Construction Plant News February/March 2020

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020

Construction

PLANT NEWS THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR PLANT PROFESSIONALS

EXCAVATORS DIGGING DEEP TO FIND YOU THE LATEST SOLUTIONS

ATTACHMENTS THE EQUIPMENT THAT WILL MULTI TASK YOUR MACHINE HS2 IS ON TRACK – JOHN F HUNT EXCAVATORS AT THE FORMER BHS BUILDING, EUSTON

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CONTENTS @CPN_mag

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020 cpnonline.co.uk

e

16

THIS ISSUE...

REGULARS

SPECIAL REPORTS

5 6 18 50

10

HS2 Gets Green Signal

14

Magni – Innovation Days

16

AR Aggregates – Urban Quarry

EDITOR’S VIEWPOINT NEWS FLEET ADDITIONS NEW PRODUCTS

Construction Plant News, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.

ljones@hamerville.co.uk

42

FEATURES 40

EXCAVATORS 20 Brooklyn Homes Trusts in Takeuchi 22 Doosan Goes Into the Woods 25 On Site with SMT 28 Bobcat R-Series 29 NEW PRODUCTS

SHOW TIME 41 Site Dumpers at Executive Hire Show 42 Executive Hire Show Review

LIFTING & ACCESS 46 Snorkel Narrow Scissor Lifts

ATTACHMENTS

45

30 Pro Dem Rock Wheel from BPH Attachments

20

33 Worsley Plant Supplies Rotar Grabs 34 Rototilt QuickChange 36 Kinshofer at Conexpo 39 NEW PRODUCTS

VEHICLES 48 MAN TGE Van and Chassis CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 3

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VIEWPOINT Editor LEE JONES

ljones@hamerville.co.uk Consultant Editor NICK JOHNSON

TRACK RECORD I

f you were to look in quite the same planning detail at any of the great constraints or heed to public issues of the day you opinion as a consequence – would be hard pressed to but it still betrays a culture of find one in which the procrastination that is at construction industry is not times breath-taking. Go back inextricably linked. A reality further in time, for instance, that would not be a great and the concept of Crossrail surprise to anyone who was first mooted during the works in the sector, of Second World War, with Lee Jones, course, but it is a fact that services now expected to Editor our legislators seem commence on the Elizabeth sometimes to be blissfully unaware.

Line in the summer of 2021.

Whether it is the search for the more Of course, it is not always planners or sustainable building practices and materials our politicians that are blocking the path of that will combat climate change, the progress. 2019 saw more new homes built infrastructure projects that will speed than at any time before the financial crisis – advances in national productivity, or the over 161,000 in total – a figure that is still decent homes that are vital to our substantially short of the government’s individual well-being, it is contractors and current annual target of 300,000, of course, plant hirers who will ultimately realise but still welcome progress. That shortfall is, these lofty ambitions on the ground. however, particularly galling when the Local That we have an industry that is capable Government Association analysis has of delivering is not questioned, which revealed that more than a million homes makes the delays to which so many that have been granted planning permission projects are subject doubly frustrating. In over the past decade have not been this issue we profile the enormous completed. potential that HS2 offers the plant industry, The construction industry, and society and Boris Johnson’s decision to give it a at large, urgently needs new homes to be green signal is indeed welcome. It is worth built, just as our creaking and antiquated remembering, however, that the wheels infrastructure desperately needs updating. were first set in motion on the nation’s Whilst no-one wants to see a rush to build second high speed line when the then at the expense of quality, it is clear that Labour government set up HS2 Ltd all the more needs to be done to ensure the built way back in 2009. More than a decade on environment we deserve is adequately and only now is there any certainty that delivered. It’s not just a question of the project will reach the end of the line. courage on the part of those in Whitehall, The proposed third runway at but it will require the foresight to make the Heathrow tells an equally familiar tale. It right choices, as well as an industry that is looked like the long grass that this prepared to demonstrate that it can adopt particular proposal had been repeatedly new working practices. There will be many kicked was finally to be cleared when a more decisions that will need to be made projected completion date of 2026 was in the years ahead, whether it’s on housing, announced, but at least a further three energy, transport or digital communication. years has since been added. To put that into Given the debacles over the spiralling some kind of context, the Chinese have budgets of many that are already underway, ambitions to build over 200 new airports how these are costed and financed clearly from scratch by the year 2035. Totalitarian needs greater scrutiny. Only then can we regime they may well be – and without make the right choices in good time.

