposing dockside dry goods warehouse, a two-storey reinforced concrete structure 300m long x 40m deep. The arisings from this building are to be processed and used as infill for an old dock, to provide additional land for a recycling business.

Left and above: The first phase of the project was to undertake protection works for a live substation within the structure, then remove the adjoining three-storey office block.

SITE CHALLENGES

“DID WE MENTION THE ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION SITUATED WITHIN THE BUILDING, WHICH STAYS LIVE THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT?”

Undertaking the demolition of such a large concrete structure may sound like an inviting project, but working within this dockside environment has presented a number of challenges for Lancashire-based Howard Stott Demolition, which is undertaking this work in a short 12-week programme. NOVEMBER 2021

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Above and below: The pair of 55-tonne Liebherr demo rigs had a variety of attachments at their disposal, while quick and safe changes were undertaken thanks to their Lehnhoff couplers.

Stott’s operations director Ryan Noon explained, “We have to work around the busy road leading to other port businesses on one end of the building, the new structures being built along one long elevation, and a berth for tugs within 4m of the other long elevation. Oh, and did we mention the electrical substation situated within the building, which stays live throughout the project? “We do have various issues, these days it just seems to be something that the modern-day demolition contractor has to deal with. We are in the lucky position to have a small and very experienced team who are more than capable of dealing with any such issues promptly and effectively.”

DEMOLITION PLAN The project is under the supervision of experienced demolition man Keith Healey, and the way in which he calmly approaches the step-by-step demolition of the large structure is a joy to behold. Starting a large demolition project at the tightest point of the site may seem a little strange, but Keith wanted to tackle the live electrical substation first, as it would make the rest of the demolition process safer and simpler. As the only access is along the dockside towpath, the largest excavator that could be used was Stott’s 17-tonne Liebherr R914 Compact, its triple boom equipped with 66

a Montabert breaker. While this excavator was on the small side for attacking such heavily reinforced concrete, operator Lance Miller soon formed holes in the structure above the substation to allow the installation of temporary works to cover the equipment inside. Once the substantial protection works were installed, the adjacent three-storey office block was taken down by Stott’s three heavyweights: a high-reach Caterpillar 330C and a pair of 55-tonne Liebherr demo rigs, a 2019 R956 and a 2011 R954. With this removed and this corner of the site opened up, the team could turn their full attention

to the 400m-long, two-story warehouse itself. The main structure comprises 17 cast-insitu arched roof sections sitting on large post-tensioned concrete beams running the full 40m width of the building. Each of the beams is supported by two external columns, which run through the heavily reinforced first floor. After decades of exposure to salt-laden sea air, Mother Nature should have given the demolition team a head start on this old structure. Keith said, “We were hoping that the steel reinforcement would have corroded and blown the concrete. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and we are finding that it is probably some of the hardest material we have dealt with.” The operator of the high-reach Cat rig has a Montabert breaker and Verachtert concrete muncher at his disposal. The first task is to remove a section of the arched gables of the cast-in-situ roof, leaving the end of the roof unsupported. The first-floor walls are then removed, exposing the column and beam structure. They are cut to allow the roof to collapse on to the concrete first floor structure below.

PROCESSING CHALLENGES Once the main structure is down, the pair of 55t Liebherrs are called back in to process the concrete and steel into lengths

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DEMOLITION // LIVERPOOL DOCKS “DESPITE THE AGE OF THE HIGH-REACH AND THE R954, THEY LOOK AS IF THEY HAVE ONLY DONE A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF WORK OVER THE YEARS”

The main warehouse is 300m long x 40m deep; its beams and columns are constructed from heavily reinforced tough concrete.

no longer than 10m. Keith explained, “Our client is processing the material down to their specification. It makes for a quicker job for us, but means we have to drag some very heavy beams out of our way for us to carry on working.” In addition to being made from extremely tough material, the scale of the beams – both their dimensions and weight – proved to be an issue. Even Stott’s largest concrete cracker attachments could not despatch some of the structural elements without them being pre-weakened. The working method adopted was to use large Rammer hydraulic hammers to reduce

such over-sized elements to allow the crackers and munchers to get a grip of the concrete structure. While the rebar cutters in these attachments are more than capable in normal circumstances, the team found rebar almost 50mm in diameter within the beams. To tackle this Keith brought in a veteran Trevi Benne shear and mounted it on the R954, commenting, “We may end up using a set of blades, or even two, on the job, but the speed at which we can cut the rebar will be increased massively. There certainly wasn’t a shortage of concrete or rebar when this building was put up.” All the larger machines on the Stott fleet

feature Lehnhoff automatic hydraulic couplers, allowing the operators to quickly change attachments from the safety of their cab, as Keith commented, “They are a godsend, but you have to make sure the mating faces are kept clean. We try and keep everything looking and running well. The kit is all looked after and wants for nothing and, despite the age of the high-reach and the R954, they look as if they have only done a minimal amount of work over the years.” This warehouse is one of the last old storage structures within the Port of Liverpool. Its removal will signal the start of a new life for this part of the massive site. NOVEMBER 2021

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PILING // MOVAX SG45V

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VIBRATIONS Eoghan Daly visits a flood relief project in Cork City, where a new compact radius Hyundai HX235A excavator equipped with a Movax piling attachment is hard at work arlier this year, main contractor McGinty & O’Shea completed the Douglas section of Cork City’s new flood defence network and was subsequently awarded the main works contract for the adjacent Togher section. Due to be completed in September next year, the project includes the installation of a 675m-long culvert, the construction of a flood defence wall, together

with hard and soft landscaping works. Founded in 1985, Cork-based McGinty & O’Shea is well known for delivering flood relief schemes, urban streetscape renewal projects, alongside sewerage and water infrastructure works. The Togher flood defence project includes a significant requirement to install sheet piles, which would normally be subbed out to a specialist contractor. However, McGinty & O’Shea decided to explore the option of performing this work in house. They duly acquired a 25-tonne

Above and below: A latest-spec Hyundai HX235A LCR has joined an incredibly reliable, 2013-built 235LCR-9 excavator on the McGinty & O’Shea fleet.

compact radius Hyundai HX235A LCR excavator and equipped it with a Movax SG45V vibrating pile driver attachment.

NEW EXCAVATOR When it came to choosing a new excavator for this task, a number of alternatives were looked at, including using a 30-tonne conventional swing machine. However, as an extremely reliable Hyundai 235LCR-9 had been on the fleet since 2013, together with a more recent Hyundai HX140W wheeled excavator, which has clocked up over 4800 hours mainly on hammer work, there was little doubt that it would be another Hyundai.

“SINCE GETTING THE FIRST HYUNDAI IT HAS WORKED VERY WELL FOR US AND WE HAVEN’T HAD TO PUT A SPANNER TO IT” NOVEMBER 2021

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“BELOW THE HEADSTOCK THERE IS A HYDRAULIC TILTING MECHANISM. BELOW THE TILTING MECHANISM IS A 360-DEGREE ROTATION UNIT”

The compact radius 25-tonner sits on long tracks, this example being configured with long working equipment.

