The worldwide construction equipment magazine

• construction • demolition • quarrying • mining

Volume 1 No 6

Case bulldozers and more for Europe

The latest from the Doosan range

Manitou's new compact telehandler in action

The Giraf Track handler/platform versatility

CompAir goes high pressure

Volvo Trucks targets construction

The Case 1650L bulldozer beingdemonstrated at Monthyon, France.

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28 Graf Track provides greater versatilityThe interesting Giraf Track is a rotary telescopic handler with a difference– it combines a Merlo boom with a Caterpillar excavator undercarriage(complete with a levelling blade).

32 Volvo Trucks targets construction sectorNick Johnson reports on the new Volvo FMX construction trucks whosefeatures include the recently updated construction version of the I-Shiftautomated manual transmission.

23 Doosan adds new models and looks to the futureReport on the latest additions to the Doosan range which now includesheavy-duty telehandlers as well as more excavators and a new wheelloader.

21 New Manitou makes its markHighlighting the latest compact telehandler from the French makerManitou – the Maniscopic MT625T which has a maximum lift height of5.85m.

16 Case demonstrates latest European additionsReport from the recently improved Case demonstration and producttesting facility near Paris where the company has been promoting itsexpanded range of industrial handlers and the introduction of twobulldozers into Europe.

30 CompAir piles on the pressureThe latest fuel-efficient portable compressors from CompAir – the newhigh-pressure additions to the company’s innovative lightweightTurboScrew C series.

• Industry News

• Plant @ Work

• Editorial Comment

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A balancing actA balancing actA balancing actA balancing actA balancing actConstruction can be a very dangerous business. And, ifthe machinery used to speed up the work is not employedcorrectly, it can add dramatically to the accident statistics.

Given human nature, some regulation and guidance isnecessary to promote good practice. But there can be adanger of swamping simple tasks in a sea of paperwork –if the balance is not right, the focus can be more onticking the boxes on forms rather than actually doing thejob safely.

Common sense should prevail. People also need topractice self-preservation rather than being given theimpression that some one else is always going to beresponsible for their safety – from both practical and legalstandpoints.

When it comes to providing detailed guidance on thesafe operation of construction machinery, some countriesare more advanced than others. Given that the goal ofpreventing death or injury on site should be the same anywhere in the world – it is a shame that simple, practicalguidance cannot be applied much more universally.

A new best practise guide to the safe use of lorry loader cranes has recently been published in the UK. Producedjointly by the CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association) and ALLMI (the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers andImporters), this detailed document stretches to 82 pages. It was produced by a working group of 22 people chaired bya Principal Specialist Inspector of the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) in the UK.

To address both the different sizes of lorry loader cranes now available and the increasingly diverse range of tasksthey carry out, the new best practise guide lists three different Categories of Lift. These are Basic, Intermediate andComplex. Determining the right category for a particular lift is dependent on differing environmental and loadcomplexities.

According to this guide, all lifts require the preparation of risk assessments and method statements by a suitablyqualified Appointed Person. Although, for many Basic Lifts, these documents can be generic and the operator maytake the roles of Crane Supervisor, Slinger/Signaller and Operator.

For Complex Lifts, the Appointed Person should prepare a site-specific risk assessment and method statement. Aseparate Crane Supervisor should oversee the lifting operation and the Operator takes the role of Operator only. Aseparate Slinger/Signaller is needed – particularly if a load is being placed on a roof.

The Best Practice Guide – which can be viewed online at: CPA web site – covers lift planning, the roles and dutiesof the personnel involved in the lifting operation, the positioning and operation oflorry loaders and the checks, maintenance and thorough examination of theequipment. Appendices include legal requirements, case studies, an exampleLifting Schedule and an example Method Statement (Lift Plan).

Guidance is also given to lifting persons with a lorry loader. This sensibleinformation had clearly not been adopted by the person I caught on camerawhilst on holiday in Menorca last month. He might not read an 82-pagedocument, even if it were available in his native tongue, but carrying out such abalancing act partly outside the suspended basket simply does not makecommon sense.

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Nick Johnson

Plant Editor

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CP&EContractors Plant & Equipment

Industry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry News

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Caterpillar to expandCaterpillar to expandCaterpillar to expandCaterpillar to expandCaterpillar to expandexcavator production inexcavator production inexcavator production inexcavator production inexcavator production inChina and the USChina and the USChina and the USChina and the USChina and the USInitiatives to increase its excavator making capabilityaround the world have been announced by Caterpillar.In the US, the company is planning a new excavatorfactory in Victoria, Texas and in China it has plans toincrease excavator production at its Xuzhou facility byas much as 400% by 2014.

In China, Caterpillar has reached an agreement withthe Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) toacquire XCMG’s 15.87% ownership interest inCaterpillar Xuzhou Ltd (CXL), a joint venture which wasinitially established in 1995. When the transaction,which is subject to Chinese regulatory approval, iscomplete, CXL will be a wholly owned Caterpillar company.

“In the next few years, we expect China to continue to invest heavily across the country in a wide range ofinfrastructure improvements,” says Rich Lavin, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for emerging markets.“So it is critical for Caterpillar and its dealer network to continue investing in China to increase manufacturingoperations, research and development, marketing and customer support for success in this growing market.”

In June, Rich Lavin, along with Caterpillar China Vice President Jiming Zhu and Caterpillar Excavation DivisionVice President Gary Stampanato, attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Xuzhou on the site of what will become anew manufacturing building for large excavators. In addition, the company also celebrated the grand opening ofanother new facility in Xuzhou that will increase capacity for the production of small and medium excavators – models306D, 315DL, 320D, 320DL, 323DL, 324D, 324DL, 329D, 329DL, 336D and 336DL - primarily for sale on the Chinesemarket.

In March this year, CXL In Xuzhun rolled out its first locally engineered and produced 315DL hydraulic excavator.More than half of the parts in this new model are made in China.

Work on the US excavator factory in Victoria, Texas is expected to commence this September. Once productionstarts in mid-2012, the facility is expected to employ more than 500 people. It will triple Caterpillar’s US-basedexcavator capacity.

The new Victoria facility will manufacture the two models now made in Aurora, Illinois as well as several additionalexcavator models now produced in Akashi, Japan and exported to the United States. The expansion of excavatorproduction in the US will allow the Caterpillar facility in Japan to better serve the growing demand for excavators inAsia.

Caterpillar

As it develops new models like this 336E, Caterpillar isplanning big expansions of its excavator production

capability in both China and the US.

Hydrema gets big US Army contractHydrema gets big US Army contractHydrema gets big US Army contractHydrema gets big US Army contractHydrema gets big US Army contractThe Danish machinery maker. Hydrema, is best known for its construction equipment. But as well as its articulateddumptrucks, 360° excavators, articulated backhoe loaders and multi-purpose tool carriers, the company also makesvery specialist military machines.

The success of this original Hydrema 910MCV2 mine clearing vehicleshas resulted in a big order for AMCS versions from the US Army.

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The company’s diversification into military hardware has resulted in it being awarded a five-year contract from theUS Army for MCVs (mine clearing vehicles). Worth up to $168 million, the contract will result in Hydrema supplyingnot only area mine clearing systems (AMCS) but also spares, training and maintenance support.

Hydrema CEO Werner Jensen says, “This MCV contract gives us an excellent opportunity for further developmentof the US market, both for our military and construction equipment products. It increases our level of activity andexpands our sales and service facilities in the US.”

The MCVs are standard operating equipment in other NATO countries and now the newest version released byHydrema fulfils all US requirements. The US Army is scheduled to begin receiving the 910MCV2-AMCS vehicles in thenext few months.

The proven Hydrema 910MCV2 is a heavily armoured two axle articulated machine. With the operator’s cab at thefront, the rear chassis carries a substantial blast deflector plate at the back together with a heavy-duty flail.

The 910MCV2 can be transported inside a Hercules C130 aircraft. The machine has two Perkins 1006-6TWengines (the second for mine clearing equipment on the rear chassis) and two transmission systems. As well as a ZFErgopower powershift transmission for road travel (up to 42 km/h) and hard surface mine clearing (up to 7.5 km/h)there is also a hydrostatic transmission that is used for soft surface mine clearing (up to 0.9 m/h).

Hydrema

KKKKKobelco plans Indian factoryobelco plans Indian factoryobelco plans Indian factoryobelco plans Indian factoryobelco plans Indian factoryand sells more cranes toand sells more cranes toand sells more cranes toand sells more cranes toand sells more cranes toMammoetMammoetMammoetMammoetMammoetA 1.2 billion yen investment is being made by KobelcoCranes Co Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel Ltd,to establish a new crawler crane factory in India. Thisadditional manufacturing capability will enable the Japanesecompany to further develop its overseas business and tostrengthen its position in the Indian market which isanticipated to grow rapidly in the future.

Kobelco claims to be Japan’s leading manufacturer ofcrawler cranes, with a roughly 50% share of the domesticmarket. Worldwide, Kobelco estimates that it has a 17%share of the crawler crane market.

The new Kobelco crane factory in India is scheduled tobegin production in October 2011. It will be built in the Sri

City Special Economic Zone in Andhra Pradesh in south-eastern India. The new 6,900m³ crane facility will be locatedadjacent to Kobelco Construction Machinery Co Ltd’s new hydraulic excavator factory which will become operationalin January 2011. The close proximity of the new factories will enable the two companies to share distribution andinformation, which will increase the business efficiency of their Indian operations.

To operate its Indian business, a new wholly owned subsidiary company called Kobelco Cranes India Pvt. Ltd. (orKCI) is being established. KCI will manufacture crawler cranes with capacities ranging from 90 to 250 tonnes.

Kobelco Cranes Co Ltd has also announced that the international crane hire, heavy lifting and transportationcompany Mammoet has ordered four more 250 tonne capacity CKE2500-2 crawler cranes. These are in addition tothe five units ordered by the Dutch company at the Bauma plant exhibition.

The first three CKE2500-2s of Mammoet’s original order have already been delivered to Santos Port near SaoPaolo for operation in Brazil. Their first project in Rio Grande is the construction of a large new dry-dock facility for theoffshore industry, being constructed by Mammoet/IRGA for Petrobas.

Kobelco Cranes

Three of Mammoet’s nine new 250 tonne capacity KobelcoCKE2500-2 crawler cranes have gone to work on thelarge new Mammoet/IRGA dry-dock project forPetronas in Rio Grande, Brazil.

Mastenbroek adds GPS option for its drainage trenchersMastenbroek adds GPS option for its drainage trenchersMastenbroek adds GPS option for its drainage trenchersMastenbroek adds GPS option for its drainage trenchersMastenbroek adds GPS option for its drainage trenchersThe UK based equipment maker Mastenbroek has launched a new GPS system for its drainage trenchers. Developedin partnership with Trimble Germany GmbH, this GPS system for chain trenchers is said to represent a significantimprovement on the laser-assisted technology currently available to assist the positioning of drainage pipes.

Mastenbroek will continue to offer existing laser technology with its trenching equipment. But the company statesthat the new GPS option affords greater accuracy where, in the case of laser positioning, uncorrected data is ‘laserflat’ not ‘earth flat’.

