Heavy Equipment Guide January/February 2024, Volume 39, Number 1 by Baum Publications Ltd.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

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COMPACT TRACK LOADERS THE LATEST INTRODUCTIONS, ATTACHMENTS & TECHNOLOGY

24 44

INNOVATION IN EXCAVATOR HYDRAULICS

TRIMBLE TESTS AUTONOMOUS SOIL COMPACTOR

ASTEC REDESIGNS HIGHWAY-CLASS PAVERS

January/February 2024 | Volume 39, Number 1

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS & SECTIONS

Asset management startup develops custom solutions for construction fleets

From the Editor

Real-time reporting provides accurate machine emissions data

News Room

Spotlight

Focus: Fleet & Asset Management

Earthmoving

Compact Equipment

Aggregates

Roadbuilding

Safety

Events Calendar

Advertiser Index

22 24 28 34

The power of electro-hydraulics with independent metering valve technology Compact track loaders: the latest introductions, attachments & technology Articulated haulers move 100 loads of material daily for Alberta producer

How to maintain your wash plant as temperatures drop

Electric models and expanded technology drive Kleemann updates

Astec redesigns highway-class Roadtec pavers

Trimble tests fully autonomous soil compactor on B.C. dam project

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 39 • NUMBER 1 EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 330

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Morena Zanotto morena@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 325

EDITOR Lee Toop ltoop@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 315

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Ken Singer ksinger@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 226

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sam Esmaili sam@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 110

VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER Melvin Date Chong mdatechong@baumpub.com

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Anderson tanderson@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 222

FOUNDER Engelbert J. Baum

Published by: Baum Publications Ltd. 124 - 2323 Boundary Road Vancouver, BC, Canada V5M 4V8

COVER PHOTO: CATERPILLAR’S 265 COMPACT TRACK LOADER The latest CTL introductions, attachments & technology Turn to page 28.

Tel: 604-291-9900 Toll-free: 1-888-286-3630 Fax: 604-291-1906 www.baumpub.com www.heavyequipmentguide.ca @HeavyEquipGuide FOR ALL CIRCULATION INQUIRIES Toll-free: 1-866-764-0227 email: heg@mysubscription.ca Subscription: To subscribe, renew your subscription, or change your address or other information, go to: http://mysubscription.ca/heg/ Heavy Equipment Guide serves the Canadian engineered construction industry including: roadbuilding and maintenance; highways, bridges, tunnels; grading and excavating; earthmoving; crushing; trucking and hauling; underground utilities; trenching; concrete paving; asphalt paving; demolition; aggregates production; fleet maintenance; and asset security and management. The magazine is distributed to key industry personnel involved in these sectors.

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WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Do you have a job site story, innovation, or industry concern that our readers should know about? We’d like to hear from you. Contact: Editor in Chief Kaitlyn Till at ktill@baumpub.com or 604-291-9900 ext. 330

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FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR CONSTRUCTION’S HIGH-TECH FUTURE IS HERE

e started the year by attending CES, the Las Vegas trade show held by the Consumer Technology Association, which is celebrated for showcasing the latest cutting edge, futuristic innovations from a wide range of industries. CES is flashy and focused on presenting opportunities for the tech industry to impact every part of our lives – it’s a trade show for flying cars, virtual reality, and $100,000 TVs. This is not the venue where you’d expect to find the construction industry, but that has changed in recent years as construction OEMs have broadened their product offerings and R&D beyond heavy iron and into innovations in software, autonomy, and electrification. The construction industry has staked out a presence at CES, and it’s one that is grounded in technology that is available now as part of a vision for what the construction job site of the future will be. Change in the construction industry is incremental, and it’s not particularly visible; CES offered an opportunity to see what that incremental change can look like when extrapolated out 10 or 20 years from now. This year’s keynote was presented by HD Hyundai, and it focused on a future vision for the construction job site that combines site management, electrification and hydrogen power, and autonomous vehicles to meet the common industry goals of zero accidents, optimized productivity, and sustainability, including zero carbon emissions. Automated machine control features, hybrid and electric power systems, and camera and object detection technology that make the job site safer and more efficient are all very real. But it’s safety, in particular, where the industry’s forward-looking vision is impressive. A job site that connects all construction equipment with comprehensive cameras and object detection will provide a revolutionary level of awareness for an industry where job site accidents are still too common. Advancements in full autonomy, where full autonomy makes sense, will further revolutionize job site safety. An example of autonomy is explored in this issue, where I take a look at Trimble’s development of its Earthworks Grade

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

It’s safety, in particular, where the industry’s forward-looking vision is impressive. Control Platform for Autonomous Compactors. The technology was tested last year in British Columbia on an active job site. The autonomy itself is exciting, but one of the main benefits is to keep workers out of hazardous situations, and to prevent currently necessary overwork that is required to protect workers in some applications. CES was a spectacle, and it was fun – to see the solid foundation of real solutions that are working on real job sites right now married to a highly stylized science fiction–inspired vision of a futuristic construction job site is an interesting juxtaposition for an industry that is typically fairly conservative. But the grounded takeaway is that the construction industry is not only essential for building our high tech future, it is a part of that high-tech world right now.

Kaitlyn Till Editor in Chief ktill@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca

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NEWS ROOM

SMART ROBOTS, DRONES & AI TACKLE CONSTRUCTION TASKS IN UBC DEMONSTRATION

T STAY CURRENT www.heavyequipmentguide.ca CONNECT WITH US @HeavyEquipGuide

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

he next evolution of construction sites is on the horizon, as shown during a recent demonstration using smart robots, drones, and AI technology by a team from the University of British Columbia. A group from UBC’s Smart Structures Lab, led by structural engineering professor Dr. Tony Yang, has developed smart construction robots that can perform basic tasks usually performed by workers, such as lifting and moving items around a job site, autonomously transporting materials, and monitoring sites for safety issues. A recent demonstration on Mitchell Island in Richmond, B.C., demonstrated the concept. Aerial drones fitted with cameras captured details that were then used to create a “digital twin” – a simulation of the site. AI-equipped cranes and forklifts used information from the digital twin to move construction materials such as beams and columns around the actual site, navigating around obstacles without needing a human operator. “Our smart construction robots are able to recognize objects, performing detailed scans of structural components for quality assurance,” says Yang. “They can precisely place objects on site and check against a computer model to ensure they’re building according to plan. They can make autonomous decisions such as navigating around obstacles or instantly stopping work to protect a worker who is in danger.” Yang is currently working with a number of B.C. construction companies to find opportunities where smart robots could be used in commercial building projects. He stated that smart robots will have a larger role to play in speeding up construction times, increasing worker safety, and easing labour shortages in the industry. “Our made-in-Canada technology is ready to deploy now and can be quickly scaled up, helping to elevate Canadian construction and making us more competitive on the global stage,” Yang says.

AMMANN ACQUIRES ASPHALT PAVER BUSINESS FROM VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

olvo Construction Equipment has reached an agreement to divest its paver business to the Ammann Group, which intends to expand and invest in the paving segment. The divestment includes the ABG Paver production and technology centre in Hameln, Germany, and will ensure the availability of the range and full support through the Ammann Group distribution channels and selected Volvo CE dealers. Both companies see this move as the best way to maintain and develop the long-established heritage in the paver business for relevant customers, dealers, suppliers, and employees. As a consequence of the divestment, the production of Volvo CE compaction equipment in Hameln will be phased out over time. The agreement will benefit both companies by strengthening the product portfolio and distribution network of the Ammann Group, while allowing Volvo CE to continue to focus on developing sustainable solutions and future technologies and services, in line with the company’s strategic direction. Customers will continue to have access to the paving range, as well as aftermarket and other services, through Ammann Group and some selected Volvo CE dealers.