Company founder Fintan McGinty said, “We have used machines from a range of manufacturers over the years, which means we have a lot of experience of how they have performed over long-term service. More recently we have started to run Hyundai machines as part of the fleet and I have to say we are very impressed with how reliable they have been to date. “Since getting the first Hyundai it has worked very well for us and we haven’t had to put a spanner to it. The standard of quality and performance of Hyundai machines is at the same level as any leading manufacturer, as we have seen how well they can cope with hard work on demanding projects. “One of the big advantages of Hyundai is the Irish dealer, Whelan Plant Sales, who always puts the customer first with excellent service. If we need a part out of hours, or at weekends, to get a machine back working, they are always willing to help. This makes a real difference and is the benefit of dealing with a family-run business like Whelan.” The new HX235A LCR was configured with the sheet pile-driving requirements of the Togher contract in mind, but keeping the excavator as versatile as possible, to undertake a variety of works after this job is finished. The base 70

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PILING // MOVAX SG45V machine comes equipped to a high level as standard, one addition being the installation of SVAB joysticks. Usually found on an excavator equipped with a tilt-rotator, these multi-function joysticks make controlling the piling attachment easier. The Hyundai’s hydraulic system features a pair of 221 lit/min variable displacement tandem axis piston pumps, which provide more than enough power to drive the attachment. McGinty & O’Shea specified the long version of the front-end equipment, a 5.68m boom and a 2.92m dipper, to provide the reach and boom lift height required to install piles. This working equipment also tucks in particularly well, to slew in confined spaces. Narrow 600mm triple grouser track shoes were chosen, which bring this excavator’s overall transport width to a fraction under 3m. The total length of the undercarriage on this compact radius excavator is an impressive 4.46m, providing a firm stance when working with a heavy attachment.

PILING ATTACHMENT The Movax SG45V vibrating pile-driver attachment was supplied by dealer Watson & Hillhouse and installed by their Irish-based technician, along with operator training. The headstock of the 2.7-tonne Movax fits into a standard Oriel quick coupler on the end of the dipper arm. Below the headstock there is a hydraulic tilting mechanism to help the operator to level the attachment, particularly if the excavator is sitting on a side-slope. Below the tilting mechanism is a 360-degree rotation unit, which carries the business end of the attachment. For added flexibility on site, the SG45V features two pile-driving positions, grasping the pile from either its side grip or its top grip. This example is configured with sheet pile pads on its interchangeable gripping jaws, which can be easily swapped to handle a variety of pile types. Movax offers a variety of control systems for its piling attachments. McGinty & O’Shea opted for the entry-level MCS Lite

Far left, left, right and above: The 2.7-tonne Movax SG45V vibrating pile driver offers a number of advanced features, but is said to be relatively easy to operate.

HX235A LCR BASIC SPECS The excavator is powered by an electronically-controlled, ultra-low emissions six-cylinder Cummins engine rated at 145kW. More importantly, this HX-A series machine produces 881Nm of torque, which represents a whopping 30% increase over its HX predecessor. It is matched to the latest in electroniccontrolled hydraulic pumps, the combination promising to deliver significant fuel savings. The digitally-controlled hydraulic system also allows the operator to make a wide range of adjustments to hydraulic flow and the sensitivity of the control response. This greater precision is a welcome aid to sheet pile alignment, which requires a delicate touch by the operator to guide the interlocking edges into place. However, it is not just about smoothness and precision, as the excavator delivers consistent hydraulic output to get the most from the piling attachment. To safeguard against track derailment, each track runs with three track guides, nine bottom and two top rollers. The hydraulic motors are said to deliver a powerful tracking action, with top speeds of 3.2kph and 5.6kph.

unit that, despite its name, offers comprehensive capabilities. The in-cab 3in screen is usually used to provide the operator with data on the attachment’s angles, together with vibration frequency and hydraulic pressure. It also provides basic diagnostic and service interval data, while navigation keys allow the operator to alter the attachment’s working parameters and access more attachment data. A key feature of the SG45V is that it is designed to work in sensitive areas, or in unstable ground conditions. It delivers high frequency vibrations, while vibration transfer to the surrounding ground and structures is said to be extremely low. Its variable eccentric action results in resonance-free start up and shut down, and it is said to produce less noise than most vibratory pile drivers. NOVEMBER 2021

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PILING // MOVAX SG45V Below: The firm’s HX140W wheeled excavator, with over 4800 hours on its clock, follows the piling team, to break out the route for the culvert.

“THE HYUNDAI HAS PLENTY OF REACH FOR THIS KIND OF WORK AND IS STILL WELL BALANCED AND COMPACT”

Below: McGinty & O’Shea’s top piling team: operator Paul Hartnett (right) and banksman Donal Buckley.

SITE VISIT The attributes of the Movax attachment and its short swing radius carrier were matched to the key aspect of this contract: constructing the 675m-long culvert in a tight inner-city environment. The culvert will run along the Togher Road, from the outfall close to the Community Centre and the adjacent bridge carrying the ring road. The road then passes through a busy urban area, with residential properties, a range of businesses, a church and a primary school, finishing further upstream in an industrial estate. The task is to install a temporary sheetpiled wall, butting up against the carriageway of the Togher Road, to allow excavation of the culvert. The working approach is to take possession of a section of the north-bound lane and then excavate along the footprint of the wall. This trench is then backfilled with a suitable fill material to give the 6m-long sheet piles an easy start. The Hyundai was working in an

extremely narrow corridor with its operator Paul Hartnett assisted by banksman Donal Buckley. The excavator’s short rear end was ideally suited to working adjacent to a live road. Even with its long front end equipped with a heavy attachment and carrying a steel pile, the excavator seemed oblivious to the weight, even when working at full reach. Paul’s progress along this section was impressive, even more so as, although he has spent many years as an operator, he had never undertaken pile driving before. He concluded by saying, “The Hyundai has plenty of reach for this kind of work and is still well balanced and compact. Everything is well laid out inside the modern Hyundai cab and it is a nice machine to operate. Most importantly, it is getting through the work very well. We are particularly impressed by its performance when using the very user-friendly Movax piling unit.”

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ATTACHMENTS // REPTAIL SPREADER

SPREADING STONE THE FINNISH WAY

David Wylie visits Muir of Ord near Inverness to see a JCB 437 wheel loader fitted with a modern stonespreading attachment ased at Tore, Muir of Ord, just north of Inverness, the familyrun firm of D&I Bain started out in 1964 with a seven-year-old JCB MK1 backhoe loader. During the 1960s and 1970s the fledgling business prospered, undertaking infrastructure work in The Highlands, mainly for telecommunications and hydro-electricity projects. Today the firm is run by Garry and David Bain, although their father Ian remains active in the business, which provides a wide range of civil engineering, surfacing and plant hire services. Over the decades the business has remained loyal to JCB, purchasing some 40 machines. Latest purchases include a 150X HD excavator and a zero-tailswing 56Z-2 mini.

“JCB MACHINES FIT THE BILL, THEY’RE BUILT IN THE UK AND OUR LOCAL DEALER IS TEN MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD”

ATTACHMENTS ARE KEY Years ago the firm converted an old gravel box to act as a 3.3m-wide material spreader to undertake forest access road jobs and other surfacing projects. It has provided good service, but had its limitations. For a start it is a fixed-width spreader and nowadays a commercially-designed attachment would be expected to have a self-levelling function. From a business perspective, more accurate spreading would help to minimise material usage, as there is an over-riding need to improve the productivity of such operations. David researched the market and found almost what he was looking for from Finnish manufacturer Reptail. Its MM model looked perfect, the only issue was its

working width, from 3.3m to 4.8m, which was just too wide for their needs. After discussions with the firm, a smaller SM model was designed, for which Bain was their first UK customer. Gary said, “The new spreader unit will give us much more versatility with its variable width performance from 2.7 metres to 4.3 metres, and will spread the material with more accuracy, using the in-cab display and control unit.” With a new high-tech spreader attachment ordered, Garry and David spoke with Scott

Inset above and below: An innovative, Finish-made stone spreader attachment is being used with a JCB wheel loader to construct forest access roads in northern Scotland.

