Diggers LIVE Magazine - July 2021

www.diggers.LIVE excavators

backhoes

The Equipment Engagement

With Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director, Mecalac

July 2021 construction

construction machinery

Company profile

R&R Direct – advanced tracking and telematics

construction equipment

Construction finance feature Where to go to fund your next investment

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EDITORIAL TEAM

WELCOME I am writing this at the very last minute on the last day of June as I travel back from a hugely successful site tour, meeting and interview with Thwaites Dumpers in Leamington Spa. Watch this space for video interviews and features on our socials from Thwaites, a new venture for us.

I am using this train time to get jobs done and a hugely important one is, of course, to write a few bimonthly words to our plant and construction equipment readers.

It has been a hugely productive couple of months, with us securing yet another international partnership, though while i’s are being dotted and t’s crossed on the agreement I shall just leave you with the teaser of an image of a smiling Uncle Sam! Watch this space.

In this issue we have an exclusive interview with Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director of Mecalac, in which he spills the beans on some of the company’s latest products; there is a well versed finance feature; an analysis of electrification of construction machinery by Alastair Hayfield, Senior Research Director at Interact Analysis; and much, much more.

As always this is your magazine; let us know what you want more (or less) of.

Until September!

Best regards

Ben

Ben Chambers ben@chambers.media

Toby Wilsdon toby@chambers.media DESIGNER Nicki Chambers nic@chambers.media GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@chambers.media 01903 952 640 SALES Ben Cumberland b.cumberland@chambers.media 01903 952 644 Wayne Bristow wayne@chambers.media 01903 952 642 PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY Global News Media Ltd Suite 5 & 6 Chapel House 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing West Sussex BN11 1EX ben@chambers.media 01903 952 640

Global News Media Ltd is the official Media & PR Partner to the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

Diggers LIVE is published six times a year by Global News Media Ltd Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Global News Media Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

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CONTENTS 6 NEWS JCB launches Platinum Jubilee NSPCC appeal Nouveau Monde and Caterpillar sign collaboration agreement for pioneering zero-emission mining solution

8 THE EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT With Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director Mecalac

14 COMPANY PROFILE

8

Ross Macleod of R&R Direct on how his company became sole UK installer for Trackunit

18 FINANCE FEATURE Where to go to fund your next investment

24 AWARDS 1T-2 site dumper by JCB crowned hire product of the year JCB electric Teletruk wins FLTA Environment Award

26 OPINION Construction machinery rumbles towards electrification , by Alastair Hayfield of Interact Analysis

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30 COMPANY PROFILE HTS Spares – your supplier of choice, by Roy Knappett

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32 PRODUCTS Safety first – FTC’s Pedestrian Detection Camera Next-generation Rototilt Quick-change brings higher hydraulic flow and better ergonomics Engcon S40 Quick Hitch for small excavators Doosan launches DL220-7 and ZDL250-7 wheel loaders How Italy’s Special Operating Group uses Bobcat’s T870 compact track loader in disaster rescue With Contract Plant Rental, the future of vehicle dismantling is now Cat’s new mini excavators lower cost and increase efficiency with industry first features GKD Technologies’ new Safety Control Solutions range Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers appointed GKD authorised dealer for its Rail Safety Control Solutions Manitou launches MLT 961 NewAg XL telehandler Leica Geosystems introduces 3D machine control

64 INTERVIEW Wayne Collins, founder of Tyre Boss talks to Diggers LIVE about the development of his business

65 DEALERSHIPS CJ Saunders under new ownership – Merlo dealer now trading as South West Handling

66 PROJECTS Dual view to single track: restoring the Karawanken Tunnel Liebherr fast-erecting crane used to rebuild heritage wall

ALWAYS IN REACH Industry leaders in design and manufacture of bespoke excavator equipment and modifications Kocurek Excavators Ltd. 24 Arkwright Road Hadleigh Road Ind Est, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0UB

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Southern Plant bets on Kubota Doosan wins orders in emerging markets North Wales rental startup buys over 20 Bobcats

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NEWS

JCB launches Platinum Jubilee NSPCC appeal

Pictured left-to-right are JCB employees Sam Griffin, of Uttoxeter; Sam Collinge, of Uttoxeter; Harry Tomlinson, of Belper; Jamie Jeffery, of Leek; Aaron Turner, of Tamworth; Andy Whyman, of Uttoxeter; Keith Minor, of Cheadle; Daniel Millit, of Derby; and Kevin Jackson, of Stafford as they kick start the appeal with a coast-to-coast cycle ride

JCB employees embarked on a major fundraising drive for children’s charity the NSPCC, with the launch of a £70,000 appeal in June.

The JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal began on Friday 18 June and is set to run until 2022, to coincide with celebrations to mark the Queen’s historic 70-year reign.

Events kicked off with a group of 10 JCB employees embarking on a twoday, 129-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride from Barrow-in-Furness to Tynemouth.

A team of 30 JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal charity champions is now busily coordinating the dozens of fundraising initiatives across JCB’s 11 UK plants.

JCB’s support of the NSPCC stretches back to 1986 when Carole Bamford, wife of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, became involved with the charity when their three children were young. Lord Bamford

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has pledged to double the amount raised by employees.

Carole Bamford said: “JCB employees have always been enthusiastic and energetic supporters of the NSPCC over the past 35 years and have done so much to help children in Staffordshire.

“I’m delighted that as we launch the JCB NSPCC Platinum Jubilee Appeal, we have been inundated with so many wonderful ideas on how to raise money over the next 12 months.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful that JCB has chosen to donate the funds raised during the Platinum Jubilee campaign to the NSPCC and our vital work with children and families.”

The group of 10 employees on the marathon cycle ride had aimed to raise £5,000 towards the appeal. At the time of press, they had exceeded their target this by £3000

Prior to setting out, JCB Senior Electrical Engineer Aaron Turner who organised the ride said: “We have a lot of riders who have never done 72 miles in one day before. It will be a mental battle as well as a physical one.

“We are riding to raise awareness and money in aid of the NSPCC. I have always been a keen fundraiser – this is a great cause to support.”

Day one of the route took the cyclists through the Lake District past Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater to Penrith up and over the Pennines to Alston the highest market town in England, climbing a total of 6,500 feet in the process.

Day two saw them cross the rest of the Pennines onwards to the north east, by which time they had climbed more than 9,000 feet.

Joining Aaron, 30, of Tamworth, were Group Engineering Director Andy Whyman, 49, of Uttoxeter; Principal

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NEWS

Nouveau Monde and Caterpillar sign collaboration agreement for pioneering zero-emission mining solution

Electrical Engineer Kevin Jackson, 47 of Stafford; Principal Electrical Engineer Jamie Jeffery, 41, of Leek; Electrical Engineer Daniel Millitt, 22, of Derby; Electrical Engineer Harry Tomlinson, 26, of Belper; Electrical Engineer Keith Minor, 49, of Cheadle; Electrical Engineer Sam Griffin, 23, Uttoxeter; Electrical Degree Apprentice Charlotte Lowe, 21, of Uttoxeter and Electrical Degree Apprentice Sam Collinge, 22, Uttoxeter.

JCB supports the NSPCC through the Newcastle-under-Lyme based Carole House – an NSPCC centre named after Lady Bamford in honour of JCB’s extensive support for the charity. It provides therapeutic support for children across North Staffordshire and was funded through a £2 million JCB NSPCC Appeal, which culminated in the official opening of the centre in 2014 by HRH The Countess of Wessex.

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In a world first, Nouveau Monde Graphite and Caterpillar are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement pursuant to which Caterpillar will develop, test and produce Cat zero-emission machines for the Nouveau Monde’s Matawinie graphite mine with a view to becoming the exclusive supplier of an all-electric fleet for deployment at Nouveau the mine by 2028.

Arne H Frandsen, Chairman of Nouveau Monde, said: “I recall our first meeting with Caterpillar some two years ago, outlining our vision of a zero-emission mine in Québec.

“Our commitment to this vision has taken us to this very important moment, not only for Nouveau Monde, but for the global mining industry as a whole. Today, alongside Caterpillar, which in my opinion is the most trusted and reputable supplier of heavymining equipment worldwide, we can bring the zero-emission machines vision into reality.

“I think it is remarkable that Nouveau Monde, as a representative for the new style green resources industry, is part of spearheading the electrification of the industry, by collaborating with Caterpillar.”

Eric Desaulniers, founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nouveau Monde, and Denise Johnson,

Caterpillar Group President, signed a collaboration agreement for the development of a zero-emission fleet for the Matawinie Mine.

Desaulniers, said: “We are proud to be a driving force for our peers as we strive to electrify our operations to meet our carbon neutrality commitments while maintaining the productivity and efficiency standards of our mining operations. Even more gratifying and important to our corporate mission is that our project can serve as a springboard for the future of the mining industry by collaborating with Caterpillar on these cutting-edge technologies.”

Looking to accelerate and tailor the equipment development, Caterpillar will engage with Nouveau Monde’s team to incorporate voice of customer throughout the development, and for testing of the zero-emission fleet and infrastructure prior to commercial production.

Johnson said: “The collaboration between Caterpillar and Nouveau Monde marks an important milestone in the mining industry. Through integrated technology, machines and services, the entire Caterpillar team is proud to support Nouveau Monde as they work towards constructing and establishing their first zero emission mine.”

Eric Desaulniers, Nouveau Monde CEO, and Denise Johnson, Caterpillar Group President, sign a collaboration agreement for the development of a zero-emission fleet for the Matawinie Mine.

DIGGERSLIVE

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INTERVIEW

THE EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT with Paul Macpherson, Commercial Director, Mecalac

Renowned for its stylish designs, firstto-market technologies and innovative product portfolio, Mecalac is a true pioneer in the compact construction equipment field.

Diggers LIVE sat down with the company’s Commercial Director, Paul Macpherson, to learn more about the business and ask a series of burning questions about past, present and future.

Q

Firstly, Paul, can you tell us a little more about Mecalac Mecalac is a global leader in the design and manufacture of highly innovative compact construction equipment.

Renowned for stylish design, rental-tough build quality and safety critical operator technologies, our comprehensive range features on sites worldwide.

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Our aim is to provide operators with class-leading equipment capable of delivering superior performance, flexibility and speed. Each product in our range has been designed to set the standards in efficiency, reliability and capability, while maximising fuel economy and minimising emissions alongside.

From excavators and loaders to backhoes, site dumpers and compaction rollers, our portfolio is renowned for its unique designs. Manufactured at stateof-the-art production facilities in France, Germany, Turkey and the UK, we adopt the latest technologies to ensure best-inclass product quality.

Our culture is collaborative and our philosophy is simple – quality, reliability, trustworthiness and reactivity. We know the importance of world-leading

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INTERVIEW

equipment and we’re committed to delivering over and above expectations for customers across the globe.

Q

So what makes Mecalac different from its competitors?

At Mecalac, we pride ourselves in thinking differently. When people say it can’t be done, we show them otherwise.

We change how the industry thinks and embrace the future through our pioneering product range.

Not content with standing still, we continue to innovate, developing industry-defining products that push the boundaries of capability and deliver unparalleled results for our customers.

Our excavator range, for example, is totally unique in the marketplace.

Designed with multifunctionality

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in mind, each model can deliver the application of multiple machines. This means less plant on construction sites – less emissions, less congestion, better manoeuvrability and less expenditure.

Q

What can a customer expect when they buy Mecalac?

Choosing Mecalac means embracing innovation, efficiency, comfort, safety and performance – the perfect solution for every application. Our world-class portfolio features pioneering operator technologies and first-to-market product lines that challenge convention and bring innovation to life.

From class-leading performance and unmatched capability, to flexibility, reliability and the latest developments in safety-critical equipment, our portfolio

is designed with the operator firmly in mind.

Q

Tell us about Mecalac’s relationship with its customers We have a close and collaborative relationship with our customers. We listen to their requirements, work hard to understand their challenges and develop state-of-the-art compact construction equipment to deliver over and above their expectations.

Thanks to our highly-experienced dealer network, we deliver personal service, tailored to your location, business type and equipment requirements. We’re renowned for our excellent customer service and partnership approach – this is what sets us apart from the crowd.

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INTERVIEW

Q

Tell us a little about Mecalac’s standout products, innovations and the latest models it is bringing to market From our pioneering range of excavators and loaders, to our globallyacclaimed site dumpers, innovative backhoe loaders and extensive range of compaction rollers, each Mecalac model is a standout product in its own right.

Over the past few months, we have launched a number of new products that set the standards in performance and capability.

3.5MDX cabbed site dumper TLB880 backhoe loader Combining impressive power, efficiency and capability with heavy-duty design and exceptional build quality, our TLB880 backhoe loader is perfect for small companies and rental fleets alike.