nick.johnson@constructionplant.info Managing Editor TERRY SMITH

tsmith@hamerville.co.uk Assistant Editor KIERAN NEE

pb@hamerville.co.uk Digital Assistant DAVID MOLLOY

dmolloy@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager CRAIG JOWSEY

craig@hamerville.co.uk 07900248102 Advertisement Manager JACOB TATUM

jtatum@hamerville.co.uk 07825773737 Magazine Designer GEMMA WATSON Group Production Manager CAROL PADGETT Publisher BRYAN SHANNON Subscriptions Construction Plant News is a business magazine for plant professionals, contractors, materials extraction and processing companies, waste and recycling operations, as well as local authorities. If you are not on our circulation list and would like to subscribe email circulation@hamerville.co.uk To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Printed by Walstead Peterborough Published by HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF. Tel: Watford (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Copyright © 2020

The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication.

Total Average Net Distribution 9,224 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 5

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NEWS

YOU’RE HIRED! HUNDREDS OF PLANT OPERATIVES AND ASSESSORS ARE TO BE TRAINED UP AS PART OF A NEW THREE-YEAR INITIATIVE FROM CITB. Thirty-nine per cent of employers find it difficult to fill plant vacancies, according to research, and with Brexit potentially limiting a supply of new recruits in future, CITB is seeking to support projects that reverse the shortfall.

Construction employers, federations and training providers are being asked to submit proposals to help address a gap between industry demand and supply. The

Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA); Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA); Hire Association Europe (HAE); Build UK; Highways England; HS2; West Midlands Combined Authority; Balfour Beatty; BAM Nuttall; Willmott Dixon; Flannery Plant Hire; Lynch Plant; Hire A-Plant; and Plantforce are among industry stakeholders that shaped CITB’s plant operators training commission.

THE WORX!

THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION (CEA) HAS ANNOUNCED THE VENUE AND DATES FOR THE NEXT PLANTWORX TRADE SHOW. The 5th biennial construction machinery exhibition will be held on 15 – 17 June 2021, at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, Peterborough. Exhibitors and visitors who attended the 2019 event praised the ‘all-weather’ venue for its permanent walkways, good communication signals and wifi facilities.

Organisers are again planning a comprehensive demonstration programme, where exhibitors can put their machines through their paces in ‘real-site’ conditions.

i To find out more

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN002

Training in plant specialisms is currently low, with only 149 N/SVQ Level 2 qualifications in plant specialisms gained in 2016, while a CPA survey showed that more than 80 per cent of respondents didn’t employ any plant apprentices and a further 9 out of 10 employers didn’t expect to take any on in the next

i For more on the Plant Operators’ Training Commission WWW.RDR.LINK/CN001

BIG SPENDERS

THE UK CONSTRUCTION INDUS TRY HAS INCREASED ITS R&D SPENDING TO A RECORD HIGH OF £351M, THE LATEST ONS DATA HAS REVEALE D.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as one of the key drivers in a 9.7 per cent annual rise in R&D spend in the construction sector. The £31m year-on-year increase is, according to analysis from Catax, a consequence of the hug e resources being soaked up as the country seeks to become a world leader in off-site technologies. Although the industry is still a relatively small contributor to the total £25bn UK R&D budget, it is a sign that our built environment will be subject to some interesting changes in the years ahead.

i To find out more 6 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

12 months. With plant training necessarily using expensive equipment, projects that make use of innovative methods, such as simulators, are also sought.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN003

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SHOW TIME!

A HOST OF INNOVATIVE POWERTRAIN OPTIONS WILL BE UNVEILED TO THE PUBLIC AT THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW, NEC BIRMINGHAM, 28 – 30 APRIL 2020.

The UK-based manufacturer LEVC will display its new all-electric van for the first time. This electric LCV will be proudly British-built in the company’s Coventry plant, and full details of the van, including specs and pricing will be unveiled at the Show. Elsewhere,Vauxhall will hold the world premiere of the new Vivaro-E, Peugeot and Citroen will be showcasing their latest EV offerings, with the e-Expert and e-Dispatch on display for the first time, alongside the smaller Partner-Electric and BerlingoElectric. Renault are basing their stand on the theme of ‘Electrification’ with a strong focus on their future LCV product range.