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JCB at the local Muir of Ord branch to see if they had a suitable wheel loader to add to their fleet – something with plenty of power. As luck would have it, the dealer found a nearly-new, fullyloaded, 16-tonne class JCB 437, previously operated at JCB’s HQ, with less than 100 hours on the clock! Garry explained that, thankfully, the spreader unit was relatively easy to set up. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a technician from the Finnish manufacturer was unable to visit Scotland. Installation was therefore carried out with the help of a series of online meetings and phone calls.

Left and below: JCB 437 wheel loader is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins engine producing 881Nm of torque at just 1300rpm, providing enough grunt to push the tipper truck along.

SITE VISIT We met Gary, David and their team in a forest near Aberlour, about an hour’s drive from Inverness. They were working on a new mile-long access road, part of the strategic timber transport scheme, in preparation for their client’s 2022 timber harvesting operation. Usually, they would be able to source all the materials required from on-site borrow pits. Although there was plenty of good quality sand to be won on this site, there was no suitable source of stone. Various sizes for The cab of this modern JCB wheel loader has all the creature comforts and offers an excellent view of the working area.

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ATTACHMENTS // REPTAIL SPREADER “WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE SPREADER UNIT’S PERFORMANCE, IT IS PROVIDING MORE CONTROL AND GREATER VERSATILITY”

Left, far left and below: The Reptail SM attachment, designed for use in the forests of Finland, offers hydraulicallyadjustable width and can spread a layer of stone up to 250mm thick.

the base and top surfaces were being supplied by a commercial quarry just two miles away. The first pass across the section being worked was made by Gary in their new 150X HD excavator, to strip-off any vegetation then level the old access track. Elsewhere, their compact excavators were being used to dig drainage trenches and culverts to help ensure the long-term durability of the road surface. Garry said, “We wanted something heavier and beefier than a 13-tonne machine, but not

as big as the 220X. The hydraulics in the 150X HD are very smooth, the cab is very well laid out and it’s very comfortable to operate. JCB machines fit the bill for us perfectly. They’re built in the UK, our local dealer is ten minutes down the road and they perform excellently on our type of work.” The stone is stockpiled on site and loaded into their 26-tonne capacity tipper trucks by the firm’s long-standing and ever-reliable 20-year-old JCB JS130 excavator. The nearly-new JCB 437 wheel loader is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins engine rated at

JCB 437 WALK-ROUND The 16-tonne class 437 wheel loader features an articulation joint within a heavy-duty box section, a much stronger design than the norm of a single plate with a boss. The steering rams are positioned high up and are well protected. JCB claims that its integral steel fluid tanks provide good leak protection, superior to plastic tanks found in other similar loaders. JCB’s new Command Plus cab is an extremely comfortable place to spend a shift. All of the main controls are seatmounted, moving with the seat suspension system. This example is configured with a single electro-hydraulic control joystick. The steering wheel has a ‘set and forget’ feature, always returning to its pre-set position after the operator unlocks its stored entry/exit position. Heated exterior mirrors, interior mirrors and bonnet-mounted mirrors combine to offer excellent natural visibility, supplemented by a rear-view camera with a dedicated screen in the cab. The 195hp Cummins engine rated at 195hp also drives a variable displacement hydraulic pump that feeds a load-sensing valve block, which only consumes power on demand, providing precise and efficient control of the loaders. A cyclonic engine air scavenge filter provides four times the filtering capacity of a standard air filter. The cooling pack features an automatic, hydraulically-powered fan, which helps to improve fuel consumption and reduce noise levels. Access to the diesel and AdBlue tanks is straightforward, via the lockable grille at the rear of the machine. Operators can check washer fluid level, engine oil and coolant from inside the cab, and all other routine checks and grease points are located at ground level. Full hydraulic dual-circuit braking with multiple oil-immersed discs is said to give the braking system a virtually maintenance-free lifespan.

195hp, producing its peak torque of 881Nm at just 1300rpm. It is mated to a five-speed ZF transmission, and this example is fitted with the optional lock-up torque converter. This power pack is said to provide excellent response at low engine speeds, which is certainly needed when using this 3.6-tonne attachment to the fullest. Two rollers at the front of the Reptail SM spreader are used to push the tipper truck along. As a constant feed of stone enters the spreader, long stretches of the road can be accurately covered without interruption. NOVEMBER 2021

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ATTACHMENTS // REPTAIL SPREADER

of stone. The LCD screen in the cab kept The Hardox steel spreading blade is David informed of the key parameters. reversible and can either be set as a straight David said, “The JCB 437’s cab is very edge or, as in this case, angled to produce a quiet and comfortable, and all the controls V-shape to leave a slight camber in the road. Two front-mounted, hydraulically-controlled are mounted directly on to the air suspension seat for all-day comfort. The cab posts have ground contact rollers. One is set offers great visibility and I can see directly to a fixed height, leaving the other to follow into each corner of the the road to provide a spreader box.” self-levelling effect. The “WE’RE PLEASED WITH Following the wheel attachment can spread THE NEW JCB 437, WITH loader/spreader combo layers up to 250mm a 12-tonne Dynapac thick and features two A POWERFUL ENGINE AND was CA3500D roller, which hydraulic rams to move SMOOTH TRANSMISSION” had been hired in to and control the side compact each layer of plates, altering the the surface as it is laid. On this job, two layers width of the spread. of scalpings will be laid on top of the crusher On this job a layer of site-won sand had already been spread on the 3.3m-wide access run material to produce a hard-wearing haul road for future timber operations. road. This pass was a layer of 80mm crusher run from the quarry. From the comfort of the wheel loader’s cab, David set the width CONCLUSION and material depth, and the attachment David concluded, “Garry and I are pleased automatically followed the contours of the with the spreader unit’s performance to road to produce a smooth and accurate layer date, as it is providing more control and Above, below and right: The firm has remained loyal to JCB over the decades; recent purchases include a 150X HD excavator and a zero-tailswing 56Z-2 mini.

CLASSIC COLLECTION The Bain family are passionate collectors of historic JCB machines, the pride of their collection being a 3C Mk3. Bain ran this backhoe for many years, sold it and eventually bought it back. It has now been fully restored to mint condition by world-renown Julian Carder. Other stars of their collection include a model 7 excavator, which has again been restored and is one of only 10 examples known still to exist. They also have an extremely rare JCB 8D excavator, of which there could be as few as five left on the planet. We will bring you full details of these historic machines in a future issue of Earthmovers.

greater versatility for the variety of jobs that we undertake. Since we have only had it for a few months, we’re still finding our feet with it, but so far it’s producing better results and greater accuracy than our old home-made unit, all at a push of a button. “And we’re both pleased with the new JCB 437, as it’s a very good match for the spreader unit, with a powerful engine and smooth transmission to help nudge the tipper truck forward and simultaneously spread large volumes of material efficiently.”

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FACTORY VISIT // EURO-FAB // TAIL END “EURO-FAB ALSO HAS THE NECESSARY TOOLING AND SKILLS TO PRODUCE ITS OWN HEAVY-DUTY BUCKET PINS AND BUSHES”

Top left: Motherwell-based Euro-fab is increasingly undertaking bespoke commissions, as illustrated by this heavy-duty rock bucket. Above: A heavy-duty ripper tooth built by Euro-fab fitted to a new 56-tonne Hitachi, as featured elsewhere in this issue.