KOMATSU TARGETS EXPANDED FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR SMALLER OPERATIONS WITH IVOLVE ACQUISITION

omatsu has expanded its ability to offer fleet management services to mining, quarry, and contracting operations with the acquisition of iVolve. Komatsu will deploy iVolve’s technology as a way to increase safety and productivity on work sites. iVolve’s systems visualize operation management information, reduce running costs, and promote safe operations.

CONSTRUCTION OEMS WIN MULTIPLE INNOVATION AWARDS AT CES 2024

wo construction OEMs have won Innovation Awards at CES 2024. HD Hyundai has won three CES 2024 Innovation Awards: two for its XiteSolution smart collision mitigation with sensor fusion and one for its NeuBoat Navi navigation solution for recreational boats. Bobcat won two awards for its S7X all-electric skid-steer loader. HD Hyundai’s XiteSolution won in the “Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps” and “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” categories while its NeuBoat Navi also won in the “Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility” category. Bobcat’s S7X won in the “Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy” and “Smart Cities” categories.

AUTONOMY DEMONSTRATED ON CANADIAN JOB SITE Trimble tested its Earthworks Grade Control Platform for Autonomous Compactors on a Dynapac CA 5000 soil compactor on the Site C dam project in northeast British Columbia. Turn to page 44 to learn more.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

NEWS ROOM Formed by the merger of Federal Equipment, Coneco Equipment, and Transwest Mining Systems, SMS Equipment combined 120 years of experience to become a supplier of equipment and support services for mining, construction, roadbuilding, and forestry operations. Anniversary celebrations have brought together contractors, employees, and branches to mark the occasion.

KOMATSU TO ACQUIRE AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS

SMS EQUIPMENT CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SERVING THE CANADIAN HEAVY EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY

ack in 2008, three Canadian heavy equipment companies joined forces to bring multiple industry segments together under one roof. SMS Equipment was born out of that vision to serve contractors. Now, celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, SMS Equipment is one of Canada’s top equipment dealers, and the largest independent Komatsu dealer globally.

omatsu America has agreed to acquire American Battery Solutions, a battery manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. ABS develops and manufactures a wide variety of heavy-duty and industrial battery packs, using lithium-ion batteries for commercial vehicles, transit buses, and on- and off-road vehicles. The company provides both standard and custom battery systems. The acquisition of ABS will enable Komatsu to develop and produce its own battery-operated construction and mining equipment through the integration of ABS’ battery technology. Komatsu says that the first equipment with ABS batteries will be used to power mining equipment in North and South America.

TRANSFORMING WASTE Complete C&D Solutions For Constructing A Sustainable Future

“It’s been a real game-changer for us. We’re now producing aggregates and sands that are 10% derived from recycled concrete from demolition waste.”

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

BRANDT OPENS THREE NEW FACILITIES IN NEW BRUNSWICK

randt has opened new facilities in Moncton, Fredericton, and Edmundston, New Brunswick. The new facilities total more than 110,000 square feet. They include an Eastern Canadian central parts warehouse and a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) centre. The facilities bring an increased shop capacity and more service staff members into Brandt’s network.

TIGERCAT OPENS NEW WEST COAST PARTS WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

EPIROC TO ACQUIRE STANLEY INFRASTRUCTURE BRANDS INCLUDING LABOUNTY, PALADIN, AND MORE

piroc has agreed to acquire STANLEY Infrastructure – a manufacturer of excavator attachments and hand-held hydraulic tools – from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. The acquisition aims to strengthen Epiroc’s presence in the attachments business. The brands that are part of STANLEY Infrastructure include LaBounty, Paladin, Pengo, and Dubuis.

igercat Industries has opened a new 3,250-square-metre (35,000-square-foot) parts warehousing and distribution facility in Kelso, Washington. “We are excited about opening the western warehouse for many reasons,” explains Tigercat Parts Manager, Brian Jonker. “To have inventory closer to our western dealers and customers will reduce both downtime and freight costs. To be able to potentially service any customer for an extra three hours of the day is also a benefit to the entire Tigercat network.”

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Road planer attachment

Tiltrotator

FAE

Road planer attachment

The RPL/EX road planer attachment uses cold planer technology, which cuts road surfaces to a precise depth with special teeth attached to a rotor. Compatible with excavators from 8 to 14 tons, the RPL/EX can mill up to 5.3 inches deep and has a working width of 18 inches. An adjustable base allows for precise selection of working depth, and a wide-stroke self-levelling system keeps the head properly aligned while operating. With an adjustable right skid the operator can keep the head aligned during overlapping passes. Specially designed teeth are available for use on asphalt and concrete surfaces.

Rototilt

Tiltrotator

Rototilt Control, which includes attachments, joysticks, and a user-friendly control system, is expanding to fit even more excavators. The compact RC3 tiltrotator is the latest addition to the Rototilt Control lineup and is designed for excavators between 6 and 12 metric tons. The RC3 also includes the SecureLock safety system as a standard feature. SecureLock incorporates electronic sensors in the safety lock to ensure that tools are properly connected and attached before use. The RC System display has built-in buttons managing the safety lock.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Vacuum excavator

Vermeer

Vacuum excavator

Designed to maximize the volume of material hauled while allowing for even weight distribution, the lightweight VXT600 weighs in at 40,000 pounds, has a 12-cubic-yard elongated spoil tank, and has a 1,200-gallon freshwater tank capacity. Powered by a 6,400-cfm helical tri-lobe Jurop blower, the truck features a 23-foot boom, an 8-inch-diameter dig hose, a vacuum level of 27 inHg, and a water pump producing 10 gpm of flow at 3,000 psi. Crews don’t need to unstow the boom before dumping, and the spoil tank can be raised to a 50-degree angle for quick offloading.

Mini excavators

Generators

Aggreko

Yanmar Compact Equipment

A series of Tier 4 Final generators from Aggreko offers power options from 100 to 500 kW, complying with the most stringent Canadian regulations for diesel generators thanks to advanced exhaust treatment processes. Compared to traditional generators, the Aggreko units achieve a 98 percent reduction in particulate volume and 96 percent reduction in NOx emissions using tools like diesel particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction, and diesel oxidation catalyst. The generators are also capable of running alternative fuels like HVO. Load management tools aid in reducing fuel consumption.

The Vi080-7 zero-tail-swing mini excavator weighs 18,122 pounds and is powered by a 67-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final diesel engine. The 21,385-pound SV100-7 with ultra-tight tail-swing has a 72-hp Yanmar engine. Both machines have 20 percent more PTO flow rate than their predecessors for increased attachment performance and have newly designed cabins focused on the operator’s experience. These quieter cabins are wider and have more foot space, and increased cab glass area ensures easier views of the work site. Additional cab updates include a new suspension seat, ergonomic foot pedals, and automatic air conditioning.

Tier 4 Final generators

Mini excavators

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

FOCUS: FLEET & ASSET MANAGEMENT

ASSET MANAGEMENT STARTUP DEVELOPS CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION FLEETS FRENTER AIMING FOR FUTURE END-TO-END EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT PLATFORM BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

he entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Canada’s construction sector, and Frenter is a prime example. The Halifax-based startup founded by teenage entrepreneur Zach Laberge is bringing new energy into asset management, working with its clients one-on-one to learn and grow as it develops new approaches to support construction fleets. Frenter is taking advantage of its size to offer custom equipment tracking and monitoring solutions, with a long-term goal to provide an end-to-end platform that follows equipment from acquisition to eventual resale.