Ford Commercial Vehicles will similarly operate an “Electrification Zone”, whilst Mercedes-Benz will be revealing the new Mercedes e-Vito van.

i To register to attend the CV Show for free,

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN004

GROWING TOGETHER

UNDER THE HAMMER

THE FIRST EURO AUCTIONS SALE OF 2020 IS A MONSTER. Over 5,200 lots went over the sales ramp at Euro Auctions’ all-new facility in Kellington, just outside Leeds, with a hammer total of £42.8 million. 45 per cent was sold online, with 4,265 buyers registered for the sale. In fact, bidder numbers for this sale were up on the previous event in January 2019 by 55 per cent. The Leeds facility will include new workshops, a new office and main administration centre, and auction arena with two sales ramps, in addition to a 2,380m² jet wash bay, which will create the largest auction site in Europe.

CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS ON THE RISE, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST DATA. The resilience of the construction industry has been reaffirmed with the news that new orders were up 4.4 per cent in the last quarter of 2019, with year-on-year increases in public housing and private commercial projects. Indeed, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data has revealed that construction ended the year as the fastest-growing sector of the UK economy. Analysts are proclaiming the increases as a sign of the potential for progress in 2020, especially with HS2 now confirmed – you can read our special report on that particular project on page 10.

i To view the ONS DATA

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN005

i For upcoming Euro Actions sales dates, WWW.RDR.LINK/CN007

X-FACTOR

MARKED CARDS

Recently showcased in front of 200 guests at the Doosan Infracore Proving Grounds in Boryeong City, Korea, Concept-X is a comprehensive control solution that can be used to survey worksite topography via 3D drone scanning, establish operational plans based on the topographical data, and operate construction equipment, such as excavators and wheel loaders, without human intervention. In short, ConceptX realises the construction site of the future by having all dangerous construction work performed solely by equipment, leaving human personnel free to concentrate on more sophisticated analysis and management tasks. The introduction of unmanned automation technologies to the entire construction site operation process – ranging from surveying to the operations of construction equipment – is a world first.

Unite, the UK’s construction union, has warned that the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card scheme in its current guise is not fit for purpose and demanded that there is crossindustry action to resolve the problems and ensure that workers are not denied employment.

Delays in renewing and issuing cards have emerged since the vocational skills charity the NOCN Group, purchased the CPCS card scheme from the Construction Industry Trading Board (CITB) last year, but the union also cites a lack of investment in the scheme over the previous five years as to blame.

UNITE DESCRIBES CPCS PLANT CARD SCHEME AS NOT ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’.

DOOSAN INFRACORE UNVEILS ITS VISION OF THE FUTURE WITH ‘CONCEPT-X’.

i To find out more

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN006

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CN008

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NEWS GAP IN THE MARKET

TRENCHING & SHORING BECOMES GAP’S NINTH SPECIALIST DIVISION.

WHEELING & DEALING CONSTRUCTION PLANT NEWS ROUNDS UP THE LATEST TAKEOVERS, DISTRIBUTION DEALS AND EXPANSIONS.

The newest division’s product range includes trench boxes, drag boxes, backhoe boxes, trench sheets, waler systems and edge protection, whilst all the groundworks equipment is supplied with user guides and technical information. Products available for hire include trench boxes, chain slings, manhole lifters, ladders, lifting pins, manhole chain clamps and counterbalanced davit systems.

i To download the brand new Trenching & Shoring catalogue WWW.RDR.LINK/CN009

POINT BREAK

IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS THREATEN CONSTRUCTION DELIVERY, SAYS FMB. "If we are to have an infrastructure revolution, and build a million new homes, over the next five years, we will need to have an immigration system that allows for key construction workers of all skill levels to come to the UK.” That’s the view of Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), commenting on the recent announcement from the Home Office regarding the UK's new points-based immigration system.

i To find out more

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN010

ON EMISSION

THE CESAR EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION (ECV) INITIATIVE EXPANDS. CESAR ECV is a ‘bolt-on’ product that complements the existing CESAR Security System and allows quick and easy verification of a machine’s emissions category.

Hitachi Construction Machinery and JCB are amongst the new adopters to a system that can ensure that plant on site is as environmentally efficient as possible. A second label, which can easily be scanned to verify the machine’s emissions compliance, will be positioned alongside the existing CESAR triangle.

i To find out more

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN011

HIRE AND HIGHER

THE RENTAL INDUSTRY CONTINUES ITS UPWARD TRAJECTORY. The construction equipment rental market is estimated to be worth approximately close to £5,000m. It also experienced good growth between 2014 and 2017, benefiting from a positive performance in most end-use sectors ranging from construction and civil engineering contractors, local authorities, and industrial.