Powered by a Stage V-compliant Perkins 904 turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the all-new model delivers 100 HP (74.5 kW) at 2,200 rpm and 317 lb.ft (430 Nm) of torque at 1,500 rpm. Paired with a choice of either fourspeed synchro shuttle transmission or powershift gearbox, the backhoe offers fast and effortless roading speeds of up to 24 mph (40 km/h).

Bringing class-leading performance to the worksite, the TLB880 achieves a dig depth of 4,401 mm (extended dipper, 5,744 mm), dipper reach of 5,725mm (extended dipper, 6,995mm), dipper tearout force of 42 kN and bucket tearout force of up to 69 kN. This ensures maximum efficiencies for the operator and makes the backhoe suitable for a wide variety of applications, including civil engineering, highway maintenance, utilities and agriculture.

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Durable, dependable, versatile and highly capable, the 3.5MDX site dumper is the latest addition our world-acclaimed cabbed dumper portfolio. The efficient, low-emission engine works through a four-wheeldrive system that features lowrange in both forward and reverse,

giving operators peace of mind on challenging terrain.

Available with either swivel tip or forward tip, the new model guarantees class-leading power, performance and durability and includes our Shield safety pack as standard.

6MDX and 9MDX hydrostatic cabbed site dumpers The six and nine-tonne hydrostatic 6MDX and 9MDX are an evolution of Mecalac’s renowned MDX site dumper range, bringing smooth, uninterrupted power as well as the addition of dynamic braking. These all-new models offer improved performance and traction – particularly on inclines where gear

changes can often result in loss of drive.

Removing the gear stick allows a more spacious operator environment, increasing comfort and minimising fatigue. The hydrostatic models have fewer parts, ensuring lower running costs, thanks to lower maintenance requirements and fewer wear items.

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PEDESTRIAN DETECTION CAMERA Differentiates between people and obstacles Detects pedestrians (detects objects if radar is combined) Can record critical data to assist with insurance claims Can work with Optafleet telematics to assess high risk areas Lower risk and assist with Target Zero No need for tags or high visibility vests Audible and visual alert 1920 X 1080P resolution IP 68 Rated solution

For all enquiries, including product demonstration requests:

FTC Group Ltd Unit 8, Elizabeth Business Park, Tigers Close, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 4AE

T: 0116 2780 391 E: construction@ftcgroup.co.uk W: ftcgroup.co.uk

INTERVIEW

Q

How will Mecalac be developing this product range in the near future?

Over the past six months alone, we have announced a huge number of new products, updated models, firstto-market operator technologies and upgraded marques.

Take my word for it, we still have a number of exciting product announcements, updates, technologies and more in store over the coming

months. Keep an eye out for our latest announcements and product updates – we’re confident that these new developments will revolutionise the marketplace.

Q

How do you see the outlook for the industry in 2021 and over the coming years?

Over the past 18 months, the world has faced challenges that no-one could have ever predicted. From the ongoing

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to global raw material shortages and the implications of Brexit, the industry has been forced to navigate some hugely challenging waters.

However, the picture is starting to clear and the future looks bright. The construction industry will continue to play an instrumental role in developing the world of tomorrow. At Mecalac, we’re looking forward to maintaining our position at the global forefront.

Q

What are the biggest developments that you have personally seen in the industry?

Over the past five years, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for new and innovative ways to further improve on-site safety. Our globally-acclaimed MDX range, used on construction sites worldwide, aims to tackle this issue head on, providing a class-leading solution for operators.

Alongside our MDX cabbed site dumper range, we’ve developed a number of technologies in partnership with operators, site managers and our global dealer network, to set standards in site safety.

One such development has been the roll-out of our Shield safety packs – safetycritical technology upgrades fitted as standard on our six and nine-tonne ROPS dumpers and right across our MDX range.

From start and drive interlock and handbrake warning, to a digital speedometer, front-facing camera, fuel loss warning sensor, automatic idle shut-off, park brake test and Stop-Start Control™, Shield sets the safety standards for construction professionals around the world.

Q

Let’s get to know a little more about you, Paul – how long have you been in the industry and how did you start out?

I started working at the Mecalac Construction Equipment UK facility in Coventry back in January 2015. I have also held senior roles with another wellknown OEM in the construction industry.

However, my career has been varied and I have worked in a number of different industries. I actually trained as a chemical engineer, before studying for an accountancy qualification as part of a role in the finance and banking sector.

From there, I transitioned into the automotive sector, where I spent a number of years with premium brands including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Toyota/Lexus.

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INTERVIEW

Q

What attracted you to the construction sector?

I was really engaged by the idea of bringing my knowledge, insight and expertise into another industry, harnessing horizontal innovation from the automotive sector to drive the future of world-leading construction equipment.

With the distribution systems very similar, but possibly not as mature, it’s been a real privilege to have realised this ambition.

Q

Have you been involved with any interesting projects in your career?

I’ve been involved with a number of pioneering projects – all of which I’m truly proud of. The acquisition of Terex Compact GB by Groupe Mecalac, for example, was a real career highlight.

Being a key driver of the brand’s UK rollout and subsequent market growth has been a really enjoyable challenge. Seeing Mecalac equipment now operational on thousands of sites nationwide is testament to my team’s commitment and our unmatched product portfolio.

More recently, I was involved in the launch of Mecalac’s MDX cabbed site dumper range. Designed from the ground up, the world-leading model lineup sets the standards in performance and capability, featuring the industry’s strongest cab and a whole host of first-tomarket technologies.

Our vision was for MDX to be the industry’s best cabbed site dumper portfolio, delivering over and above customer expectations. I’m proud to say that it really has delivered on this promise.

Away from the construction sector, as a hobby I’ve also been involved in the professional voiceover industry. Being involved in local radio from a young age led me to a number of opportunities to record voiceovers for companies all over the world.

Throughout my career, I’ve continued to record ad-hoc items, which seem to resurface when I least expect it. Indeed, when holidaying in the USA, I heard my voice used as the reversing alarm voice on a delivery truck. I’ve also been in an aeroplane and heard myself announcing the safety procedures. It’s a surreal experience.

of inbound sales orders, outbound dispatches, payment schedules, marketing of our products and coordination of the global sales network.

Also, I’m heavily involved in our new product planning process, new market entry strategy and new dealer appointments. No two days are the same – it’s great!

Q

What do you find most rewarding at work?

When someone says it can’t be done, I see that as a red rag to a bull. I love proving that it can, but also that it can be delivered on time. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

However, to achieve this, teamwork and collaboration are key. You need to work closely with your team, encourage them to buy into your vision, bring them with you on the journey and make them feel valued. If you can achieve this, it’s possible to not only deliver upon your objectives, but actually inspire them to bring new ideas to the table.

Q

Which parts of work are most challenging?

It might sound like a cliché, but I enjoy almost every part of my role. However, I want people to share my enthusiasm and feel inspired every day. I find it a little disappointing when this isn’t the case.

Q

What do you want to achieve in your career over the next few years?

I want to continue to pass on my experience and knowledge to the next generation of industry professionals – helping to create the engaged workforce

of tomorrow. In my career, I’ve always been fortunate enough to have great role models and mentors, so I want to give some of that back.

Q

What would be your luxury item of choice if you were exiled to a desert island?

I’d be lost without my extensive music collection. I have countless albums from artists across almost every genre.

From some of the most famous classical composers, to artists in today’s charts, you’ll find almost everything on my playlists.

If I could live on a desert island with my music collection, and the tranquillity to enjoy it at my leisure, I’d be happy.

Q

What’s your tipple of choice I’d have to say real ale. Growing up in rural Gloucestershire, I soon found my taste for beers from companies like Donnington Brewery. Trying new varieties and small-batch craft ales is a real treat.

Q

What’s your bucket list activity?

I’ve had the privilege of travelling the world for work, but there’s a big difference between business travel and holidays. As such, I’ve always been really interested in visiting interesting far-flung countries as a tourist and experiencing new cultures.

I’ve travelled on The Orient Express, been on safaris and photographed the Northern Lights at minus 28 degrees. My next bucket list activity this year is tackling the North Coast 500 in Scotland, followed by the Golden Triangle in India (COVID permitting). From there – China, New Zealand, Australia, who knows.

Q

Tell us about the different aspects of your work. What range of tasks do you undertake?

As Commercial Director, my role includes managing all sales and marketing activity and the control of all related processes.

This includes forecasting, the management

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PROFILE

R&R Direct: advanced tracking and telematics

by Ross Macleod I set up R&R Direct in 2020 after winning the UK deployment contract for Trackunit Telematics in the UK. R&R was already a subcontractor, but the new contract meant we would be the sole installer for all Trackunit products in the UK. This was a massive achievement for me and my company and we had to expand to handle the additional work.

So we set up the new company, to concentrate on this novel situation.

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In Q3 2020, we were awarded the contract to look after the Satrak technical support. Satrak was purchased by Trackunit in 2018 and because R&R is based in the UK, it made sense for us to take over the technical support. As we were already doing the installations, this was a natural progression.

We had to employ more office staff but due to COVID-19 we couldn’t have people in our offices. Luckily for us, we

use a cloud-based job app system called Big Change. This allows staff to work from home, book jobs, track engineers’ work, see live data on job progress, easily plan jobs, and do virtually every part of running a business with a mobile workforce remotely. If we didn’t use this system, COVID-19 would, without a doubt, have closed our business. In a weird twist, it actually helped our business to grow.

Moving into 2021 Trackunit recognised that we were doing a good job and offering a great service to its customers. We became the sole channel partner to Satrak products in the UK. Being the sole installer and technical support to Satrak means we are the company to go to with regard to anything Satrak related. From the initial sales enquiry through the installation and any technical issues, we are the one stop shop for Satrak.

We are now also UK channel partner for the range of Trackunit products, and we offer the full service from our UKbased offices in Leeds and Harpenden in Hertfordshire.

Trackunit is the leading supplier of fleet management solutions across the globe, operating out of eight offices worldwide. Known for its reliability and forward thinking, Trackunit is the market leader in off-highway construction telematics and is used by

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Transforming your excavator.

And your business.

The Rototilt® tiltrotator transforms your excavator into a flexible tool carrier.

This opens the way for new types of jobs, and maximise both safety and productivity. The whole tiltrotator family is packed with innovative technologies and ingenious design solutions that make your work safer, easier and more profitable. With Rototilt® you get a tiltrotator that fits your specific need, whether you require dexterity and precision, or muscles and capacity.

Rototilt® makes it possible.

Open-S

The open industry standard for fully automatic quick couplers.

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Our tiltrotators • R1 | 1.5-3.5 tonnes • R2 | 3–6.5 tonnes • R3 | 6-12 tonnes • R4 | 10-16 tonnes • R5 | 14-19 tonnes • R6 | 15-24 tonnes • R8 | 23-32 tonnes

PROFILE

manufacturers and the biggest plant hire and construction companies.

Customers can now have the best technology and the excellent R&R customer service and backup.

We offer the full range of Trackunit products, from the simple battery operated Spot product through to the TU600 fitted range incorporating the DualID keypad immobiliser and CANbus connectivity all within one unit.

This system is more than a tracker and telematics. It’s full machine monitoring, offering a remote view of the health, hours, fuel use, safety, operation overview and early warning of any issues with the machine, all taken from the CANbus.

The information can be viewed remotely, meaning less time for fitters attending site. With the Trackunit DualID Card or PIN code, you can give operators unique access to a particular machine, manage users online and assign operator access based on training or competence.

The equipment can also be locked out remotely. For instance, if a customer often hires a machine on Friday afternoon, it can be locked out so no one can operate it over the weekend.

Why R&R Direct? Well, we have two offices in the UK, our head office in Harpenden, Hertfordshire and the other in Leeds; all of our engineers are all employed by us; and we very rarely use subcontractors. We have: • • • •

the day-to-day work; he’s our go-to person for engineers’ issues, technical help and if we get a special machine you will see John on site making technical drawings and checking on installation quality. Our sales team is run by Dave White, who is an ex-Trackunit account manager. His experience in the tracking and telematics industry is second to none and I’m sure many of you reading this will know Dave.

If you want a UK-based, forward thinking company to supply, support and

offer a complete service for tracking and telematics with the backup of the most advanced equipment the market has to offer, we are the people to speak to.

We are working on some great innovations over the next six months to help customers control and receive data from their assets. If you have equipment you want securing, if you want live, meaningful data, or to be in full control of when and who uses your assets, call R&R Direct and speak to our team today.

Account managers on the road Technical support 24/7 customer helpline Full UK engineer coverage

R&R Direct offers the complete service, reacts swiftly and is customer focused.

We offer our customers various payment methods and try to find the best way to work with them. We are not just an office based company, we have engineers on the ground and traveling sale managers. In short, we look after our customers.