FRENTER FINDS STRENGTH IN RENTAL AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

Laberge started Frenter in 2019 as a 14-year-old high school student, taking cues from the sharing economy to develop a peerto-peer rental marketplace. As CEO, he brought on experts from the rental industry to help successfully grow the platform, but at the same time realized his initial approach needed to change. “What we started to see was that the businesses were getting value from it as a way to market themselves and market their offerings to people,” Laberge describes. “On the consumer side of things, it didn’t really work – the consumer demand wasn’t there, and generally people would just rent directly from the companies instead of going through us.” That realization drove Frenter’s first pivot away from peer-to-

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

That’s where we’ve focused on now – can we build the best inventory management asset tracking system, whether that is through us building it ourselves or through being a bridge between other existing systems. Zach Laberge CEO, Frenter peer and toward servicing rental businesses of all kinds, from party rentals to equipment. As that began to develop, the team had another realization: businesses weren’t necessarily using e-commerce and website tools through the platform but were instead interested in inventory management. “That’s where we’ve focused on now – can we build the best inventory management asset tracking system, whether that is through us building it ourselves or through being a bridge

FRENTER IS A CANADIAN STARTUP FOCUSED ON ASSET MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR EQUIPMENT FLEETS AND RENTAL HOUSES.

between other existing systems,” Laberge says. The initial focus on general rental was narrowed down to heavy equipment based on simple economics, he adds. “You can’t charge thousands of dollars a year per unit for a piece of equipment that’s a thousand dollars, so the unit economics just didn’t work, and it doesn’t make sense to GPS track a tent,” Laberge says. The $60 billion heavy equipment market in North America provided Frenter with a strong target and significant growth opportunities. Laberge notes that fleet management tools for the trucking sector, both from manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers, have grown rapidly, and he intends Frenter to take inspiration from that success. “I think we’re seeing that shift in construction where adoption is taking place and these large companies are making big investments that trickle down to smaller companies,” he says. To that end, Frenter has expanded its target market from the rental sector to a broader reach, encompassing all heavy equipment fleet owners adopting asset management solutions. The Frenter platform today is focused on GPS tracking and analytics, giving managers a snapshot of their equipment location, activity, and condition. Theft prevention, using emergency alerts and location information, is part of Frenter’s offerings, as are logistics and optimization tools.

FRENTER CEO ZACH LABERGE.

STAFFING WITH A FOCUS ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT EXPERTISE Over the four years since its inception, Frenter has expanded to around 15 employees. Laberge says he appreciates those like Chief Revenue Officer Alex Mills, the first to join up, who were willing to work with a teenager and help guide the search for venture capital and other investments. The focus has been on finding the right people with expertise in heavy equipment rental who understand the space and can bring that knowledge to development of software and services. “You can’t teach someone what 20 years of experience looks like on the job site,” Laberge says. “You can teach them the software side of things . . . but you can’t teach experience.” As a growing startup, Frenter has a luxury many larger operations don’t – it can work more closely with clients to understand their needs and adapt quickly as those needs change. Laberge’s goal was to find a pilot group of customers who would provide important feedback about the product and shape future development. Businesses that have invested millions into their products over years don’t have that opportunity. “Now, as we start to look at other companies, we’ve already gotten the feedback, we’ve already had our product ripped apart and recreated, and I think that helps us be way more prepared,” Laberge says. “When we launch with much larger fleets of hunJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

FOCUS: FLEET & ASSET MANAGEMENT

FRENTER CURRENTLY OFFERS A RANGE OF ASSET MANAGEMENT AND EQUIPMENT LOCATING TOOLS ACCESSIBLE ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS.

dreds or thousands of units going forward, we’ll have a better understanding.” Being customizable early on benefits both customers and developers, but as Frenter grows, the goal is to produce a broad tool set that allows businesses to select the applications they need, while maintaining customizable data capture to fit the customer’s requirements. “Our data is fully customizable for the business – we can pull thousands of data types, but we’ll give a dozen or a couple dozen that are key performance indicators,” Laberge says. “On the data side of things, we’re trying to be custom, and on the application side, it’s more about pick and choose which systems and products you’re looking for.”

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS IS THE FUTURE FOR FRENTER

As Frenter moves forward, data collection and analysis will be the key to development, Laberge says. Once the current services and solutions are fleshed out within the next year or two, focus will shift to the full supply chain, from purchase of new machines through management and maintenance to, eventually, resale and reinvestment. There’s also space for Frenter to support the industry with solutions that encourage more people to consider construction as a career – an important goal with the skills shortage looming. Laberge suggests that scholarships, educational opportunities, and tools that help interest and onboard new employees all have potential moving forward. “It’s building the ecosystem for the industry so we can keep supporting it and keep getting more people excited about it.” HEG

GPS TRACKING PROTECTS OWNERS FROM EQUIPMENT THEFT

heft of heavy equipment from job sites and through fraudulent rentals is a growing challenge for the industry, and one that Frenter has focused on through the development of GPS tracking tools. A report from insurance provider Aviva found that more than $46 million in construction equipment is stolen each year, with each theft adding up to more than $25,000 in expenses for the owners. This can include everything from fraudulent rentals to equipment disappearing from job sites. Some incidents are blatant. Recently, the CBC described how a suspect stole a telehandler from a Kelowna, B.C., construction site in March 2023, loaded it onto a nearby semi, and disappeared, despite being caught on several nearby security cameras. That’s not unusual – around 25 percent of stolen equipment is never recovered, according to the National Equipment Register, which tracks equipment theft trends. There are no quick solutions for this growing challenge for contractors, but there are options available to reduce thieves’ ability to get away with heavy equipment. For Frenter, that comes in the form of GPS tracking tools. When a machine is fitted with

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT IS STOLEN YEARLY.

a GPS tracking system, the owner can check its status online any time to ensure it’s where it is supposed to be. They can also set up a geofence around the machine that sends urgent alerts in the case of a breach, allowing for quick response if a theft occurs. Precise tracking provides law enforcement with a tool to find and return stolen property. GPS tracking is one way that companies like Frenter can assist in cutting down the growing costs associated with equipment theft.

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FOCUS: FLEET & ASSET MANAGEMENT

Real-time reporting provides accurate machine emissions data BY DAVE SWAN

he construction industry is a significant producer of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a global scale. On a site scale, there are several ways to reduce CO2 impact, including deploying greener machines, increasing the utilization of machines, and reducing excessive CO2 emissions from existing machines. In the current economic environment, replacing machines has slowed and there are thousands of older machines in use. Although off-road combustion engines have been regulated in Canada since 2006, and engines are certified to the harmonized US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) federal standards, there is growing external pressure from site owners, government, and the wider public driving construction to accurately record and reduce carbon emissions. Net-zero emission clauses in project contracts are one approach, defining the limits and possible penalties for operators. Another approach is the availability of technology that provides operators with precise engine use data. This higher degree of information allows operators to record real-time GHG levels and analyze engine use to provide indicators of driver behaviour that can be modified to reduce emissions, such as idling and over revving engines. Understanding real-time engine use will save fuel and reduce engine wear, which could reduce cost of rental contracts or, for owned OHVs, extend the productive life cycle of the vehicle. Previous attempts to improve the situation through reporting have been less than effective in real terms often due to the low-tech capabilities of machines and data devices. Often this reporting was based on simplified data models that provide a general emissions statement for an average class machine. The common practice of publishing results based on inadequate data has allowed companies to report estimated numbers that, at best, might be considered good marketing and, at worst, are misleading. This process undermines the collective effort to reduce GHG emissions and can only be corrected with live tracking of emissions data. Over the past 12 months there has been a dramatic and positive repositioning from within the industry to promote emissions reporting and wider sustainability. This is not simply NOx tracking. Today, providing CO2 and fuel usage tracking for mixed fleets with equipment of varying ages is achievable.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

There is growing external pressure from site owners, government, and the wider public driving construction to accurately record and reduce carbon emissions. Progress is being made on the legislative side and, while there are no rigorous standards for calculating emissions, these legislative steps are critical to shift behaviour. They place a premium on contract bidders’ ability to demonstrate an accurate record of emissions. In North America, for example, significant strides have been made to implement regulations to reduce CO2 emissions from the transportation sector. There are fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks and targets have been set to reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. The current U.S. administration has announced plans to reduce the country’s GHG emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois have also introduced their own emissions reduction targets. In 2022, the Government of Canada introduced the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which targets a 40 to 45 percent emissions reduction below 2005 levels by 2030.