BUCKETS: IT’S A PEOPLE BUSINESS David Wylie visits the Euro-fab attachment factory near Glasgow

he original Euro-fab (Scotland) attachment design and manufacturing business was founded by Glasgow-based William Macaloney and Gerry Fitzpatrick, initially producing buckets under licence from Esco. Although well regarded in the industry, unfortunately Euro-fab fell victim to the financial crisis of 2008. Following in his father’s footsteps, in 2016 Derek Macaloney restarted the business, initially from small premises in Cumbernauld. Its first big order was for around 300 various buckets for M&J Evans, together with

a request to design a concrete-pouring bucket. Derek recalls, “We adopted a standard 40-tonne ditching bucket and modified it by extended and tapering the sides 45 degrees to produce a 300mm-wide opening, so that the concrete would pour accurately into the foundations without any waste or spillage. One of my first big customers was John Turner, at M&J Evans Construction & Groundworks, who took around 70 of this type of bucket.” Arguably the first British manufacturer to produce such a concrete-pouring bucket,

Euro-fab has sold well over 500 of them since 2016. It is currently producing at least 10 examples per month, now from a large and well-equipped factory at Motherwell (see panel overleaf).

MEET THE TEAM The factory looks to be all that would be expected from a modern heavy metal fabrication facility, but machine tools are just that; tools of the trade. What makes the difference are all the skilled trades, which add value to full-size sheets of steel plate. Euro-fab’s initial success was driven by NOVEMBER 2021

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FACTORY FACILITIES Based on the Newhouse industrial estate in Motherwell, adjacent to the Terex/Volvo facility, Euro-fab has 32,000 square feet of factory space, featuring 10t capacity overhead cranes, which enable them to handle the biggest bucket projects. Some of their state-of-the-art equipment includes a massive 8m x 4m CNC profiling machine, which is able to cut up to 270mm-thick plates of hard steel. Digitally-controlled bending rollers curve the elements to the desired shape. Smaller components, up to 50mm thick are formed on a brand new 4m x 2m plasma cutting machine. In the hot bays they run the latest Kemppi 550 water-cooled welding equipment. Euro-fab also has the necessary tooling and skills to produce its own heavy-duty bucket pins and bushes, which Derek recommends, as this arrangement provides improved longevity over simply welding the pins in the hanger brackets. One of the challenges faced by such a business at the moment is the availability of appropriate steel, which has doubled in price so far in 2021. Euro-fab’s office manager, Wendy Baxter, comes from a steel stockholding background, and her industry contacts are invaluable in keeping the factory supplied with raw materials. They typically receive a 100-tonne delivery every fortnight, enough steel to produce the equivalent of 250 standard buckets per month. High abrasion-resistant Hardox 450 steel is used extensively throughout their range of heavy-duty buckets, and British-made steel is sourced wherever possible for all other requirements. Bucket components are sourced from Caterpillar, Esco, Kmax and Hensleys, among others, but the majority of the buckets’ ground engaging tools (GET) come through dealer Marubeni-Komatsu. Derek commented, “We find that Komatsu’s Kmax teeth system is suitable for most of our bucket designs. I would say that nine out of ten of our buckets are fitted with these teeth.”

“I REALLY ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF DRAWING NEW BUCKETS AND SEEING THE FINAL PRODUCT BEING FABRICATED” 80

The massive CNC profiling/ cutting machine is able to handle full-sized plates of steel up to 270mm thick.

ex-employees of the original business, later supplemented by other experienced tradespeople, and their home-grown talent is now beginning to show its true worth. Factory foreman Andrew Lammie has over 15 years’ experience in the industry and closely supervises every phase of the workshop process. It starts with assisting a new member of the team, Ryan Mair, on the CNC cutting tables, to produce the individual parts of the bucket. These flat components are then typically passed to platers Sean Grant and Chris Kerr to construct into the attachment. Sean MacDonald, a skilled welder, fabricator and machinist produces the heavy-duty pins and bushes, together with any other precision machining jobs required. Some of the most experienced members of the team work in the welding bays, where Scott Martin and Brian Rafferty have over 25 and 40 years’ experience respectively. With a huge variety of buckets and other attachments on offer, together with Euro-fab’s bespoke bucket design and build service, Scott and Brian still seem to enjoy the challenges that each day brings. Derek was clearly extremely proud of the recent work undertaken by Kieren Murphy, who started as an apprentice and has quickly

become a highly skilled welder. Kieren’s latest creation is a heavy-duty ripping rock bucket made entirely of Hardox steel. It is fitted with an extensive wear package, including both internal and external liners, in addition to side shrouds and heel blocks. It also features a central spine for increased strength and rigidity when excavating hard rock. The bucket’s tapered lip design is to provide the centre teeth with extra penetration force, and the bucket’s sides are tapered for quicker unloading of its contents. Destined for a Leicestershire quarry, the bucket was left unpainted, just lacquered to reveal all the beauty of its construction. As such bespoke commissions increase, Euro-fab’s computer-aided design (CAD) specialist Scott Wilson is kept busy. He said, “It’s good to combine my university training and Derek’s real-world experience to design cutting-edge buckets and attachments to meet individual customers’ needs. I really enjoy the challenge of drawing new buckets and seeing the final product being fabricated; it’s also a great place to work.” Scott explained that while they still have a range of standard buckets and attachments, when it comes to trapezoidal V-shaped buckets, no two are quite the same, as each

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FACTORY VISIT // EURO-FAB // TAIL END

Above left inset and above: A bespoke heavy-duty rock bucket, lacquered to show its construction, was fabricated by ex-apprentice Kieren Murphy (right) with a proud Derek Macaloney looking on.

customer has their own requirements. Such trapezoidal buckets are becoming increasingly popular and Euro-fab’s base designs are suitable for eight-tonne minis right up to 125-tonne monsters.

CONCLUSION Derek continued, “One of our other recent innovations is to come up with a snow-type clearing blade for Advance Construction. They are generally fitted to telehandlers and other machines such as rubber ducks for

site road clearing duties. Using recycled mini-digger tracks as a cutting edge works really well at preventing road surface damage.” Talking about the wider distribution of Euro-fab’s products, Derek added, “Somerset-based Kellands Plant Sales is one of our largest customers, among many others across the UK, who are very busy. We remain grateful for their ongoing support, as this continued business helps us to go from strength to strength.” Alongside direct sales to high-profile production customers, part of the Euro-fab package is a bucket alteration and rebuild service, including the refurbishment of prime mover buckets over a weekend. Derek concluded by again praising his team and pointing out that all their products come with a minimum 12-month warranty. The interview finished, Derek’s managerial duties were over for the day. He was heading home for a few hours of sleep before returning for the nightshift.

With only one welder on duty overnight, Derek was going to be spending a shift in his mask to help meet an urgent order from a good customer. It makes a refreshing change when a factory tour focuses on the employees rather than the specs and cost of the latest machine tool. All of which says a lot about Euro-fab’s teamwork and customer service, in addition to Derek’s drive and determination.

Below, right and below right: The Euro-fab team designs, machines and welds in a 32,000sq.ft factory on the Newhouse industrial estate in Motherwell.

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EURO FOCUS // EURO-FAB // TAIL END “THE SURFACING MATERIAL CONSISTS OF TWO LAYERS OF CONCRETE, WHICH ARE PLACED SIMULTANEOUSLY”

TWO-LAYER WHITE TOP

Eoghan Daly reports on unusual Wirtgen slipform paving machinery at work won the D1 motorway in the Czech Republic

he D1 motorway links Prague and Brno, the Czech Republic’s two largest cities. Opened in 1967, with only relatively minor upgrades over the decades, the carriageway was never designed to cope with today’s traffic volumes. Eight years ago, the Czech Roads and Motorways Directorate issued contracts for the 20-section route, to provide a total of 162km of modern motorway, which is due for completion later this year. The works have included the replacement of all the junction structures along the route, together with modification or replacement of all the bridges.