All our staff are from a plant and machinery background. I’ve been in the field for more than 20 years, which looking back, feels like a lifetime as I’m only 36. I’ve jumped in the car to deliver trackers many times and have been known to turn up on site to help out engineers all over the UK. I am building a team around me to help push R&R forward over the coming 12 to 18 months. We took on a few ex Satrak and Trackunit employees to help with continuity with the customers and we have a great general manager, John Booth. He has 20 years’ experience in plant hire and is an ex-engineer. He runs

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FINANCE

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Construction finance Asset Funder

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FINANCE

Asset Funder was formed in 2014 by Lee Brenard, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the business finance industry, specialising in asset finance in the construction sector.

Asset Funder has built a highly skilled team, ensuring it can react quickly and knowledgeably in this fastpaced industry. Accessing finance to secure business growth doesn’t have to be difficult. Asset Funder makes it simple, helping clients acquire key equipment and machinery assets, as well as business loans, to support their company’s operations.

While the business offers all types of asset finance working with a large and respected panel of the best banks and financial institutions, it can also offer a range of finance products, to include secured and unsecured business loans as well as invoice, development and VAT deferrals. To find out more, call 0800 999 6962 or email hello@assetfunder.co.uk.

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FEATURE

Paragon Bank

FINANCE

Established in 1985, awardwinning specialist lender Paragon supports UK businesses to achieve their growth ambitions through a range of finance options.

Its specialist construction finance team, many of whom have more than 20 years of asset funding experience for construction and its associated trades, have expert knowledge of the equipment and machinery your business relies on and are well known by major manufacturers and dealers. Whatever your requirements, they’ll work with you to help find the right funding package for you and your business with flexible terms and deposits, VAT deferral and bespoke solutions available.

To find out more, visit: www.paragonbank.co.uk/ construction-finance

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Plant2Finance Plant2Finance is an independent finance broker, specialising in finance for construction equipment, plant and machinery. Having over 25 years of combined experience working within banks and other financial institutions, it has arranged funding for many clients under many different circumstances, including poor credits and new starts.

Plant2Finance’s industry knowledge means that it understands the challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry.

With a panel of more than 40 trusted lenders, Plant2Finance can break down barriers and negotiate on the client’s behalf, saving them both time and money.

Plant2Finance understands that your business is unique and would therefore require unique funding solutions.

The key focus is the client and therefore it offers a free service and will spend as long as it takes to get the right result for you.

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WE SUPPLY THE CANVAS. YOU CREATE THE ART. DEMOLITION YOU CAN DEPEND ON. NFDC accredited demolition contractors expertly clear the way for major regeneration, development and infrastructure projects in the UK and further afield. If your end game is construction excellence start with NFDC – the gold standard in professional demolition.

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FEATURE

SKM Asset Finance

JCB Finance

Alchemy Business Finance understands the challenges your plant or construction business faces because its funders have run all types and sizes of businesses for more than 40 years. Alchemy brings the personal touch back to finance and you will always have a dedicated account manager to talk with to better understand your needs. Whether you are a sole trader, partnership or limited company, Alchemy can help you. A bad credit score or large debts do not pose a problem to secure the funds you need, no matter what you need it for – Alchemy will work fast and diligently to get you the finance you need. The client’s input typically takes just a few minutes, so there’s no need to be distracted from running your business.

SKM Asset Finance began trading in 1997 with the intention of providing an unrivalled finance service to UK businesses. The company has a wealth of experience of financing business assets including construction equipment, commercial vehicles and cars and can provide a one stop option to let you concentrate on what’s important to you. SKM Finance has no vested interest in any particular bank or finance house, but has strong relationships with many, making it able to identify the best deal for you. Its aim is to help choose the scheme that best fits your circumstances in a prompt and reliable manner. The company prepares cost comparisons for any scheme or profile you wish to consider and sets out the features and benefits of each. It looks to build long term relationships with all its customers and will not charge you a penny in fees.

JCB Finance, the in-house finance company to digger giant JCB, has a nationwide team of relationship mangers who combine extensive experience with a genuine interest in helping to meet clients’ particular requirements. As such the company assisted more than 2,000 UK SMEs with emergency pauses during the height of the COVID pandemic and the nationwide field team of finance specialists are busy arranging credit facilities to ensure smooth access to sustainable credit for customers. With over 50 years’ experience in providing asset finance in the construction, agricultural and industrial sectors, JCB Finance offers fast, flexible finance solutions that help preserve working capital while spreading the cost in a cost effective and tax efficient manner. Finance is not restricted to JCB equipment but is also available to UK businesses for other compatible machinery, cars, 4x4s, commercial vehicles, trailers, static plant and more.

To find out more go to www.jcb-finance.co.uk.

FINANCE

Alchemy Business Finance

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AN ALL-ROUND IMPRESSIVE PACKAGE

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

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AWARDS

JCB site dumper crowned hire product of the year

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The safety benefits of JCB’s smallest site dumper have been honoured with a national award from the rental sector.

The JCB 1T-2 site dumper has been crowned Hire Industry Product of the Year at the Hire Awards of Excellence 2021. The award has been presented to JCB and Travis Perkins, which has purchased 200 of the machines complete with a host of safety innovations designed and developed by the two companies.

Organised by Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA), the winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony.

JCB General Manager – National Accounts, Paul Williams, said: “We are delighted that our joint effort to take safety to the highest possible level has been recognised by one of the top awards in the rental sector.”

Travis Perkins Tool Hire Fleet Director, Yas Swindell said: “We are pleased that our joint venture has been recognised in such prestigious national awards; it proves that working together to continuously improve safety has tangible benefits to our customers.”

The EU Stage V compliant one-tonne site dumpers were supplied to Travis Perkins by dealer Watling JCB and are equipped with a drive inhibit system, preventing travel unless the seatbelt is in use and an initial movement alarm, that provides an audible warning before forward or reverse travel commences.

Another key feature of the machines is the Smart Safety pack which includes an intelligent tilt warning system using proven technology from JCB’s marketleading Loadall telescopic handler range.

It is designed to sound an alarm when the skip is raised with the dumper sitting on dangerously uneven ground. It also shows the operator when they are driving the dumper on uneven ground that could pose a risk of overturning.

The final safety development to catch the judges’ attention was the option to specify the machine with a wider track for additional stability. This uses an increase in wheel offset to expand the width of the machine from 850mm to 988mm, still allowing access through a standard one-metre doorway. The increased track boosts stability, further increasing safety in rougher site conditions.

The HAE EHA Hire Awards of Excellence 2021 celebrate the achievements of hirers and suppliers in the plant, tool, equipment and event hire industries.

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AWARDS

JCB’s electric Teletruk wins FLTA Environment Award JCB has lifted a top award honouring the environmental benefits of its new allelectric telescopic forklift.

The JCB Teletruk was launched in 1997 and remains the world’s only telescopic lift truck to offer forward reach thanks to its telescopic boom. Now the new electric version of this machine, the JCB 30-19E, has won The Environment Award from the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), Europe’s leading trade body for the materials handling industry.

Judges said the world’s first electric telescopic forklift, was “ideal for urban environments” thanks to its zero emissions and low noise levels. JCB has received a statuette – known as an ‘Archie’ to mark the success.

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JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Tim Burnhope, said: “It’s always an enormous thrill to be recognised by your industry peers and we are delighted to win the Environment Award from the Forklift Truck Association.

“The opportunities for the new electric Teletruk are immense both in terms of benefiting the environment in a very big way and reaching into new markets.”

Until the electric model’s launch, JCB’s Teletruks were powered by diesel and LPG and used predominantly in outdoor applications. With the launch of the new electric model, the Teletruk is now suited for a wealth of tasks inside buildings.

Because it is battery powered, the JCB 30-19E is extremely quiet and produces zero emissions, making it suited to multiple tasks inside buildings. Power is provided by an 80-volt lead acid battery and it can work a full eight hour shift on a single charge.

The launch of the JCB 30-19E opens the door to a global market, in which almost 250,000 units are sold every year.

One of the key advantages of the JCB Teletruk is its ability to load and unload curtainsided trailers from one side thanks to its telescopic reach – a feature that saves vast amounts of space. In 1998, a year after its launch, the Teletruk won an unprecedented three Archie awards from the FLTA for innovation, safety and ergonomics.

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OPINION

Construction machinery rumbles towards electrification

by Alastair Hayfield, Senior Research Director at technology market research firm, Interact Analysis Vehicle electrification is at the forefront of thinking as the world confronts the challenges posed by climate change. EV technology is moving apace. Though electrification has its strongest foothold in the light vehicle market, larger electric vehicles and buses are increasingly being deployed, and advances in hydrogen technology are opening up a promising landscape for the future of electrified heavy-duty vehicles, including off-road construction machinery.

The drivers of electrification: politics; climate; cost; people Across the globe, countries are striving to decarbonise. On 12 February 2021, ABC News reported that new US president, Joe Biden had “jump-started” the conversation around electric vehicles. The US is back in the Paris Climate Accord, and Biden has placed confronting climate change at the heart of his administration’s objectives – carbon-free electricity by 2035; net-zero emissions by 2050. Major car companies have already responded to the new administration’s initiatives. Ford plans to double investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and General Motors has announced its goal to achieve zero emissions by 2035. The pressure is on for the US construction vehicle industry to up its game regarding electrification.

Meanwhile, across the globe, China’s commitment to green energy has been long-standing. Electric buses are a good demonstration of this. With over 400,000 battery buses already in operation across China, the country accounts for over 90 per cent of global electric bus usage.

In Europe, two elements, the European Green Deal and the Next Generation EU COVID recovery package constitute the

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main parts of a strategy involving a rolling out of renewable energy projects. The recovery package will also fund cleaner transport and logistics, and the installation of one million charging points for electric vehicles. The ultimate goal is for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050.

On top of this, the UK has also legislated to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to netzero by the same point.

Against this backdrop, the construction vehicle industry cannot stand idly by. Off-highway vehicle producers will need to continue developing their electric technology as the internal combustion engine moves towards obsolescence.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) could be a major driver in the electrified heavy machinery market. In 2019, an in-depth study by McKinsey concluded that by 2023, the TCO of heavy electrified machinery could be up to 21 per cent lower than that of similar internal combustion engine equipment. Key factors here were the 40 to 60 per cent reduction in operational outgoings – lower fuel costs and a more efficient drivetrain bringing lower maintenance costs owing to the machinery having fewer moving parts. These reductions would offset the higher upfront costs, including that of the battery and charging infrastructure.

Finally, there is a factor that lies central to the operation of construction

machinery – the operators themselves.

Within living memory, health, safety, and comfort issues used to be a low priority in the construction industry. Not so today, for, as we all know, safety takes centre stage in the working environment. A key characteristic of the battery electric vehicle is its smooth interface with the person at the controls. It’s easy to operate, clean, quiet, and comfortable. There is little jolting or vibration.

Electric construction vehicles are also more versatile. They can operate in enclosed environments where ventilation is an issue. And they can be used in close proximity to people, in city centres, for example, without creating unacceptable noise or pollution. This is a major advantage, living, as we do, in a time when there is considerable intensification of building and infrastructure projects in our cities.

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Available in three styles and a comprehensive range of sizes, the DuraLine Plus range is manufactured from premium quality, abrasion resistant rubber using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced quality control processes.

Independent tests show them to be 52% more durable than standard quality rubber pads.

As well as stocking the standard bolt-on and direct-to-chain or road-liner pads, we have developed a range of quick-fit clip-on pads which can be fitted in half the time of conventional pads, minimising labour costs and maximising machine uptime.

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OPINION

Challenges ahead The past three years have seen a transformation in the electrified construction vehicle sector, with every major manufacturer now looking at electric solutions for some of their products. However, it is early days and electric machinery still comprises less than one per cent of all construction equipment sold. At Interact Analysis, our research shows that this is set to change and by the mid 2020s, 10 to 15 per cent of construction vehicles in some sectors will be battery-electric or hybrid.

A major challenge is infrastructure.

How do we get power into construction sites to recharge machines? Big power supply cables, even transformers, may be

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needed, or mobile high-power charging systems. This may be difficult when one of the biggest problems at construction sites is lack of space. Or is it realistic for machines to be charged off-site?

There are also issues regarding vehicle range – the length of time a vehicle will function before it needs recharging – and downtime when machines are standing idle for charging. How do we bring these machines into existing operational processes so they still do the work that they need to do?

One answer would be for construction machine manufacturers to set up their own mock construction sites, so they can run data-driven trials examining how these machines can fit into the operational

flow of a site. They could then share their results and inform the construction industry how to go electric.

For smaller machines, batteryswapping may be a short-term solution, but on-site charging will still most likely be needed in the longer run. For the largest machines with very intensive duty cycles, the technology simply isn’t there for a battery-electric solution. This is where hydrogen comes in.

Hydrogen: has its time come?

In 2020, JCB unveiled its prototype for a hydrogen-powered excavator, the 20-tonne 220X. Large machines such as the 220X will be able to perform the same duty cycle as their internal combustion engine equivalents, with no recharging issues.