Today’s nonroad machines and equipment are far more data-rich, and the wireless technologies that support them have improved with advances in IoT and the deepening connectivity between machines, people, and processes.

UNDERSTANDING REAL-TIME ENGINE USE WILL SAVE FUEL AND REDUCE ENGINE WEAR, WHICH COULD REDUCE COST OF RENTAL CONTRACTS OR, FOR OWNED OHVS, EXTEND THE PRODUCTIVE LIFE CYCLE OF THE VEHICLE.

SOFTWARE PROVIDES SIMPLE EMISSIONS REPORTING FOR FLEET OWNERS

Available technology, such as Trackunit Emissions Reporting, provides a platform for decreasing CO2 emissions in construction and heavy equipment markets. The technology uses a Machine Learning model and specific algorithms to extract the data from the Can bus. This harnesses synthesized machine metadata and individual equipment profiling to unlock comprehensive total fleet emissions reporting. The software is available for every type of machine in the off-highway sector and gives users an at-your-fingers display of emissions from all connected equipment enabling easy tracking and, where necessary, almost instantaneous action. One of the fastest ways to decrease CO2 output while maintaining fleet productivity is by managing machine and operator behaviour. Operators need to be educated and incentivized to limit machine idle time through measurement of the ongoing emissions reduction over the project time frame. Emissions reporting can also promote smarter deployment decisions to limit the under-utilization of machinery and ensure fleets are in line for tax-saving benefits where local authorities incentivize better tracking. There is further opportunity for brand building with data-based validation of sustainability claims. Today’s nonroad machines and equipment are far more data-rich, and the wireless technologies that support them have improved with advances in IoT and the deepening connectivity between machines, people, and processes.

The next breakthrough is in delivering data that will differentiate fleet owners at the micro-level to make emissions reporting more quantifiable, more rigorous, and perhaps, most significantly for the bottom line, more aligned with the kind of stringent criteria that will enable them to successfully bid for lucrative, environmentally sustainable contracts. Every machine on every job site is getting closer to being connected. It will soon be possible to take a data-driven approach to generate highly accurate CO2 emissions reporting based on real data for every asset.

EMISSIONS REPORTING IS A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Establishing rigorous reporting standards will take collaboration between governments and private organizations. While progress is being made in regulating CO2 emissions in the construction industry, there is still a long way to go to establish these standards. To get ahead of both the legislation and the competition, it is crucial that fleet owners begin implementing detailed reporting standards based on real machine utilization data and local power mix profiles for electrical equipment. Increasingly, major industry players are relying on state-ofthe-art telematics providers with the sophistication to handle the highly complex modelling of individual machine profiles to provide a scalable and future-proof CO2 reporting setup. By being proactive and staying ahead of regulations, companies can reduce their emissions, save money, and contribute to a sustainable future. DAVE SWAN is Trackunit’s senior vice president. Swan drives strategic product initiatives and product-led transformations globally. His prior experience working within an OEM and his work on industry steering committees has helped build his extensive knowledge about digital transformation and a strong commitment to eliminating downtime in the construction industry. Before joining Trackunit, Swan led the development of Skyjack’s award-winning connected machine solution ELEVATE.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING

REVOLUTIONIZING EXCAVATION THE POWER OF ELECTROHYDRAULICS WITH INDEPENDENT METERING VALVE TECHNOLOGY BY SEJONG KO

ydraulics play a pivotal role in excavator operation, allowing the operator to use simple levers to manipulate the cylinders that control the boom and bucket. And now, in the ever-evolving realm of heavy equipment technology, Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced an electro-hydraulic innovation known as Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT). This advancement aims to redefine the capabilities of excavators used in construction and general excavation applications. IMVT is currently available on Volvo’s latest 50-ton excavator models, providing improved control, efficiency, versatility, and operator experience.

THE EVOLUTION OF EXCAVATOR TECHNOLOGY

IMVT marks a departure from the traditional mechanically coupled hydraulic systems and introduces intelligent electronic control with numerous variables. The results are up to 25 percent improved fuel efficiency and enhanced operator controllability. One key difference is the closed-centre valve control system, which can stop or minimize hydraulic flow going through the main control valve (MCV) when there is no demand for a hydraulic actuator. Other control systems have an open-centre valve control system so hydraulic flow goes through the MVC no matter what. This is one of reasons why IMVT lowers fuel consumption and eliminates the need for an ECO mode. The second main differentiator is that IMVT senses and controls each side of the chamber of a cylinder without hydraulic spools and hydraulic pilot lines for more precise control. IMVT also replaces traditional spools with poppet and electro-hydraulic valves in the MCV, reducing pressure losses and optimizing valve control based on load conditions. This leads to faster cycle times, improved regeneration, and reduced flow loss. Finally, by eliminating hydraulic pilot lines, IMVT significantly reduces the risk of leaks and damage. The absence of spools and pilot lines simplifies maintenance and service, while integrated sensors enhance diagnostics through a dedicated service tool.

THE POWER OF IMVT IN EXCAVATION

IMVT significantly enhances excavator performance, particularly in general excavation and truck-loading scenarios where maximum productivity is crucial. Resulting features include: Creep mode Ideal for utility and piping applications, creep mode separates the two main hydraulic pumps, ensuring

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

INDEPENDENT METERING VALVE TECHNOLOGY (IMVT) IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON VOLVO’S LATEST 50-TON EXCAVATOR MODELS INCLUDING THE EC550E.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

EARTHMOVING

THE OPERATOR HAS EASY ACCESS TO A RANGE OF IMVT FEATURES.

a constant travelling speed regardless of other hydraulic actuator activations. Motion priority functions Operators can customize settings for boom-up, swing, and other functions, optimizing hydraulic priority based on the task and reducing loading cycle times, especially in close proximity to trucks. Reduced bouncing IMVT addresses operator fatigue caused by bouncing because it enhances the precision of the excavator’s movements, which is crucial when handling delicate or heavy loads in the bucket. Improved Comfort Drive Control (CDC) CDC transforms the operator experience by enabling precise track control using only an index finger on roller proportional switches. This reduces fatigue and increases efficiency – especially in challenging terrains. Auto warmup In cold working environments, IMVT’s auto warmup feature efficiently warms up the hydraulic circuit without external heaters, ensuring quick readiness without burdening the hydraulic system. Customizable control functions IMVT offers a range of customizable functions, including boom up – swing priority; boom up – travel priority; and boom down speed control. These features empower operators to tailor the excavator’s performance to specific tasks, enhancing both efficiency and operator satisfaction.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MACHINES

IMVT is currently available on Volvo EC550 and EC530 excavators. Largely thanks to IMVT, these 50-ton machines offer digging and lifting forces typically found in the 60-ton range. Also characteristic of bigger equipment is the super-rigid re-

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inforced undercarriage supported by equally sturdy lower and upper frames. The EC550E undercarriage has a long and wide lower frame, giving it extra stability when working with heavier loads. The undercarriage on the EC530E, meanwhile, shares the same transportation dimensions – and loading convenience – as Volvo’s 48-ton EC480E. Both machines’ boom and arm boast a larger pin size for added strength. IMVT was initially introduced on these models due to consistent demand for 50-ton excavators, but there is potential for expansion to other models. A case study showed that an EC550 excavator equipped with a larger bucket burned less fuel than an EC480, achieving more production with less fuel consumption. Additional studies proved that IMVT provides a notable increase in engine power, digging force, swing torque, and tractive force, boosting productivity by up to 20 percent and improving fuel efficiency by 25 percent.

