Construction Equipment's E-MarketWatch

  E-MarketWatch from ConstructionEquipment.com - January 5, 2007

Welcome to Construction Equipment’s E-Market Watch. Here you’ll find the latest in construction equipment, trucks and related products that the editors of Construction Equipment have come across over the past few weeks. Click on the product to access manufacturer information.

We’ve organized products by category, so you can click on the headline to be connected to the appropriate ConstructionEquipment.com section. It’s a great way to see all the recent activity in new products, or to research upcoming purchase decisions.

And be sure to check the magazine for even more products for your business as well as in-depth looks at some of the more exciting developments in construction equipment.

Rod Sutton
Editor in Chief

Earthmoving

Agco Challenger MT975B
Agco says its 63,000-pound, 570-hp Challenger MT975B is the world’s largest four-wheel-drive, articulated ag tractor. Four models in the MT900B Series use Caterpillar C15 and C18 diesel engines with peak power up to 615 horsepower and peak torque of 2,040 ft.-lbs. and Cat-engineered 16-speed powershift transmissions. An accessory package includes a scraper plate with hydraulic couplings and belly guards for contractors who want to pull scraper pans. Manufacturer suggested list price for the MT975B is $350,000.

Komatsu Crawler Dozer Provides 449 Net Horsepower
Weighing 109,900 pounds, Komatsu’s D275AX-5 crawler dozer features a Tier 3 engine — the turbocharged SAA6D140E-5 diesel engine, which provides 449 net horsepower. A new power train electronic control system improves operation and productivity. Blade capacities are 17.9 cubic yards (Semi-U dozer) and 21.7 cubic yards (U dozer). Fuel consumption is reduced significantly, says the company, by use of the lock-up torque converter function. The new, ergonomically designed Palm Command Control System offers operators a relaxed posture and excellent fine control to reduce operator fatigue.Komatsu Upgrades Two Excavators
Improvements to Komatsu’s PC300LC-7 and PC400LC-7 hydraulic excavators include enhanced productivity, better fuel economy, reduced sound levels, and solid reliability. Serviceability has also been facilitated by the location of the radiator and hydraulic oil cooler, mounted side by side. Both models come equipped with the Equipment Management Monitoring System, which performs three main functions that are displayed on an LCD color monitor. Operating weights of the two machines range from 73,432 to 77,298 pounds on the smaller unit, and from 95,901 to 101,684 pounds on the larger. Flywheel horsepower is rated at 246 and 345, respectively. Komatsu Improves Crawler-Dozer Productivity
The D475A-5E0 crawler dozer from Komatsu is powered by a turbocharged Tier 2 engine, providing a maximum net output of 890 horsepower. Blade capacity for the Semi-U dozer is 35.6 cubic yards; 45 cubic yards for the U dozer. Additional high-tensile strength steel has been incorporated into the front and sides of the blade for increased durability, Komatsu says. The machine also features an updated 8 roller, K-Bogie undercarriage, which reduces vibration felt by the operator while providing increased track on ground. It comes equipped with the VHMS fleet-monitoring system, which sends machine operating information to a secure website for analysis.

Excavator Offers New Tier 3 Komatsu EngineKomatsu’s upgrades on the PC600LC-8 excavator include a Tier 3 engine, increased speed and stability, and enhanced serviceability. The unit is designed for large-scale earthmoving applications, pit-and-quarry work, mining and other high-production jobs. It is powered by a 386-flywheel-hp Komatsu engine, which uses a cooled EGR system. A new hydraulically driven variable speed cooling fan provides quieter operation and improved fuel economy. The machine comes equipped with three working modes, two boom mode settings, and a Power Max control. It also has the Komtrax wireless equipment-monitoring system.New Wheel Loader Added to Komatsu Fleet
Model WA430-6 wheel loader has an operating weight between 40,840 and 41,226 pounds. The machine generates power from a 231-net-hp Komatsu diesel engine, with an Electronic Heavy Duty Common Rail fuel-injection system. It has a dumping clearance of 9 feet 11 inches when equipped with a 4.6-cubic-yard general-purpose bucket with bolt-on cutting edge. The loader features a wide, spacious cab mounted with Komatsu’s viscous mounts to keep noise to a minimum at 74 dB(A). It also comes with the Equipment Management Monitoring System to keep the operator informed of all machine functions. New Crawler Dozers from Komatsu Designed for Heavy Work
A new series of D85 crawler dozers from Komatsu — the D85EX-15 and D85PX-15 — are designed for heavy dozing, ripping and grading applications. All major components including hydraulics, power train, mainframe and cab are engineered by Komatsu. Operator comfort is improved with new hexagonal cab design with tinted glass windows for excellent visibility, new suspension seat, and air filters that prevent dust from entering the cab. The dozer has a turbocharged Komatsu engine that provides a maximum net output of 264 horsepower and meets Tier 3 emissions requirements. It also features the Komtrax monitoring system and Palm Command Control Steering.Komatsu Motor Graders Powered by Tier 3 Engines
The GD655-3 motor grader comes equipped with a Komatsu Tier 3 turbocharged engine with variable horsepower of 180 to 200. Electronic overspeed protection helps prevent engine and transmission damage. The Komatsu power-shift transmission provides on-the-go, full-power shifting, inching capability, and automatic shifting in higher ranges. Operators can choose either direct drive or torque-converter drive; eight forward speeds and four reverse provide a wide operating range. The machine weighs 33,950 pounds and has a blade width of 12 or 14 feet.

