REPORT I & II

During the week of 24-30 October, the grounds of Messe München once again became the centre of attention for the European construction industry, as the bauma trade fair returned after Covid enforced cancellations in 2020 and 2021. Around 3,200 exhibitors from 60 countries attracted more than 495,000 visitors from over 200 countries for the world’s leading exhibition for construction equipment, building material machines and mining machines. With a strong focus on sustainability there were many new and innovative products on show.

AUSA, the manufacturer of compact all-terrain industrial vehicles based in Manresa, Barcelona, launched its electric vehicle range, consisting of the D151AEG dumper with a 1,500 kg payload, and the T164E telescopic handler with a 1,600 kg payload and a maximum lift of 4 metres. All the electric vehicles feature a charging cable, so they can be connected to the mains via a 110 V, 230 V or 415 V socket with a fast charger whenever necessary.

outdoor operations and features a large screen control unit, enabling the operator to manage all the driving and hydraulic functions as well as monitoring battery charging levels. Regenerative braking is also standard.

Fliegl exhibited three semi-trailer models from the tipper range including the Fliegl Revolution with a net weight of under four tonnes. This aluminium semi-trailer tipper features a tapered 25 cu m body made from high-strength aluminium which is optimally matched to the “Curved” chassis in fine-grain steel. Also on display was the ‘Stonemaster’ which is available in 2 or 3 axle versions. It has a tapered chassis design which facilitates a smaller tipping angle to ensure optimum discharge of the load.

The highlight from Goldhofer’s wide-ranging portfolio was the world premiere of a completely new vehicle concept: the FT SERIES, with a focus on operational flexibility, with the

versatility needed to meet a wide variety of transportation needs. The ‘BladesPlus’ trailing dolly was also on show as a blade carrier for the wind power industry and the concept has now been extended for use in the construction industry for transporting concrete beams, or entire bridge elements.

Monaghan based Combilift was promoting models from its ever-expanding range of Combi SC straddle carriers and Combi-MG mobile gantries. These machines have been developed to meet the challenges of lifting and moving extreme products around production facilities, warehouses or yards, especially for sectors such as the concrete, steel, modular construction and recycling industries.

Czech Republic manufacturer TATRA produces a range of heavy-duty vehicles for the civilian market as well as military and other special applications. The civilian production side was represented by the TATRA PHOENIX, fitted with a PACCAR Euro 6 engine. The cab on the latest PHOENIX model is supplied by DAF Trucks, to provide more space, comfort, and safety.

DAF showcased its new award-winning XDC and XFC trucks for construction applications. The vehicles are available in 2, 3 and 4 axle configurations with a robust grille and 3-piece steel bumper, to withstand the demands of busy construction sites. Designed with an excellent approach angle and high ground clearance, the chassis is an ideal basis for tippers, concrete mixers and hook lifts.

One of the diverse range of products on the Palfinger stand was a PCC115.002 crawler crane destined for Ireland. The unit can be used across a wide range of applications, particularly on rough terrain, where it is not possible to gain access with a conventional truck mounted crane. The powerful drive and good ground clearance enhances this capability. The crane is demountable from the tracks in minutes and can then be used as a stand-alone unit with 360-degree stability and rotation.

Among the wide range of products from Nooteboom was the latest addition to the drawbar semi low loader range. This 3-axle drawbar with centre axles and air suspension is characterised by a very robust chassis combined with low dead weight of approximately 6,700 kg, including 3-metre hydraulically operated ramps. The low height loading floor of 860 mm also makes it very suitable for transporting high loads.

Following on from the launch of its new range of electric vehicles for the road transport sector, revealed at the IAA Transportation 2022 exhibition in Hannover in September, Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to drive its electromobility programme forward. At this year’s bauma, the world’s leading construction industry trade show which took place in Munich from October 24-30, the German manufacturer presented several fully battery-electric trucks for construction site applications. They included a concept prototype of the eActros LongHaul, with an electric power take-off for semi-trailers such as tippers. This makes the ITOY Truck Innovation 2023 Awardwinning e-truck suitable for deliveries to construction sites and can replace previous diesel-based drive solutions both in terms of transport and the power take-off.

Approximately one out of every five Mercedes-Benz trucks sold in Europe is in the construction segment, which is the second most important market for the brand after long-distance transport. It therefore plays a special role in the electrification of truck transport. Together with manufacturer partners, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also presented for the first time a battery-electric prototype of the Arocs construction site truck with a concrete mixer bottle, highlighting its ground clearance and off-road mobility.

Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks commented on these developments: “We are working on a completely CO2-neutral portfolio - including for the demanding construction segment. Particularly versatile, robust and powerful trucks are in demand here. It is also a very complex area for electrification due to the wide variety of operations, therefore applications partnerships between vehicle manufacturers and bodybuilders are crucial to offer our customers the right solutions.”

Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales & Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks added: “Construction site vehicles such as concrete truck mixers are among the most energy-intensive applications – both due to materials transported and the operation of the bodies. A lot of CO2 can be saved by complete electrification, while at the same time, e-vehicles can make a significant contribution to noise reduction, especially at construction sites in urban areas. The social and political pressure on our customers is significant. EACTROS LONGHAUL AVAILABLE FOR FIRST TIME WITH ELECTRIC POWER TAKE-OFF FOR SEMI-TRAILERS

In cooperation with the Munich tipper manufacturer MEILLER, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed an electric power take-off for various types of trailers. This makes it possible to efficiently electrify hydraulic work equipment for use at construction sites, such as tipping semi-trailers or walking floor trailers. The prototype presented at bauma, has a continuous output of 58 kW, but the series production version of the electric power take-off is planned to generate significantly more power. The electric power take-off converts direct current from the eActros LongHaul’s batteries into alternating current via an inverter attached to the rear of the driver’s cab. An additional electric motor drives the pump, which provides hydraulic power to operate the trailer. Advantages of this solution compared to diesel-based

drive include CO2 neutrality and greatly reduced noise, especially relevant for use in cities and residential areas. The compactness of the system allows eActros LongHaul to be operated with a standard trailer - a significant advantage for transport companies, which use the vehicle for a wide variety of applications.

The series-production eActros LongHaul will have a range of around 500 kilometres on a single battery charge and will be capable of megawatt charging. The batteries used in the eActros LongHaul employ lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and can be charged from 20 to 80% in well under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about 1 mW. The first prototypes are already undergoing intensive tests and the eActros LongHaul will be tested on public roads later this year with series production planned for 2024.

ELECTRIFIED AROCS CONSTRUCTION SITE TRUCK PRESENTED AS “PROTOTYPE BATTERY-ELECTRIC AROCS”

In the near future, the Arocs will also be available as a battery-electric vehicle. In a first step, this will be implemented through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Trucks and the Paul Group. The company is electrifying the truck supplied by Mercedes-Benz Trucks from its Wörth plant with an electrified central motor solution. The prototype of the “Battery-Electric Arocs” shown at bauma 2022 is equipped with an electric truck mixer body from Liebheer, which draws its energy from the Arocs’ batteries via an electric power take-off. The Paul Group specifies a continuous output of more than 300 kW and a peak output of more than 400 kW for the vehicle’s electric drive train. According to Paul, ranges of well over 200 kilometres are possible. The Battery-Electric Arocs has a future-proof 800 volt on-board electrical system and fitted with six battery packs, it can be charged from 20 to 80% at a 150 kW charging station within around 1.5 hours.

EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION

FOCUSED UPGRADES FOR

DIESEL-POWERED TRUCKS

In addition to the new electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also presented several upgraded diesel-powered units for construction site applications. Highlights included the Actros L Edition 3 and various Arocs models with bodies from various partners, an Atego with a 3-way tipper and a Palfinger crane.

In terms of powertrains, the third generation of the 12.8-litre OM 471 engine has been available for heavy-duty commercial vehicles since October 2022 for the Actros L Edition 3. The improved block features a range of technical innovations that are consistently aimed at reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) regarding fuel-saving, reduced CO2 emissions, lower operating costs, without affecting performance, vehicle dynamics or driving comfort. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also focused on the drivetrain, with the new PowerShift Advanced automated transmission control which enables faster and smoother moving off and acceleration in many scenarios, thanks to its precision gear selection. The more sensitive accelerator pedal enables significantly more precise manoeuvring in tight spaces and makes it easier to drive through and accelerate out of roundabouts.

SECOND GENERATION MIRRORCAM WITH SHORTER CAMERA ARMS

Among the many safety assistance systems installed in Mercedes-Benz trucks, one innovative feature is the MirrorCam (instead of the conventional main and wide-angle mirrors). The second generation of the mirror camera system has been in use since April 2022, providing the driver with even better assistance in many road-traffic scenarios. That’s thanks to the camera arms being ten centimetres shorter as well as new imaging parameters. One of the benefits of shortening the camera arms is that the drivers can now reverse in a straight line

more easily than was the case with the first generation. This is due to the fact that the MirrorCam’s perspective now resembles more closely that of a conventional glass mirror.