ACHIEVING A MORE PRODUCTIVE FUTURE

The introduction of the electro-hydraulic system with Independent Metering Valve Technology represents a significant advancement in excavator technology. By combining intelligent electronic control, independent cylinder control, and customizable functions, IMVT sets a new standard for controllability, efficiency, and versatility in heavy equipment. Excavators equipped with IMVT not only outperform traditional hydraulic systems but also contribute to reduced fuel consumption, enhanced operator comfort, and streamlined maintenance. SEJONG KO is Volvo Construction Equipment’s product manager for large excavators.

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

COMPACT TRACK

LOADERS

CATERPILLAR 255 COMPACT TRACK LOADER.

THE LATEST INTRODUCTIONS, ATTACHMENTS & TECHNOLOGY

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

CATERPILLAR

GROUND-UP REDESIGN OF CTL LINE STARTS WITH MIDDLE SIZE MODELS

aterpillar has started a ground-up redesign of its CTLs, starting with the 255 and 265 models. These two CTLs fit in the middle of Caterpillar’s CTL range and deliver increased lift height, tilt and lift breakout forces, and rated operating capacity compared to their D3 series counterparts. Caterpillar has also re-engineered lower machine components to make the undercarriage stronger and stiffer to improve stability and reduce machine pitching when filling the bucket.

NEW ENGINES DELIVER INCREASED TORQUE

New engines in these CTLs are the Cat C2.8T (in the 255 model) and Cat C2.8TA (in the 265 model). According to Cat, these new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range and deliver significant torque increases over the predecessor D3 series CTLs. The redesigned engine compartment also moves the engine and cooling package lower in the frame and improves these CTLs’ stability.

HIGHER LIFT HEIGHT MAKES TRUCK LOADING EASIER

Compared to its predecessor 259D3, the new 255 loader has 36 percent more tilt breakout, 26 percent higher lift breakout force, and a 24 percent increase in rated operating capacity. Height to the B-pin for the 265, compared to the predecessor 289D3, is increased by 7.6 inches to a maximum lift height of 11 feet for easier truck loading. The 265 also delivers 19 percent higher tilt breakout force and 22 percent higher lift breakout force.

CATERPILLAR 255 COMPACT TRACK LOADER.

READY TO POWER DEMANDING ATTACHMENTS

Caterpillar has increased standard hydraulic pressure to 3,500 psi, and the closed-centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with standard auxiliary hydraulics. Both models are shipped “High Flow ready” from the factory. High-flow hydraulics, up to 30 gpm at the standard system pressure, can be activated by owners remotely via software. Caterpillar’s High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gal/min for the 255 and 34 gal/ min for the 265.

BOBCAT’S LATEST CTL ATTACHMENTS The secret sauce to maximizing the use of your CTL is the variety of attachments at hand. Here are a few recent Bobcat CTL attachment introductions to diversify your CTL use.

SUPER-FLOW PLANER

Bobcat super-flow planers are high-powered attachments capable of milling concrete and asphalt up to 7 inches thick. Bobcat says that they take advantage of the extra hydraulic power available in the Bobcat T86 compact track loader and S86 skid-steer loader – the only compact loaders to offer three hydraulic flow options in one machine, with super flow generating up to 42 gpm and 4,061 psi. The super-flow planers are available in 24-inch and 48-inch cutting widths. Bobcat also offers a 40-inch planer compatible with both super-flow and high-flow hydraulics.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

FIRST LOOK

DEVELON’S FIRST CTL

EVELON is entering the compact track loader market in 2024 with the DTL35, a large-frame CTL designed to be a high-performance grading and excavating machine. It’s powered by a D34 DEVELON engine and features standard auxiliary high-flow hydraulic flow and hydraulic pressure. At 40 gpm and 4,000 psi, the DTL35 is optimized to power attachments for land clearing, site preparation, and snow removal. The company says that it is offering more premium features as standard equipment on its DEVELON compact track loaders, including torsion suspension and a half-inch polycarbonate glass door for the loader cab, which keeps operators safe when operating land clearing attachments. The machine will also feature a triple flange design and 17.7-inch tracks to enhance driving performance. A rear-view camera is standard and an optional 360-degree around-view monitor (AVM) camera system will be available. Additional options will include ride control and return to dig. DEVELON plans to introduce smaller CTLs at a later date, with a standard design across the range.

MORE CTLS

AUGER

DISC MULCHER

Bobcat’s disc mulcher features a high-velocity disc fitted with four-point, hardened-steel teeth that make fast work of trees and thick brush. The disc mulcher cuts down trees up to 14 inches thick and can turn heavy brush and trees up to 6 inches thick into a bed of mulch. It is available in 48-inch and 60-inch cutting widths.

Four new hydraulic-powered augers, the 12PH, 14PH, 20PH, and 25PH, offer a variety of torque and speed options to match a wide range of soil conditions and applications. The new augers are part of a larger lineup with various widths and digging depths. The lineup includes augers with hex shafts and shafts that accommodate both hex and round bits.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

COMPACT EQUIPMENT

CASE TV620B COMPACT TRACK LOADER.

PROACTIVE UNDERCARRIAGE MAINTENANCE MADE EASY WITH CASE TRACKCARE BY KAITLYN TILL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

he undercarriage of tracked machines takes the brunt of abuse on harsh job sites, but the undercarriage has to be in good working order to keep the machine on the job. Damage to the undercarriage can be expensive, so proactively monitoring, maintaining, and addressing undercarriage damage and wear promptly can have a big impact on your maintenance costs and downtime. CASE Construction Equipment has introduced CASE TrackCare, an undercarriage monitoring program that collects undercarriage measurements and field observations and then converts this data into actionable information. Dealership technicians are experts on not only CASE machines, but often other manufacturers’ machines as well. CASE TrackCare can be used to monitor every tracked machine in a mixed fleet, including compact track loaders,

dozers, compact and mini excavators, and full-size excavators, providing easy data all in one place. This cloud-based system with mobile app gives dealers and customers the ability to predict when undercarriage components will wear out so that they can undertake proactive maintenance steps to keep equipment in operation and maintenance costs down. CASE TrackCare analyzes the measurements and wear rates of key undercarriage components including links, bushings, grouser, idler, sprockets, carrier and bottom rollers, along with track sag. An inspector can take pictures of the components and include that information with the report for the machine owner. The fleet owner doesn’t need to install anything on the machine. Instead, machines are added to the TrackCare portal and an inspection frequency is

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

determined. CASE dealers use ultrasonic measuring tools to view information in the CASE TrackCare app. Once the measurement is in the app, the algorithm calculates wear compared to the manufacturer’s specifications of the machine and the CASE dealer inspector can review the report with the customer. The CASE dealer pays the subscription fee, and there is no additional cost to the customer. According to Tim Hansen, product marketing manager for Undercarriage and G.E.T products for CASE Construction Equipment, “Undercarriage maintenance typically accounts for about 50 percent of a machine’s total lifetime maintenance costs, underlining the importance of tools like CASE TrackCare to preemptively identify undercarriage parts needing attention before conditions worsen and costs rise.” HEG