PAVING TECH We met major contractor Eurovia CS not far from the town of Humpolec, on the north-west edge of the Bohemian-Moravian highlands. The sub-base of a large section of the D1 Prague-bound carriageway had been laid, as a Eurovia surfacing crew was served by a never-ending stream of trucks from the on-site concrete batching plant. The surfacing material consists of two layers of concrete, which are placed simultaneously, and this wet-on-wet approach ensures total adhesion between the layers. The thick bottom layer tends to be a less expensive mix than the thin high-quality upper layer, the two bonding

Above: The D1 motorway project in the Czech Republic is presenting slipform paving contractors with the opportunity to produce huge stretches of continuous carriageway.

together to provide a durable carriageway with a long service life. As the carriageway is 11.5m wide and the total depth of the surfacing layers 27cm, the crew were consuming well over 300 tonnes of concrete an hour, and a total of 60,000 tonnes were to be laid over this 20-day project. To undertake this work, two Wirtgen SP154i slipform pavers were working in unison, followed by a Wirtgen TCM180i texture/curing machine. A key to any high-volume slipform paving job is the continuous supply of an in-spec NOVEMBER 2021

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BOTTOM LAYER With the tipped concrete roughly spread in front of it, the first SP154i slipform paver uses a spreader blade and an auger system to gather a uniform flow of material into it. As the machine forms the base layer, a series of electric vibrating pokers are applied to the concrete to ensure it reaches a proper density. This slipform paver includes an automated tie bar and dowel bar placement system to reinforce the base layer as it is being formed. With spacing settings pre-loaded into the SP154i’s control system, dowel bars are automatically inserted into the pre-compacted layer of concrete, across its full width. This is done while the machine continues to move forward, forming a continuous carriageway. Similarly, tie bars are placed automatically without interrupting forward motion via three dispensers at the rear of the paver. Keeping this hungry machine fed with dowel bars and tie rods is made easier thanks to a telescopic Palfinger PC3800 crane, which hoists bulk supplies to charge the feed systems. The SP154i includes hydraulically adjustable front side plates, which help to ensure extremely low levels of concrete losses. The trailing and deep pavement moulds were ensuring perfect edges to the newly formed paved surface.

material. In this case, the on-site batching plant was simultaneously producing two different materials, each with different delivery requirements. At the head of the train of 11.5m working width Wirtgen machines is a Komatsu PC170-6 wheeled excavator, complete with a three-piece boom. One of the operator’s tasks is to roughly spread the bulk of the material that is being tipped on the sub-base in front of the first Wirtgen. This will form the lower layer of the surface. A more challenging task is to handle the material for the thinner upper layer, which is delivered by trucks reversing down the 84

Above and above left: The first slipform paver automatically installs reinforcing tie and dowel bars in the thick first layer, without the need to halt the proceedings. Left and below: The second slipform paver lays the thin top layer, and wet-on-wet action forms a good bond with the base layer, before smoothing the surface.

outer edge of the route. Bucket by bucket, the Komatsu’s operator transfers this material from the body of the truck into a hopper, which feeds a conveyor belt that deposits this material in front of the second slipform paver.

CONCLUSION Considering the working width of the operation and the use of a conveyor to transfer material over the first paver, this integrated Wirtgen kit has a relatively low working height. On this job, the highest

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EURO FOCUS // EURO-FAB // TAIL END “300-PLUS TONNES OF CONCRETE AN HOUR, EACH HOUR OF THE WORKING DAY, OVER THE COURSE OF THIS 20-DAY PROJECT”

TOP LAYER While many similarities exist between the first and second SP154i slipform pavers in this train, the rearmost unit is faced with a windrow of material placed by the conveyor system. Running side to side across the full 11.5m working width of the paver is a T-shaped blade, which spreads the material in front of the intake augur system. The machine then precisely forms a 5cm-deep top layer of wet-on-wet concrete. At the rear of this slipform paver is a large float, which runs back and forth across its width, to provide a smooth surface.

FINISHING WORK

Below and below right: The third Wirtgen machine in the train applies a finish to the surface, then applies a curing agent to avoid over-rapid drying of the surface.

point on the train was the exhaust pipe of the front paver, at 4040mm from the surface of the sub-base. In a similar vein, considering the train was laying two accurate layers of concrete, the bottom layer being reinforced, and then

finishing the surface, the operation was being carried out with relatively few staff. Even those working on the ground, tweaking the edges did not appear to have a problem keeping up with the relentless drive forward.

The third Wirtgen machine in this train is a TCM180i concrete texture/curing machine. Its first task is to finish the smoothed concrete surface. The range of textures it can produce includes longitudinal brushing and, as used on this job, an exposed aggregate concrete finish. The second task of the TCM180i is to apply a curing agent to the entire surface. This prevents rapid evaporation, which would lead to the surface drying too quickly and resulting cracks. The machine then precisely forms a 5cm-deep top layer of wet-on-wet concrete. At the rear of this slipform paver is a large float, which runs back and forth across its width, to provide a smooth surface.

Nor did Eurovia CS’s supply chain, which was properly staffed and equipped to deliver 300-plus tonnes of concrete an hour, each hour of the working day, over the course of this 20-day project, to help to ensure the rebuilt D1 motorway is opened to traffic on time. NOVEMBER 2021

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CLASSIC PLANT // M9 MOTORWAY // TAIL END

Above: A Ruston-Bucyrus 22-RB dragline with 7/8-yard bucket loads 15 tons into an AEC 690 dump truck on the M9 project. Inset above: An NCK 605 dragline with 1½-yard bucket excavates unsuitable material, too soft to be traversed by mobile equipment.

FAST FROM FORTH TO FALKIRK Keith Haddock recalls the Tarmac contract to build sections of the M9, where the use of hydraulic backhoe excavators for mass muck shifting was pioneered “SEVERAL AREAS REQUIRED THE BULK REMOVAL OF SOFT MATERIAL, WHICH WAS EXCAVATED BY DRAGLINES”

n 1971 Tarmac Construction was awarded contracts to build two consecutive sections of the M9 motorway, running 10 miles from the start of the Falkirk bypass to the approach to the Forth Road Bridge. Although not a particularly difficult road to construct, the contracts were awarded on the basis of an accelerated build schedule lasting just 18 months from start to finish. This two-lane stretch of motorway was duly opened in December 1972, the first feather in the cap of Tarmac’s newly-formed Earthmoving Division. Just before the M9 contracts were awarded, Tarmac had acquired the Scottish earthmoving and civil engineering contractor, AM Carmichael. Well-versed in opencast mining and general earthmoving, although none of Carmichael’s plant came

to Tarmac, a significant number of their experienced drivers and foremen formed the core of Tarmac’s new Earthmoving Division. I joined them in May 1971, after I was transferred from Tarmac’s Roads Division, to be their Earthmoving Sub-Agent on the M9 contracts. Tarmac’s newly-formed Earthmoving Division had amassed a fleet of Terex TS-24 motor scrapers and Caterpillar tracked tractors with pull scraper boxes for this job. Several areas along the route required the bulk removal of soft material, which was excavated by draglines hired in from local plant hire companies. However, this was at a time when hydraulic excavators were just starting to take over from cable-operated machines, graduating from a service or trenching machine to production earthmovers. For this job, we pioneered NOVEMBER 2021

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Below: An excavation of a typical motorway cutting: four Terex TS-24 motor scrapers and three Cat D8s with 435 scrapers in action. Inset below: Rated at just nine cubic yards capacity, the Wabco 101F was the smallest motor scraper on site.

the concept of performing bulk excavation work using hydraulic excavators configured as backhoes. Liebherr backhoe excavators, with short booms and maximum-size buckets, sat on top of the excavation and, where the ground was dry enough to support them, loaded a fleet of AEC dump trucks on the bench below. Because each dump truck parked next to where the excavator was digging, it was just a matter of hoisting the heaped bucket high enough to clear the truck’s body, a short swing over its side and then dump the material. This working method is still recognised today as being the most efficient and is

commonly employed in bulk excavation works. The angle of slew required during such a loading cycle is minimised, as is the need to hoist the bucket, as the excavator is sitting above the truck. Even better, the excavator drivers had an excellent view of the working area – pioneering times indeed.