Looking towards the medium term, the prospects for construction equipment rental remain moderately optimistic, with the market forecast to grow by around 11 per cent to 2023.

i To find out more

8 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN012

씰 GB is appointed distributor for K-Tec Scrapers K-Tec Earthmoving Inc currently offer four sizes of scraper ranging from 21.5m³ heaped capacity and a payload of 30.8 tonnes up to the largest with a 48.1m³ heaped capacity and payload of 68.5 tonnes. The 1237 model is also available as a train scraper. The conversion from a Volvo ADT dumper body to a ADT scraper hauler takes approximately 10 hours with no modifications done to the dumper body and can be reversed in the same amount of time making this a very versatile earthmoving solution.

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CN013

씰 Bobcat Appoints New Dealer for Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire RTC Plant Services is now responsible for sales and service of the range of Bobcat skid-steer, compact track and allwheel steer loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers and attachments in the three counties.

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CN014

씰 Epiroc appoints Coyle Equipment Services as its dealer for north London, the Home Counties and the West Midlands The product range includes hydraulic breakers, cutters, pulverisers, bucket crushers, shears, grapples, drum cutters and magnets. Among others, the division manufactures the HB 10000, the largest serial hydraulic breaker in the world – every punch equals the weight of 130 elephants.

i To find out more WWW.RDR.LINK/CN015

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: H S 2

Full speed ahead!

Now that the government has officially approved construction of the HS2 high-speed railway, the contracts will require a very large number of technically advanced machines. Nick Johnson reports.

T

he Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now given the official green light for the main construction of the first phases of the controversial HS2 highspeed railway. Designed to increase railway capacity and reduce journey times, it will be the biggest infrastructure project in Europe.

Phase 1 runs from London Euston to Birmingham Curzon Street and Lichfield with intermediate stations in West London (at old Oak Common) and at Birmingham Airport. Phase 2a runs from the West Midlands to Crewe.

The Government states that it is also now committed to the future construction of HS2 Phase 2b – now to be renamed High-speed North. This will comprise an eastern leg from the West Midlands to Leeds New Lane (with intermediate stations in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire) and a western leg from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly (with an intermediate station at Manchester Airport).

This is all great news for construction equipment suppliers, as HS2 will now rapidly become the largest infrastructure project in this country. It will require a great many modern machines whilst providing the impetus to use of the latest technology.

The decision to continue with HS2, despite escalating total costs and extended completion dates, comes after some £8.0 billion has already been spent on land acquisition, property demolition and other

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given the construction plant industry a huge boost by showing HS2 the green light.

The signs on two Potain tower cranes hired from Radius Crane Management at Euston read “HS2 working for the future”.

Welcome Work

Latest generation Wacker Neuson Dual View and JCB Hydradig machines from Flannery Plant Hire on HS2 works in Euston.

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enabling works. For some years now work has been undertaken around Euston and Old Oak Common in London as well as Curzon Street in Birmingham.

Between theses two cities, notable construction works have included the lowering of a large diameter gas main near Harefield in Middlesex (so that HS2 trains in a new cutting can run safely over it), new construction site access roads from the M25 motorway (between the M40 and Maple Cross) and a road to provide access to a tunnel portal in the Chiltern Hills near Great Missenden.

In total around 10 miles of gas mains, water pipes, electricity cables and telecoms lines have already been diverted. In addition, some 400 buildings are being demolished including blocks of flats – very welcome work for the UK demolition industry. Along the whole route – including the second phase north of Birmingham – HS2 is understood to have paid at least £600 million to buy more than 900 properties.

Work began in spring 2017 on enabling works contracts covering the whole of Phase One, from London to Birmingham and the connection to the West Coast Mainline at Handsacre. Three joint ventures (JVs)

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Machines already on the Curzon Street site in Birmingham. Huge numbers of excavators and ADTs will be used to build HS2.

involved in this work are the CS JV in the South Area, the Fusion JV in the Central Area and the LM JV in the North Area.

The CS JV is composed of the Costain Group Plc and Skanska Construction UK. The Fusion JV is made up of Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, BAM Nuttall and Ferrovial Agroman (UK). The LM JV comprises Laing O’Rourke Construction and J Murphy & Sons.

As well as utility diversions, these JVs have been involved with many other activities.

They include archaeology, site clearance, establishing site compounds, ecology surveys, demolition, ground remediation, watercourse activities, highways realignments, structural reinforcements and drainage work.

Given the scale of the work carried out so far, it was perhaps not surprising that the Oakervee Review of the HS2 project ordered

by Boris Johnson last year strongly advised against cancelling the scheme. One of its conclusions was that there would be serious consequences for the supply chain, the fragile UK construction industry and confidence in UK infrastructure planning if HS2 were cancelled at this late stage.