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Industry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry News

Based on Trimble’s Field Level IItechnology, Mastenbroek’s GPSsystem should allow field surveyingtimes to be reduced and drainageinstallation costs may be cutdramatically through more accuratedeployment of gravel fill. An on-boardcomputerised touch-screen displayrecords every detail of the job and the data can be easily downloaded for analysis and customer billing.

Compared to laser systems, GPS does not need regular calibration and there are no issues arising from dust, rain,fog, snow, wind or other related weather conditions. Mastenbroek reports that the system has undergone extensivefield trials over the last year in a variety of site conditions and with a number of operators and surveyors. It claims thatGPS conclusively scored better over laser systems on every count including, crucially, speed and accuracy of thedrainage installation.

During recent trials the survey work was carried out using a GPS system mounted on a quad-bike to produce athree-dimensional map. This map gave an exaggerated view of the peaks and troughs across the field, from which thesystem could calculate the natural water run-off courses.

The system plans the depth of each run of pipe, which is followed in real time by the trencher operator with noneed to carry out laborious calculations back in the office. All of the information gained from the survey is immediatelyavailable to the trencher operator on a touch-screen interface located within the cab.

Mastenbroek

A Mastenbroek 30/20 trencher (completewith a GPS receiver attached to its boom)

working in tandem with a MastenbroekCT12 crawler carrier.

ArcGen Hilta buys SMC toArcGen Hilta buys SMC toArcGen Hilta buys SMC toArcGen Hilta buys SMC toArcGen Hilta buys SMC tobroaden its product rangebroaden its product rangebroaden its product rangebroaden its product rangebroaden its product rangeAs a strategic addition to its product portfolio, UK based ArcGenHilta has acquired the business and trading assets of lightingtower manufacturer Sandhurst Manufacturing Ltd (SMC). Withits base in Gosberton, Lincolnshire, SMC is one of the largestUK manufacturers of portable lighting towers and these productsideally complement the portable generators, welder generators,variable messaging boards, water pumps and pressure washersalso available for sale from ArcGen Hilta.

The SMC brand name is being retained and the portablelighting tower business will continue to operate from Gosberton.SMC’s Sales Manger Iain Curran has joined ArcGen Hilta tobecome the General Manager of the SMC operation. SMCfounder Tim Dean continues to run his separate businessSandhurst Equipment Rental which hires out hydraulicallyoperated attachments for excavators.

ArcGen Hilta’s Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins says, “Eventhough our sector has been hard hit during the economicdownturn, we have had a long held focus on a strategy forgrowth and development. This includes investing in our productportfolio to meet the needs of our customers.”

The SMC purchase sees ArcGen Hilta increase its staff from 36 to 45. It is expected that the deal will increase thecompany’s turnover by 30% and its profitability by 25%.

SMC provides portable lighting towers for the construction, events management, quarries and petrochemical sitesin the UK and oversees including Australia and New Zealand. It has also supplied Genpac branded power generationequipment across a range of industries and customers. Similarly ArcGen Hilta provides on-site equipment to therental, construction, rail, petrochemical, water and other related industries.

ArcGen Hilta

By acquiring SMC and its portable lighting tower lineArcGen Hilta has increased its product range andgained more overseas sales opportunities.

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FFFFFinning gains Irish Caterpillarinning gains Irish Caterpillarinning gains Irish Caterpillarinning gains Irish Caterpillarinning gains Irish CaterpillardealershipsdealershipsdealershipsdealershipsdealershipsThe Canada based Finning International Inc has increased itsCaterpillar sales territory in the wake of the Irish dealers –McCormick Macnaughton (NI) Ltd in Northern Ireland andMcCormick Macnaughton Ltd in the Republic of Ireland calling in thereceivers in June. A new business called Finning Ireland has beenestablished with former McCormick Macnaughton employee SeanMagadigan as its general manager.

Sean Magadigan will be responsible for managing a total of 120staff, 69 in the Republic of Ireland and 51 in Northern Ireland. As partof the deal Finning has acquired the former McCormick Macnaughtonpremises in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and Cork in the Republic ofIreland. The new dealer is also operating temporarily from the formerMcCormick Macnaughton HQ facility at Rathcoole in Dublin until

smaller, more cost effective premises can be found in the Dublin area.

At the Lisburn depot, Finning Ireland has employed over 50 staff including a sales support team, service engineersand parts specialists. In southern Ireland, the new Caterpillar dealer has taken on Republic of Ireland operation.

Finning has to date employed 69 staff with 11 based at the Cork depot and the rest located in Dublin.

The Mac Rental business, which McCormick Macnaughton established through the purchase of A-Plant’s Irish hireoperation some six years ago, has not been acquired by Finning. This is not surprising as Finning recently sold itsHewden hire business in England, Wales and Scotland to concentrate on its long established Caterpillar dealershipthere.

Mike Waites, President and CEO of Finning, says, "We are pleased to add this neighbouring territory to ourestablished operations in Great Britain from which we will be able to leverage our existing infrastructure and serviceexpertise. "With a history stretching back to 1933, Finning International Inc. is now the world's largest Caterpillarequipment dealer. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the company operates in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina,Bolivia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

McCormick Macnaughton had been the Caterpillar dealer in Northern Ireland since the late 1950s. It would appearthat the company’s recent financial woes were exasperated by the economic crisis and its decision, in the good times,to move to a new 8 million Euro HQ in Dublin on the basis that its old site near the Red Cow roundabout would beattractive to property developers.

Finning

Finning International has gained the Caterpillarsales territory in Northern Ireland and the Republicof Ireland following the decision of former dealerMcCormack Macnaughton to call in the receivers.

Bobcat machines assist floodBobcat machines assist floodBobcat machines assist floodBobcat machines assist floodBobcat machines assist floodrecovery work Czech Republicrecovery work Czech Republicrecovery work Czech Republicrecovery work Czech Republicrecovery work Czech RepublicOne example of construction equipment being supplied to helpin the wake of the severe flooding that has struck in many partsof the world comes from the Czech Republic. Volunteers andmachines from the Doosan - Bobcat Training Centre at Dobris,45 km south of Prague recently responded to requests forassistance from the emergency services after flooding occurredin the Liberec Region in the north central region of the country.

During the weekend of the 7-8 August, the equivalent ofthree months’ rain fell in just 24 hours, resulting in widespreadfloods. To assist the regional fire brigade, Doosan quicklydispatched three volunteer operators together with a BobcatS330 skid steer loader, a T320 compact tracked loader, an E45mini excavator and a Doosan Portable Power lighting tower to the town of Chrastava which had been extensivelydamaged by the flood.

Easy to transport skid steer loaders, compact tracked loaders and mini excavators can provide invaluablemechanical muscle during for emergency recovery and clean-up operations. With the Bobcat factory at Dobris onsummer shutdown over the first weekend in August, the company’s fast response was coordinated by a support teamfrom the Product Development and Training Centre led by Jaroslav Fiser, Arnaud Gabarre and Stanislav Foukner.

Bobcat

This T320 was one of four machines quickly dispatchedfrom the Doosan – Bobcat Training Centre in Dobris to

assist after flooding in the Czech Republic.

Industry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry News

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JCB commences excavatorJCB commences excavatorJCB commences excavatorJCB commences excavatorJCB commences excavatorproduction in Brazil…..production in Brazil…..production in Brazil…..production in Brazil…..production in Brazil…..July saw the first 20 tonne class JS200LC roll off the production lineat JCB’s new factory in Brazil. The new excavator production facilityis next to the company’s recently expended backhoe loader factoryin the city of Sorocaba.

The construction of the new Brazilian excavator factory took justseven months and includes a new training area to enhance theservice backup provided to excavator customers in the region. Thelandmark JS200LC has been bought by Jorcal Engenharia EConstruções S/A, a company based in Sao Paulo State and ownerRenato Rédis says he is “extremely pleased” with the performanceof the machine.

JCB has also recently doubled its backhoe loader productioncapacity in Brazil to help meet demand for machines in the region.

The ceremony to mark the production of the first excavator inBrazil was attended by Vitor Lippi, the Mayor of Sorocaba, DavidBell, JCB’s Chief Corporate Development Officer and CarlosHernández, Regional Director JCB in Latin America. CarlosHernández said: “The Latin American region is undergoing stronggrowth this year and our decision to invest in the expansion ofproduction capability will help us achieve our objective of maintaining business growth and increasing our marketshare in the region.”

…….and gains big UK order from L…….and gains big UK order from L…….and gains big UK order from L…….and gains big UK order from L…….and gains big UK order from Lynch Plantynch Plantynch Plantynch Plantynch PlantA positive sign of confidence in the UK rental market is the news that JCB has won a multi-million pound order fromLondon-based L Lynch Plant Hire. The machines included in the deal are 42 tracked and wheeled excavators, 40 JCBLoadall telescopic handlers and six backhoe loaders.

The excavators Lynch has selected are 20 JS220 and 20 JS130 tracked excavator models together with twowheeled excavators - a JS175W and a JS130W. The wheeled machines have already gone to work carrying out

groundworks on part of the M25 London orbital motorway-wideningscheme.

L Lynch Plant Hire Director, Robert Lynch says, “One of key criteriawhen selecting our plant is product quality – ensuring that ourcustomers have access to the best equipment available and that it isalways up to the task. With this in mind, we have offered JCB Loadallsand backhoe loaders for over fifteen years as they are universallyaccepted as the best machines on the market.”

“When it came to expanding our tracked and wheeled excavatorfleet we conducted trials of the leading models using our own operatorsto carry out the tests. We ultimately chose the JCB machines as theoperator feedback was very, very positive, particularly regardingsmoothness of controls and stability when digging.”

Founded in 1980, L Lynch Plant Hire now has an operations centrein Stanmore, North West London as well as depots in London, theMidlands and the South East. It offers machines on self-drive hire orwith experienced operators. As well as excavators, telehandlers andbackhoe loaders, the company’s rental fleet includes site dumpers,articulated dumptrucks, lightweight tandem vibrating rollers and skidsteer loaders.

JCBPictured together after completing the big UK deal are (from left) JCBHeavyline Sales Manager (South) Steve Bradley, JCB UK and Ireland SalesDirector Yvette Henshall-Bell, L Lynch Plant Hire Directors Merrill and RobertLynch and Greenshields JCB Major Accounts Director Paul Serby.

JCB has delivered the first JS200LC to be madein its new Brazil factory to Jorcal Engenharia E

Construções S/A based in Sao Paulo State.

Industry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsIndustry News

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Manitowoc 31000 successfullyManitowoc 31000 successfullyManitowoc 31000 successfullyManitowoc 31000 successfullyManitowoc 31000 successfullycompletes overload testcompletes overload testcompletes overload testcompletes overload testcompletes overload testThe design capacity of Manitowoc’s new flagship heavy lift 31000 crawlercrane has been physically verified with an impressive overload test at thecompany’s factory in the US. The machine has a rated maximumcapacity of 2,300 tonnes and it has successfully lifted a test load of 2,500tonnes.

During its test lifts, the 31000 has been fitted with over 600 straingauges to enable the Manitowoc engineers to monitor the stress levels inthe crane under load. Larry Weyers, Manitowoc’s Senior Vice Presidentof the Americas region, said the test went as expected and thecompany’s engineers were pleased with how the crane performed.