CLASSIC FLEET W.A. Fairhurst & Partners were the design and consulting engineers for this £7.7m contract, the route of which passed close to the ancient town of Linlithgow with its picturesque lake and preserved ruins of Linlithgow Palace. The works required the

removal and placement of large volumes of soft material unsuitable for use as structural fill, and some long hauls were required. Coupled with the M9’s accelerated construction schedule, a large and diverse fleet or earthmoving machines was deployed to this job. Three main fleets of machines carried out the majority of the earthworks, plus many ancillary machines for the smaller work. Short-haul dry material was moved by a fleet of Cat D8s pulling 435G scrapers rated at 17 cubic yards heaped. For longer hauls in good material, four Terex TS-24 motor scrapers rated at 32 yards heaped did their duty, aided by a Cat D9G rigged strictly as a push tractor. The third fleet handled unsuitable material, which probably amounted to more than half the volume of this job. This fleet consisted of crawler draglines and hydraulic excavators equipped as backhoes loading into a variety of haul units. Draglines included a one-yard Smith 26, a ¾-yard NCK 305, a 1½-yard NCK 605 and a 7/8-yard 22-RB. Hydraulic excavators included three Liebherr 941s with 1½-yard buckets, a two-yard Liebherr 961 and Priestman 220, together with a one-yard Hymac 880. The Tarmac haul fleet boasted a dozen brandnew AEC 690 dump trucks rated at 15 tons Left: I&H Brown contributed a pair of Cat 627 push-pull motor scrapers to the fleet at work on the M9.

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CLASSIC PLANT // M9 MOTORWAY // TAIL END Below: An International E200 elevating scraper was employed on final landscaping duties.

“AS THE SCHEDULE INTENSIFIED, ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT WAS BROUGHT IN TO SUPPLEMENT TARMAC’S OWN FLEETS”

The mid-size Wabco C222F elevating scraper was hired in from Gavin Hamilton.

capacity, which on this job were supplemented by a number of hired-in haulers, including Volvo DR860 articulated dump trucks.

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT After the surveying, staking and placement of the batter rails had been undertaken, excavation works began. First to move on to the site were the D8 pulled scrapers, to salvage all suitable topsoil. After a stretch of the site was stripped, teams of Terex motor scrapers or hydraulic excavators and dump trucks would haul any suitable fill material to the site of an embankment, sometimes over a mile away, or to the nearest tip area on site if it was unsuitable. The topsoil was stored in mounds alongside the motorway easement or on adjacent land rented from local farmers. It would eventually be placed on the final profiles of the cuttings and embankments along the route. None of the soft wet clay could be used as fill on the motorway so several permanent dump sites were negotiated with local Below: Three of AF Budge’s Cat 637s supplemented Tarmac’s scraper fleet on the M9 contract.

Above: Probably the biggest elevating scraper ever to reach UK shores, this Wabco 333FT could self-load 36 cubic yards in about a minute.

landowners. Most farmers were generally co-operative and reasonable, as we could use the material to level an unproductive ravine, or re-landscape part of the farm. In some cases, a borrow pit would be established on land adjacent to an embankment, again these areas were reclaimed and reprofiled to the landowner’s preference. Profiling the dump areas for the soft clay material often needed special attention,

as it could not support the weight of a loaded dump truck. A fleet of low ground pressure dozers, four Cat D4LGPs and a pair of Komatsu D50Ps, were used to push the dumped soft material into place, often over considerable distances. These dozers were later used for spreading topsoil in the final landscaping stages of the motorway, including on the steep side slopes. As the job opened up and the schedule intensified, additional equipment was

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brought-in to supplement Tarmac’s own fleets. A trio of Cat 637 twin-engine motor scrapers, rated at 30 yards heaped, were hired in from AF Budge, together with a D8 push dozer. In addition, a pair of 20-yard Cat 627 motor scrapers were hired from I&H Brown. Three sizes of Wabco elevating scraper also joined the team. A motor scraper brand rarely seen in the UK, a 36-yard Wabco 333FT was hired from Stewart Plant, followed by 21-yard C222F and a 9-yard 101F models from Gavin L. Hamilton. Unlike the Terex and Caterpillar scrapers, with the driver’s cab positioned on the left-hand side of the tractor unit, the Wabco cabs were centrally mounted. Although this provided a smoother ride for the driver,

its position was not liked, as the machine’s gooseneck blocked rear visibility. Two small elevating scrapers, an 11-yard Cat 613 and a 9.5-yard International E200 were also hired in from Hamilton, used for utility earthmoving and landscaping works.

MAN MANAGEMENT General foreman Jimmy Coull kept the earthmoving pace in top gear. He continually patrolled the length of the motorway in his Land Rover, keeping the foremen informed of the constantly changing activities, in addition to keeping an eye on the operators for any signs of equipment abuse, and planning the next day’s activities. A foreman was positioned in the cut to ensure excavated material was removed in an

Above far left: A busy scene near the B903 junction east of Linlithgow. Liebherr 941 excavators and a Cat 977H crawler loader keep the AEC 690 dump trucks on the move. Above: A Hymac 880 and an AEC 690 help with long-haul excavation uneconomical to move by scrapers.

orderly fashion. He also ensured the side slope batters and excavation depth were formed in accordance with the surveyor’s stakes and profiles. At each of the embankment dump areas, a foreman was positioned to supervise the fill operation, using hand signals to direct each incoming dump truck or scraper to where to dump its load. With a team of D6 and D8 dozers, he also ensured the depth of each layer was placed according to the road specification, and the specified number of passes from the rollers was achieved (see panel). Haul roads and fill areas were Left: A Cat 14D grader maintained the haul roads and shaped the fill areas on the M9 contract.

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CLASSIC PLANT // M9 MOTORWAY // TAIL END

Above: An early Volvo entrant into the UK was this DR860 articulated dump truck, shown on trial on the M9 motorway.

maintained by Cat 14D and Aveling-Barford Super 500 motor graders. As the route contained a number of new bridges, access along its length was not continuous. The earthmoving fleet was therefore moved to the next section on public roads, the motor scrapers travelling under their own power, escorted by Jimmy with a Wide Load board on the front of his Land Rover. In fine weather, our working hours were 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm on Saturday, and 8am to 6pm on Sunday, with half-hour meal breaks taken at 11am and 3.30pm. The generous ‘early’ finish at 4pm on Saturday and the equally lavish ‘late’ 8am start on Sunday provided those operators that lived within striking distance

“THIS WAS AT A TIME WHEN HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS WERE JUST STARTING TO TAKE OVER FROM CABLE-OPERATED MACHINES”

COMPACTING FLEETS Compaction of the incoming material to form embankments was assigned to a variety of compactors and rollers. The largest was a Cat 824B with tamping drums (as illustrated). Other types included several Bomag BW200 vibratory smooth-wheel rollers, a Bomag KB300 tamping roller, a number of Hyster towed grid and vibrating rollers, together with Aveling-Barford VP single drum vibrating rollers. A prototype of a Hamm GRW20 roller, complete with its nine rubber tyres, was also tested on site.

to have a night with their families. Most lived in mobile homes, which Tarmac moved from job to job, and connected to a sewer and a water supply, and each provided with Calor Gas heating.