HS2 site hoardings show the project’s desire to promote a ‘green’ image.

At least one JV is considering the use of scrapers.

The use of machine and compaction control systems will be given a big boost by the forward thinking HS2 project.

So the Prime Minister has signed off the full 330 mile high-speed rail line to link London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

However, there will be pressure to do the job as cost effectively as possible with the most productive equipment. Machines and methods will have a very important part to play minimising the total cost of the project which has shot up from the initial £32.7 billion first indicated when the project was originally proposed in 2010 to estimates that it could now top £106 billion.

Before main construction work was temporally put on hold for the Oakervee Review, the main civil construction contracts for Phase 1 had already been awarded to three Joint Ventures (JVs).

These are the SCS JV (Skanska Construction UK, Costain and STRABAG AG), the Align JV (Bouygues Travaux Publics, Volker Fitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine), the EK JV (Eiffage Genie Civil SA and Kier) and the BBV JV (Balfour Beatty Group,Vinci Construction Grands Projects,Vinci Construction UK and Vinci Construction Terrassement).

Such is the scale of the job that, back in 2014, HS2 statistics indicated the need to excavate 55 million m3 of material and the requirement for 450 articulated dump trucks. The certainty now is that, with much of the route set to be dug into cuttings to mitigate noise from the track (which is being laid on concrete slabs rather that ballast due to the speed and weight of the trains), there will be a lot of earthmoving.

Now, as the main civil construction works JVs fine-tune their construction methods, just one of the four is thought to be planning to deploy some 75 excavators (including around 10 big machines weighing 75 and 95 tonnes). These may well work with around 195 articulated dump trucks – set to include a sizeable number of 45 and 60 tonne capacity class machines.

Whilst the excavator / ADT combination is likely to be the first choice for earthmoving, at least one JV is understood to be considering the use of scrapers for some of the work. The last time that multiple motor scrapers were deployed in the UK on a major infrastructure project was probably

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: H S 2

Dual View dumpers and Kobelco Hybrid excavators are being used during the demolition work beside Euston Station ready for HS2.

A JCB 19C-1E electric mini on the HS2 St James Gardens site.

in 2002 when 11 Cat 631s helped to construct the M6 Toll motorway around the top of Birmingham.

Now as well as the long established Cat motor scrapers available through dealer Finning, an option could be the Volvo / K-Tec combinations now obtainable here through distributor SMT GB. One of these units utilises a 6x6 Volvo A60H ADT chassis (without dump body) as the tractor unit to pull a 48.2m3 capacity 1263 scraper box.

One thing is certain – much use will be made of more ‘intelligent’ earthmovers as part of fully ‘connected’ sites. Smart hardware and intelligent software will prove invaluable to improve and monitor production.

Contractors carrying out HS2 preparatory works in London have been using hydrogen powered TCP Ecolite TH200 light towers.

More Automation Machine control systems from such suppliers as Leica, Topcon and Trimble will undoubtedly be much in evidence on the ‘digital age’ HS2 construction sites. The need will be for all machines – including rollers with the latest compaction measuring systems – to ‘talk’ to each other with a common interface.

Low emission, fuel efficient machines will be the order of the day on HS2 work and it is expected that the principal requirements will be for the latest Stage V, or at least Stage IV, emissions compliant equipment. And both hybrid and electric machines have already been deployed during HS2 preparatory works.

One machine already in evidence on HS2 work in the Euston area of London is the 21 tonne class Kobelco SK210LC 10 Hybrid tracked excavator. Lynch Plant Hire deployed its first machine of this type to work for the CS JV and McGee has deployed two (new additions to its plant fleet) to assist with the demolition of two tower blocks as part of the redevelopment of Euston Station for HS2.

Electric mini excavators from JCB and Wacker Neuson – respectively the 1.9 tonne

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19C-1E and the 1.7 tonne EZ17e – and the 1.5 tonne capacity Wacker Neuson DW15e electric site dumper have been in action at St James Gardens near Euston. Here the fumeless machines have safely aided archaeologists working inside a large encapsulation structure on the site of an ancient burial ground which is in the path of HS2.

With safety a prime consideration, larger capacity dumpers seen working on HS2 preparatory projects have invariably been fitted with cabs. A large proportion of these bigger machines are now Wacker Neuson Dual View models, complete with forward mounted cabs containing a rotating seat and controls, so that their operators can always face the direction of travel. Wacker Neuson UK MD, Richard Harrison says: “The news regarding the go ahead of HS2 spreads a positive message through the construction industry.”