KIOTI ENTERS SKID-STEER AND COMPACT TRACK LOADER MARKET

IOTI Tractor is entering the skid-steer and compact track loader markets with the TL750 CTL and the SL750 SSL. Both machines have a wide cabin available with the standard open station design or an optional enclosed cab with HVAC for added comfort. Features include a high-back suspension seat and LCD digital display. The standard roll-up style door allows for easy entrance and exit, regardless of the position of the bucket or attachment. The overhead door design increases flexibility on the job as operators can work with the door open or closed. The standard rear-view camera offers an on-demand rear view when travelling in reverse or with the push of a button. The models feature premium LED front and rear work lights as standard. Standard self-levelling automatically keeps the bucket or attachment in a horizontal plane when lifting. Optional ride control further reduces material spillage and lift arm movement when moving materials across the job site. Both models are powered by a 74-hp KIOTI diesel engine and are operated with hydraulic pilot joystick controls. These vertical lift path loaders have up to a 10.8-foot height to hinge pin.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

AGGREGATES

ARTICULATED HAULERS MOVE 100 LOADS OF MATERIAL DAILY FOR ALBERTA PRODUCER

hree Rokbak RA40 articulated haulers are moving thousands of tonnes of material a day for a large sand and gravel producer east of Edmonton, Alberta, with increased productivity and reduced fuel consumption observed since the trucks’ arrival. Canadian earthworks specialist FT Aggregates produces around one million metric tonnes of sand and gravel every year. Each truck in its fleet moves more than 100 loads and 5,000-plus tonnes of material to crushers and screeners daily. An expansive sand and gravel production operation across Alberta led to FT Aggregates increasing its equipment fleet in late 2022. Consultation with dealer Headwater Equipment led to the purchase of three Rokbak ADTs. The three RA40s arrived on site at FT’s Pit 23, south of Camrose, in spring 2023. Excavators load overburden into the RA40’s 38-tonne (41.9 US ton) all-welded body. Each RA40 at Pit 23 hauls the overburden and sand and gravel material for production. Fabricated from high hardness 1,000 Mpa (1,450,000 lbf/ in²) yield strength steel, a dual-slope tailchute eases the material ejection from the RA40 body, painted in the Rokbak sand-coloured aesthetic. “First of all, we love the colour and design of the Rokbak dump trucks,” says FT Aggregates President Shane Smith. “Since the RA40s came onto site, the operator response has been nothing but glowing. There’s obviously the fuel efficiency aspect of the trucks which is very much appreciated and is saving us money, but the auto-lube system has also been praised along with the visibility and the comfort of the cab, and, as we know, a smooth ride equates to higher productivity. “Together with the aftersales support we have received, when the time comes for us to increase our hauler fleet, Rokbak will certainly be at the top of the list.”

DESIGN AND COMPONENTS IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND STRENGTH

The fully automatic RA40 transmission provides smooth, efficient gear shifting allowing reduced fuel consumption and

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

The fuel efficiency aspect of the trucks . . . is very much appreciated and is saving us money, but the auto-lube system has also been praised along with the visibility and the comfort of the cab. Shane Smith President, FT Aggregates

increased operator comfort. The RA40 cab has pressurized capabilities as well as an HVAC and airflow system, offering more control and comfort for operators. Other key performance features of the RA40 include strong traction and an effective power-to-weight ratio, which ensures material is moved as quickly as possible in all

FT AGGREGATES SUPERVISOR JOSHUA SMITH, FT AGGREGATES PRESIDENT SHANE SMITH, AND HEADWATER EQUIPMENT SALES MANAGER SCOTT LETKEMAN.

A 38-METRIC-TONNE CAPACITY ENSURES FT AGGREGATES’ ROKBAK RA40S ARE PRODUCTIVE DAILY HAULERS.

conditions. Rokbak’s fuel-efficient drivetrain meets worldwide emission standards with low cost of operation and low environmental impact. Reducing operational costs even further, as well as enhancing safety, are the force-cooled multi-disc brakes. Supported by an electronically activated exhaust brake and a six-stage modulating transmission retarder, the RA40 benefits from longer brake component life cycles. The RA40’s auto-lube system ensures everything is greased at the right times, saving operation time, and providing safe maintenance.

HEADWATER EQUIPMENT PROVIDES SOLID DEALER SUPPORT

FT Aggregates has six pits in operation across Alberta, where it crushes, screens, and hauls aggregates. Most material produced is sold into south-eastern Edmonton. The company does all its own crushing and screening, with 18 employees at Pit 23 for year-round operation. Pit 23 opened in spring 2014 and FT Aggregates has resources at the pit to last another 10 to 15 years. That means the trucks could be expected to haul approximately 7.8 million loads and 39 million tonnes of overburden. The RA40s were purchased from Headwater Equipment with an extended warranty and a full maintenance package that

AROUND 100 LOADS A DAY – MORE THAN 5,000 TONNES – ARE HAULED BY THE RA40S.

covers the units for the first 6,500 hours of operation. Headwater Equipment is the authorized Rokbak articulated hauler dealer for the province of Alberta and has been providing FT Aggregates with heavy construction equipment via direct sales, rentals, service, and parts since 2020. Headwater Equipment will perform all the scheduled maintenance on these units free of charge as part of the package, keeping the cost of ownership to a minimum. “It’s great to be able to marry our partnerships with Rokbak and FT Aggregates,” says Scott Letkeman, Headwater Equipment sales manager. “We’ve been pioneering the Rokbak brand in Canada ever since becoming the first to acquire RA40s in Alberta. The Rokbak trucks are robust, reliable, and hardworking.” The success of the three RA40s for FT Aggregates demonstrates the headway Rokbak is making in Canada. Also in Alberta, 500 km south of Camrose, another three RA40s are currently in operation moving huge amounts of aggregates, stone, and rock. “The North American market is very strong for Rokbak,” says Rokbak Regional Sales Manager Greg Gerbus. “Endorsements from established Canadian companies such as FT Aggregates are helping our reputation grow further and we look forward to seeing even more of our units on sites in the region in the near future.” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

AGGREGATES

WINTER WASHING

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR WASH PLANT AS TEMPERATURES DROP

he icy grip of the winter season presents a unique set of challenges for wash plant operators, but with effective planning materials producers can protect their investment and ensure their operations are ready for an efficient return to production in spring. When it comes to plant maintenance, it is essential that any potential complication is identified and remedied quickly to protect an operator’s investment and ensure optimal performance, particularly during the coldest months of the year when washing and classifying equipment is especially susceptible to the elements. “In this business, time is money,” explains Mike Matusik, a customer relationship manager at CDE. “Implementing a robust maintenance program year-round will safeguard equipment from the taxing cold weather, helping to minimize downtime for unscheduled maintenance and maximize product output. “With planning and preparedness, operators can ensure the safe and efficient shutdown of a wash plant in winter and facilitate an efficient restart of operations in the spring. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some basic steps operators can take to protect their investment.”

1. Water management Effective water management as the cold weather sets in should be paramount for operators. It’s advisable to drain all standing water from tanks and pumps when plants are mothballed for the winter season otherwise you risk lines freezing, cracking, and leading to a delayed and costly restart in the spring. 2. Insulate The winter months can bring unforgiving conditions, so consider insulation to protect pipes, valves and pumps. Ensure your control cabin has been closed and, if possible, keep the internal heating on to protect the beating heart of your plant from plummeting temperatures. 3. Open valves In addition to draining the system and, where possible, insulating pipes, valves, and pumps, it’s also advisable to keep valves open during winter shutdown as this will prevent any residual water accumulating in the system. 4. Spray bars Clean out spray bar nozzle heads and ensure smaller pipework is free of debris such as silt and sands. Ensure your spray bars are receiving adequate water pressure, and the spray from the nozzles are fanning at the correct angle. This will allow you to get more water onto the screen to ensure the product is getting the best washing treatment.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

5. Safety protocols Winter also poses additional safety concerns for plant operators. Consider refreshing and rehearsing your training procedures to ensure your teams are well versed in the appropriate safety protocols when working in the vicinity of a wash plant to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Proactive and preventive approaches to plant maintenance during winter months are essential for long-term efficiency and profitability, but unforeseen challenges can still arise despite best laid plans, explains CDE Customer Relationship Manager Andrew Bunting. “A responsive service is key when the unexpected occurs. For the CDE CustomCare team, the name of the game is minimizing and, where possible, wholly eliminating any unexpected downtime by supporting customers to get up, running and processing material again as fast as possible, whether that’s during the normal production season or when starting up production again once winter is behind us.” In order to respond in a timely manner, CDE holds stock of parts locally, from screen media and cyclone parts to marsh mellow springs, motors, and gearboxes. These are all available for immediate dispatch to customers from CDE’s North American headquarters in

DURING THE COLDEST MONTHS OF THE YEAR WASHING AND CLASSIFYING EQUIPMENT IS ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE ELEMENTS.