To maximise its lifting capacities, the 31000 is equipped withManitowoc’s Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) system. This cleverarrangement automatically extends out rearwards when morecounterweight moment is needed during a heavy lift. The VPC weightsdo not touch the ground (thereby greatly reducing site preparation work)and the device will allow enhanced pick-and-carry duties.

As Manitowoc engineers progress with their commissioning of the firstfull sized 31000, it has been announced that model maker TWH

Collectibles is to produce a limited run of 500 1:50 scale models of the big machine. A prototype of this model wasdisplayed at the Conexpo exhibition in 2008 to illustrate the design of the new crane with its four crawler tracks. Theproduction scale model will be produced in time for next year’s Conexpo.

When fully rigged with a replica 80m main boom and a 40m luffing jib, this high quality scale model will be over2.5m in height. Complete with the VPC system, the model will retail for $1,800. Individuals interested in reserving a31000 model should visit The Manitowoc Model Shop website.

Having its own on-line model shop shows how Manitowoc is keen to embrace every aspect of marketing. The manin charge of marketing at Manitowoc is now Ingo Schiller who has just become Senior Vice President of GlobalMarketing. He succeeds Bob Hund, who is now concentrating solely on his role as Executive Vice President ofManitowoc Crane Care.

Ingo Schiller has over 20 years of experience in the crane industry working mostly in sales, marketing and productsupport. He joined Manitowoc in 2008 as the vice president of mobile cranes and was recently appointed to seniorvice president of sales and marketing for Manitowoc Cranes Americas. His duties will also now embrace globalproduct management.

Manitowoc

The new 2300 tonne capacity Manitowoc31000 crawler crane complete with itsVariable Position Counterweight system hassuccessfully raised its maximum test load.

Equipment Manufacturers Call on Congress to ActEquipment Manufacturers Call on Congress to ActEquipment Manufacturers Call on Congress to ActEquipment Manufacturers Call on Congress to ActEquipment Manufacturers Call on Congress to Acton Von Von Von Von Voter Demandsoter Demandsoter Demandsoter Demandsoter DemandsCongress prepares to return to Washington in a few weeks, and voters across America, regardless of political partyaffiliation, have one issue as their top priority -- improving the economy. A number of recent surveys show thatAmerican voters want to restore the unlimited potential of manufacturing jobs in America as a sure way to lift stagnantunemployment numbers.

"When Congress returns in September, it cannot merely tinker around the edges of policies that will impactmanufacturing jobs and the future of America's economy," said Dennis Slater, president of the Association ofEquipment Manufacturers (AEM). “Two very direct ways to create jobs: meaningful funding of needed infrastructureimprovements across the nation and export-friendly policies that spur trade.”

AEM recently released results of a non-partisan nationwide voter survey that showed nearly 9 out of 10 votersagree that the nation needs to “dramatically increase manufacturing jobs” so our economy can compete with othercountries. The survey asked voter attitudes on the economy, manufacturing jobs and infrastructure.

In a bipartisan poll by Mark Mellman and Ayres McHenry, two-thirds of Democrats, Independents and Republicansagree that "high-tech and services" industries cannot replace manufacturing in a strong U.S. economy. A top concernamong independent voters in this April poll is that “we have lost too many manufacturing jobs in this country.”

“Poll after poll shows that American voters want the federal government to focus on creating a nationalmanufacturing strategy that really drives job creation and a revival of manufacturing,” stated Slater. “We hope SpeakerPelosi and her colleagues heed this call when they return to work in September.” [CP&E]

Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant W W W W Workorkorkorkork@@@@@

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Unimog shunts plant intoUnimog shunts plant intoUnimog shunts plant intoUnimog shunts plant intoUnimog shunts plant intoSwiss tunnelSwiss tunnelSwiss tunnelSwiss tunnelSwiss tunnelA 40 year old road/rail Mercedes Benz Unimog U406 has beenproving useful to move equipment on rail wagons to assist with repairwork to Cassanawald road tunnel in Switzerland. Running ontemporary rails laid in the tunnel, the 40 year old vehicle has beingacting as a shunter to propel special works trains weighing up to 60tonnes into and out of the 1.2 km long Alpine tunnel.

The work of the Luzern-based construction company Marti AGinside the tunnel includes the application of fireproof mortar to thewalls. To efficiently carry out this work, the contractor is using fourspecially equipped Swiss Railway (SBB) freight wagons.

The main 19.0m long wagon in the construction train carriesmachines for wet and dry spraying as well as 4.0m high protectivescreens. The second freight wagon has been fitted with concretemixer whilst the third and fourth wagons carry compressors andhoppers for construction materials. The use of protective screensprotects passing traffic from being splattered with any of the fireproofing mortar.

Even the Unimog itself has been wrapped up to protect it fromstray spray. The vintage vehicle, which was originally used by theSwiss army, is equipped with the rail equipment from the Germancompany Zwiehof.

For its work inside the tunnel, the U406 has been fitted with aparticle filter and it has other various engine modifications in order tocomply with the European exhaust emission standards. Thusequipped, the Unimog successfully shunts the works train to where it is needed within the tunnel where the track hasgradients of up to 3%.

Martin Werthmüller, Marti AG’s construction engineer on the Cassanawald repair project, considers that using theworks train with its construction equipment and protective screen will help the construction work stay on schedule. Hesays, “We usually work on SBB railway tracks where using engines to pull and shunt our work trains is not an issue.But here we have quickly realized that there is no alternative to the Unimog as a substitute engine when road-railoperations are involved.”

Mercedes-Benz Unimog

This 40 year old road/rail Unimog U406 isplaying a vital role in the repair of a Swiss road

tunnel by shunting special works wagons.

Borrowing Bobcat helps constructBorrowing Bobcat helps constructBorrowing Bobcat helps constructBorrowing Bobcat helps constructBorrowing Bobcat helps constructmonastery linkmonastery linkmonastery linkmonastery linkmonastery linkA Bobcat T300 compact tracked loader has been busy removing spoil during theconstruction of a pedestrian tunnel at the site of the 14th century monastery ofSanta Caterina del Sasso in Italy. Located at the base of a sheer cliff face aboveone of the deepest points on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, this oldmonastery is a popular destination for pilgrims,

Together with a range of attachments, the T300 loader was purchased bySondrio-based excavation special ACCISA SpA, which is working for maincontractor I.CO.P. SpA. The machine was fitted with a diesel particulate filter bylocal Bobcat dealer MAIE. To reach the tunnel, the T300 had to be partiallydismantled so that it could be lowered in pieces by the site crane (which had amaximum capacity of only 1.6 tonnes) down a shaft to the tunnel entrance.

The new monastery access works have been commissioned by theArchitectural Heritage Sector of the Province of Varese, with the collaboration ofthe Achille Balossi Restelli Engineering Company in Milan. Together with a new 12-person lift system, the new tunnel will make it easier for visitors, particularly theelderly and disabled, to reach the monastery from a car park situated 50m above.

Bobcat

Having been partially dismantledto allow it to be lowered down ashaft, this Bobcat T300 wasreassembled so that it couldremove spoil from a newpedestrian tunnel in Italy.

Page 14 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

VVVVVolvo Pipelayers atolvo Pipelayers atolvo Pipelayers atolvo Pipelayers atolvo Pipelayers atwork in Germanywork in Germanywork in Germanywork in Germanywork in GermanyTen of the innovative Volvo PL4611pipelayers are being used on the majorBunde-Etzel gas pipeline project inNorthern Germany. The machines arebeing deployed by the Italian maincontractor Ghizzoni SpA which has a 60million Euro contract to complete thepipeline for Bunde Etzel Pipeline (BEP) bymid 2011.

The 60km long Bunde-Etzel pipeline willrun between a cavern storage facility atEtzel and the gas pipeline hub at Bunde –situated on the German-Dutch border. IVGCaverns GmbH, which operates cavernsfor both crude oil and gas in Etzel, isexpanding its storage facilities and the new1200mm diameter pipeline is needed to deal with the increasing demand for gas.

Ghizzoni has been operating in the pipeline industry for 60 years and has extensive experience of constructing andlaying cross-country pipelines for oil, gas and water transportation. On this gas pipeline job it is using 10 VolvoEC290BNLC crawler excavators to help dig the trench. The Volvo pipelayers are then used to feed sections of the gaspipe into the trench.

The pipelayers have been used in groups operating in as many as four different areas consecutively. Alternativelythey can all be used in one line. Marco Scazzina, the Construction Leader at Ghizzoni, says, “We can lower a 1kmlong pipe in one go using 10 pipelayers at the same time.”

Whilst conventional pipelayers utilise hinged booms fixed to the sides of crawler tractors (side-booms), the VolvoPL4611s carry their booms on the front of Volvo EC460C tracked hydraulic excavator superstructures. This designconfiguration provides the PL4611 with 360° rotation and increases operational versatility because the pipelayer boomcan be interchanged with standard backhoe digging equipment.

The 9.2m boom on the PL4611 is longer than a conventional side-boom pipelayer that means the Volvo canoperate more safely further back from the edge of the trench. “In very wet conditions, the risk of slippage isconsiderable, if not inevitable, when conventional side-boom pipelayers are required to work close to the trench,” saysMarco Scazzina.

Complete with a Load Management System, the PL4611 on its 5.5m wide tracked undercarriage has a tipping loadrating of 113 tonnes (depending on the terrain). The boom has a three-stage light indicator system situated at its end,which shows when the machine reaches its load capacity.

Paul Johnson, Key Customer Business Development for Volvo Construction Equipment Europe, says the Ghizzoniproject shows how Volvo is expanding into the oil and gas segment. “Despite the recession, the pipeline segment hasmore than doubled in recent years and there has never been a better time for Volvo to become more involved in thisgrowing market.”

Volvo Construction Equipment

Two of the Volvo PL4611 pipelayers being used to lift a section of the 1200mmdiameter pipe on the Bunde-Etzel gas pipeline project in Northern Germany.

TTTTTerex tandem lift in Bavariaerex tandem lift in Bavariaerex tandem lift in Bavariaerex tandem lift in Bavariaerex tandem lift in BavariaTwo Terex mobile cranes – a 100 tonne capacity AC100/4 and a 55 tonne capacity AC55 City – were recently used byKran Saller GmbH to help replace two large truck scales. Each weighing 43 tonnes, the old scales had to be carefullyremoved in extremely tight working conditions at a waste management company’s facilities in the Bavarian town ofPassau, Germany.

The most difficult part of this job was a tandem lift that had to be partially performed under a projecting roof with aheight of only 5.0m. To further complicate the lifting operation, the area immediately surrounding the truck scales hada maximum width of approximately 4m.

By selecting the compact AC55 City crane, the Kran Saller team was able make use of its ability to telescope itsboom with a load even when the boom is horizontal. Using the AC55 City in this way, it was able to lift and manoeuvrethe end of the scale under the low roof. The other end of each scale was handled by the AC100/4 which operated

Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant W W W W Workorkorkorkork@@@@@

Page 15CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

with a reduced outrigger spread in order tofit into the restricted space available.