Lifting & Concrete Placement

Putzmeister Stop Stik
Putzmeister Stop Stik is a spray-on solution that makes cleaning concrete equipment quicker and easier, says the company. Users spray it on surfaces before use, and a power washer rinses away concrete. The 11-ounce aerosol cans come in six- and 12-packs, and is also available in 1- and 5-gallon bulk liquid packages for application with a pump sprayer. Manitowoc Model 16000 MAX-ER Crawler Crane
The Manitowoc Model 16000 lattice-boom crawler crane, with a rated lift capacity of 440 tons, often finds application in wind-power-equipment installations, petrochemical work, and in fabrication yards. The crane is now available with the company’s lift-enhancing MAX-ER attachment. The attachment can provide up to 256 tons of counterweight, thus increasing the crane’s lift capacity at given radii. The 16000’s standard boom length is 315 feet, but boom length can be increased with the MAX-ER to 394 feet. National Crane 1300H
National Crane Series 1300H truck-mounted crane has a 30-ton capacity, filling the gap between the company’s 1100 and 1400 series. It is the largest capacity crane that can be mounted on a three-axle truck while maintaining an overall vehicle length less than 40 feet, the company says. Patent-pending control console moves from one operator station to the other. Pilot-operated hydraulics provide smooth operation and precise load control. Maximum tip height is 162 feet with the 110-foot boom and 44-foot jib. Custom Equipment HB-1030 Scissor Lift
The Hy-Brid HB-1030 is an electric scissor lift with 10-foot platform height that weighs only 1,175 pounds. The lift is designed for use in building projects with increasingly limited floor loads, and will lift two workers and 750 pounds of capacity. A dual-wheel front steering system reduces damage to finished floors, and proportional electric drive extends battery life. Access to the platform is easy with a 20-inch step up. UpRight AB48 HSRT Articulating Boom Aerial Platform
UpRight’s AB48 HSRT rough-terrain boom is built on a four-wheel drive chassis that can travel 13.6 miles per hour. Hydraulic outriggers level the machine on rough terrain. The combination of articulated, telescopic and jib booms extends the working height up to 55 feet 5 inches and stretches horizontal outreach to more than 23 feet.

Haulotte HB135 JRT Telescopic Aerial PlatformHaulotte’s new HB135 JRT telescopic boom reaches a platform height of 134 feet – third highest available in North America today. The boom has a fly jib with 140 degrees of range. A new platform load controller, 4-degree tilt alarm allowable in all positions, hydraulic platform compensation, and stability management in all positions keep operators safe in the big boom. MLE T40MH Quad Lifter Telescopic Aerial Platform
Man & Material Lift Engineering says its T40MH-3000 Quad Lifter can replace telehandlers and small cranes on some building sites. The 40-foot boom (built on a 60-foot boom’s carrier) has the greatest capacity in the industry at 3,000 pounds. Booming down to 38 feet crosses the threshold that derates the capacity to 2,500 pounds – which is still the most capacity in class. The Load Sensing Platform shows the operator how much weight is on the platform. Quick-attach hardware allows operators to quickly add a 1,000-pound winch or extendable racks for handling sheet goods, or trade the platform for pallet forks with a one-man basket behind the carriage.

Paving & Materials Production

Astec Phoenix Phantom and Phoenix Coal Retrofit Burners Astec now supplies retrofit burners (the Phoenix Phantom and Phoenix Coal) for aggregate-drying/asphalt-production plants. With the retrofit models, Astec can offer burner replacement or a complete, installed system. Each burner, says Astec, is designed to meet the user’s exact specifications, and each burner is tested on one of Astec’s three tri-fuel (oil, gas, coal) test stands.