The UK government’s decision to proceed with HS2 was been welcomed whole-heartedly

by Bomag. Alan Batty, its General Manager in Great Britain says: “Our machines with Stage V

eco friendly engines and eco stop will help contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.”

“Already we have heard of many requests from the JVs about additional lighting, cameras, safety systems, security features and technologies such as CCC (continuous compaction control). The first of the new HS2 ready machines have already been supplied complete with Bomag Terrameter technology to fulfil the standard.”

“Part of anticipating the machine specifications was the knowledge that the CCC requirement, already a standard in Europe, was likely to be adopted. For this reason we have, since 2017, equipped many of our new single drum self propelled rollers with a technology interface allowing the fast and cost affective upgrade to CCC via a Bomag Technology pack. This simply means if demand outstretches supply of new units then the vast majority of existing machines owned by UK rental companies can be quickly upgraded.”

“The need for data collection and analysis of compaction results can also be easily added by way of our free Bomap App. This can also be easily integrated into third party systems such as Leica, Trimble or Topcon.”

Hydrogen Power Contractors carrying out HS2 preparatory works from Euston to the M25 have adopted new technology in the form of hydrogen powered mobile light towers. TCP Ecolite TH200 units can be seen providing LED lighting on site and in compounds.

TCP has also been supplying its Eco-CH2 cabinet, which provides 200 watts of continuous power and long runtimes, achieved by connecting (up to) four Genie 300-bar hydrogen cylinders, secured safely in a gas cage. The Eco-CH2 has been used for off-grid dust monitoring during demolition phases of HS2 enabling works.

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: T E L E H A N D L E R S The new Volvo engined RTH6-30SH with forks alongside a RTH6.35SH with winch and hook at the Magni UK Open Day.

MAGNIFICATION Nick Johnson reports from the recent open day at Magni UK where details were revealed of a yet higher rotating telehandler and a big new factory in Italy.

S

ince the Magni brand By 2015 Magni had was launched in 2013 introduced the world’s it has become a very highest rotating telehandler prominent player in – the 35.0m RTH5.35 which the market for rotating was launched at the Intermat telehandlers (especially high exhibition that year in Paris. lift models) and high capacity Subsequently the company’s fixed superstructure flagship (and the world’s telehandlers. And the highest) rotary telehandlers driving force of the business, keep going up with the its President Riccardo Magni, introductions of the 39.0m is busy introducing new RTH5.39S at Bauma 2016 models and getting a large and the 46.0m RTH6.46SH new factory commissioned. at Conexpo 2017. Now at Magni UK Sales & Operations Whilst Magni Telescopic Conexpo in March this year Director Alex White (left) with Handlers srl is only seven Magni and the world record Magni President Riccardo Magni. years old, the Magni family in is going even higher.

Italy has been involved in designing and Speaking during a recent open day at the building telescopic handlers since 1980 when Holton Heath, Dorset HQ of subsidiary their business was called Fargh SpA. That company Magni Telescopic Handlers UK, company got sold to Manitou and Riccardo Riccardo Magni revealed that the newcomer Magni worked with the new owners until is the RTH6.51. As its designation indicates, 2009. Four years later he was back with a this machine will have a maximum capacity of completely new range of red telehandlers 6.0 tonnes and will achieve a maximum lift and the Magni marque started to rise up – height with forks of 51.0m. The use of an quite literally! extended access platform attachment will

Volvo Penta displayed its Stage V emissions compliant D5 TAD582VE engine with its exhaust after treatment system (EATS).

14 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

provide people in the basket with a greater working height of some 65.0m.

The RTH6.51 has a new design of telescopic boom utilising high strength SSAB Domex 1100 steel and Hardox 400 steel.

And power for this machine will be provided by a Stage V emissions compliant Volvo Penta diesel engine (which will become the standard power source for Magni models from the RTH7.26 upwards).

Volvo Power At the Magni UK open day there was a new Volvo Penta engined RT6.30SH on show outside and a display of the 5-litre D5 TAD582VE four-cylinder engine with its exhaust after treatment system (EATS) inside the showroom. The EATS includes a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and an Ammonia Slip Catalyst (ASC).

Many of the machines on display were fitted with a winch and hook. Riccardo Magni reports that 95 per cent of Magni rotary telehandlers are now sold with this attachment.