Once each of the truck scales was lifted1.0m off the floor, they were swung outbeyond the edge of the projecting roof sothat they could be safely raised highenough to be placed onto a semi-trailer fortransport from the site. The procedure wasreversed from the installation of the newscales.

Headquartered in the eastern Bavariantown of Deggendorf, Kran Saller GmbH hasbeen active in the region for over 50 years.The company was founded in 1959 and itnow carries out not only crane rental andcontract lifting but also heavy haulage,forklift and aerial platform rental, machinerymovement and vehicle recovery. It has sixlocations and 80 employees.

Terex Cranes

Modern platform squeezes into oldModern platform squeezes into oldModern platform squeezes into oldModern platform squeezes into oldModern platform squeezes into oldcathedralcathedralcathedralcathedralcathedralAn Omme 2200 rubber tracked spider style powered access platform wasrecently supplied by the rental company Panther to facilitate the internal roofinspection of the 750 year old cathedral in Salisbury, UK. The machine wasselected because its narrow travel width of only 1.1m allowed it to get throughthe through the cathedral’s doors.

Once inside the cathedral, the Omme was unfolded so that the facilitiesmanagers could carry out important structural surveys of the roof. Themachine’s ability to reach up to a maximum working height of 21.8m allowedthe inspectors to reach places that had not been accessible for closeinspection since the building was erected in medieval times.

The custodians of historical buildings like Salisbury Cathedral are rightlyconcerned to safeguard whatare often ancient and preciousfloors. So they appreciated theOmme 2200 having rubbertracks to spread its weight moreevenly, therefore reducing therisk of damage.

Another very useful feature ofthis product is its tri-energypower source. For any external

work undertaken, the machine works from diesel and it can also operatefrom a mains electricity supply. For the interior work at SalisburyCathedral its electric battery was used.

Panther’s Senior Sales Manager Stewart Green said it is also a verysignificant time saver: “Surveying the same area from scaffolding wouldhave taken days, as the scaffolding structure would have needed to betaken down and rebuilt to access different areas. It would be much moreexpensive and in a busy, public building like a cathedral it might nothave been feasible.”

Omme

The narrow travel width of Panther’sOmme 220 access platform allowedit to pass through the doors ofSalisbury Cathedral.

The Omme 220’s ability to reach up to a maximum working height of 21.8menabled a thorough inspection of the impressive internal roof structure.

Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant W W W W Workorkorkorkork@@@@@

The ability of the Terex AC50 City to telescope under load with its boomalmost horizontal allowed Kran Saller to use under a low roof

to lift one end of a heavy truck scale.

Nick Johnson reports fromthe recently improved Casedemonstration and producttesting facility near Pariswhere the company has beenpromoting its expanded rangeof industrial handlers and theintroduction of two bulldozersinto Europe.

Casedemonstrateslatest EuropeanadditionsThink of Paris and many people will doubtlesspicture the engineering marvel that is thesymbol of the city – Gustave Eiffel’s amazingtower. But for many European constructionplant professionals that is one site – not on thetourist map – that they may also have visited atleast once over the years – the Casedemonstration, product testing and training facility on the outskirts of the French capital.

Conveniently situated not far from Charles de Gaulle airport, the Case facility at Monthyon has a long historyextending well back into the era of another French icon – the red Poclain excavator. Now, following a £3 millioninvestment by Case last year, the centre has been vastly improved with the addition of new customer centre.

Visitors now benefit from the provision of a new 80 seat all-weather auditorium from which the machines can beviewed, as well as several classroom areas, canteen facilities and even a Case museum. The facility continues tocarry out technical training for service engineers and it is also home to an operator training school.

Well-preservedConstruction KingOld Case machines on display in themuseum area include a well-preserved Case Construction Kingcentre mount backhoe loader built ona 530 tractor introduced in 1960.Three years earlier the similar 320based Construction King was hailed

Case has added this new visitorcentre to improve its demonstration,

product testing and training facilityat Monthyon in France.

At Monthyon, machines being demonstrated outside can beviewed from the comfort of the new 80 seat indoor auditorium.

Old machines on display in the museumarea at Monthyon include this classicConstruction King 530 backhoe loaderdating from 1960.

Page 16 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

as the first integrated machine toprovide a tractor loader backhoe withall three components made by thesame company under a singlewarranty.

To illustrate the history of theCase skid steer line there areexamples of old and new machines.The vintage unit is a 1530 Uni-Loaderskid steer loader with a Wisconsinengine (dating from 1969) and therecent machine is the special 40th anniversary,black liveried 410 produced in 2009. Interestinglythe term Uni-Loader comes from Case's purchaseof the Universal Loader Company in 1968.

Sadly, given the heritage of the location, there isnot a full sized old Poclain excavator in evidence.There are, however, some scale models of thesefamous machines on display in the customer centreto rekindle the memories of visitors familiar with themarque.

The new customer centre now convenientlyprovides a central hub for the demonstration andoperator familiarisation of Case products. With aland area of 6.5 hectares, the facility is nowdesigned around six zones, each of which hasfeatures replicating specific job sites for differenttypes of machines.

Different demonstration zonesOne zone is specifically for smaller machines – mini excavators, skid steers and backhoes – whilst another is formachinery used in re-handling such as material handlers or telehandlers. Other zones include areas for operatingmedium and large excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dumptrucks. There is a road-building zone and a ditchand canal area for realistic use of long-reach excavators.

The introduction of the first latest generation tracked Case materials handler in Europe last year (and thesubsequent expansion of the range this year) has provided the Monthyon facility with a good opportunity todemonstrate the units to potential customers. Produced specially for Case by Sumitomo in Japan, the first of the newpurpose-built tracked material handlers was the CX240B-MH.

Compared to a standard CX240B tracked excavator, the MH version incorporates a strengthened main frame anda heavier 6.9 tonne counterweight that bring its operating weight up to 27.8 tonnes. To maximise stability, the materialshandler has a 3.19m wide tracked undercarriage when fitted with 600mm track shoes. Wider 700mm shoes are an

The high level cab and good reach ofthe Case CX240B-MH material handler

enable it to safety load waste into 44tonne gross refuse bulkers.

The CX240B-MH is equipped with twin dipper arm cylinders and aspecial linkage to provide a larger working envelope.

Page 17CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Basic Specs – Case CX210B & CX240B HandlersModel Weight Power Max Top Max Top Cab Riser

tonne kW Pin Height Pin Reach Stroke m m m

CX210B-MH 25.7 132 12.7 11.3 2.3

CX210B-SL 25.3 132 12.8 11.1 2.3

CX240B-MH 27.8 132 12.6 11.6 2.3

CX240B-SL 30.1 132 14.4 12.8 2.3

Page 18 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

option to maximise stability.

Larger working envelopeThe CX240B-MH is equipped with a 7.1m standard boom and aspecial 5.0m long materials handling straight dipper arm withtwin dipper arm cylinders.

These cylinders, together with a special linkage to thedipper, are mounted outside the boom to allow an increase inoperating angle for a larger working envelope. Thisarrangement also provides a very low boom height for ease oftransportation.

When fitted with the longer 5.0m arm, the materials handlingfront end on the CX240B-MH provides a maximum workingheight (to the attachment pin on the dipper) of 12.3m. Maximumworking outreach is 11.6m.

Attachments for the CX240B-MH include demolition andsorting grabs weighing up to 1610kg and timber grabs weighingup to 1340kg.

In the UK, the CX240B-MH with a sorting grab has alreadybeen successfully deployed in waste transfer stations. Here themachine’s purpose-built hydraulically elevated cab provides the operator into the trailers of the 44 tonne gross refusebulkers used to transport the waste material.

The top of the elevating cab on the CX240B-MH can be raised from an entry / transport height of 3.23m up to amaximum operating height of 5.53m. At this maximum elevation the operator on his KAB seat gets a maximum eyelevel working height of 5.06m.

Emergency descent switch and ladderThe cab rises up smoothly and does not flex so the operator feels secure when fully elevated. A safety valve limits

descent speed and there is both an emergencydescent switch which can be operated from groundlevel and a rear escape ladder to cover alleventualities.

Practical features include an optional swingawayfront screen guard to protect the operator from straydebris. It hinges out to allow access to clean the cabglass from a forward step.

Additional steps and handrails assist serviceengineers and there are mechanical locking pins tosecure the cab in the elevated position for serviceand maintenance. Keeping the machine properlylubricated is aided by the centralised greasing pointsfor the elevating cab structure.

Power for the CX240B-MH is provided by a TierIII compliant 132.1kW (177hp) Isuzu AH-4HK1Xwater-cooled, turbocharged engine that is very quietin operation.

This engine is also used in the CX240B-MH’ssmaller brother – the more recently announcedCX210B-MH which has a lower operating weight of25.7 tonnes.

This new CX210B-SL scrap loader made it’sEuropean exhibition debut at Bauma 2010 in April.

The elevating cab on the CX240B-MH can belowered from ground level by means of an

emergency descent switch.

Page 19CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

New scrap handlerversionsThere are now two scrap handlerversions of CX240B and CX210B withthe Isuzu AH-42H21X engine. Alsoequipped with the now provenhydraulically elevated cab, these SLmachines have operating weights of30.1 and 25.3 tonnes respectively.

The CX210B-SL made its Europeanexhibition debut at Bauma in April. Ithas a straight, rather than curved, 6.8mboom and a 5.2m goose neck dipper

for the mass movement of industrial waste.

Its operating envelope embraces a maximum attachment pin height of 12.8m and a maximum forward reach of11.1m.

Attachments for the CX210B-SL include four or five tine grabs weighing up to 1145kg. The larger CX240B-SL canbe equipped with four, five or six tine grabs that can be raised to a higher attachment pin height of 14.4m.

The new MH and SL tracked machines allow Case to offer customers with an alternative to its longer establishedWX210MH and WX240MH wheeled excavators with materials or industrial handling equipment. Whilst wheels canprovide faster mobility around a site, tracks provide better stability and higher lifting capacities.

European debut for dozersMonthyon is also being used to demonstrate the Case 1650L – one of two bulldozers that had their official Europeanlaunch at Bauma. Case has been building this sort of machine in the USA and other associated markets since itbought the American Tractor Corporation (ATC) in 1956.

At one time Case also made some tracked dozers and loaders in Cornwall in the UK but since the mid 1980s theseproducts have been absent from Europe despite the production of machines across the Atlantic. Now the 1650L andthe smaller 1150K Series 3, which are produced in the Case factory in South America, are in Europe.

The 1650L and 1150K have operating weight ranges of 16.0 to 17.0 tonnes and 12.6 to 13.3 tonnes respectively.They both have Case Tier 3 emissions compliant engines – with power ratings of 107kW (144hp) and 88kw (118hp) –teamed with Rexroth PowerStat hydrostatic transmissions.

The engine in the 1650KL at Monthyon was a 6-cylinder, direct common rail Case Family IV 667TA/EDJ. It deliversa peak torque of 669kN at 1400rpm - useful low down torque for dozing applications. Electronic fuel injection and acharged air cooler help to maximize engine power and improve fuel efficiency.