One major factor in the hydrogen debate is the actual production of the gas. Hydrogen has traditionally been extracted from fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) using a process called coal gasification.

This is known as brown hydrogen. But now there are new, cleaner methods such as extraction from natural gas (blue hydrogen), and also through electrolysis of water. This last method produces what is known as green hydrogen.

There have been cost issues with these cleaner production processes, but the existence of competing production methods drives all overall production costs down over time. Research has suggested green options should become financially viable in the next decade. Additionally, as renewable energy production increases, interest is growing in finding new ways to store this energy, and hydrogen is certainly a viable way to store renewable energy.

In 2019 the World Energy Council launched Hydrogen Global as a platform to promote the production and use of clean hydrogen. Governments around the world are investing in hydrogen production and setting up projects that will bring technological scale. And scale is important. Many machines will use hydrogen – even aircraft such as Airbus’s zero-emission commercial aircraft codenamed ZEROe, which could be in commission by 2035. Wrightbus, owned

by Jo Bamford, son of Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, announced in 2020 that it would build 3,000 zero-emission fuel cell buses in the UK over the next four years. The more widely the technology is used, the faster it will develop. The construction machinery industry will certainly be in the tailwind of this, and the opportunity is there to be at the forefront.

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07711 008315 | McCloskeyEquipment.co.uk Sales@McCloskeyEquipment.co.uk | #McCloskeyEquipment

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PROFILE

HTS – your supplier of choice

by Roy Knappett, Marketing Director, HTS Spares HTS Spares has been the supplier of choice to the plant hire, civils and construction industries since 1989.

A product range that started out as a simple offering of oils and a few wearing parts has grown to be one of the most comprehensive offerings of construction equipment parts and workshop consumables in the UK today.

One of the many unique solutions we offer is the Plant Tag. We first introduced the Plant Tag in 2018 and more than 100,000 tags later, these red, green and yellow tags have become a familiar sight

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in plant yards and construction sites all over the UK and Ireland. Easy to use, easy to read and extremely durable, these tags are designed for the harsh conditions that construction equipment works in.

The tags have numerous uses and are the simplest and most cost-effective way to tag any type of machinery, whether to warn users of mechanical faults or to indicate that the machine is ready to hire.

A more recent addition to the Plant Tag range is our new personalised option. Following requests from some of the largest fleet operators in the market, we can now offer completely bespoke Plant Tags, printed with a design, wording and logo of your choice.

Matthew Wright of Global Recycling Solutions has taken advantage of this unique personalised product. “HTS’ in-depth support since the start of this year has been absolutely fantastic. Global Recycling Solutions and I look forward to working with HTS in the future.”

The Plant Tag is just one example of how we work closely with our customers to solve the challenges they face in operating and maintaining a fleet of equipment. We partner with some of the largest players in the market and are closely involved in delivering solutions to some of the largest construction projects in the country including Hinkley Point and HS2.

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The placement of the shaft positions promote a unique rotary movement, generating enormous efficiency especially in wet and cohesive soil.

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PRODUCTS

Safety first

by Toby Wilsdon

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PRODUCTS

I

n high energy, high impact applications, safety must come first. With powerful heavy machinery and heavy materials at play, this is true in the demolition and construction industries even more than most.

Where the risk to human safety comes from people’s physical interaction (collision) with plant, it follows that the best method of preventing that interaction is to keep the two apart.

Most accidents, particularly in the case of humans coming into contact with machines, are caused by human error – either the people or the machines are in the wrong place.

Automation should, therefore, be able to play a large part in reducing these unnecessary impacts.

Where incidents involving objects colliding are concerned, rather obviously, proximity is key. Keep the objects apart and there will be no collision. Of course, site safety 101 includes being aware of your surroundings, looking for potential hazards and avoiding them. But with the best will in the world, human beings are fallible, our attention slips, we take risks, ‘just once can’t hurt’.

Machines are not like that. Write a sufficiently sophisticated algorithm and combine it with sensitive hardware and the potential for this type of accident should be massively reduced.

This is precisely what FTC Group has been doing, with ever increasing success.

Cameras and range finding hardware are nothing new of course. Similarly, neither are flashing beacons, sirens or even the precise use of illuminated exclusion zones. What is new, is in the use of these technologies.

FTC’s Pedestrian Detection Camera is, as its name suggests, not just a rangefinder but one linked to sophisticated programmed algorithm software able to distinguish not only between animate and inanimate objects, but between people and things. And since it can tell people from objects, unlike some other systems it is uniquely positioned within the construction sector. It does not require people to wear tags in order to be detected and avoided.

At the heart of the system is a complex algorithm and feeding into that are cameras with a 140-degree field of vision, meaning three or four cameras mounted on a suitably shaped vehicle will give a 360-degree view.

FTC Business Development Manager, Sean Hamill explained: “In essence this system offers customers a completely modular safety system that is easy to manage and extremely effective, tracking pedestrians in real time with a full HD screen and any configuration of alerts required.”

The system has a detection zone of up to 30 metres, which can be divided into

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programmable green, amber and red areas, whereby pedestrians are tracked in-cab on an HD screen with each of them marked in red, amber or green dependant on their distance from each fitted camera. It is a bespoke system that the company says can be fitted to any vehicle.

Sean said: “This system is non-invasive, which means fitting can be done on any vehicle with ease. Customers are always pleasantly surprised with this process as downtime for fitting, or potential interference with systems already in place is a big concern.

“The system is also extremely intuitive and easy to use, meaning operator training and inclusion into site or company H&S policy is made that much easier. We at FTC Group also offer consultative training and advice where needed to help with this.”

The Pedestrian Detection Camera system can be configured in a multitude of ways, some of which include having one rear view camera with in-cab HD screen and alert.

At the opposite end of the range, options include four cameras giving a 360-degree field of vision, in-cab HD display alert, external beacons and multiple configurations of lights, MDVR recording capability and full online access.

The product has been extremely well received said Sean: “We have seen orders increasing exponentially from end users ordering directly, to large plant hire companies and even dealer networks all quickly realising that this technology is almost a must-have in one form or another.

Sean said: “FTC Group is a market leader in the FLT sector, we are preferred suppliers to many dealer networks and even manufacturers, our product range has always kept pace with technology, demand and needs of the industry. Over the last 24 months, we have seen steady growth in the construction and plant market, but with the recent development of this particular product and natural progression into this market, we have seen sales and demand soar. FTC Group is a respected brand that the FLT industry has come to trust over the years and the construction and plant sectors are quickly following suit.”

Used in conjunction with FTC’s OptaFleet fleet management software, the system can identify areas of heightened risk on site as well as operators who may need further safety awareness training.

It’s no great insight to say that automation and high technology are the future in many fields, providing greater efficiency, accuracy and freeing up labour for the work that only humans can do. In the field of heavy machinery that FTC’s Pedestrian Detection System addresses, it’s a matter of saving lives.

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PRODUCTS

Higher hydraulic flow and better ergonomics with next-generation Rototilt Quickchange Technological development in the construction industry continue, with efficiency and ergonomics hand in hand.

The latest example is the new generation of fully automatic Rototilt quick coupler systems that introduces innovative benefits for machine couplers, tiltrotators and other tools.

Matti Akinesia of Lindbergs Last and Planering, who has tested Rototilt QuickChange for a year, said: “I was sceptical at first, but this is as different as night and day.”

Sven-Roger Ekström said: “The fully automatic quick coupler system brings a huge increase in efficiency, as excavator operators never have to leave the cab to switch between different hydraulic tools.

At the same time, safety significantly increases as no one has to be around the

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machine during tool changes. Rototilt has also integrated the SecureLock solution, which gives the operator a clear acknowledgement that the tool under the attachment is correctly connected thanks to the built-in lock sensor in the cylinder.”

Freedom One of Rototilt’s goals has been to develop a system able to handle the high-flow tools available on the market.

This has been achieved by a wide margin and both the test operators who have tried Rototilt QuickChange in advance of release and customers who are now investing in the new technology welcome the system.

Johan Lindberg said: “It’s a whole new world, a very stable quick coupler with automatic coupling of hoses that means I never have to leave the cab to change tools. Those who can never imagine investing in this technology shouldn’t test it either, because once you have, you can’t be without it – that’s how good it is!”

His colleague Matti Ainasoja agreed: “I’m a bit traditional and at first I was quite sceptical. But now that I’ve been testing it for a year, the feeling is a bit like when you’ve just got your driver’s licence

– freedom! In addition, I can quickly set the tiltrotator and mount tools directly on the system’s machine coupler, getting extra power when, for example, I’m going to be using a tooth bucket or ripper.”

Time is another benefit. “I save several hours every day,” said Robert Viklund of Viklunds Gräv AB. “But the most important thing isn’t time, but that the job is done safely and correctly.”

QuickChange™ in brief With Rototilt QuickChange you get the best of both worlds. Your excavator becomes a full-fledged tool carrier that lets you do jobs faster, smarter and with more precision. At the same time, you can quickly disconnect your tiltrotator in tough environments or when the job doesn’t require tiltrotator functionality.

Everything is done completely automatically.

You can handle your machine coupler – and the other parts of the system – automatically from the cab. The heavy duty locking construction gives you a machine coupler completely free of play, with a small number of well protected components. Rototilt’s QuickChange system enables automatic hydraulic tool

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changes, saving time and increasing safety.

And its attachment frames ensure that both hydraulic and mechanical tools work as intended on your machine.

Nothing left to chance A specially developed, more durable nose seal in the hydraulic coupling dramatically increases service life and minimises the risk of leakage. Nose seals are easily replaced without special tools.

Unique safety features on machine couplers and quick couplers secure tools even if pressure is lost. These include the spring-loaded locking cylinder, flat contact surface on cylinder, and constant locking pressure in the locking cylinder ensured by a check valve.

Encapsulated springs in the hydraulic coupling minimise the risk of contamination of the machine’s hydraulic system in the event of spring fractures and improved design of covers and seals protects the couplings against dirt and contaminants.

Open standard Another benefit for operators is that Rototilt QuickChange is based on the open standard for fully automatic quick couplers for excavators, Open-S. It is a further development of the symmetrical quick coupler standard for excavators, the S standard that gives machine operators and contractors freedom of choice when it comes to combining tiltrotators with tools included in the standard from different manufacturers.

Anders Jonsson, CEO of Rototilt, which along with Steelwrist, was the initiator behind Open-S, said: “We believe in healthy

competition, where industry players compete to have the best products, not to lock customers into a closed interface.

“If the customer buys a tiltrotator from Rototilt, they should feel confident that all hydraulic tools that comply with the Open-S standard will work together.”

Open-S is owned and administered by an independent organisation, the Open-S Alliance, which in turn is led by a council of engineers from a growing number of member companies.

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TICKETS PLEASE! Is your CCDO card qualified with NVQ? Do you have the right card for the job?

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NDTG is the demolition industry’s top training provider and the only issuer of industry recognised and highly acclaimed CCDO Smart cards. NDTG trains demolition operatives from CCDO Labourer to CCDO Manager. Contact NDTG today to book your next course or register for NVQ.

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PRODUCTS

A safe and automatic machine hitch now available for smaller excavators World-leading tiltrotator manufacturer, Engcon, is well known for its tools for excavators over six tonnes, enabling the coupling of hydraulic tools without leaving the cab. Engcon is continually improving flexibility, efficiency and safety even for smaller excavators.

Diggers LIVE attended, still virtually unfortunately, the launch of its new S40 quick hitch.

With the latest innovation, Engcon’s automatic quick hitch S40 covers the entire range from two to 40-tonne machines. The new machine hitch will have the same safety features as the larger and earlier models in Engcon’s machine hitch programme.

To coincide with the launch of the new machine hitch, the EC206 tiltrotator has also been updated for excavators in the four to six-tonne weight class, with a new tilt top that is adapted for Engcon’s automatic quick hitch system. This means that the driver can attach and detach the tiltrotator without leaving the cab.

Fredrik Jonsson, development manager at Engcon Group said: “Being able to connect hydraulic tools without leaving the cab has recently become an increasing desire, even for the smaller machines.

The problem has been to fit all the smart technology in such small brackets, but we have now solved that in a good way.”

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Like Engcon’s larger tiltrotators, ground pressure is required to be able to open the bucket lock under the tiltrotator on the new S40 hitch. Built-in sensors sense that the bucket axles are in their correct position and if something goes wrong, the system warns with sound and light signals inside the cab and outside the machine.

Jonsson said: “It is noticeable that safety around excavators is getting higher and higher on the agenda and especially with the problem of buckets that are dropped due to incorrect handling. With our machine hitches/quick hitches and our smart locking system, these problems are minimised.”

EC-Oil automatic connection of hydraulic, electrical and central

lubrication is included as standard when purchasing a machine hitch, tiltrotator and Engcon control system. This makes it possible to connect the tiltrotator or other hydraulic tools to the machine hitch without the need to leave the cab.