Fort Worth, Texas. “Our CustomCare team holds a complete order history detailing critical plant components and spare parts for each of our customers’ wash plants. This helps ensure straightforward re-ordering and allows our service engineers to maintain a comprehensive overview of how a plant is performing.” Prevention is always the number one focus, Bunting adds. “We work closely with our customers to deliver regular preventive maintenance inspections which are highly effective at identifying potential issues before they arise and adversely impact production. Our plant health checks are just one part of our commitment to providing a lifetime of care to customers and ensuring their long-term success.” As part of its free plant health check initiative, CDE’s expert service engineers will analyze the plant’s condition, highlight signs of wear or irregular noises, identify parts in need of replacing, schedule regular maintenance, support and advise operators, and recommend fast-moving parts ideal for storage on site.

Implementing a robust maintenance program yearround will safeguard equipment from the taxing cold weather, helping to minimize downtime for unscheduled maintenance and maximize product output. Mike Matusik Customer Relationship Manager, CDE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

AGGREGATES

Electric models and expanded technology drive Kleemann updates

leemann made electric drive and advanced operating technologies central to recent new equipment releases, providing aggregates operations with added opportunities to improve their efficiency as well as shrinking their environmental footprint. A selection of new crushers – including the first in a line of compact mobile machines with an electric power option – have been released recently, along with updates to operating systems and other technology improvements.

ELECTRIC DRIVE AND NEW COMPACT CRUSHER LINES

Kleemann has increased the ability of owners to select their drive style on many new crushers, with electric, hybrid, and diesel all available. A highlight of the new releases is the MOBIREX MR 100i NEO/NEOe mobile impact crusher, which Kleemann says is the first model in a new compact machine line. Using Kleemann’s E-DRIVE concept, the MR 100i NEOe is available with all-electric operation, making it free of CO2 emissions. E-DRIVE requires a power supply on the site, but when plugged in it has no local carbon footprint. If the machine is operating outside a location with appropriate power infrastructure, a low-consumption diesel engine can take over. The MR 100i NEO is equipped with the diesel-direct drive system as standard.

THE MOBIREX MR 130I PRO CAN RUN ENTIRELY ON ELECTRIC POWER WHEN A CONNECTION IS AVAILABLE.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

A four-ledged rotor with large impact range and versatile rotor ledge options produce high product quality. The MR 100i NEO and NEOe have an optional single-deck secondary screening unit. Electric power is also available on the MOBIREX MR 130i PRO mobile impact crusher. Suited for primary or secondary crushing, the machine features efficient prescreening, an electric 335hp drive, and an output of up to 661 tph. It only uses hydraulic oil for set-up functions, which reduces environmental risk and maintenance costs. When running on a diesel generator, a power- and load-dependent fan reduces noise and fuel consumption. Two plants introduced at CONEXPO 2023 expanded Kleemann’s EVO2 line of plants, one fitted with a jaw crusher and one with a cone. The MOBICAT MC 110i EVO2 jaw crusher and MCO 90i EVO2 cone crusher both feature Kleemann’s D-Drive diesel-direct electric drive. An easily accessible gearbox is robust and resistant to dust, and an output-dependent fan drive reduces noise. Secondary drives, such as for prescreen, vibrating chutes, and conveyor belts, are driven electrically.

KLEEMANN’S NEW MOBICONE MCO 90I AND MOBIREX MC 110I EVO2 CRUSHERS CAN BE COUPLED WIRELESSLY WHEN WORKING IN TRAIN.

An innovative overload system protects both crushers, and the Continuous Feed System (CFS) optimizes crusher feed flows. Kleemann also added a new screen to its line at CONEXPO. The MOBISCREEN MSS 802i EVO mobile screen is designed for challenging applications with flexible conversion options to optimize material flow. A range of screen surfaces and easy selection of screen parameters make it possible to adapt the plant for any particular feed material, depending on the required final product. The MSS 802i EVO is fitted with the H-Drive system, which uses hydraulic pumps to run screens, belts, and the drive system. Power consumption using this system is lower, and an available start-stop system recognizes when gaps in the feed material are present and responds by slowing engine speed, along with the speed of the hydraulic drives. The screen can be run electrically if there is a power connection available.

OPTIMIZED FLOW THROUGH WIRELESS LINKS

Connecting multiple Kleemann plants in a train is easier thanks to the Continuous Feed System and wireless line coupling. A wireless version of Kleemann’s safety coupling system allows for fine-tuning of material flow from one end of the train to the other. CFS tracks the way that material is flowing through linked crushers and screens, monitoring the fill level of crushing chambers and adjusting feed flow as needed. This ensures that material moves at an efficient and productive rate. The link is easier to establish, compared to complex cable routings, and also improves safety – if an emergency stop button is pressed on one machine, all the units in the train respond. This system reduces the likelihood of overloads and potential damage.

INTUITIVE CONTROLS AND EASIER PLANT OPERATION

Updates to control technology are making Kleemann crushing plants easier to operate, especially through the SPECTIVE system.

SMART JOB CONFIGURATOR AND SPECTIVE CONNECT MAKE KLEEMANN MACHINES EASIER AND SAFER TO USE.

SPECTIVE provides control of machines through intuitive touch panels that feature clear instructions and pictographs which make it easier for users to set their machines quickly and precisely, ensuring safer and more efficient operation. In addition, SPECTIVE can be operated through the new CONNECT feature, which extends control systems to smartphones. Users can view relevant process information including speed, consumption, productivity, and fill levels, along with important reports and fault codes. This allows operators to continue working in the wheel loader or excavator while viewing important data from the plant. The mobile app also offers access to the Smart Job Configurator, which aids operators in finding correct machine settings. The user enters data for the planned application into SPECTIVE CONNECT, which then automatically calculates the ideal settings. These can then be transferred to the machine via the SPECTIVE touch panel. The Configurator helps select the correct crushing tools and tracks service requirements, simplifying actions for the operator.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

AGGREGATES

CEDARAPIDS

STATIC JAW CRUSHER

he latest addition to the Cedarapids Static Jaw Crusher series, the TJ2440, has a 24-inch inlet gape by 40-inch inlet width. This single toggle jaw crusher is engineered for tight closedside settings while keeping an aggressive nip angle and crushing stroke resulting in maximum productivity, according to Cedarapids. Its robust design ensures reliable operations with minimal downtime, supplying smooth and efficient crushing. The precision cast steel frame promotes longevity and minimizes maintenance and reduces operating costs. Cedarapids adds that drop-in installation is easy. Typical applications for the TJ2440 single-toggle jaw crusher include mining, quarrying, and recycling. It handles a range of materials including ores, rock, and recycled concrete. CEDARAPIDS TJ2440 JAW CRUSHER.