The conventional low drive tracks get their power through the variable axial piston pumps and motors of the dual pathhydrostatic transmission. The use of a driveshaft between the engine and the hydrostaticpumps helps reduce machine vibration,thereby improving operator comfort.

The undercarriage has pinned equaliserbeam suspension to aid stability and providethe traction needed for work on slopes as wellas pushing hard at low speeds and carryingout demanding tasks such as stump removal.

A test drive of the machine revealed thatthe hydrostatic transmission operatedsmoothly and allowed power turns with a full

This 1650L is the larger of the twoSouth American built bulldozers thatCase is now bringing into Europe.

The 1650L’s narrow instrument panel andtapered bonnet allows a clear view of the frontof the tracks and both sides of the PAT blade.

Page 20 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

blade. The left hand joystick used toselect travel direction and to provideinfinite speed control up to amaximum of 9.7 km/h. Side mountedbuttons allow manual selection of anyof the 10 speed increments to suitparticular operating requirements. Tohold the 1650L stationary when theengine is switched off, the machinecomes as standard with a heavy-duty,spring-applied hydraulic releaseparking brake.

Low-effort bladehydraulicsThe right hand joystick controls all the

motions of the PAT (power, angle and tilt)blade by means of logical forward/reverse,left/right and twisting movements.

The low-effort hydraulics aid precise bladeadjustment on the move to maximise loadretention and carry out efficient dozing to therequired grades. A separate right hand leveroperates the optional ripper (not fitted on theMonthyon demonstration machine) that canbe equipped with three or five teeth.

When sitting on the comfortablesuspension seat in the air conditioned ROPS

cab (optional in some markets), one gets good all round vision.

The use of a narrow instrumentation panel and a tapered bonnet view provides a clear view of the front of thetracks and both sides of the 3.98m wide, 3.2m³ capacity PAT blade.

The test dozer had the 2.13m gauge LGP (low ground pressure) tracks with 864mm wide shoes which maximiseflotation when used on soft ground. Other track options are the 1.87m gauge XLT (extra long track) with 610mm trackshoes for precision grading and the 2.13m gauge WT (wide track) with 864mm shoes – most suitable when extrastability and a wider blade are needed for finish grading or slope work.

Sealed and lubricated track pinsGround pressure varies from the XLT at 42.8kPa, to the WT at 38.7kPa and the LGP undercarriage, which puts downjust 31.9kPa. All models use the Case Lubricated Track system with its sealed and lubricated pins. An optional CaseExtended Life Track, with a second hardened bushing, is available for abrasive soil conditions.

All the three LGP, XLT and WT configurations utilise Case Lubricated Track with sealed and lubricated pins asstandard. An option for sustained use on abrasive ground is the more durable Case Extended Life Track (CELT).

Daily service checks can be carried out from ground level and there are quick-disconnect diagnostic test points toassist any necessary troubleshooting. Mechanics will appreciate the side tilting operator platform and cab. It takes lessthan ten minutes to ‘open up’ the machine in this way to obtain really good access to its power train, electrical andhydraulic systems.

The 1650L and 1150K were launched in the USA at the ConExpo exhibition in 2008. Now their availability inEurope will provide Case and its dealers with more sales opportunities. Time will tell whether the other Casebulldozers are also offered in Europe. [CP&E]

Case Construction

Basic Specs – Case BulldozersModel Weight Engine Engine Blade

Range Power Torque Capacitytonnes kW Nm m³

1150K 12.6-13.3 88 567 2.9-3.2

1650L 16.0-17.0 107 689 3.1-3.2

Customers at Monthyon are shownhow easy it is to tilt the cab on the1150K to gain good accessto its power train, electrical andhydraulic systems.

Page 21CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Nick Johnson highlights the latest compacttelehandler from the French maker Manitou– the Maniscopic MT625T which has amaximum lift height of 5.85m.

New Manitou makesits markAmongst all the new machinery being launched at theBauma exhibition in April was the latest small telescopichandler from Manitou. Designated the Maniscopic MT625T,this compact machine slots into the increasingly popularmarket segment for handlers which are less than two meterswide and high.

The MT625T is actually 1.82m wide and 1.92m high (withits magnetic flashing beacon removed) so that it can accesslow headroom areas and operate in confined spaces. Themachine is a little bigger than the long establishedBuggiscopic but it scores over its smaller brother by offeringgreater lift height and a more roomy cab.

Equipped with a two section telescopic boom, theMT625T can raise 2000kg up to its maximum lift height of

5.85m – to enable a 3rd tier lift onto scaffolds. Maximum forward reach is 3.4m at which an 800kg load can be carried.Usefully a 1.2 tonne pallet can be can be picked up 2.5m in front of the front wheels.

Side mounted Kubota engineThe new design, low boom MT625T telehandler has a side mounted 55.4kW (75hp) Kubota V3307-D1-T-E3B Euro 3Aemissions compliant engine and a hydrostatic transmission. There are two speed ranges – up to 7 km/h for siteoperation and a maximum of 25 km/h on the highway.

An ergonomically shaped JSM multifunction joystick allows the MT625T operator to conveniently select traveldirection and control all the boom and carriage motions with his right hand whilst keeping his left hand on the steeringwheel. Roller controls on the JSM joysticks are sensibly used to facilitate boom extension / retraction and auxiliaryequipment operation. To aid smooth operation, all the telescopic boom functions are proportional and independent.

The low slung, side mounted ROPS/FOPS cab is easy to enter and inside the operator finds a quiet (76db(A))environment with an adjustable seat. The machine features a simple 10 second start-up sequence, a safe loadindicator (with a vertical display of green, amber and red LEDs) and a switch to neutralise the JSM joystick to preventinvoluntary movement of the boom or carriage duringroad travel.

Safe load indicator displayThere is an emergency engine stop button locatednext to the JSM joystick and the machine has aneasy-to-read instrument panel. As well as housingthe safe load indicator display, this panel includes anhour meter and fuel gauge as well as being able toshow when the next service is due and indicatingdiagnostic codes for fault finding and servicing.

The new MT625T compact telescopic handlerwas launched by Manitou at the Bauma exhibitionin April 2010.

The MT625T is only 1.92m high so thatit can access low headroom areas

and operate in confined spaces.

The MT625T has all wheel drive and steer with threesteering modes – front wheel, all wheel and crab steer.With all wheel steer selected, the machine can achievea tight turning radius of 3.3m.

The cab provides plenty of glazing so, when the low-slung boom is lowered, the operator has good all roundvision. The main door window can be hinged back andlatched against the side of the cab but, in this position, itmight be considered by some people to be a littlevulnerable to site damage. The rear cab window canalso be hinged up open to provide more naturalventilation in warm weather.

Superior Comfort versionThe machine comes, as standard with heating and demisting but air conditioning isan optional extra and only available with the superior Comfort version. Theenhanced Comfort specification also includes an adjustable steering column, rooflight, windscreen and roof sun visors, a roof window wiper, enhanced cab trimworking lights and an aggravating movements cut-out as standard.

Good service access to the engine, and especially to the air and diesel fuelfilters, is provided by the wide opening offside canopy. A lockable hinged panel at the rear provides secure fuel tankaccess.

The Comfort version of the MT625T comes with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit at the head of the telescopic boom asstandard. Options for both versions include hydraulically activated attachment locking, a side-shift carriage and a loadback rest.

Whilst the compact MT625T is particularly suitable for use on building sites where there are space or headroomconstraints, it can also be very effective on road reconstruction and maintenance jobs. Its small size andmanoeuvrability allow it to be used safely in restricted width coned off areas beside live traffic lanes.

First UK MT625T on prominent London jobA good example of this new Maniscopic being used on an interesting road project can currently be found in London.The first MT625T to be sold in the UK has been supplied to Leighton Hire Centre Ltd (LHC) which has hired it to majorcontractor Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering (BBRCE) for use on a prestigious street improvement scheme inthe centre of the capital.

The $38 million Exhibition Road Streetscape Project for the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough ofKensington & Chelsea involves repaving the well-used road to create a kerb free ‘shared space’ for both pedestriansand vehicles. It will provide more pedestrian space for the many visitors to all the well-known buildings in this area ofcentral London – including the Natural History, Science and V&A Museums, the Royal Albert Hall and ImperialCollege.

BBRCE Construction Superintendent Cliff Short says, “The MT625T has ample capacity for our needs and itscompact dimensions and all wheel steering allow it to work safely within the confines of our site.” He particularly likes

the ease with which the forks can be folded backover the carriage to enhance safety when travellingon the public highway without a load.

Operator Kulvinder Dhanda is alsocomplimentary about the new Manitou. He saysthat the machine is easy to drive and he likes itspower steering, operator comfort and good allround visibility. Having a good view from the cab isessential on this central London job where themachine often has to travel in amongst the heavycity traffic. [CP&E]

Manitou

The easy-to-enter cab provides a quiet environmentwith an adjustable seat and a clear digital displayinstrument panel.

The first MT625T in the UK has been hired fromLHC for use on the prestigious ExhibitionRoad improvement scheme in London.

Page 22 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Plant Editor Nick Johnson reports onthe latest additions to the Doosanwhich now includes heavy-dutytelehandlers as well as excavatorsand wheel loaders. He also providesan insight into the company’s futureideas on excavator design

Doosan addsnew models andlooks to thefutureAided by its Bobcat brand and its leadingposition as a supplier of excavators inChina, Doosan Infracore ConstructionEquipment claims to be number four in theworld construction equipment business. Itaims to move up to number three and anyvisitor to the company’s large Bauma standin April will have seen the many new modelsthat indicate the company’s forward thinkingstrategy.

The latest Bobcat machines were covered in the last issue of CP&E so this article will focus on the new orangeliveried Doosan units. After Bauma I was able to inspect many of the newcomers in operation at the Doosan TrainingCentre at Dobris in the Czech Republic.

Of particular interest was the new 23.7 tonne DX235LCR short tail swing crawler excavator. This joins the 14.5tonne DX140LCR that was introduced at the Intermat exhibition in Paris during 2009. These two units now allowDoosan to compete strongly in markets where demand is increasing for crawler excavators to work more safelywithout a significant tail radius in confined spaces or in road works next to live traffic lanes.

Tight tail swingThe smaller DX140LCR utilises a 71.0kW (91hp) Cummins QSB 4.5 engine rather than one of Doosan’s own engines

because it can be installed in a smaller space. The fitting of the 4-cylinder QSB 4.5 allows this machine to have a tight tail swing of1480mm which means that its superstructure only protrudes beyondedge of its standard 600mm wide tracks by 185mm. By contrast, thetail of the standard swing 14.0 tonne Doosan DX140LC trackedexcavator (with 600mm shoes) has a side overhang of 905mm.

A short test drive of a near zero swing DX140LC with an excavatingbucket at the Doosan Training Centre revealed a very stable machinewith smooth controls and plenty of digging power. The cab iscomfortable and there is an easy to use multifunction colour LCDmonitor panel. Curved access doors at the rear corners open up to aidmaintenance and the standard safety features include a rear viewcamera.

Now, with the arrival of the DX235LCR, Doosan has scaled up itsshort tail swing design. The company states that its new model hasbeen produced to satisfy customer demands for a bigger excavatorthat can better work in a confined environment whilst maintaining theoperating performance of a standard swing machine of the same sizeclass.