As an option, it is also possible to connect the ground pressure function on the machine hitch and a locking function, which means that the machine’s swing function is blocked if the tool is connected incorrectly.

The automatic coupling of oil, electricity and central lubrication on the machine hitch and on the upper part of the tiltrotator EC206 for four to six-tonne machines was launched in June this year, and at the turn of 2021/2022, Engcon’s automatic quick hitch will be available for the lower bracket on tiltrotator EC206.

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V Range

Developed from over 50 years of evolution and continuous improvement.

The V Range truck mounted road sweeper has been developed to provide longer on-station time with the lowest environmental impact, combined with ease of use and low operational costs.

Up to 7,000kg payload With an 18,000kg GVM.

Up to 3,450 litres Standard water capacities from 2,000 litres with optional 700 litre additional water tank and/or 750 litres of water recirculation.

Up to 3600mm Up to 3600mm swept brush width on simultaneous sweep (with an optional side slide brush increases width to 4200mm).

5, 6.5 or 8m3 Large variety of hopper sizes.

Call Bucher Municipal UK on +44 (0)1306 884722 buchermunicipal.com buchermunicipal.co.uk

Tracking, performance and service data can be viewed through an account based portal. Review KPI’s such as fuel consumption and engine rpm.

175-190 litre fuel tank Choice of hydrostatic drive or 55kW Stage 5 engine or 93kW Stage 3b engine.

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Increased versatility

Doosan launches DL220-7 and ZDL250-7 wheel loaders

The DL220-7 and DL250-7 loaders have smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections. They are equipped as standard with a third spool valve with settable flow and detent function, providing a constant flow for hydraulically driven attachments. A fourth spool valve is available as an option on both models.

Operators can easily and comfortably control hydraulic attachments via the proportional switch on the joystick.

Various tyre options are also available from leading global manufacturers to cover the widest possible range of conditions and applications. In addition, the new wheel loaders can be ordered with an optional 300 kg counterweight, depending on the application.

These include the transport and delivery of soil, sand, aggregates and other materials in industry, agriculture, recycling, waste, construction, demolition, mining and quarrying. Doosan is also offering a wider choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output.

The standard bucket capacities on the DL220-7 and DL250-7 are 2.3 and 2.5 cubic metres, respectively.

The Z-kinematic lift arm delivers high

Doosan Infracore Europe’s new DL2207 and DL250-7 wheel loaders are the latest additions to the company’s award-winning DL-7 wheel loader range, following on from the first phase, which involved the launch of seven larger DL-7 machines in December 2020.

Like the existing models, the DL220-7 and DL250-7 introduce a next generation design, incorporating a powerful new Stage V compliant engine and providing higher productivity, increased fuel efficiency and a low cost of ownership, coupled with a superb environment and experience for the operator.

Charlie Park, CEO of Doosan Infracore Europe, said: “We have been delighted with the reception we received for the launch of the first seven models in the DL-7 wheel loader range at the end of last year. The new DL220-7 and DL250-7 provide all of the same innovations provided by the larger models ensuring market-leading operator comfort, fuel economy, productivity and durability.”

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breakout forces and lifting capacities, especially for heavy materials, and a large dump angle for efficiently unloading sticky materials. Both wheel loaders are available as HL versions featuring a high lift arm and the 300 kg counterweight, where higher dump heights and increased versatility are required.

Higher performance

The LIS (Load Isolation System) provides a smoother ride and higher comfort for the operator, as well as higher productivity due to improved stability when the wheel loader is moving. The lift arm is cushioned by a hydro-pneumatic accumulator linked to the lift hydraulic system, acting as a shock absorber. The benefits include reduced cycle times, higher performance and better fuel efficiency while carrying out load and carry applications.

The DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders have automatic four speed powershift transmission and Limited Slip Differential (LSD) axles as standard.

Options include a five gear powershift transmission with Lock-up torque converter and heavy duty HDL axles, providing enhanced traction with Differential Hydraulic Lock (DHL), especially in high load environments. The differential hydraulic 100 per cent lock can be engaged at full torque automatically without any action from the operator.

Improvements have been made throughout the powertrain, to provide operators with an 11 per cent increase in travel speeds, up to a maximum of 40 km/h.

Three-year/5000-hour warranty as standard

The upgraded hydraulic system and major parts ensure greatly improved durability and maintainability. Providing increased peace of mind for the customer, the high reliability and quality of the new DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders are backed up by a standard full threeyear/5000 hour warranty.

Fuel efficiency

Power is provided by the new Doosan DL06V Stage V six-cylinder engine on the DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders, with an output of 119 kW (160 HP) and 128 kW (172 HP), respectively. The new DL06V engine offers up to five per cent greater fuel efficiency than the previous generation machines, while delivering impressive output and torque.

The new engine meets Stage V emission regulations without the need for exhaust gas recirculation, through the

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use of selective catalyst reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter after-treatment technologies.

The Doosan Smart Guidance System (DSGS) is a new feature that analyses the driving habits and behaviour of the operator and helps them to achieve the most fuel-efficient operation. The DSGS provides a score and guide (the ScoreGraph) of the operator’s driving pattern to show fuel economy, efficiency and durability by category.

Excellent visibility

The new cab offers a greatly improved field of vision for the operator, with blind spots around the cab minimised and a 14 per cent larger glass window area compared to the previous DL-5 models.

The DL220-7/DL250-7 wheel loaders also offer the option of electrically adjustable rear view mirrors for added safety.

Full LED working lights are installed on the cab (two on both the front and rear as standard, with the option of four or six each at the front and rear). For higher pedestrian safety, the LED lights on the rear bonnet have an automatic strobe function to indicate when the wheel loader is reversing.

An air compressor with air blower is available as an option. Fitted in the cab for easy access, this is a powerful tool that can be used to clean the cab and for daily maintenance whenever necessary.

Spacious ergonomic cab

Inside the cab, the new wheel loaders offer significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Doosan Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. The control panel also includes two USB sockets.

The new cab has a Grammer Actimo XXL seat with fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings, a pneumatic lumbar function and seat heating as standard. There is a three point safety belt with alarm icons on the new Doosan Smart Touch and on the gauge panel, which features a new layout and anti-reflective glass.

The new EMCV (Electric Main Control Valve) joystick fully integrated in the armrest is another standard feature in the cab, providing the operator with smoother and precise controllability of the lift arm and attachments on the

wheel loaders. Features available via the EMCV system include Automatic Returnto-Dig, Bucket Tilt Kick-out and the Bucket Crowd Stop position and shock prevention for higher operator comfort.

Designed to give the operator more precise control with a shorter lever stroke, resulting in less fatigue, the sensitivity of the ergonomic joystick control can be set and altered according to operator preferences using the new Doosan Smart Touch. User-friendly and easy to read in all conditions, the new eight-inch touchscreen provides all the important settings and information the operator needs in one place.

Included in the information at the operator’s fingertips on the touchscreen is the feed from the rear-view camera, the HVAC controls (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), radio and bluetooth devices (music streaming, hands-free) and the operator help function.

Overall, the redesigned interior offers a much larger, quieter and more comfortable operator environment, which improves safety and productivity and helps the operator work with high concentration. The operator also has increased leg room, an enlarged storage area and coolbox position and an improved air conditioning system.

DoosanCONNECT fleet management system as standard

The DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders are factory-installed with the latest DoosanCONNECT state of the art wireless fleet monitoring system. The DoosanCONNECT system is a tool designed specifically for the Doosan range, providing comprehensive information about machine performance in a dual mode (satellite and mobile network).

The DoosanCONNECT system offers a web-based fleet and asset management solution that is invaluable for managing the performance and security of machines and promoting preventative maintenance.

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PRODUCTS

Bobcat compact track loader for disaster rescue in Italy The Special Operating Group (SOG) of the Italian Fire Brigade (Gruppo Operativo Speciale in Italian) is a highly specialised and expert rescue team that intervenes promptly in the event of natural disasters. The SOG has the job of getting to disaster areas to open up routes for vehicles, remove mud and rubble, to make buildings and embankments of rivers safe and carry out all other actions needed to restore the viability of areas for local communities.

For this type of intervention, the SOG is qualified to drive earthmoving vehicles such as excavators, wheel loaders, crawler loaders, mini excavators and trucks for transporting rubble and other materials resulting from disasters.

A technical performance specification drawn up by the Fire Department for the Lazio Region of Italy called for the

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purchase of a compact track loader to meet operational and rescue needs in disaster work. The Bobcat T870 compact track loader best met the technical specifications, particularly in terms of versatility, strength, stability and power.

Twenty operators from the SOG, which works anywhere in Italy, have undergone intensive training to operate the new Bobcat T870, participating both in a theoretical session in the classroom and in practical activities in the external areas of the Operational Training School of the Regional Mobile Column (CMR) headquarters of the Lazio Regional Directorate.

The training was organised and delivered by the technical staff of Idio Ridolfi & Figli Srl, the Authorised Bobcat dealer for Abruzzo, Molise, Umbria, Lazio and Marche.

Massimo Ridolfi, the owner of Idio Ridolfi &

Figli, said: “It is a source of great pride for us to have been able to establish over the last three years a close relationship with the Fire Brigade for the Lazio region based on mutual respect and trust. This is thanks in particular to the professionalism of Daniele Giovanni, our sales manager in Viterbo, Rome and the province. We have previously supplied a Bobcat E50 miniexcavator with a shredder, which has been widely used in emergency interventions.”

Customisation

For the sale of the T870 compact track loader, it was necessary to reconfigure it to meet the needs of the Fire Brigade. The cab was sealed and pressurised to prevent smoke from entering and an activated carbon filtration system was installed. The machine was also painted in the red paint finish that distinguishes all the vehicles of the Fire Brigade.

Massimo Ridolfi said: “Our engineer, Aldo Avenali, prepared and checked the machine in accordance with Bobcat standards and our employees, Rita Agostini and Carmela Serra, took care of all the necessary documentation, with our Bobcat certified service manager, Giancarlo Gatti, hosting the training for the Fire Brigade personnel – a true team effort managed with professionalism, dedication and passion and complemented by excellent technical assistance guaranteed by our staff.”

Gianfranco Di Leo, Chief Officer SOG Lazio said: “We are very satisfied with the performance of the Bobcat T870 compact track loader. The machine has been optimal in terms of lifting capacity, dynamism and manoeuvring speed, allowing for a significant reduction in rescue operations.

“The compact dimensions of the T870 make it possible to access even the narrowest roads and the stability of the machine and the ability to adapt to the ground surfaces in difficult conditions have guaranteed maximum safety at work.

“An important prerogative that distinguishes this machine from those of competing manufacturers is that the pipes of the front hydraulic outlets are totally protected as they pass inside the arm. This aspect represents an indispensable advantage when working in areas where there is protruding steel and other sharp objects.”

The full approval from the Lazio Region Fire Brigade is a perfect demonstration of the ‘One Tough Animal’ moniker of the Bobcat brand.

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KEEP GOING UP WHILE OTHERS ARE GOING DOWNHILL www.trackgrip.co.uk

With TrackGrips fitted, stability is vastly improved allowing work to proceed in previously unworkable weather conditions and inaccessible locations NY FORESTRY, 6 BURDON WAY, STOKESLEY, MIDDLESBROUGH TS9 5PY 07941 025637 SALES@TRACKGRIP.CO.UK

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The future of vehicle dismantling is now Contract Plant Rental continues to supply some of the most innovative and reliable plant solutions. Supplied by Cumbria-based official Hyundai dealer, Taylor and Braithwaite, the company offers a Vehicle Recycling System that can boost productivity and profits.

This is designed to make the recycling process not only more efficient but more cost effective too and is destined to replace more labour intensive ways of scrap vehicle processing.

The VRS200 Grapple and Clamp Arm System allows for more efficient and precise removal of higher-grade materials and components such as engine transmission assemblies, axle/ suspension components and high value wiring from the lower value body of the vehicle. The arms allow users to pin

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down the vehicle while the plier-like shear picks its way through the vehicle with precision and ease.

Contract Plant Rentals recently supplied a Hyundai HX235LCR excavator and Powerhand VRS200 to a UK based end of life vehicle recycler.

The formidable setup is proving so valuable that another three are due to join the fleet in the coming weeks, with the intention of having 10 by early next year.

The Hyundai HX235LCR and VRS200 setup allows the operator to dismantle end of life vehicles piece by piece and remove components and specific materials, separate electrical components and other materials effortlessly, enabling the operator to dismantle more cars per hour.

Ian Burton, Director of Sales at Taylor and Braithwaite explained how the VRS works: “Like a vulture would dissect its prey, the VRS clamp arms pin down the vehicle to allow the grapple to systematically pull the valuable materials away from the lower value body shell.