WE KEEP CANADA ON TRACK

Find a dealer near you at MOROOKACARRIERS.COM 40 heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

LEADING ASPHALT TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE • Learn from industry experts • 120 education sessions available • People, Plants, and Paving Conference

March 25-27, 2024 | Nashville, Tennessee Use promo code PARTNER20 to save 20% off admission

ROADBUILDING

ASTEC REDESIGNS HIGHWAY-CLASS ROADTEC PAVERS STREAMLINED LOOK, STRONGER UNDERCARRIAGE, REDUCED NOISE & BETTER VISIBILITY MODERNIZE 8- AND 10-FOOT MODELS BY LEE TOOP, EDITOR

stec Industries started a refresh of its Roadtec pavers in 2023 with the introduction of two updated machines, the 8-foot RP-175 and 10-foot RP-195 F-series. The overall look of these tracked highway-class pavers has been updated, and design changes emphasize uptime and operator safety. Astec recognized several areas where the highway-class machines could be modernized and strengthened, according to Keith Hagy, product manager, Paving – Infrastructure Solutions. The overall look of the pavers became a starting point. “Historically, we have focused much more on optimizing the function of the machine over design – we haven’t really changed the look for many years,” Hagy says. “The first thing you’ll notice with our F-series pavers is more of a streamlined look when you see the side profile of the machine.”

DESIGN CHANGE ADDS UNDERCARRIAGE RELIABILITY AND EASIER MAINTENANCE ACCESS

Astec identified design opportunities in the undercarriage that would improve reliability and reduce customer downtime.

heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

The undercarriage, initially designed as a multi-piece weldment, has undergone a transformative shift to a two-piece solid casting track frame, greatly streamlining the production process while strengthening the overall durability of the F-series. This approach significantly minimizes weld points throughout the machine. “The result is a streamlined undercarriage structure that greatly reduces maintenance requirements, ensuring more reliable and efficient operation for our customers,” Hagy says. It also adds commonality between the 8-foot and 10-foot platforms, providing further production and service efficiencies across the F-Series platforms. The new body design is not just an aesthetic update, but also reduces weight and gives users better access to key components. Composite materials are used for the hood and side panels, so operators will no longer need a hydraulic pump and lifts to raise the hood. This makes it easier for operators to check fluid levels daily, while side panels can be easily opened to access service points and filters. Greater visibility is incorporated into the new design. Operators can see straight to the front of the hopper and with

ASTEC INDUSTRIES HAS FULLY REDESIGNED THE RP-175 AND RP-195 F-SERIES HIGHWAY-CLASS PAVERS.

swing-out seats can gain a full view of the screed and head of material in the auger. Brightly coloured handrails and stairways help users quickly recognize where the safe access points are on the machine. Both pavers have been updated to full Stage V / Tier 4 Final Cummins engines. The RP-175 is fitted with a new four-cylinder engine as opposed to the previous six-cylinder unit, a move that Hagy expects will provide higher fuel efficiency.

NOISE REDUCTION FROM RELOCATED COOLING SYSTEM BENEFITS CREW HEALTH AND SAFETY

A new location for the cooling system is part of the design overhaul. Previously mounted on one side of the machine to pull air across the engine, it has now been placed on top of the engine, pulling air in from both sides and out the front of the machine away from the operator. While efficient, the old design was also noisy, which customers had pointed out, Hagy says. Workers on the exhaust side of the machine were exposed to more noise, and the operator

THE NEW PAVER DESIGN GIVES OPERATORS CLEAR SIGHTLINES TO THE HOPPER, SIDES, AND SCREED.

faced vibration and sound pushing back. The new approach lowers noise significantly, creating a safer working environment for the operators. “Learning what our customers have to say about our machines is an important step in the innovation process at Astec. We listen to our customers, and what we heard is they wanted it to be easier to hear each other out in the field,” says Hagy. Astec further reduced noise levels by moving the generator from the screed to the engine compartment. “If you’re the screed operator or the ground guys, you’re hearing the generator continually when it’s on,” Hagy says. This relocated generator is larger, to ensure there is no loss of capacity, and has a more efficient direct-drive connection to the engine. Overall, those changes have cut down noise from the pavers by about 20 percent, depending on the location around the machine. Field testing of the RP-175 and RP-195 F-series pavers has proven positive, and Hagy says he is excited for machines to reach contractors in time for the spring. “We’re excited about spring startups, with all the machines getting out,” he says. “We have put a lot of focus on operator comfort and safety – we’re really proud about that.” HEG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | heavyequipmentguide.ca

SAFETY

Trimble tests fully autonomous soil compactor on B.C. dam project BY KAITLYN TILL, EDITOR IN CHIEF

n the remote wilderness of northeast British Columbia, Trimble has tested its Earthworks Grade Control Platform for Autonomous Compactors on a Dynapac CA 5000 soil compactor on the Site C Clean Energy Project. Located on the Peace River, the Site C megaproject is an ideal proving ground for autonomous equipment: the job site is remote and transporting labour to and from the area is a challenge. Work areas are not complicated, and soil compaction is a repetitive, straightforward task. “The Site C test piece was very monumental for us,” says Cameron Clark, earthmoving industry director for Trimble’s civil infrastructure solutions. “It was the first time we’ve taken an autonomous compactor running on a real job site, but not only just a real job site, a live, active job site. And it was actually helping contribute to the construction and compaction on the dam.”

WHY TEST FULL AUTONOMY FOR SOIL COMPACTION?

There are unique safety challenges on these types of projects, and there are processes that could be safer and more efficient with the use of fully autonomous equipment. When building a dam, the edges of the area need to be properly compacted, but edges need to be overbuilt to ensure that operators aren’t getting too close to the edge. An autonomous machine could reduce the extra work that is currently necessary to ensure the safety of human operators. For now, fully autonomous equipment is best suited to repetitive tasks within clearly defined boundaries – such as quarries, mines, and other remote work areas. “We chose the compactor because it’s very repetitive, it’s very mundane, and it’s a workflow that typically the lesser-skilled people are running,” says Clark. “There’s a lot of waste at the moment because it’s hard to steer and there are extra overlaps. But, when you look at what you need to make it do, it’s very repeatable. They’re doing the same thing and not actually moving material.”

HOW TRIMBLE CARRIES OUT AUTONOMY TESTS

Alongside a mixed fleet of human-operated machines, the autonomous compactor completed 37 hours of work. When Trimble tests fully autonomous equipment, a person is always watching the machine and has e-stop capability if it does something it’s not supposed to. If radar and lidar sensors on the

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It was actually helping contribute to the construction and compaction on the dam. Cameron Clark Earthmoving Industry Director, Trimble machine detect a problem, it will also stop. A geofence is also activated. In the future, when fully autonomous equipment operates in this type of application, it will be part of the workflow of other equipment on the site. For example, an operator in a motor grader or dozer will have the autonomous soil compactor follow behind and that dozer or motor grader operator will send instructions to the compactor. According to Clark, there are a number of factors that need to come together when deploying a fully autonomous machine: mission planning, safety, and mechanisms to send tasks to the machine. These factors are common across different types of equipment, so Trimble can learn from the soil compactor and apply those learnings to other machines, such as asphalt rollers, that could benefit from autonomy in the future. Trimble plans to take what it learned from Site C and apply it to more testing on more real job sites in 2024. The autonomous machine needs to run through multiple scenarios and different compaction patterns to ensure that it can carry out a variety of workflows. Ultimately, the job carried out by the autonomous machine needs to look like expert work. HEG

TRIMBLE TESTED ITS EARTHWORKS GRADE CONTROL PLATFORM FOR AUTONOMOUS COMPACTORS ON A DYNAPAC CA 5000 SOIL COMPACTOR.

ALONGSIDE A MIXED FLEET OF HUMANOPERATED MACHINES, THE AUTONOMOUS COMPACTOR COMPLETED 37 HOURS OF WORK.

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