Attachments

John Deere Worksite Pro Grader Blade Attachment John Deere Worksite Pro DB84 and DB96 dozer blade attachments for skid-steer and compact-track loaders “transform” machines into compact dozers, says the company. Blades are 24 inches high with the DB84 measuring 84 inches wide and the DB96 96 inches. Blades have a 30-degree hydraulic angle and 10-degree hydraulic tilt. Standard is a reversible cutting edge and adjustable skid shoes. They are compatible with most other brands of loaders.Bobcat 8B High-Flow Chipper Attachment The Bobcat 8B chipper attachment is designed to reduce wood-waste from trees, branches and limbs by a factor of 10:1. The attachment is available for use on Bobcat machines with a high-flow hydraulic system, including skid-steer models (S160H-S300H), compact track loaders (T180H-T300H) and the Toolcat 5600H utility work machine. The chipper’s variable gpm setting allows it to operate within two flow ranges: 26-31 and 32-37 gpm. A “smart valve” slows the chipper’s feed roller when its chipping-disc speed diminishes, then restores feed-roller speed when the disc recovers to full speed. The feed-roller system also is equipped with an auto-reverse/auto-forward feature to control material flow.

Trucking & Hauling

Komatsu Dump Truck Features Tier 3 EngineThe HM400-2 articulated dump truck features Komatsu’s electronically controlled countershaft transmission with K-ATOMiCS, which is also used in the company’s rigid dump trucks. This technology is said to ensure smooth shifts without shock and maximize power-train life. The truck is powered by a 438-hp turbocharged engine that meets Tier 3 emissions regulations.The body has a heaped capacity of 29.2 cubic yards and a loading height of 9 feet 9 inches. It also comes equipped with the Komtrax fleet-monitoring system. TieHook Cleat Makes Loads More SecureA TieHook cleat “automates” the process of securing ropes used to tie down loads to utility racks, truck beds or trailers. The device mounts vertically or horizontally on racks, flat surfaces and truck bed rails, and is available with adapters for square and round utility racks and the latest pickup-truck rail systems. TieHook eliminates complicated or poorly tied knots and makes loads more secure. Its locking cinch mechanism stands up to weather and road vibrations. Suggested retail price is $39.99 for a single unit and $79.99 for a pair. Two Rigid Trucks from Komatsu Offer More Operator ComfortTwo new rigid dump trucks from Komatsu, the HD465-7 and HD605-7, are designed for rock and quarry sites. They are powered by 715-hp turbocharged, air-to-air after-cooled diesel engines that meet Tier 3 requirements. They also have lead-free aluminum core radiators. The trucks feature Komatsu’s electronically controlled countershaft transmissions with K-ATOMiCS. Both the service points and greasing points have been centralized for ease of maintenance. Oil-change intervals have been extended to 500 hours for engine oil and 4,000 hours for hydraulic oil. Both trucks have spacious, ergonomic cabs with easy-to-view instrument panel.

Underground Equipment

New Vermeer Drill Offers More Power, Redesigned CabReplacing the D300x500, Vermeer’s new D330x500 Navigator HDD offers 50,000 ft.-lbs. of rotational torque and 330,000 pounds of thrust/pullback force (30,000 pounds more than its predecessor). It is powered by a 540-hp Caterpillar diesel engine that meets Tier 3 emissions. The operator’s station has been redesigned and reconfigured. Vermeer says the machine allows a single operator to run all functions from the roomy, climate-controlled operator’s station.

Light Equipment

Hobart Handler 187 WelderHobart Handler 187 MIG welder has seven-tap voltage selection control so users can make arc adjustments in fine increments, the company says. At 68 pounds, the unit outputs 25 to 185 amps and operates on standard 230/240-volt power. Four- or 8-inch spools of wire can be used, and a dual-groove drive roll holds .023 to .035 diameters. Suggested list price is $820. A five-year warranty covers the transformer; three years on switches, controls and valves; one year on the torch. Lincoln Electric Mobiflex Fume ExtractorLincoln Electric’s new Mobiflex Welding-Fume Extractor is a portable, low-vacuum system designed either for intermittent or continuous removal and filtration of welding fumes. Mobiflex filters contaminated air and circulates it back into the work area. The flexible extraction arms are available in lengths of 10 and 13 feet.