CONCLUSION Once the earthworks phase was completed, Tarmac’s Roads Division moved in to install drainage pipes along the centre and sides of the carriageways and on the top and bottom of the cuttings and embankments. The motorway was completed by final grading to formation level, placement of sub-base and final asphalt paving.

Equipped with a pendulum device for keeping it level, unfortunately it did not work properly, as it had a habit of frightening the driver by leaning toward the down side of the hill. At the end of each day, embankments were left with a cambered profile and the roller drivers paid an extra hour to compact and seal off the surface with smooth-wheel rollers. This paid off in the event of rain, as the surface would drain and dry quickly, resulting in an earlier start when the rain ceased.

A striking aspect of this section of the M9 was the soil embankments, which were designed to minimise the motorway’s intrusion into the landscape of the historic Linlithgow Palace. As these baffle mounds grew, the sights and sounds of construction activity were soon obscured, and quickgrowing grass seed gradually blended the works into the scenery. Visitors to the palace grounds now barely notice the passage of a motorway in such close proximity. Below: A pair of Bomag BW200 double-drum vibrating rollers and a Bomag KB300 model compact the next layer of an embankment.

Left: From right to left on the fill area: dumped material spread by small dozers; dumped material by scrapers; initial compaction by grid rollers; final compaction by smooth-wheel vibrating rollers.

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TECHNOLOGY // FUELS // TAIL END

The Rye Group has switched from using fossil diesel as a fuel, to the near zero emissions hydrocarbon hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO).

“WE DEEMED IT IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN A STEADY SUPPLY AT A GUARANTEED RATE PER LITRE FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS”

OUT OF THE FRYER INTO THE TANK Paul Argent reports on an early adopter of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel of the future

rom April 2022 the UK construction industry will no longer have access to rebated ‘red’ diesel and gas oil, and full-priced ‘white’ diesel will have to be used in all machines. From an environmental perspective, the benefit will come from a marginal reduction in the overall use of diesel by the industry. This will be driven both by contractors and clients requiring their sites to become more efficient, leading to the widespread uptake of fuel-saving muck-shifting technologies, on the latest fuel-efficient machines. An increasingly important aspect of tender awards is the impact that the

proposed works will have on the client’s carbon footprint. Over recent years, this has focused on using lower-emissions machines in smarter ways. With the new baseline fuel cost being full-priced diesel, the additional environmental benefits of filling the tanks with a diesel substitute come well within financial range. Throughout Europe the production of the first generation of bio-fuels, such as the bio-diesel rapeseed methyl ester (RME), has now reached its peak. They are being replaced by second-generation bio-fuels, in particular hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO). Manufacturing HVO involves a far more environmentally-friendly process than

producing RME. Compared with bio-diesel, HVO is a technically superior fuel (see panel overleaf), which can be made from a number of waste streams, including used cooking oil.

EARLY ADOPTER An early UK adopter of HVO fuel is demolition and remediation main contractor the Rye Group, as MD Simon Barlow declared, “We saw the benefit early on with HVO, not only to reduce the emissions we are creating as a company, but also to assist our clients in reducing their C02 output on their projects. “We looked at the benefits and pitfalls NOVEMBER 2021

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TECHNOLOGY // FUELS // TAIL END HVO IS A HYDROCARBON First generation crop-based bio-diesels are known as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), of which rapeseed methyl ester (RME) is the best known. An ester is a chemical compound of organic acid and alcohol. Due to its corrosive nature and other properties, FAME is not used as a fuel by itself, but as a relatively small part in a blend with conventional diesel. The environmental benefit is a marginal reduction in diesel requirements, as a few percent of the fuel comes from a sustainable source. On the other hand, the chemical compound of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) classifies it as a hydrocarbon, which mimics fossil diesel. It can be used as either a fuel by itself, or as the dominant part of a blend. However, it is a hydrocarbon with a difference, as it is fully biodegradable. In addition, it does not deteriorate and can be used over a far wider temperature range than bio-diesel. More importantly, it does not attract water, nor promote the growth of a variety of fuel bugs.

of using HVO and, despite its slight increase in cost per litre, there is no reason why we shouldn’t switch. Diesel is a commodity that is readily available to us across the country at the moment, HVO isn’t. We deemed it important that we are able to obtain a steady supply at a guaranteed rate per litre for the next few years.” The Rye Group’s HVO supplier, specifically of its Green D+ HVO fuel, is Harlow-based New Era Fuels. The ‘Green D+’ label indicates that the fuel includes a chemical additive that significantly reduces C02 and particulate matter produced in the combustion process, before the exhaust gases pass through the engine’s aftertreatment packs. With the EN15940 standard now adopted for HVO fuels, machinery manufacturers are jumping on board, as Simon continued, “I’m very pleased that manufacturers have approved the use of HVO fuels. They have come a long way to help with the introduction of Stage V engines and, with the ability to use HVO, we will now have a much greener, less polluting fleet of equipment.”

THE DEMO SCENE The Rye Group’s fleet includes excavators up to 70 tonnes, supported by several HGVs.

Much of their work is within the London area, including its various inner-city low emissions zones, often on behalf of environmentally-focused clients, in environmentally-aware communities. In these circumstances, using machinery that, for all practical purposes, produces zero harmful emissions from a sustainable fuel could be a big plus point. Rye Group’s operations director Ben Griffiths said, “It is a bold but sensible move to switch our entire fleet over to HVO, as it meets with our ethos as a company to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can. We recycle or reuse around 98% of the material we come into contact with, only asbestos goes to landfill.” “Our modern fleet of plant and transport conforms to the latest emissions regulations and now we are able to use a fuel made up from 100% waste materials. Many of our sites are in built-up areas, so a marked reduction in harmful outputs from our equipment can only be a good thing. It is a great step forward, not only for the Rye Group, but also for the wider construction and demolition industry.”

“IT DOES NOT ATTRACT WATER, NOR PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF A VARIETY OF FUEL BUGS”

New Era Fuels also offers smart site fuel tanks and a telematics system that allows remote monitoring and automatic warnings of low fuel levels.

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INTERVIEW // L. LYNCH MACHINE CONTROL // TAIL END

THE CHANGING FACE OF PLANT HIRE Peter Haddock talks to Paul Keenan, who heads-up L. Lynch Plant Hire’s significant move into machine control

here was a time, not that long ago, when the UK plant hire industry was dominated by fleets of low-spec machines, offered on a self-drive basis. The Hinkley Point C nuclear power station project changed all that, as did the A14 road project. Major clients are now demanding a lot more from the hire industry, namely welltrained operators using the latest muck-shifting technologies. This trend is gaining a lot of momentum as the HS2 rail project gears up, however, the requirements of the general construction industry are also changing, particularly in the residential property sector. Clients and contractors are increasingly digitally-designing the projects, for implementation by machines equipped with 3D GPS guidance and control systems. One result of this changing marketplace is that leading UK plant hire companies have invested heavily in operator training, to encourage the development of the new apprenticeship scheme, employing apprentices and establishing their own training centres. The challenge with machine guidance and control systems is not the initial learning curve of how to actually use these new tools of the trade, but how to gain the maximum advantage from all the technology in a modern connected site. L. Lynch Plant Hire is currently undertaking the most ambitious technology investment programme in its history, with the continued development of its machine control division, which is headed by Paul Keenan. Paul said, “Our vision when setting up the division was to have our own specification for machine control. Therefore, we have teamed

up with Leica and Trimble to connect every single one of our machines in the division. “By creating an in-house support and training team, we have invested in the skills we need to take full advantage of 3D machine