The Doosan engineers have succeeded in giving the DX235LCR atight overall swing diameter (with boom fully raised and dipper armtucked right in) of 3990mm. Composed of a 2310mm front swing

Doosan now has two near zero tailswing tracked excavators – the

14.5 tonne DX140LCR (left) andthe new 23.7 tonne DX235LCR.

To aid safe operation close toobstructions, the DX235LCR has arear overhang of only 85mm beyondthe edge of 800mm wide tracks.

Page 23CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

radius and a tail radius of 1680mm, hisdiameter is much less than some notablecompetitors. The rear overhang beyond theedge of 800mm wide tracks is only 85mm -compared to 1070mm for the conventionalconfiguration DX225LC with the same sizetrack shoes.

Enhanced excavating forceThe DX235LCR is powered by a 6-cylinderDoosan DL06 turbocharged diesel engineproviding 125.0kW (166hp). This is 13.4kW(18hp) more than the conventional

DX225LC and this contributes to enhanced excavating force. Digging force over the bucket is 14.2 tonne, while thatover the arm is 10.3 tonne. Use of power boost increases both forces by about 5% which, Doosan contends, are thehighest forces of any excavator in this class.

Thanks to the high engine power and the high swing torque, the DX235LCR can work efficiently on slopes. Itsslewing speed is 11.3rpm and, when equipped with the longer 2900mm dipper arm, the machine can dig down to6670mm.

The DX235LCR is equipped with the same cab as the smaller DX140LCR. This has a durable hinged door whichcan be clipped back neatly against the superstructure. Inside the cab is quiet (the stated noise level is 72 dB(A) at theoperator’s ear) and comfortable.

Visibility is good and the operator gets both a rear view spherical mirror and a camera to see behind in order toenhance safety when working in a confined space. Like its smaller brother and other Doosan DX excavators, theDX235LCR gets the e-EPOS (Electronic Power Optimising System). Designed to balance the hydraulic powerrequirement to available engine power, e-EPOS effectively manages the hydraulic pumps to reduce fuel consumption.

The machine has a manually selected ‘auto idle’ fuel saving feature together with two speed travel (up to 5.8 km/hor 3.1 km/h), a straight travel pedal for trenching and a power boost button to raise hydraulic pressure for between 10and 12 seconds in order to provide a burst of greater breakout as required during hard digging.

Smooth and precise operationDuring a stint at the controls of the DX235LCR I was impressed by theability of the load sensing piston pump and the closed centre valve toallow fine metering of hydraulic flow to enable me to effectively carry outprecise grading. Smooth operation is aided by the provision of end-ofstroke cushioning on the boom and dipper arm cylinders.

I found the machine to be very stable to operate and this virtue willmake it attractive for use with a wide variety of attachments. To improveits operational flexibility, the new DX235LCR can be supplied with thesame auxiliary hydraulic lines as can be fitted to the conventionalDX225LC.

Engine service intervals are 500 hours and the DX235LCR alsoshares the extended lubrication intervals of the whole Doosan excavatorrange. To facilitate servicing the machine has hinged side panels. Thewater trap and the engine oil filter are both located in the hydraulic pumpbay on the offside for easy access from the ground level.

This machine clearly has the power to perform and its availabilityshould help to increase the population of this size of short tail excavatoron sites with limited operating space. To appeal to contractors and rentalcompanies in countries such as Italy where narrower machines arepopular, Doosan will shortly introduce a DX235LCRN version.

The compact, curved superstructure and theaccess to the Doosan DL06 turbochargedengine can be clearly seen in this aerial viewof the DX235LCR.

The LED monitor panel in the cab of the DX235LCRhas different information displays as well as

buttons for mode, flow rate and auto deceleration selection.

Page 24 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

New DX380LC fills a gapAbove 25 tonnes, conventional style tracked excavators with pronounced rear tails are the norm. To fill a gap in itsrange between the 34.1 tonne DX340LC and 40.9 tonne DX420LC, Doosan has added a 37.9 tonne DX380LC.

This new DX380LC utilises a lot of the well-proven parts from the bigger DX420LC including the undercarriage.This serves to make the new 38 tonne class excavator very stable.

The turbocharged engine in the DX380LC is a 6-cylinder ‘common rail’ Doosan DL08 rated at 202.0kW (271hp),thereby providing 18.0kW (24hp) more than the DX340LC. The larger unit has a 6500 mm boom and its longest3950mm dipper allows a maximum digging depth of 8200mm.

The arm and bucket cylinders are sized to provide enhanced excavating force. Digging force over the bucket is21.7 tonne, while that over the arm is 17.3 tonne. Use of power boost increases both forces by about 5%, claimed byDoosan to be the highest forces of any excavator in this class.

New Doosan flagship excavatorWhist not at the Doosan Training Centre at the time of my visit, the other new excavator in the company’s range is itsflagship DX700LC. Propelling the company up into the heavier excavator league, this machine weighs in at 70.1tonnes - a significant step up in weight from the previous top-of-the-range DX520LC with its operating weight of 50.7tonnes.

When equipped with the EU-approved 2900mm dipper arm, the DX700LC offers a maximum digging depth of7765mm. The machine has a 6-cylinder ‘common rail’ Isuzu AH-6WG1X turbocharged diesel engine which is rated at345.0kW (463hp). This engine, with its high-pressure fuel injection system and exhaust gas recirculation, is emissionsTier 3 / Stage IIIA certified.

The DX700LC has Doosan’s e-EPOS electronic control system to optimise power whilst conserving fuel. Theoperator can chose between Power Mode (for very heavy duty digging and loading), Standard Mode (for heavy dutyexcavating and operation of a breaker), Economy Mode (for medium duty excavation) and Lifting Mode.

To provide adequate cooling of the engine and hydraulic systems the DX700LC is equipped with a Doosan CoolingFan Control (DCFC) system. Audible and visual monitoring sensors warn the operator of excessive temperatures,while an overheat prevention system is automatically activated if coolant temperature should reach 110°C. As the

machine is destined to be used in quarries andheavy construction, it has multi-stage filtersand features such as track guards, an autogrease system and greased and sealed tracklinks.

Hybrid excavator underdevelopmentAnother Doosan excavator attracting attentionat Bauma was a working prototype of thecompany’s 22 tonne class Hybrid machine.Now scheduled to become available for sale in2012, this Hybrid tracked excavator is beingdeveloped as part of a Strategic Technologic

This new 37.9 tonne DX380LC fills a previous gapin the Doosan tracked excavator range between the

34.1 tonne DX340LC and 40.9 tonne DX420LC.

Doosan used Bauma to show this working prototypeof its 22 tonne class Hybrid tracked excavator whichshould go on sale in 2012.

Page 25CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Development Programme funded by theMinistry of Knowledge Economy in South Korea.Doosan is the lead partner in the project.

Expected to burn at least 20% less fuel thana standard DX225 hydraulic excavator, theHybrid machine will also dramatically cut CO2emissions. It is equipped with will be equippedwith a diesel engine, an electric slew motor, anelectric converter and an ultra-capacitor that willstore excess energy during slewing and light-duty work. The reserve of electricity that hasbeen generated and stored will then be utilisedto part power the excavator during heavier dutywork. This arrangement allows the speed of thediesel engine to be reduced.

The next step in the Doosan’s hybridmachine development programme is likely to bethe application of the technology to both wheel loaders and forklifts. Meanwhile, the company also used Bauma toprovide a visual indication of how its excavators and wheel loaders might appear even further into the future.

Futuristic concept excavatorColourful graphics and scale models were used to depict a pair of futuristic ‘eco transformers’ – a CX Eco Energytracked excavator and a CL Eco Energy wheeled loader. The excavator has four articulating triangular trackassemblies to enable it to traverse rough ground and operate more safely on slopes.

The cab of the CX Eco Energy excavator slides forward to provide the operator with a better view down the holewhen required. However, somewhat surprisingly given the current trend towards short tail machines, this concept unithas an extending counterweight at the back of what is already a lengthy superstructure!

The ‘star gazers’ have included a hybrid power system and they predict the use of an emotional haptic controlsystem and intelligent solar-control glass (which will adjust its transparency level and colour according to the weatherconditions).

This glass sounds expensive – let’s hope that vandalism has been eradicated before its introduction!

New Doosan branded breakersComing back down to earth, Bauma was used to introduce its new Doosan branded hydraulic breakers for theEuropean market. Models on show were the DXB170 and the DXB260 (suitable for use on excavators weighing 18 to28 tonnes and 27 to 37 tonnes respectively).

Other breakers in the DSC36 (for 4 to 10 tonne carriers, DXB100 (10 to 20 tonne carriers) and DXB190 (20 to 30tonne carriers. The breakers, which incorporate Montabert technology) include an energy recovery system and apatented valve system.

Wheel loaders represent an importantpart of Doosan’s construction equipmentline-up and the company used Bauma tohighlight its replacement of the DL400 withthe new DL420. The DL400 has beenDoosan’s best selling wheel loader as it,like the DL420, slots into the very important250 to 300hp segment of the wheel loadermarket.

Cummins QSM 11 in newDL420 loaderAt the heart of the new DL420 is the Tier 3 /Stage IIIA emissions compliant CumminsQSM 11 10.8 litre electronically controlledengine. Rated at 209 kW (284hp) this

This scale model of a CX EcoEnergy tracked excavator

reveals some of the features thatcould be included on Doosan

machines in the future.

To utilise the latest Cummins QSM 11engine, Doosan has introduced this DL420to replace its popular DL400.

Page 26 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

engine makes the DL420 a bit more powerful than theformer DL400 that had a Cummins QSL 9 engine rated at204kW (274hp).

The switch to the more technically advanced 6-cylinderCummins engine with its high-pressure injectors and newcombustion system provides better acceleration. It alsosaves diesel and Doosan reports that tests have shown thatfuel consumption is about 7 % less when compared to theDL400.

The standard bucket capacity for the DL420 is 4.0m³ (upfrom 3.9m³) and the machine’s 210KN breakout force isclaimed to be amongst the highest in its category. Theoperator gets the choice of working modes (standard andeconomical) and the ZF 4WG210 powershift torqueconverter transmission provides maximum travel speeds of38 km/h forwards and 18.4 km/h in reverse.

The DL420 offers a static tipping load with bucket of18.9 tonnes (at maximum reach with a straight frame) and aheight at bucket pivot point of 4.35m. Equipped with a pin-on bucket with teeth and tipped forward at 45°, the dumpheight is 2.96m and the dump reach is 1.40m.

New integrated monitoring systemIn upgrading from DL400 to DL420, the Doosan engineershave taken the opportunity to improve the visibility, heatingand air conditioning. There is now a new integratedmonitoring system, a vehicle control unit (VCU) and anoptional electric steering system.

An integrated LCD panel displays information about theloader, engine and transmission, including the serviceintervals for each filter and the engine oil. The transmissioncan be tuned by the operator without the assistance of amechanic. Transmission status is easily verified and variousadjustments such as compensation for disc wear are doneautomatically with no disassembly required.