The grapple features a slender, plier like shape providing an unbroken line of sight from the operator to the vehicle, allowing valuable materials like copper wiring loom to be extracted from even the tightest of areas.”

Offering a reported average of 41 per cent increased return, it’s easy to see why this innovative combination is proving popular and supplied on contract hire

by Contract Plant Rental, users benefit from the latest machinery with none of the hassle of ownership.

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Lower costs; increased efficiency; industry-first features: That’s CAT

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Boosting operating efficiency, servicing ease and operator comfort, the new Cat 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR hydraulic mini excavators introduce industry-first features for the 2.7 to 3.5-tonne class machines.

Built on the Next Generation platform that offers consistent operator experience through the 1.5 to 10-tonne range, each new model features exclusive stick steer, cruise control, operator adjustable settings, and tilt-up canopy or cab as standard equipment.

Expanded use of common parts throughout the line plus the sturdy exterior design help reduce parts inventory investment and lower repair costs. Daily maintenance checks are quickly made from ground level through side doors, while the tilt-up cab design offers unmatched access to components for servicing. Increased service intervals

The new Cat 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR hydraulic mini excavators mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the workshop.

Combined, these features lower total ownership costs up to five per cent compared to previous models.

At the same time, design enhancements for the new 302.7 CR,

303 CR and 303.5 CR deliver up to 10 per cent more performance in travel and trenching. Hydraulic system upgrades improve lifting performance and cycle times, while customisable operator settings improve efficiency.

The turbocharged Cat C1.1 Turbo engine powers the 302.7 CR and 303 CR models, while the Cat C1.7 anchors the powertrain for the 303.5 CR. Both engines meet EU Stage V emissions standards and offer 17.6 kW net power.

Standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown help to conserve fuel usage at the site for more affordable operation.

Flexibility increases performance These Next Generation hydraulic mini excavators feature a compact radius swing that reduces overhang when working to the side, allowing the machines to optimise performance in confined spaces.

Fixed undercarriage widths for the 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR of 1,500, 1,550 and 1,780 mm respectively, deliver the right balance of job site accessibility and stability for lifting performance.

An expandable undercarriage option for the 302.7 CR allows the operator to hydraulically retract track width to 1,355 mm for fitting into confined spaces and then expand width to 1,780 mm for superior digging and lifting stability.

Interchangeable counterweight packages enable customers to tailor machine weight to job requirements, offering the balance between low ground pressure and lifting performance. The “light” counterweight option adds 100 kg to machine weight, while the “extra” option adds 250 kg.

All three Next Gen models offer both standard and long stick configurations to increase machine versatility. Standard digging depths range from 2,450 to 2,810 mm, while the long stick configuration allows the machines to reach from 2,650 to 3,110 mm depths.

The standard dozer blade further

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PRODUCTS increases machine flexibility to handle backfilling and grading tasks. It features ample above and below grade travel and has a standard float function for easy clean-up. An angle blade option on the 303.5 CR gives further flexibility in backfilling applications for increased productivity.

Efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pump provides oil flow reaching 100 L/min while saving fuel. High main-relief pressures, coupled with flow rates, generates the hydraulic capacity for high digging and lifting forces and more efficient use of a range of attachments.

Complete with quick disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one way, two way or continuous flow.

Comfortable experience The new 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR offer enhanced machine security options, with both a passcode and Bluetooth key. With advanced touchscreen available, the large Next Generation display provides intuitive machine function control and easy monitoring of critical operating parameters, such as fuel level, coolant

temperature and maintenance records.

An industryexclusive Cat Stick Steer System simplifies machine control, and, at the touch of a button, the operator switches from conventional lever/footpedal steering controls to low-effort joystick operation.

Two travel ranges with speeds reaching 4.5 km/h help to facilitate moving around the jobsite, and standard cruise control minimises operator interaction when traveling longer distances between work locations.

Unique to their respective classes, these new Next Generation excavators offer the choice between canopy or cab enclosure. The sealed and pressurised cab

offers a clean and quiet environment for the operator and can be equipped with heating and/or air conditioning for allweather climate control. Offering a front window that slides upward to conveniently store overhead, the cab’s large glass areas plus skylight afford all-around visibility.

Specifications Model

302.7 CR (Fixed undercarriage)

303 CR

303.5 CR

Engine

Cat C1.1 Turbo

Cat C1.1 Turbo

Cat C1.7

Net power

17.6 kW

17.6 kW

17.6 kW

Min. weight with cab

2,670 kg

3,140 kg

3,620 kg

Max. weight with cab

3,040 kg

3,545 kg

4,190 kg

Tail swing

Compact

Compact

Compact

Dig depth standard

2,510 mm

2,650 mm

2,810 mm

Dig depth long

2,710 mm

2,950 mm

3,110 mm

Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan at minimum speed, air intake system, exhaust system, and alternator

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Cat 308 CR fixed boom mini excavator offers more excavating solutions The new Cat 308 CR Fixed Boom hydraulic mini excavator delivers maximum power and performance to efficiently complete work in a wide range of applications. Its fixed boom and compact radius design limit overhang when working to the side, enabling this Next Generation excavator to excel in confined spaces. When compared to a swing boom design, the fixed boom delivers increased vertical wall digging depth and dump height and improves lifting performance when working at a close radius to the machine.

As part of the Caterpillar Next Generation line, the 308 CR Fixed Boom delivers more excavating solutions to ensure a perfect match for eight-tonne requirements. It offers industry leading performance, unparalleled operator experience and simplified service.

Increasing stick length from 1,670 to 2,210 mm, the long-stick option extends dig depth from 4,150 to 4,690 mm and maximum reach from 6,390 to 6,900 mm.

The new machine is powered by the field-proven, 51.8 kW Cat C3.3B engine meeting EU Stage V emissions standards.

Enhancements to the hydraulic system combine with standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown features to improve machine efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase machine affordability.

High performance simplified Providing a 20 per cent increase in vertical wall digging depth compared to the 308 CR Swing Boom, the 308 CR Fixed Boom requires less repositioning in a trenching application, further improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Featuring a familiar control layout as other Cat mini excavators to simplify training, the machine’s new LCD monitor offers intuitive control, provides easy to understand information and features a jog dial for easy screen navigation. Its standard control pattern changer allows operators to quickly adapt the excavator to their preferred joystick movement.

Efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pump provides oil

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BOOK NOW:

020 7633 4500

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flow reaching 167 L/min. The machine’s electrohydraulic control system allows for easy adjustments to operator settings based on preference or application, both for the machine linkage and the operator’s choice of work tools. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one way, two way or continuous flow.

The new 308 CR Fixed Boom model features standard front shovel operation to deliver increased digging precision when working around utilities.

For unmatched versatility, contractors can equip the machine with the TiltRotate System, Cat TRS8 coupling that allows work tools to rotate through 360 degrees and tilt 40 degrees from side-to-side.

This allows the excavator to efficiently reach more areas from a single position, while manoeuvring tools over, under and around obstructions when completing the task at hand.

For grading and backfilling tasks, the machine comes with a 2,300 mm blade as standard or a 2450 mm-wide blade option. It features a float function for simple operation and 370 and 407 mm blade height and depth respectively.

308 CR Fixed Boom Specifications

Comfortable experience The sealed and pressurised Next Generation cab ensures a clean environment for the operator. Its re-engineered heating/ ventilating/air conditioning system provides all weather climate control

Engine

Cat C3.3 B

Net power

51.8 kW

Min. weight with cab

7,330 kg

Max. weight with cab

8,025 kg

Tail swing

Compact

Dig depth standard

4,145 mm

Dig depth long

4,687 mm

Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan at minimum speed, air intake system, exhaust system and alternator

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and low in-cab sound levels of 72 dBA, operating consoles with adjustable wrist rests and suspension seat provide all day comfort.

The 308 CR Fixed Boom hydraulic mini excavator features the industry exclusive Cat Stick Steer System for simple machine control. At the touch of a button, the operator can switch from conventional lever/foot pedal steering controls to low effort joystick operation.

This next generation machine offers two travel ranges with maximum speed reaching 4.9 km/h. Standard cruise control minimises operator fatigue when traveling longer distances between work locations at the site.

The cab’s large front window slides upward easily and conveniently stores overhead, out of the operator’s line-ofsight. All-around visibility is afforded by wide side, rear and rooftop windows.

The available rear view camera integrates video feed into the monitor for increased operating safety.

Further improving safety, routine maintenance checkpoints are easily accessible from ground level through side doors. Recessed and flat, the side panels are protected from damage and are designed for quick, easy replacement to lower costs.

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For information about our range of Powerscreen Crushers & Screeners:

To contact Murray Plant for attachments:

Call 0345 217 8755

Call 03330 151 505

or email sales@bluegroup.co.uk

or email murrayplant@bluegroup.co.uk

The Complete Demolition Solution We offer world leading products for the industry, from attachments to onsite crushers and screens; saving you time and money.

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GKD Technologies launches new Safety Control Solutions range GKD Technologies designs, develops and produces height, slew and load safety control systems for Road Rail vehicles (RRVs) and general construction equipment and the company is a leader in its field on data driven safety solutions.

GKD’s rated capacity indicators are the preferred system across the UK rail network, and the systems are widely sought after with more than 1,000 systems currently installed worldwide. Road

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Rail Vehicles (RRVs) fitted with 3RCIs are achieving 98.6 per cent reliability (Network Rail performance statistics).

The company has recently upgraded its Series 3 rated capacity indicator system to include a multi-point virtual wall feature and the new tandem lift function.

Sean Layton, Senior Technical Engineer at GKD Technologies, explained the enhancements to the Series 3 product range. “From an operator and a user

point of view the new Series 3 RCI has a quicker startup time and will operate more smoothly with an increased display update rate. The brand new features on the system include a multi-point virtual wall system, which we have had on the current civils products for some time but will be the very first time this feature has been included on a rail product.

“Until now, the system has had what we call parallel virtual walls, where you have one set on the left and one on the right. With the latest system you can have up to four independent virtual walls, at any angle or position, for full envelope control.

“The new version of the Series 3 has the new Wireless Tandem Lift system inbuilt.

We worked closely with our installer and distribution partner, G.O.S Tool & Engineering to develop this system, which will revolutionise tandem lift operations on UK Rail Networks.”

The Wireless Tandem Lift is currently available on an exclusive basis through G.O.S.

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Tool & Engineering for installation on new G.O.S. machines or as an upgrade to G.O.S. machines in the field running a GKD version 9 System. GKD is in parallel going through Network Rail certification for the Wireless Tandem Lift System on a standalone basis and is expected to be approved and ready for UK wide distribution in July / August 2021.

The tandem lift operates by plugging a communications device into the display unit of each machine carrying out the lift.

The operator then activates the tandem button and the devices then ‘talk’ to each other, which enables the machines to show what the other machine is lifting and share their current lift status.

Sean added: “The current standards say that when you go into tandem mode you have to derate the machine’s lift capacity by a third – but with the GKD tandem system you don’t have to reduce the lifting capacity of the machine, which means that you don’t have to use two machines of the same size – you can use a bigger machine and a smaller machine. This means that the most efficient, cost effective machine for the job can be selected.”

Also new is the Series 2 LHS+ civils system fitted with an ‘Off Rail ALO’ upgrade. Sean explained: “The Series 2 upgrade, once fitted to a piece of plant, will enable a civils machine to operate adjacent to an open rail line (ALO). The new Series 2 LHS+ system conducts all of the dual verification, as per the Series 3 rail system, to meet ALO and OLE requirements. Series 2 LHS+ also offers full RCI capabilities including height, slew and load control as well as slow down zones and virtual walls capability.

“Currently, with a civils machine you can’t operate any closer than three metres of a live railway line. With the new GKD system installed on a civils machine, you can safely work right on the boundary should you need to. GKD has also implemented a remote safety switch, where at a push of a button, it will halt all the hydraulics.”

As Network Rail pushes on with the £800 million investment for CP6 to 2024, the ability of hirers and contractors to safely support the ambitious rail projects, works and improvements will be key to its success.

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GKD appoints authorised dealer for Rail Safety Control Solutions

GKD Technologies is pleased to announce that Allan J Hargreaves Plant Engineers has been appointed to supply, install, maintain and provide aftermarket service support for its range of Rail Safety Control Solutions.

As an appointed dealer AJH Plant will use its team of GKD trained and authorised personnel to supply and support the full range of Rail Safety Control Solutions. This will include offering field service support and carrying an inventory of spare parts to meet the requirements of all operators of GKD equipped machines in the north of England.

GKD and AJH Plant recognise the importance of ensuring that all safety related systems are correctly installed, maintained and supported. This partnership will ensure that customers are able

to receive the best and most efficient service and support, especially in time critical situations.