control. For example, we now have an operator training school, supporting every operator in the division, with one-to-one training and refresher courses on both the Leica and Trimble systems. This ensures every individual has the right skills and knowledge of 3D machine control before they go on site. “We cover everything from the different start-up procedures, downloading the latest

model, to how the equipment works for excavators and dozers. Our operators are also trained to be in-cab surveyors. They are shown how to use the bucket or blade to record ‘as-built’ data at the touch of a button. “This information is then available to our support team, which can update models as the job progresses and share information with the customer. The addition of the support team really brings everything together, as they play a key role in the delivery of each job. The first element of this focuses on our capability to offer in-cab remote support to our operators. As both the Leica and Trimble systems are connected through the GPS network, we can dial into a machine and access the tablet inside the cab. “By doing this and talking directly to the operator, we can solve over 90% of issues they come across without even going to the site. It’s a huge benefit, particularly as we are working all over the UK. Traditionally, we would have had to send a team member to the site or call upon our suppliers for their support, all of which takes up valuable time. Simply having this team also gives the operators the confidence that they can access support very quickly. “In addition to this remote support for operators, the team also works with customers to share information on project progress and help jobs become more connected. For example, some customers won’t have used machine-controlled equipment on site before. In these cases, we can help them with advice and support to ensure they provide us with the right 3D earthworks models, allowing them to benefit from the technology. “It’s this 360-degree approach that helps everyone to know what is happening, where a project is against the programme and ultimately how technology adoption can deliver better outcomes for everyone and the environment.” NOVEMBER 2021 EARTHMOVERS

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CUSTOM MONSTER MINERS

David Wylie reviews a limited edition 1:50-scale model of an 800-tonne Komatsu face shovel, produced by BYMO in Drummond livery

n recent years BYMO has produced some of the most highly detailed and cost effective 1:50-scale die-cast mining shovel models available. Their first replica of a Komatsu PC8000 was launched in 2013, which was subsequently upgraded to a fantastic, highly detailed model of the Dash 6 version of this monster miner. Influential collector Tim Mitchell identified a demand for four custom versions of this model and worked with BYMO and the mining companies to produce a run of limited-edition models. This example is one of only 150 pieces in the livery of the US-based mining company Drummond, which operates a large fleet of PC8000s. Tim ensured that it was an accurate replica of their fleet number 62-48, the 100th PC8000 made by Komatsu Germany, which was delivered to Pribbenow surface mine in Columbia during 2013.

he high-voltage cable drum is extremely well detailed and features a length of cable that can be reeled in/out for added realism. The quality of paint finish on this model is exceptional, as is the sharpness of all the company logos, fleet numbers and all the safety notices dotted around the upper-structure and stick.

EARTHMOVERS

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PLANTMOBILIA // BYMO PC8000-6 // TAIL END

eighing in at a hefty 8.1kg, the model features an all-metal boom, stick and bucket, all of which can be put through their full operational range and posed thanks to appropriate resistance in the cylinders. That said, it would have been nice to have seen the boom hoist cylinders fitted with grub screws, to provide reassurance the heavy front-end equipment would remain up in its posed position. These limited-edition models may still be available from good die-cast model retailers for around £470 plus postage. My thanks to Jon Hall of Diecast Construction Models for supplying this example.

etails such as catwalks, handrails, etched grilles, hydraulic rubber hoses and metal pipework running across the boom and stick are also to a very high standard. The cab features a highly detailed interior, complete with instrument panel, seat, control levers and pedals. The highly detailed, individually linked, free-rolling metal track pads wrap round working tensioners, idlers and bogeys to complete the undercarriage in stunning detail. The emergency egress ladder drops down to floor level and the handrail mounting brackets even have small bolt heads that are just visible with the naked eye.

NOVEMBER 2021

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NEXT MONTH IN

EARTHMOVERS

FIRST DRIVE CASE BACKHOE Nick Drew gets behind the controls of the new ultra-low emissions Case SV range of backhoes, the latest in a line that stretches back to the very beginning of the backhoe loader concept.

SITE VISIT IRISH RAIL WORKS With services suspended during the lockdown, the opportunity was taken to upgrade a five-mile stretch of the Limerick to Ballybrophy rail line and conduct bridge works.

RECYCLING SENNEBOGEN 818E XL Smith’s (Gloucester) has taken delivery of a Sennebogen materials handler and a Hyundai HL960A wheel loader from Molson Green for a new facility at Avonmouth.

PLUS SHOW REPORT MINEXPO 2021

TECHNOLOGY KOMATSU K100

MARKET GUIDE COMPACT DUMP TRUCKS

All the latest machinery news from the recent mining machinery show held at Las Vegas.

Komatsu has introduced a new quick-change system, for its UK-made high-reach demo rigs.

The latest news on off-road dump trucks with carrying capacities between 10 and 20 tonnes.

NEXT DECE ISSUE

out 5 N MBER ovemb er

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TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CALL

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SITE SERVICES ARTEFACTS WANTED

BREAKERS

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WANTED OLD BOTTLES Stone Ginger Beers, Stouts, Jugs, Pot Lids, All Early Glass & Stoneware, Cream Pots. Single items or whole collections. Top Prices Paid. Also looking for sites to explore. Please phone Paul any time

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ATTACHMENTS

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SCALES Groeneveld maintenance inspections A well maintained automatic greasing system will look after your machinery all year round. Don’t let poor maintenance become a risk to the operation of your machines.

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TAIL END // PICTURE POST

PICTURE POST

Spotted an interesting earthmover? Send us the details and you could win £20!

arthmovers turn up in every corner of the world. It doesn’t matter whether they are stuck, submerged, or just plain interesting - we want to see them all. As an extra incentive (other than the obvious thrill of seeing your pictures in print), we’re offering £20 for each month’s star picture.

UR CHECK YOCOVER CE INSURAN

OF THC E M

ONTH

Tell us as much as you can about the machine in the picture, and don’t forget to enclose your name and address, and an SAE if you would like us to return your picture(s). E-mail high-resolution images to editor@ EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk or send your prints to: Picture Post, EARTHMOVERS, Sundial Magazines Limited, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS.

This dreadful damage was not caused by a rockfall, but by vandals running amok on site overnight. You have got to wonder what the operator was doing in that position in the first place.

One track derailed is a problem; both hanging loose is a nightmare, especially on something this big. Mother Nature once again conspired against an early finish before the long bank holiday weekend.

Old Hitachis never die, they just take the occasional nap, but this example recovered well.

There are some things in life that are simply unavoidable...

Don’t let poor maintenance become a risk to the operation of your machine A well maintained automatic greasing system will look after your machinery all year round. Groeneveld maintenance inspections

Greasing System Health Check from £350

Lorna McDowell | T. 07896 318329 | E. l.mcdowell@groeneveld-beka.com

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AN ALL-ROUND IMPRESSIVE PACKAGE

Doosan’s new mid-size DX-7 Series Wheeled Excavators offer a host of innovative features and technologies to ensure smooth operation, enhanced attachment work, superior productivity and high stability, top-class operator comfort and improved fuel efficiency. These powerful machines will give your job site a huge boost! For more information visit: eu.doosanequipment.com

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15/09/2021 13:45 15.09.2021 10:12:15

Earthmovers Nov 2021 sample

Articles inside

ATTACHMENTS

CLASSIC PLANT

PLANTMOBILIA

TECHNOLOGY

PILING

DEMOLITION

SITE VISIT

SITE VISIT

FIRST DRIVE

SITE VISIT

TRAINING

SITE VISIT

PRODUCT LAUNCH

MARKET REVIEW

NEW PRODUCTS