The DL420 is now being produced at Doosan’s newfactory at Gunsan in South Korea. Situated some 100km south of Seoul, this factory with its 125,400m³ covered areawent on stream at the start of 2010. Making the larger Doosan wheel loaders and excavators (30 tonnes and above),it has a maximum production capacity of 5,200 units a year.

Development work is now proceeding for the next generation of wheel loaders with Tier 4 / Stage IV engines.Interestingly, Doosan is planning to switch to Scania engines for the new versions of its DL300 and larger loaders.

Dieci sourced new capacity telehandlersTo extend its product portfolio, Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment has signed a deal with the Italian telescopichandler maker Dieci to supply badge-engineered units. Doosan’s Bobcat range gains Dieci sourced rotatingtelehandlers whilst four large capacity rigid frame models are to be supplied in orange to provide a new Doosan DTseries.

Complete with frame levelling, the new DT70, DT120, DT160 and DT210 have maximum lift heights of between9.4m and 10.2m and maximum lifting capacities ranging from 7 to 21 tonnes. The DT70 has an Iveco NEF TA enginewhilst its three bigger brothers utilise Perkins power. All have hydrostatic transmissions.

The machine shown at Bauma and subsequently available for customer evaluation at the Doosan Training Centrein the Czech Republic was the DT160.

This substantial four wheel drive and steer telehandler weighs 23.7 tonnes and can lift a maximum load of 16tonnes. It can raise 14.5 tonnes up to its maximum lift height of 10.2m and extend 7 tonnes to its maximum forwardreach of 5.15m.

As well as pallet forks, these new high capacity telehandlers can be used with crane jibs, loader and mixingbuckets as well as access platforms. They now ideally complement the existing Doosan ranges of medium and largeexcavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks used by contractors in civil engineering, mining and quarryingapplications. [CP&E]

Doosan

Bauma 2010 saw theunveiling of the first offour new high capacity

telehandlers that Doosanis sourcing from Dieci.

This 16 tonne maximum capacity DT160 telehandlerweighs 23.7 tonnes and can lift up to 5.0 tonnes

at its maximum outreach of 5.15m.

Page 27CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Page 28 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

The interesting Giraf Track is a rotary telescopic handlerwith a difference – it combines a Merlo boom with aCaterpillar excavator undercarriage (complete with alevelling blade).

Nick Johnson reports on this unusual multi-purpose machine.

Graf Track provides greater versatilityI first saw the Giraf Track at the APEX access show in Maastricht, Holland in the autumn of 2008. It was immediatelyobvious as a new product because it was markedly different to most other machines. The problem was how todescribe in simply.

Developed by TDL (Testcentrum De Lille NV) – the Merlo dealer in Belgium – the Giraf Track cleverly combines aMerlo telehandler boom and the undercarriage from an 18 tonne class Caterpillar tracked excavator. The result iseffectively a heavy-duty rotary telehandler on tracks, complete with an optional blade (to level up the machine onslopes) and the ability to utilise an array of different attachments (including access platforms).

By the time the original Giraf Track GT580B had made its APEX debut it had been under development for fouryears. Now the product is being increasingly accepted as a specialistmachine able, according to its makers, of being equipped to do jobsthat other handlers and platforms cannot.

The GT580B weighs 16.5 tonnes and it is operated by radio remotecontrol. Undercarriage width is 2.49m and the unit’s steel tracks can befitted with rubber street pads.

Proven telescopic boom and carriageTDL buys a proven telescopic boom assembly and fork carriage fromMerlo. The boom is the one used by Merlo for its P38.16 Roto. Whenfitted onto the Giraf Track machine, this boom allows a maximumcapacity of 3800kg.

When used as telehandler with forks, 2000kg can be raised up tothe maximum lift height of 15.2m and 700kg can be extended forwardto the maximum reach of 13.7m. The use of a loader bucket, differentcrane jibs and a variety of access platform options greatly increaseoperational versatility.

Maximum platform capacity (A1829 basket) is 1000kg and, when a5.5m long 181LIMS basket is fitted, maximum working height andoutreach are 17.8m and 16.0m respectively. At the Bauma exhibition in

Long cladding panels being installing usingthe new 13.m maximum length extending

platform on the Giraf Track GT580B.

The new 7.0m to 13.0m long extendingaccess platform for the Giraf Trackwas a prominent exhibit at Bauma.

Page 29CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Germany and the Vertikal Days event in the UK, the GirafTrack GT580B was shown with the new 7.0m to 13.0m longextending platform designed for use by glazing contractors.Complete with 180° rotation, this 1.3m wide platform has apayload of 500kg for the sheet materials plus 250kg to carrythree persons.

Also on show at Vertikal Days was a CE approvedaccess platform and hydraulic loader crane. With thisattachment both the basket and the crane can be rotatedindependently. The crane was a Palfinger PC2700 whichhas a maximum capacity of 950m with its three sectiontelescopic boom closed and 550kg at full 1.55m extension.

The basket and crane combination for the Giraf Trackisesigned specifically to aid the installation of glass withframes. There are four extending supports on the front ofthe 2.5m wide basket to carry the glass panel weighing upto 950kg. The basket capacity is 600kg with the craneretracted and 200kg with the crane in use. This latter ratingallows two people be carried in the basket - one person tooperate the crane whilst the other person does themanipulation of the glass panel.

Platforms can also be used with a detachable winch unitand short jib. Providing a lifting capacity of 500kg, this liftingequipment aids the placing of lightweight panels (such asinsulation borads) onto the wall of a building in front of thebasket. If the 13.0m platform is used with this winch, theplatform capacity is 300kg.

Caterpillar engine and undercarriageThe Giraf Track is powered by a Caterpillar 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine rated at 74.5kW (101hp). This wellproven power source is Stage IIIA emissions compliant. Aswell as this engine, the tracks, undercarriage and slewingring are amongst other components sourced fromCaterpillar.

The use of a 2490mm wide Caterpillar 318 size trackedundercarriage provides the Giraf Track with plenty of stabilityso that it can operate without outriggers. The tracks providea low ground bearing pressure and allow the machine totraverse soft and wet ground that would be too much of anobstacle for conventional wheeled access platforms or telescopic handlers. The downside of tracks versus wheels isthat the Giraf Track is heavier to transport and has a maximum travel speed of only 2.5 km/h.

The Giraf Track will drive up steep slopes and works with unrestricted 360° operation on inclines of up to 7° (12%)as standard. It has the capability to work on even steeper gradients with the optional VBLADE slope compensationand anchoring blade. Providing additional levelling of up to 12° (21%), the VBLADE allows the machine to be used ongradients of up to 19° (34%) although, when perched on the blade and the other end of the tracks, ground bearingpressure will increase dramatically.

Version with fully enclosed cabAs well as the original Giraf Track GT580B, TDL also now produces the GT580-3C complete with a fully enclosed cab.Inside there is a cradle to carry the radio remote control box in front of the operator.

One company which has purchased a GT580B is CropMech of Okehampton in the UK. This agricultural,contracting and rental business runs the Giraf Track alongside a fleet of Merlo telehandlers. The tracked machine hasproved particularly useful for erecting and maintaining power line poles in bad weather or on soft or wet rough terrain.

Frans Van Dooren, the Export Manager of TDL says that over 30 machines have been sold to contractors and,increasingly, into rental fleets in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the UK. When used as an accessplatform, customers have found that it can work well in applications where conventional access platforms haveinsufficient size and capacity - especially in the industrial, construction and utilities sectors. [CP&E]

Giraf Track

CropMech’s cabequipped Giraf Track GT580-3C levelled up on its Vblade to carry out power line

pole maintenance from sloping ground.

This basket and Palfinger hydraulic crane attachment aidsthe installation of glazing units with the Giraf Track.

Page 30 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Nick Johnson inspects the latest fuel-efficientportable compressors from CompAir – the new high-pressure additions tothe company’s innovative lightweightTurboScrew C series.

CompAir piles on the pressureHaving originally introduced its low-pressure TurboScrew C series portable compressors in 2007, CompAir used theBauma exhibition tin April to extend its range with three new high-pressure models. The newcomers are designatedthe C230TS-17, C210TS-21 and C200TS-24 which respectively deliver compressed air with maximum operatingpressures of 17, 21 and 24 bar. The big feature of these units is that they weigh less than 3.5 tonnes so that they canbe towed, in Europe, behind a suitable 4x4 vehicle.

The C230TS-17, C210TS-21 and C200TS-24 compressors provide free air deliveries of 23m³/min (812 cfm), 21m³/min (742 cfm) and 20m³/min (706 cfm). Their high-pressure output makes them particularly suitable for powering thedown-the-hole drills used in water well and geothermal drilling. On such work on-time job completion is dependant onmaintaining sufficient air pressures at depths of 100m and below.

Each of the C series CompAir TurboScrew compressors are powered by an electronically controlled CumminsQSB 6.7 6-cylinder turbo-charged engine made at Darlington in the UK. This compact Tier 3A emissions compliantengine has been developed by Cummins specifically for use in the company’s TurboScrew C series compressors – soit is unique design supplied only to CompAir.

Patented bi-turbo technologyThe TurboScrew compressors cleverly utilise CompAir’s patented bi-turbo technology with two Holset turbochargers.Air enters the system through a dual filter assembly and passes through the first turbocharger which is running atapproximately 115,000rpm to pre-compresses the air.

The pre-compressed air then passes through an intercooler where it is cooled increasing the air’s density before itreaches the engine. The increased air pressure and air density means more fuel can be mixed with the air resulting in

greater power and greater fuel efficiency froma smaller engine.

With TurboScrew, CompAir applies thesame principles to the compressor, pre-compressing its inlet air via a second turbocharger which runs at around 75,000rpm. Thisair is also cooled within an intercooler before itenters the compressor. This total process canas much as double the atmospheric pressureat the compressor’s air inlet. The net result isgreater compressor performance from asmaller, lighter, more economical package.

A big feature of the new CompAir high-pressure compressors is that they weigh

less than 3500kg and so can be easilytowed on European roads.

Page 31CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Significant fuel savingCompAir claims that its C series TurboScrew machines can deliver, without any loss in pressure, up to 30% better fuelefficiency than most conventional portable compressors of similar output. The use of a smaller airend with a lowertorque demand allows CompAir to reduce its engine idle speed to 1000rpm in offload mode compared to otherdesigns that cannot reduce their idle speed lower than 1300 or 1400rpm.

When auto idle kicks in, fuel consumption drops by as much as 58%. This is useful as compressors used to powerdown-the-hole drills revert to idle each time a new length of drill rod is added.

According to CompAir, the lifetime cost ofconventional compressors typically breaks down as 15%purchase cost, 10% service costs and 75% fuel costs.(based on average site running conditions over a lifetimeof 10,000 hours). It contends that, with TurboScrew’sBi-Turbo fuel efficiency, lifetime compressor costscan be reduced by as much as 20%.

New high-pressure airendHaving proved its TurboScrew technology in its low-pressure (9 to 14 bar) C series portable compressors,CompAir decided to develop high-pressure versions inmid 2007. The company’s Portable Compressor ProductManager Harald Wenzel says that the project involveddeveloping a new high-pressure air end with a differentinternal pressure ratio. The machines also required adifferent oil coolers and a pressure vessel rated at 28bar to provide the required safety margin.