Interestingly, a rotary RTH6.35SH telehandler with a winch and hook at the Open Day was fitted with the Halo Zone safety system from Western-Super-Mare based FHOSS. This system uses seven LED lights to create a red line on the ground all around the machine to clearly identify an exclusion zone for site workers.

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FHOSS is the Greek word for light and the latest addition to the company’s Halo system is a hook path indicator. Two powerful LED lights on the telehandlers boom head shine straight down to provide a red spot on the ground under the hook. This helps the telehandler operator see that the hook is precisely above a load to be picked up, and it also warns site workers to stay away from the path of the hook.

The RTH6.35SH was also fitted with a FHOSS Illuminated sign on its rear counterweight. This carried the Magni name in the middle, and warning chevrons on either side, which flashed to provide a visual warning of machine operation. These electrically powered signs can be made to any size and an increasing number of hire companies are buying them to give their name more prominence on the back of machines such as telehandlers and excavators.

Kranlyft Appointment Alex White, the Sales & Operations Director of Magni UK reports that sales of the Magni rotary telehandlers in the UK are increasing with the 25.0m, 35.0m, 39.0m and 46.0m sizes proving popular last year. Sales should now get a boost through the appointment in November last year of Kranlyft UK as the Magni dealer for the South of England.

Kranlyft is now selling Magnis alongside its established lines of Maeda mini cranes and Klaas aluminium boom truck cranes.

Magni is building this big new factory in Italy which will dramatically increase its production capacity for rotary telehandlers.

FHOSS CEO Andrew Kimitri indicates the Halo red spot hook path indication system fitted onto a RTH6.35SH telehandler.

A rotary RTH6.35SH telehandler was fitted with the red line FHOSS Halo Zone safety system and flashing rear warning sign.

As well as rotary telehandlers and heavy lift fixed superstructure telehandlers, Magni is now also adding construction sized fixed superstructure telehandlers. It launched the fixed frame TH6.20 (6.0 tonne maximum capacity and 20.0m maximum lift height) at Bauma in 2016 and smaller models are on the way.

At the Magni UK Open Day, Riccardo Magni revealed that the new TH fixed superstructure telehandler models will be 5.5 tonne maximum capacity machines with maximum lift heights of 15.0m and 19.0m.

They will have Deutz Stage V emissions compliant engines and Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmissions.

As well as expanding the product line,

Magni is soon to open a big new factory near to its existing facility at Castelfranco Emilia in Modena, Italy. Situated on 200,000m2 of land, the factory buildings will provide 36,000m2 of new production and office space including a 18,000m2 main assembly building with the capability to make 40 rotating telehandlers a day.

Riccardo Magni says that the new fabrication, machining and painting / surface preparation buildings will be operated by subcontractors working directly for Magni.

So the new complex will be much more than the current assembly operation.

The extra capacity will mean that Magni can make over 3,500 rotary machines a year. Fixed super structure TH telehandler production should also increase, as these machines will be made in the existing factory. Riccardo Magni is clearly proud of his young a dynamic company. In just seven years the workforce has grown to 250 employees (with an average age of 29) and annual machine production has risen from zero to 1,084 last year.

He contends that Magni has “a unique product” and says, “there is a demand from the bigger rental companies for what we offer. Above a certain size of handler, we have no competitors. In fact, we’re competing against ourselves.”

i For further more information on Magni telehandlers WWW.RDR.LINK/CN017

i For further more information on the FHOSS Halo system WWW.RDR.LINK/CN018

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 15

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T: W A S T E & R E C Y C L I N G

Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones visits an aggregates recycling company that’s bringing the circular economy to the heart of the city.

T

he trend for demolition companies to complete the waste processing loop by establishing a recycling division has become a recurring theme of the industry, but the synergy between AR Demolition and its sister arm, AR Aggregates takes the concept a stage further still. At its core is its Leicester-based urban quarry, a facility that stands as an object lesson in how to bring aggregate production to the very centre of a bustling metropolitan conurbation, and its sustainability credentials are considerable.

Opened in 2009, the site now processes approximately 130,000 tonnes of material annually, reducing the amount of quarried aggregate consumed in the process. Its city centre location puts it on the doorstep of the demolition and construction sites that any evolving urban space will play host, cutting energy miles in the process and, with easy access to the M1, M6 and M69, the east midlands location is ideally placed in the middle of the country.

Not only that, but with everything that enters its gates destined for reuse, our reliance on landfill as AR Demolition MD, the ultimate destination Richard Dolman set up for construction waste AR Aggregates in 2009. is curtailed.