David Perez, CEO of GKD Technologies said: “At GKD we recognise that our rail customers work in environments where safety is a priority, but also that productivity is essential. We want to ensure that our customers are supplied with the best equipment, but as importantly they receive the right level of aftermarket care and attention. Appointing AJH Plant as an authorised dealer is a key step in ensuring we achieve this goal.”

Managing Director of AJH Plant, Allan Hargreaves, said: “As a long established and very experienced supplier to the rail maintenance sector and a key partner with GKD over many years, this partnership reinforces our commitment to all GKD Rail users for new installations, upgrades, and service support delivered by our highly experienced team.”

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Manitou launches MLT 961 NewAg XL telehandler

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Manitou Group is expanding its NewAg XL telehandler range with the launch of a new, high-performance model designed for very intensive applications.

After launching the MLT 841 and 1041 telehandlers at the end of 2020, the Group has now launched the MLT 961-160 V+ L, the most powerful model in the NewAg XL range.

This telehandler with levelling can handle loads of up to six tonnes for a lifting height of nine metres. Intended for large farms, cooperatives and agro-industry, but also waste disposal sites, the model is available in two versions: with a Stage V / Final Tier 4 engine (MLT) for European and American markets, and a Stage IIIA version (MLT-X) for the rest of the world.

Outstanding performance With a new 156 HP engine delivering 805 Nm of torque at 1,350 rpm and a hydraulic flow of 200 L/min, this model gives high performance, even at low engine speeds. A new 4,500-litre bucket, specifically designed and approved for the new MLT 961-160 V+ L, strengthens performance still further. With a width of 2.7 metres, which is wider than the machine itself, the bucket allows users to avoid driving over the material while increasing work output.

The CVT M-Vario Plus transmission offers the user the choice of two modes with a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Comfort mode provides a smooth ride for more precision, and dynamic mode generates faster acceleration for greater productivity. The drawbar pull has also improved, increasing by more than 30 per cent (compared with the previous MLT 961 version) for even greater efficiency.

Arnaud Sochas, Product Manager, said: “The new engine delivers 10 per cent more power than the previous version and a torque increase of 50 per cent. Combined with the high capacity 4,500 L bucket, this comprehensive machine/attachment solution ensures a very high work output in the most intensive loading and recovery applications.”

To achieve even greater gains, the High View camera option, fitted to the boom head, provides a perfect view inside the trailer to optimise filling operations.

High level of comfort To reduce noise pollution and fatigue experienced during intensive operations, the MLT 961-160 V+ L is equipped with one of the quietest cabins on the market. Comparable to those of high-range tractors, this cabin reduces noise levels to just 69 dbA. Safety is also enhanced, with lighting under the door, which improves visibility on the Easy-Step when getting in and out of the driver’s cabin, even in the dark. In another development that provides better visibility, the cabin has been repositioned higher up for an optimal view all around the machine.

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PRODUCTS

Available optionally, or as standard on the Platinum finish, a new adaptive air suspension seat with heating and electric lumbar adjustment reduces vibrations by more than 50 per cent for optimal protection of the operator’s back.

To reduce fatigue in the cabin even more, the JSM Autopower function allows the operator to control the engine speed directly with the joystick without using the accelerator pedal or the manual accelerator. Specific storage spaces are provided to enhance user comfort, including a tool box fitted under the cabin for easier access.

For peace of mind while working, users can rest assured that their machine is connected as standard. This allows the dealer to easily carry out diagnostics remotely so users benefit from improved service and have better control over the costs related to the use of their machine.

Manitou Group also offers a comprehensive range of services associated with this model, including a maintenance contract on all parts or even a warranty extension of up to six years or 6,000 hours.

Reduced TCO Thanks to the numerous innovations on this NewAg XL model, the MLT 961-160 V+ L offers one of the lowest TCOs (total cost of ownership) on the market, with savings of €500/ year* compared to the previous model. The reduction in fuel consumption is significant, with 10 per cent less compared to the MLT 961 Stage IV. Maintenance is simplified with a rapid-opening cleaning hatch in front of the radiator. To reduce maintenance costs, an integrated air prefilter is positioned on the engine hood and hydraulic oil change intervals are now 2,000 hours. To reduce the TCO further, options such as Ecostop (configurable automatic engine stop) and the centralised automatic greasing system are also available.

Like the MLT 841/1041 models, the MLT 961 NewAg XL model is available in four levels of finish: Classic, Premium, Elite and Platinum**. The Stage V and Stage IIIA versions are both available now. The NewAg XL range offers a very high level of performance and comfort and a very low operating cost. With this new model, the Manitou NewAg XL range is expanded to offer a comprehensive range of high end models.

MLT/MLT-X 961-160 V+ L: Lifting capacity

Max lifting height

Hydraulic flow rate

Power

Max torque

6 tonnes

9 metres

200 L/min

156 HP

C805 Nm at 1,350 rpm

* Calculated based on 1,000 hours/year of use, in accordance with standard EN 16796-4. Comparison tests carried out between Stage V and Stage IV engines. ** Includes all equipment provided with the Elite finish, with the addition of the adaptive air suspension seat, hydraulic attachment locking, LED work lights on the boom head and LED front main beam headlights, HighView camera, Comfort Steering System (CSS), Ecostop function and automatic greasing system.

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Call us on: 01933 232 663 Or visit: www.contractplantrental.com

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PRODUCTS

Leica Geosystems introduces 3D machine control Leica iCON iXE3 3D excavator machine control solutions will be available for smaller excavators with swing boom, providing easy-to-use solution on unified software and hardware platform

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is extending the Leica MC1 one-forall software platform by offering its 3D machine control solution for compact excavators and backhoes with swing boom.

Contractors rely on efficient workflows for applications such as trenching for footings, grading ditches or digging out basements. As such, demand for technology-enabled compact equipment is rapidly growing. Whenever applications require a consistent grade and sustained slope, 3D machine control solutions from Leica Geosystems excel.

Leveraging the Leica MC1 – a unified platform for software and hardware – means compact equipment benefits from flexible dataflows, easy-to-use interfaces and increased productivity so operators can focus on the job. Operators also have the flexibility to use the MC1’s portable control panel across multiple machines and benefit from the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX, to share and report as-built documentation with office and field stakeholders.

Add machine control to your entire fleet With a swing boom sensor or manually defined angles, Leica Geosystems’ solution is flexible and easy-to-use. Even prism and total station configurations are possible for high accuracy jobs, thus offering all the advantages of the Leica iXE3 3D excavator solution even for smaller machines specialised for trenching and cabling jobs.

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PRODUCTS

Thomas Petersen, an operator in Fuglsanggård in Denmark, said: “For smaller projects such as garden landscaping, I can now use 3D models for smaller machines as well. For larger projects, the compact excavators can now work on the same project as the larger machines. This will increase project productivity and help reduce errors.”

Expanding 3D machine control to mini excavators will now ensure even higher productivity of the machine when working on individual projects.

Contractors with larger, more diverse projects and bigger fleets have new options to utilise technology-enabled compact equipment that easily plugs into their digitally integrated workflows.

Kris Maas, Leica Geosystems Machine Control Director of Product Management, said: “We look forward to including the mini excavators in our quality 3D offering for excavators. Leica Geosystems has provided 3D machine

control solutions for more than 20 years, and for our customers, it is an advantage to choose a supplier that can deliver 3D machine control for all machines on a connected construction site.”

Revolutionising the world of measurement and survey for 200 years, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, creates complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Leica Geosystems is known for premium products and innovative solutions, and trusted by professionals in a diverse mix of industries such as aerospace and defence, safety and

security, construction, and manufacturing for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and trusted services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world.

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NEW

3CX | SITEMASTER

Our new Stage V Sitemaster machines feature our JCB CommandPlus cab.

It offers unbeatable comfort, space, low noise and advanced features: an improved switch and control layout for the HVAC system and Auto Drive lever, a heated, air suspension servo seat and excavator style, control isolator lever. A new style steering wheel provides easy viewing of the front display, whilst our Smooth Ride System improves comfort and load retention.

For more information on the new Sitemaster range visit our website.

www.jcb.com

INTERVIEW

Wayne Collins, founder of Tyre Boss talks to Diggers LIVE When was Tyre Boss founded?

I started the company in 2017 with my wife, Vick, who is a co-director. We originally ran it from home and stored our tyres in a large warehouse facility run by a local transport company.

What was the driving force behind starting your own company?

I’d worked for a number of tyre businesses and wheel and rim suppliers while Vick had business startup experience and was adept at business management. Over the years I have developed a really good network of contacts, as well as specialised knowledge of tyre conversions for customers in the OTR sector. I knew that by combining that knowledge with exceptional service I would win business.

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Certain applications, such as demolition and waste and recycling require special tyre solutions as pneumatic tyres simply don’t last in that environment. By offering cushion solids we can help to eliminate damage, punctures and ultimately downtime. We also specialise in sourcing unusual sized tyres or tyre patterns that can be hard to get hold of.

How has the business developed over the last four years?

2018 • Appointed sole distributor of TY Cushion solid tyres.

• Invested in stocks of common sized rims to complement the tyres in order to offer a Service Exchange service. This makes it very quick to

swap a set of used tyres for new, pre-pressed ones 2019 • Gained ISO-certification to enable us to deal with larger companies such as machinery manufacturers, large dealers and customers that require ISO-registered suppliers.

• Secured rental of our first large warehouse and office premises, enabling us to increase stock handling and improve already classleading delivery times.

• Took delivery of a large tyre press enabling us to press tyres up to 24.00-35 solids in our workshop to ensure a quick turnaround.

2020 • Continued working as a key supplier despite the COVID pandemic and further expansion meant we required

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DEALERSHIP

a second warehouse. In the same year, the company was appointed as sole UK agent for Techking tyres, with a product range offering 230 tread patterns and ten tyre tread compounds.

2021 • Won order for set of the world’s largest solid tyres. Standing 2.7 metres tall, each tyre weighs seven tonnes complete with the wheel assembly. The 45/45-63 tyres provide puncture-free work in the arduous scrap metal recycling environment.

Tom Banbury, Managing Director of South West Handling shakes hands with Sales Manager, Louise Winsor as South West Handling team (l to r) Craig Boxall, Paul Bromhead and Robert Drew look on

What’s the approximate rate of business growth?

From a standing start, the business has doubled year-on-year.

How did the company become so well known in a relatively short space of time?

Social media presence was key to creating awareness of our new business and Vick was able to create our branding and business identity relatively quickly along with an initial website. With our wide range of existing contacts, we were able to share our business plans via email with a link to the website.

Social media is a cost-effective method of showcasing what we do and we post and interact regularly on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. We have invested heavily at key exhibitions including Let’s Recycle Live, RWM and we have committed to the CARS auto-recycling show. The latter is actually still deferred due to COVID, but we are looking forward to getting back out there to meet customers and prospects soon.

We also invest in advertising in key publications and this is complemented

by PR to highlight our latest news and customer stories. Lastly, we are lucky to benefit from word-of-mouth marketing.

When we solve a tyre problem, it inevitably leads to a referral. This combined activity has helped us grow the business.

Future plans

We are looking at expanding into an additional warehouse space and integrating an in-house shot-blaster and paint shop for wheel refurbishment.

We are developing a new website to continue marketing our new products and are looking forward to getting back to exhibitions.

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CJ Saunders under new ownership Merlo dealership now trading as South West Handling

Devon based Merlo UK dealer of 28 years, CJ Saunders Ltd has changed ownership and is now trading as South West Handling Ltd with Tom Banbury, previously Service Manager for CJ Saunders taking on the role of Dealer Principal.

Louise Winsor, Managing Director and owner of CJ Saunders Ltd and subsidiary company South West Handling said: “Due to having no natural successor to take over the business from myself, Tom was the natural choice. Tom started his career with us as an apprentice, attending Warwick College and completing his studies with a distinction.

“Tom firmly established himself in the business and became an important part of our service team. As the Merlo business grew in strength and numbers, Tom took on the role as head Merlo technician specialising in electrics and ROTO models.

“Tom continued to progress over the years with the business and took on the mantle of Service Manager

in more recent years. Due to tractor manufacturer policy changes, C J Saunders lost its tractor franchise so South West Handling activities have become the mainstay of the business and the trading name we associate with the Merlo Brand. I wish all the very best to Tom and his new venture in the industry.”

Owen Buttle, National Sales Manager of Merlo UK said: “I would like to thank Louise for her hard work and commitment to the Merlo brand over the last 28 years and I’m pleased that her expertise and vast knowledge of the products have been retained with her new role as Sales Manager.

“After many months of planning, I’m very excited to be working with Tom and his team under the South West Handling trading name. Securing the long term future of sales and aftermarket care is essential to our customer base and Tom and his team of ex CJ Saunders staff bring decades of experience in all areas, whether it be parts, sales or service.”

