Back to reality after hybrid hype
S INTERNATIONAL events go, Intermat has had a chequered past. This year there was probably more new equipment than visitors expected. Jumping on to the environmental bandwagon, several exhibitors, including Volvo and New Holland, featured hybrid machines to illustrate how engine technology will probably develop over the coming years. Whether such machines will ever see the light of day is something we can only speculate. As expected, there were many machines featuring Tier III compliant engines but the main launch for machines maximised to benefit from the many advantages the new engines make possible, will undoubtedly be introduced at bauma 2007.
The European markets are now getting back to normal. Manufacturers are looking to exploit every market potential, as there is no indication of any significant increase in construction activities throughout Europe. For instance, JCB has recently targeted the demolition sector with the Wastemaster range undergoing modifications to give it greater durability in demolition work. This includes increased undercarriage, engine and hose protection and added filtration to the engines. Another development is a modular boom option for the JS330XD giving a 21m reach. The overall design concept is for models configured for demolition work to have the durability to withstand in excess of 3,500 hours per year.
Case is also targeting the demolition market with the CX800 equipped with a 40m modular boom, which features a special quick coupling device enabling the machine to be converted to and from a standard excavator in less than 30 minutes. Configured with the large boom and extra counterweight, the CX800 is over 90t in weight. Volvo has also announced excavators specially configured for the demolition markets and all the major players are now actively developing special packages for 20m to 40m heights. There are several specialist companies that will undertake the extensive base machine strengthening for longer booms.
A separate company
Although not until April next year, construction manufacturers are already talking about the new introductions to be seen at bauma 2007. Companies are expected to start pre-announcing this month. Earlier this year, Construction Contractor met up with Les Simons from the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) in Paris, while visiting Intermat. He said that the CCF would be bringing a large group to the bauma show next year. While at Intermat, Simons took time out to check some of the latest equipment destined for Australia – machines such as the CX700 from Case. This is the first excavator in the company’s range to benefit from a Tier III compliant engine and it gives the new excavator almost the same working specification of the current CX800. With a 4.50m3 bucket, the CX700 in standard configuration has a 7.70m boom and choice of three dipper lengths – 3.55m, 4.10m and 5.0m, giving a maximum digging depth of 9.85m. It was one of the major attractions at Intermat where Case boldly promoted the brand name. Case is now operating, to all intents and purposes, as a totally separate company within the CNH Group and has set some ambitious targets. Jim McCulloch, Case president says, “We aim to increase market share by 30 per cent within three years.” Vice president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, George Russell, set the bar higher saying, “In my region, we will double market share in three years.” Both seem confident that they can achieve their goals.
Earlier this year, New Holland introduced a prototype dozer-excavator called The Blade Runner. Such has been the level of interest in the New Holland E150 that the company has rapidly moved it into production. They are offering delivery times for the end of the year. The Blade Runner is a dozer-excavator that, on performance, has clearly shown that it is a highly efficient dozer. The heavier undercarriage (based on a 20t excavator) with boosted drive motors gives it exceptional dozing capacity equivalent to that of a mid-size dozer while also providing the excavation features of a typical 14t excavator. During recent trials in Europe, many contractors, who mainly work in restricted areas or where there is no requirement for a dedicated dozer such as pipeline and cabling work, immediately recognised the cost savings.
The European market continues to monitor the impact of Korean manufacturers. Doosan Daewoo recently introduced the DX range of crawler excavators – DX300LC, DX340LC, DX420LC and DX480LC. The new series in the 30t to 50t categories offer extended service intervals and latest engine technology. Under the new ownership, the company is targeting a specific market for excavators with models in the 30t to 50t class. Maximum dig depth is 7.8m and 2.14m3 bucket capacity. Earlier in the year Caterpillar announced a whole raft of new equipment. Initial market reports are positive about Caterpillar’s new D-series excavator range. The new range includes the 324D L, 325D L and 330D L and they all benefit from latest Acert engine technology to deliver enhanced productivity at a lower cost. Advanced hydraulic systems allow the operator to store up to 10 flow and pressure settings, appropriate to attachment being used.
Pipelayers do not feature too often in new introductions. So Europe was very interested to see the all new Caterpillar T-Series pipelayers – the 583T and the 587T – designed to meet the demands of pipeline contractors worldwide. The 583T has a lifting capacity of 63,504 kg and replaces the 583R. The 587T represents a new size class in the product line, and it fills a range needed by contractors. The 587T has a lifting capacity of 91,625 kg. Still with Caterpillar, the company recently launched the PM-200 cold planer, which delivers a full-rated gross power of 429 kW at 1,900 rpm with a torque of 2,718 Nm. This power and its considerable operating weight of 30.1t give it a good power to weight ratio to cope with demanding job specifications. The Cat PM-200 performs full-depth removal of both asphalt and concrete pavements at a maximum width of 2,010 mm and to a depth of 320 mm.
Exceptional manoeuvrability
Ingersoll Rand used to be in the planer business and now they are trying to make a comeback with the MW-500. Offering options of 300, 400 or 500 mm wide planner drum, the 9t machine cuts to a depth of 210 mm. The front wheels turn through 180º to give exceptional manoeuvrability. The MW-500 planer was introduced alongside new vibratory rollers. Other developments in the excavators sector come from Volvo who recently introduced the EC135B excavator. Basically a scaled back version of the EC140BLC, the new model has an operating weight of 13.8t and is configured to better suit the important rental market across Europe.
Making an appearance at a trade show recently was China manufacturer, Sany, offering a range of three excavators – SY200C, SY210C and SY220C. With all the features expected in excavators today, at the time of visiting the stand, they had little information on the machine specifications. Like most Chinese manufacturers trying to break into the European market, they need to make a huge investment in putting in place a distribution network and parts support. Until then, many contractors are sceptical of the ability of these new companies to provide the level of parts support essential today. With the competitive nature of the construction industry and the rental market, companies need reliable machines with good support. As such they are prepared, more than ever, to pay a premium. While price remains an important factor, it is not everything.
Causing some controversy within Europe, site dumpers are getting bigger with each new model introduction. Articulated site dumpers with payloads up to 10t are now available from Barford, Neuson, Terex and Thwaites raising issues about safety. Such machines only offer rollover bar protection for the driver who has to steer while looking over a piled 10t payload. It is not so long ago that 10t dumpers where based on traditional articulated dump trucks with a fully enclosed cab such as those still produced by Hydrema. There are obvious benefits in being able to quickly haul material around sites but is it a safe way? The controversy continues.
Roger Lindley, Construction Contractor’s UK-based correspondent, looks at recent international developments that may impact on the Australian market.
Source: Construction Contractor
1-Nov-2006