A particular challenge was to construct a strongconnection between the air end and the pressure vessel.

It had to withstand vibration and to safely accommodate pressure spikes.

The new high-pressure machines retain the low weight and compact dimensions as pioneered by the low-pressuremodels in the TurboScrew C series. The machines feature a robust steel canopy (with wide opening side accessdoors) that is carried on a twin axle trailer with an over-run braking system supplied by Knott. Alternatively the unit canbe skid mounted.

The new 24 bar C200TS-24 only weighs 3420kg including a full 370 litre tank of fuel - which is sufficient for workingan 8 hour shift. Being less than 3.5 tonnes allows the compressor to be towed in Europe by a large 4x4 vehicle suchas an Audi 27, Land Rover Defender 110 or Range Rover without the need for air brakes. CompAir claims a significantweight and size advantage over competitive machines which need a bigger 9 litre engine due to the absence of asecond turbocharger.

Easy adjustment of air pressureThe electronic control panel for the high pressure C200TS-24 is at the backbeside the single air outlet. Together with an emergency stop button, theoperator gets simple, intuitive controls, a fuel gauge and a display screen. Useof the arrow buttons allows output air pressure to be adjusted up or down in0.1 bar steps within the range of 13 to 24 bar. The electronic regulatorensures that the maximum operating pressure of 24 bar cannot be exceeded.

With language options of English, French, German, Italian and Spanish,there is a menu that shows important operational data such as operatinghours, fuel consumption, engine oil pressure and engine water temperature.Advance warning is given of the next scheduled service and fault codes helpmechanics to solve problems. Operational data can be downloaded to alaptop but, at present, there is no remote monitoring system.

The new high-pressure compressors are produced at the CompAir factoryin Simmem, Germany and units have been field tested in the demandingenvironment of the mines of South Africa. Now Harald Wenzel sees a brightfuture for the machines in water well drilling worldwide as well as in thegrowing business of geothermal drilling. [CP&E]

CompAir’s engineers have succeeded in producing thisnew small sized screw compressor capable of deliveringair up to a maximum pressure of 24 bar.

The control panel on the C200TS-24allows the selection of output pressure

from 13 to 24 bar in 0.1 bar steps.

Compair

Page 32 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Having been launched at theBauma exhibition in April, theVolvo FMX construction truckgoes into series production thismonth (September).

Nick Johnson reports on the truck’s new features including the recently updated constructionversion of the I-Shift automated manual transmission.

Volvo Trucks targets construction sectorThe big Volvo outdoor stand at the Bauma exhibition in Munich during April was used to demonstrate now onlymachines from Volvo Construction Equipment but also for the world premiere of the latest vehicles from Volvo Trucks.Bauma provided a most apt venue for the major launch of the new FMX construction trucks and they havesubsequently been exhibited at other events including the ComTrans commercial vehicle fair in Moscow, the TruckShow in Jönköping, Sweden and the Hillhead quarry show in the UK.

Developed specifically for construction sector operation, the heavy-duty on/off road FMX trucks are now going intoseries production. They are initially being introduced in Europe, followed by a global rollout during the rest of this year.Volvo is keen to capitalise on the synergy of these new vehicles with its yellow construction products as the Groupseeks to strengthen its ability to provide ‘total solutions’ to construction sector customers.

The need for a more specialist on/off road truck was perceived by Volvo Trucks back in 2007. At that time thecompany’s best selling vehicle for heavy construction was the FM truck which had found favour on both sites and theroad particularly in the Nordic countries, the UK and Eastern Europe.

Volvo Trucks Heavy Segment Product Manager Hayder Wokil reports that development of the new FMX modelsstarted with customer clinics in Europe. The participants indicated a desire for FM series trucks improved forconstruction applications and fitted with at least an 11-litre engine to provide more torque.

Another issue raised by some customers was the need for a front mounted central towing device.

Choice of 11- or 13-litre enginesBased on the well-proven FM platform, the resulting ‘Xtra’ heavy-duty FMX trucks provide a heavy weight option forcontractors requiring better off-road performance in muckshifting and demolition applications. To address the feedbackfrom the customer clinics, the new trucks utilise either a Volvo D11C 11-litre engine (330 to 450hp) or a D13C 13-litreengine (380 to 500hp).

Transmission options include a fully automatic Powertronic gearbox and an updated construction version of theI-Shift gearbox. The FMX trucks can befitted with a new load sensor which sendsprecise load weight information to theI-Shift for an optimal gear sequence andsmooth gear start.

Before releasing the new FMX trucksfor sale, Volvo has subjected them tosome particularly tough testing on thedemanding ‘construction track’ at itsHallered proving ground outside

To check their durability, the new FMXtrucks have been subjected toaccelerated life cycle tests at Volvo’sHallered proving ground in Sweden.

At the world premier of the new Volvo FMXtrucks, this FMX500 8x4 tipper (left) andFMX450 6x6 hooklift tipper were seen inaction at Bauma.

Page 33CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Gothenburg in Sweden. Driven around the clock by ateam of test drivers for six months, the vehicles havesuccessfully completed accelerated life cycle tests.The tortuous circuit with its steep hills, bumpysurfaces and water traps is designed to simulate avehicle lifetime of around 15 years and a traveldistance of 2 million kilometres.

Visually, Volvo’s designers have sought todistinguish the FMX models from the FM seriesvehicles by giving them a more aggressive, ruggedlook. This is particularly apparent at the front of thevehicle where the new upper grill comes complete with a thicker diagonal bar carrying the Volvo emblem.

New central front towing deviceOf more practical use is the inclusion of a new central front towing device. Rated at 25 tonnes for both push and pull,this strong device will better facilitate the towing or shunting of trailers on construction site in countries such asGermany where this is a common application.

The lower front of the FMX trucks has been extended 165 mm and there is a new anti-slip footstep integrated inthe skid plate to enhance access to the windscreen for cleaning. An extra foldable extension step and/or a front grabhandle at the upper grill are optional to provide even easier access.

The truck features modern headlights (with optional mesh protection) that allow the lamps to be changedindividually. LED lights in the side indicators have been selected to provide better light and longer life.

There is the option of fog lamps that are neatly integrated into corners of the new three-piece steel front bumper.Complete with 3mm thick steel outer corners, the sectional bumper allows any damaged section to be moreconveniently, and cheaply, replaced than if a one-piece bumper had been used.

The FMX truck gains practical side mirrors that, whilst not being as stylish as those on FM vehicles offer very goodvision. Carried on a narrow arm, the two side mirrors are both heated and the larger, upper one can be electricallyadjusted.

Cab mounted load inspection ladderThe day cab variants of the new FMX trucks can be fitted with a ladder and grab handle assembly behind the driver’sdoor. This optional arrangement allows the driver to safely step out from his cab and climb up to check the load in thetipper body without having to go down to the ground and up again.

Another option with the day cab is the provision of a new, higher air intake. This loftier intake not only helps tosupply the engine with cleaner air but it also serves to improve visibility when reversing.

Inside the cab there are three new interior trims to choose from: vinyl seats and door panels, textile seats and vinyldoor panels or plush seats and door panels. A leather seat is optional. Practical interior features include easier toclean rubber mats, a table with dedicated space for cups and pens, a practical storage box and a paper holder inwater resistant fabric.

The day cab variants of the newFMX trucks can be fitted with aladder and grab handle assemblybehind the driver’s door.

The front of the FMX truck has a newcentral towing device and a step to

aid cleaning the windscreen.

To assist with the preparation of specific vehicle configurations, bodybuilders can specify the rear overhang they require. The factory is gearedup to provide pre-drilled frames with different lengths increasing in 50mmincrements. Hayder Wokil says that Volvo’s aim is that body builders willnot need to drill any holes in the FMX frame.

The FMX trucks come with several options of fuel tank. The largestcapacity tank has increased to 570 litres to satisfy requests made at theinitial customer clinics.

Dedicated construction I-Shift transmissionTo enhance the performance of its FMX trucks, Volvo offers the option ofan updated construction version of its I-Shift automated manualtransmission. I-Shift was first introduced in 2002 in on-highway long haul44 tonne trucks and subsequently its use has been greatly extended. Itspopularity is such that last year 70% of Volvo trucks sold in Europe had

I-Shift and 50% of the company’s construction customers also chose this transmission.

Now for construction applications, the I-Shift transmission gains the more versatile P+ software. Smart electronicsprovide optimised gear selection and faster gearshifts whilst utilising higher engine revs.

The Construction I-Shift comes as standard with basic shift strategy, performance shift, Basic gear selectionAdjustment, a gearbox oil temperature monitor and launch control. Options include enhanced PTO functions,enhanced gear selection adjustment (including kickdown) and improved performance.

A short test drive of I-Shift equipped FMX tippers on a twisty and hilly circuit in a large quarry near Gothenburg inSweden revealed just how driver friendly this enhanced construction transmission is. I was able to select the P+ (ExtraPerformance) mode rather the Economic (on road) mode by pressing the E/P button on the gearlever. The P+ modeprovides extra torque for starting, higher revs to better facilitate climbing the steep hills as well as quicker automatedgear changes.

Fast and responsive automated gearshiftingWith the automated gearshifting selected, I found that the gear changer was invariably fast and responsive. Thesystem reacted well to steep slopes with the electronics usually keeping the transmission in the highest practical gear.Where the truck started to falteron a steep grade, the transmissionquickly reacts to select a lowergear and retain forwardmomentum. Going down asignificant slope is also aspainless as the VEB+ (VolvoEngine Braking) really proved itsworth.

Leaf spring suspension is themost common choice for tippersused in construction applications.Previously Volvo was not able tosupply a load sensor on such vehicles and its I-Shift transmission could only start the vehicle in one to third gear. Nowthere is a load sensor on the truck’s rear axles and this extends the automatic selection of the correct gear to startingfrom first to fifth depending on weight and other factors.

Usefully, the I-Shift’s automatic mode can be overridden by means of ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ buttons on the side of thegear lever. Just before reaching the bottom of a significant hill, you can press the minus button and let the enginespeed reach around 2000rpm. With the chosen gear, the truck will then proceed up the hill without making anyupshifts.

An established feature is the hill start aid which prevents the truck from rolling backwards on a hill. It isautomatically engaged when vehicle is on an incline of 1.5% or more.

Other useful features now available with the construction version of I-Shift are Rock Free and Heavy Start. Theformer is a way of getting the truck unstuck from deep by rocking it to and fro by intermittent use of accelerator pedal.The latter automatically senses a heavy load and engages the clutch a bit harder at full throttle to get the vehiclemoving.

I was impressed by the driveability of FMX trucks which gain from the enhancements made to the I-Shifttransmission. The arrival of this range with all its options should provide Volvo with ammunition to do much more truckbusiness in the construction sector in a significant number of different countries. [CP&E]

Volvo Trucks

The I-Shift gear lever includes the E/Pmode selection button and the ‘plus’ /‘minus’ override buttons.

The arrival of the FMX trucks provides the Volvo Group with another attractive optionfor construction sector customers seeking vehicles to move material on site.

Page 34 CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

Page 35

CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

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