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Dual view to single track: the Karawanken Tunnel Wacker Neuson’s DV90 Dual View Dumpers are ideally suited to large-scale operations in tight spaces By the beginning of the 21st century, the 115-year-old, eight-kilometre-long Karawanken railway tunnel running between Austria and Slovenia was beginning to show its age. To bring the tunnel up to modern safety standards, it was decided to reduce it to a single track, leaving space for an emergency rescue passage. While trains would no longer be able to pass in the tunnel, this was not significant to the throughput of the route, since much of this was already single track. Additionally, the tunnel vault and the portal structures, listed as historic monuments, were to be restored and a contemporary drainage system installed.

Due to the confined spaces within the tunnel, construction company Strabag AG

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decided on Wacker Neuson’s Dual View Dumpers to carry out the task.

Dual View allows the operator to quickly turn the entire seat, console and thereby, direction of travel through 180 degrees. Time-consuming turning and manoeuvring are no longer necessary – a huge advantage in the confined spaces of the Karawanken Tunnel.

The operator drives the dumper unladen into the tunnel, loads it, rotates the seat and without turning the vehicle, exits with a free line-of-sight, significantly improving safety. With the spoil now behind the driver, even a fully loaded skip no longer blocks their view.

Strabag’s project manager explained: “When modernising the Karawanken

Tunnel, it was important for us to be able to rely 100 per cent on the machines used there. The eight dumpers mastered their task perfectly under demanding conditions. The rotating seat was ideal for this construction site, as there is very little space to manoeuvre in the tunnel.”

Working twenty four hours a day, seven days a week over a period of six months, the nine-tonne-payload dumpers, transported material in shifts. In total, the dumpers carried just short of 40,000 cubic metres of material out of the tunnel.

Intuitive, safe, comfortable

The Dual View Dumpers have time tested safety features such as the hydrostatic drive system, wear free springloaded

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PROJECTS

parking brake and joystick operation, which allows the operator to keep a hand on the steering wheel at all times.

The project manager continued: “Beside the reliability and power of the machines, the easy handling convinced us. Due to shift operation, operators change frequently, meaning that intuitive operation is particularly important for us.

And, we save valuable time on instructing our employees.”

A sturdy protective grating on the skip protects the operator and the cabin, for example against damage from an excavator arm and an optional heater and air-conditioning system provide greater comfort.

Efficient load carrier

While Wacker Neuson wheel dumpers can carry out all the traditional transport work, they have further advantages.

Thanks to their articulated pendulum joint, they are much more manoeuvrable and off-road capable than trucks and can also be used on uneven terrain. They always remain in contact with the ground

and retain very good traction, even in uneven terrain.

Thanks to the variable 180-degree tilting, a flexible swivel tip skip ensures that material can be precisely distributed.

The DV60, DV90 and DV100 Dual View Dumpers come with six, nine and ten-tonne payloads and Wacker

Neuson offers a total of 20 different models of track and wheel dumpers, characterised by simple and safe operation, comfort, flexibly outfitted to meet individual customer needs.

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We have a wide range of new and used Kinshofer & Demarec attachments for both hire or purchase.

Attachment range includes: • • • • • • • • • •

Sorting grapples – heavy duty & standard Orange peel grabs Clamshells Flip screen buckets Multi-Quick-Processors & jaw sets Shears Pulverisers Dedicated demolition crushers NOX Tilt-rotators Plus more

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PROJECTS

Liebherr fast-erecting crane used to rebuild heritage wall on Mainau A Liebherr L1-24 fast-erecting crane is being used to ensure the speediest possible rebuilding of a collapsed heritage wall on the island of Mainau, taking care to avoid disruption to the tourism trade The island of Mainau in southern Germany is known as Lake Constance’s flowering isle, sharing its stunning vegetation with visitors from all around the world. Among its many attractions, the island is home to Germany’s second largest butterfly house and its world famous rose garden.

A 20-metre section of a historic wall here had been damaged in previous building work and before restoration could begin, all damaged pieces of the wall had to be lifted separately and removed. Stone masonry and sculpture company, Eduard Schnell decided to use a Liebherr L1-24 fast-erecting crane to carry out the work.

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A different kind of building site Conditions at Mainau were different from those on an average job. For one thing, the site could only be accessed via a bridge, the weight limit of which was insufficient for a tractor vehicle towing ballast and the crane. To get around this problem, the crane was transported over the bridge using one of Mainau’s own tractors and towed past the castle to be assembled by service technicians from Liebherr’s site in Stockach.

The ground where the crane would be installed was directly above the backfill of a historic rampart wall and with little useful information about what lay below, the site needed to be assessed by the Büro

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The Liebherr L1-24 fast erecting crane

Southern Plant bets on Kubota

für Baukonstruktionen in Karlsruhe before assembly could begin.

The condition of the substrate remained uncertain, so precautionary measures had to be taken. Schnell placed large steel plates under the crane’s supports to minimise pressure points and positioned the crane as far as possible from the collapsed section of wall.

Markus Zeiler, Head of Gardens at Mainau, said: “It was important to us that everything related to this project ran smoothly. We ensure that everything we do here on Mainau is absolutely environmentally responsible and doesn’t interfere with the visitor experience.”

Southern Plant, a family-run plant and tool hire firm, has made a significant investment in Kubota mini-excavators to support its ongoing expansion.

Based in Henley-on-Thames, the firm has been a Kubota customer since its incorporation in 1988, when it bet that the versatility of mini excavators would provide major benefits over backhoe machines.

Southern Plant purchased 12 excavators from Boss Plant Sales, the official Kubota dealer for London, Oxfordshire and the home counties.

From Kubota’s market leading mini excavator range, Boss Plant Sales delivered four K008-3 micro excavators, alongside four U17-3a and four U27-4 mini excavators.

The 12 new excavators are based at Southern Plant’s new Brackley site, which opened in March to meet growing demand in the area as the UK

exits lockdown restrictions. Located conveniently near both the M1 and M40, the new branch will serve Coventry, Kettering, Northampton, Bedford and Oxford.

Vincent Rose, co-director of Southern Plant, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be expanding to meet the pent-up demand we’ve seen over the last few months for excavators and hire equipment, and we’ve already received great feedback on our Brackley offering.

“For Southern Plant, Kubota excavators are the obvious choice. The machines are extremely reliable, offering us an excellent investment, while Kubota’s second-to-none aftermarket support ensures our units are always available for hire. And they’re a customer favourite for their combination of power and flexibility. We’re delighted to be making the next step in Southern Plant’s journey with these mini excavators.”

Safety first With the island of Mainau reopening, additional safety measures needed to be put in place. To prevent the fast-erecting crane from overshooting defined areas with its load, Liebherr’s sales and rental partner installed an ABB operating range limiting system. Thanks to the crane’s state-of-the-art control system, this was programmed on site in no time at all.

This additional safety device means that the stone masonry company’s employees can go about their work knowing the safety of the island’s visitors is ensured.

It will be several months before the historic wall is restored to its former glory. Until then, the island of Mainau has an extra attraction – a L1-24 fasterecting crane.

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Doosan wins orders in emerging markets

Chek Lap Kok International Airport, Hong Kong

Doosan Infracore has signed contracts to deliver a total of 221 construction machines in countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America this year.

In Hong Kong, the company has taken an order for a total of 50 mid to large excavators, including 30 DX340LC and 20 DX480LC models, from a local construction company that won the runway expansion project for Chek Lap Kok International Airport.

In Thailand, Doosan Infracore signed a large supply contract for 38 excavators and wheel loaders for a mine development and civil construction company that had previously used

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products from the company’s competitors.

And in Vietnam, Doosan Infracore has won another order for 20 mini excavators from a local dairy company.

The company continues to win orders in the Middle East as well. These include 27 excavators and wheel loaders for a mining company in Oman, 35 excavators for a large construction company in Qatar and 54 machines for a Turkish equipment rental company.

Another big order in the Middle East will provide 10 large 50 tonne excavators for a construction company in Saudi Arabia.

In North Africa, Doosan has signed a contract for 35 excavators and wheel

loaders with a Moroccan company. The local signatory is a large construction company and major Doosan Infracore customer that owns more than 300 Doosan products.

Doosan Infracore has also won an order for 35 wheel loaders for various agricultural projects led by a government department in Egypt. This department currently owns more than 100 Doosan construction machines.

Doosan Infracore is securing more large customers across Africa, having received an order for 20 excavators to be used in gold mines from a mining company in Ghana.

Elsewhere, Doosan Infracore is actively penetrating the Latin American market. It has received orders for a total of 16 excavators and wheel loaders from construction and rental companies in Colombia.

Jeong Kwan-hee, Managing Director for Sales in Emerging Markets at Doosan Infracore said: “The new orders are the result of our efforts to foster dealers and develop the market even in the midst of the market slump caused by the spread of COVID-19.

We plan to accelerate our efforts to enhance our brand image in emerging markets and expand sales volume and market share accordingly as the market situation improves.”

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01527 893343 www.sedavis.co.uk

Self Drive Plant

Aggregate Washing Systems

SE Davis & Son can offer much of its extensive fleet on ‘Self Drive’ hire to its customers in the quarrying and construction industries.

• • • •

These items include: • Loading Shovels - 1.5m to 5m capacity • Tracked Screeners - 3 & 4 way up to 20’ x 5’ screen decks • 360 Excavators - 12 tonnes to 50 tonnes • Dump Trucks - 12 tonnes to 40 tonnes capacity • Crushers - Tracked Jaw, Cone, Impactor • Bulldozers - Including LGP & PAT Blades & Laser guidance

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Lake and Lagoon Dredging Small working footprint Quick set up time Fully re-circulating Water Systems through our centrifuges Capable of processing up to 130T per hour Mobile & static plants available Aggregate washing sytems to suit your requirements Tracked washed plants now available.

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“SPECIALISTS IN SALES, SERVICE & HIRE OF ALL HYDRAULIC ATTACHMENTS” • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Mulchers Ripper Teeth V-Buckets Riddle Buckets Round Pile Croppers 4 Jaw Pile Cropper 5 Finger manual Grapples Manual Pulverisers Pipe Lifter Pipe Probe Hydraulic Sleeper Spacer/Layer

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Hydraulic Plate Grab Post Drivers Timber Grabs Log Grabs Excavator Augers Rock Breakers Pulverisers Selector Grabs Tilting Buckets Compact Plates Screening Buckets Pile Munchers

Coyle Equipment Services (CES) Ltd Unit 1, Canal Wharf, Horsenden Lane North, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 7PH

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PURCHASES

(l to r) Sam Lockert, Hire Manager at EMY Plant Hire with joint directors, Emily Roberts and Andrew Dickens

North Wales rental startup buys more than 20 Bobcats EMY Plant Hire, a new startup rental business based in Wrexham in North Wales, has purchased more than 20 new machines of all types from the fullliner range offered by Bobcat. The new Bobcat mini-excavators, compact loaders, telehandlers and attachments available to rent from EMY Plant Hire were supplied by Norwest Plant Ltd, the local Authorised Bobcat Dealer.

EMY Plant Hire was founded by joint directors, Emily Roberts and Andrew Dickens, concentrating first on the local area, including North Wales, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, before looking to eventually operate nationwide.

As well as general plant and other products for users in diverse markets such as construction, landscaping, utilities and agriculture, EMY Plant Hire has been formed to also offer the more unusual and specialist products for its wide customer base. To illustrate this, the company is one of the first rental businesses in the UK to offer the articulated version of the Bobcat E85 8.5-tonne mini-excavator.

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Emily Roberts said: “At EMY Plant Hire, we are fully committed to offering a first class rental service for our customers, but we would also like to offer more unusual and innovative products for hire.

“We are one of the first rental companies to offer the articulated boom version of the E85, which is an unusual feature in the UK market, where the preference is for straight boom models.

The articulated boom allows users to bring the arm on the E85 closer and to reach a lot higher, potentially providing them with a larger working range.

“We are also targeting specialist areas such as the tree surgery and forestry markets. By offering both the conventional and the leading edge, we have much to offer not only our own customer base but also by cross-hire through other rental and contractor companies.

“We have already laid the ground for these relationships and feel very positive about the local market and beyond.”

As well as the E85, Norwest Plant has delivered a further 13 Bobcat mini excavators, including four E10z one-tonne models, two E17z 1.7-tonne machines and eight more at over two tonnes, including E20z, E26 and E45 models.

With the machines from Norwest Plant, EMY Plant Hire is also offering Bobcat S100 and S450 skid-steer loaders and a Bobcat T450 compact track loader.

Alongside these are TL30.70 7 metre and T40.180SLP 18 metre telehandlers from Bobcat and seven different Bobcat attachments including pallet forks, an auger and buckets.

Garry Wheawall of Norwest Plant, based in Wigan in Lancashire, said: “We are very impressed with the innovation being shown by EMY Plant Hire. Even during the last 12 months of the pandemic, rental companies have continued to operate and in some places have been flat out. I think this is a good time for EMY to enter the market, offering a broader set of products and solutions for customers.”

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