Lincoln Electric Powerwavesoftware.comLincoln Electric’s new website, powersoftware.com, is available for fabricators who use Lincoln welding equipment that features Waveform Control Technology. The website offers free online software upgrades that can be downloaded, as well as the latest information, improvements and capabilities, along with instant access to welding solutions. The website also provides access to weld-set modes and personal-computer and diagnostic tools. Lincoln Electric Pipeliner Stick ElectrodesThe Lincoln Electric range of Pipeliner products has expanded with the addition of six new stick electrodes (7P+, 8P+, 17P, 18P, 19P and 20P). The 7P+ and 8P+ are cellulosic electrodes recommended for root, hot, fill and cap pass welding. They are designed for use in all-position welding. The remaining four electrodes are low-hydrogen types for fill and cap pass vertical up welding, recommended for DC+ use. Karcher IB 15/80 Dry-Ice BlasterThe new IB 15/80 Dry-Ice Blaster from Karcher Industrial Products is designed for cleaning metal, plastic, wood and rubber surfaces by freezing and lifting off the unwanted material — whether grease, rust, paint, asphalt or mold. The cleaning system uses compressed air to propel tiny dry-ice pellets at supersonic speed. The dry ice flash freezes the contaminant, which then drops off and can be swept or vacuumed, and the dry ice dissipates into the air. The new cleaner operates on 120-volt current and uses a blasting pressure of 44 to 230 psi. Compressed-air requirements range from 150 to 300 cfm. The system uses 3-millimeter dry-ice pellets and consumes them at the rate of 66 to 220 pounds per hour. The Dry-Ice Blaster weighs 198 pounds and is made of stainless steel.

Maintenance & Repair

Halex CoilThe Halex Coil fits over a conventional oil filter and creates a magnetic field (within the filter) that pulls both ferrous and non-ferrous metal particles from the dirty-oil stream. According to the manufacturer, the powerful, rare-earth neodymium magnet positioned at the base of the coil draws contaminant particles (too small for the filter to trap) to the sides of the filter canister, where they are kept from circulation. (Rare-earth magnets, says Halex, are as much as 100 times stronger than conventional magnets.) Also, says Halex, the coil can trap non-ferrous particles by “sandwiching” them between ferrous particles, and also by the phenomenon of “paramagnetism,” which involves magnetization and attraction of non-ferrous particles. Even with the coil, says Halex, oil analysis remains effective, because new base-line numbers are established for both new and old engines. Michelin XMCL Radial TireIn designing the new XMCL off-road radial, Michelin chose a major shift in construction by replacing the Kevlar crown belts in its predecessors – the XM27 and XM37 – with a steel belt package. Michelin credits the steel crown belts and more heavily reinforced sidewalls with the XMCL’s 46-percent longer life and 10-percent greater puncture resistance compared to the XM27. The new radial is designed in 12 sizes from 18 to 28 inches to fit backhoe loaders, compact wheel loaders and telehandlers – machines that Michelin says are sold with radial tires less than 10 percent of the time. The XMCL will be available as a standard option on all new 2007 Caterpillar backhoe-loaders. Michelin Axiobib Radial Tire Michelin introduced Axiobib tires with Ultraflex radial technology that promise better traction and longer life to harness the power of four-wheel drive ag tractors like those used to pull towed scrapers. Ultraflex Technology enlarges the area in the tire sidewall that flexes under load. Combined with a flatter cross-section, it extends the Axiobib footprint 22 percent longer than that of standard radials. Michelin calls the affect “Increased Flexion,” and it resulted in the U.S. Tire and Rim Association creating a new tire classification called IF. The new Axiobibs can operate at inflation pressures as much as 20 percent lower than other radials, or carry up to 20 percent more load at the same inflation pressures. Michelin’s AxioBibs will be available in seven sizes of from 600/70R30 to 710/70R42. Volvo Penta TWD1643GE Diesel EngineThe 16-liter Volvo Penta TWD1643GE diesel engine is especially designed for power-generation applications. The engine, says Volvo Penta, “is optimized for dual speed, 1500 and 1800 rpm, as required for the power-generation market.” Features of the engine include dual-stage turbochargers (each turbocharger working with its own charge-air-cooling system), a two-stage radiator and Volvo Penta’s electronic EMS 2 engine controller, which employs CAN bus technology and allows using either Volvo Penta engine-instrument and control equipment, or the user’s own instrumentation and controls via an interface in the EMS 2.

Safety & Security

Titan Equipment Monitoring SystemDPL America’s Titan Equipment Monitoring system is designed for remotely monitoring and tracking off-road equipment. The system’s features include automatic and on-demand location reports; remote starter/disable capability; real-time reports of machine status (on, off, in-transit); hour-meter reporting with daily run-time log; service scheduling with past-due reminders; and digital inputs for sensor alarms. The system uses an Internet-based software package. The wireless system communicates over the GPRS network.

Construction Technology & Software

Topcon 3Dxi Grade Reference Topcon 3Dxi GPS+ grade reference for excavators provides grade control. Four temperature-compensated 360-degree CAN-based tilt sensors measure angles from cab, boom, stick and bucket, the company says. The system includes two GPS+ antennae, GPS+ receiver, and GX-60 control box. GX-60 provides an in-cab display that shows operators where the machine is on-site and what the bucket position is. Unit can access both GPS and GLONASS satellites.