The primary message from AR Aggregates, however, is that is can produce a quality product at a significantly lower price point. “It has taken us ten years to build consumer confidence in a recycled product, and this has now become such a popular service that the problem is actually sourcing the material to process,” explains Richard Dolman. “Anyone with a waste carrier licence can make use of this facility, and we also bring in much of the tarmac, concrete, brick and hardcore that is

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generated from our own jobs. With a contractor’s carbon footprint under scrutiny as never before, it allows our customers to demonstrate their own green credentials to their clients, whilst still having complete confidence in what has been specified.”

Indeed, so successful has the Leicester project been that AR Aggregates has been able to invest £800,000 in two new Kleeman machines, which will further improve the aggregate it supplies. The manufacturer’s MR 110 Z EVO 2 impact crusher is an example of a technology which is steadily gaining ground on these shores, and it is joined by a MS 953 EVO screening plant.

Making an Impact Impact crushers still only represent around 15 – 20 per cent of the market, but the technology produces an inherently superior aggregate. With rougher materials no longer deemed acceptable by the likes of utilities companies, more and more operators are introducing these units into their recycling facilities. “We bought our first Kleeman jaw crusher back in 2014, and we’ve been really pleased, not only with the machine itself but with the back-up and support from the makers – they really are the Rolls Royce of our industry,” enthuses Richard.

“We followed that up a few years ago with an investment in an impact model, which at the time was a leap into the unknown for a demolition business.You’ve got to educate the workforce on how to process material slightly differently, but the net result is much greater productivity and a better quality. The new MR 110 Z EVO 2 is exceptionally fuel efficient, and an advanced telematics system will support a regime of preventative maintenance. Kleeman are also presently focusing on developing an onboard weighing

“So successful has the Leicester project been that AR Aggregates has been able to invest £800,000 in two new Kleeman machines, which will further improve the aggregate it supplies.” machine that will give us very accurate data on tonnage produced, and this is something we plan to add.”

The real win, however, is in a much finer rounder grain, and a wider range of product in quick time. In fact, the AR Aggregates team estimates that, depending on the material, it can increase the output on a single shift by as much as 50 per cent, whilst this is a fully mobile solution that can equally be set up on site. That means that a building can be taken down, crushed and the aggregate used on the very same site, reducing deliveries by construction vehicles and cutting carbon emissions into the bargain.

“The demolition industry has, of course, been recycling for many years but what the latest technologies allow us to do is produce a much wider range. MOT Type 1 can now be

produced with just one machine, for example and running the screener with the crusher we can produce the likes of drainage gravel. As a result, recycled products can now be tested and certified to the same spec as a quarried aggregate.”

Sustainability runs through the DNA of the AR Demolition family of companies, not just in terms of plant performance but through the promotion of a genuinely circular economy in the construction sector. In 2018, AR Demolition recycled 94 per cent of all demolition waste arisings, 180,000 tonnes of which was reused on construction, infrastructure and civil engineering projects. Richard is a passionate advocate of the waste industry, and believes that a more holistic approach is required if we are to successfully embed a culture of reuse in our built environment.

“Architects and planners should be consulting demolition engineers at the very earliest stage of a development,” he concludes. “Who better to advise on just how a building can be most efficiently dismantled and recycled when it comes to the end of its life than us? At present some of the building practices that are intended to reduce our carbon footprint are effectively barriers to recycling. Modular units that might have insulation, glass and timbers combined are, for instance, virtually impossible to recycle and are highly wasteful as a consequence.”

i For further information on AR Aggregates WWW.RDR.LINK/CN025

i For further information on Kleeman WWW.RDR.LINK/CN026

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 17

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FLEET ADDITIONS

IT’S TRU LOVE FOR JCB “There are many reasons why we chose JCB,” declares TRU7 Group owner, Guy Nicholls, commenting on his company’s £16 million investment in 30 Loadalls.

We have a long-standing relationship with the company and the customer care we receive from our dealer Watling JCB is excellent.We’ve been very impressed with the new JCB machines.”

The latest 540-140 HiViz Loadalls incorporate the Staffordshire-based manufacturer’s compact Dieselmax 3.0litre EU Stage V diesel engine delivering 5 per cent fuel savings over previous models. They join backhoe loader, rough terrain forklift, Teletruk, site dumper and other telehandler models in the huge fleet of JCB equipment purchased by TRU Plant over the last 18 months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN027

VOLVO PAVER THE WAY FOR N.E SURFACING N.E Surfacing of Rayne, Essex, has just purchased a second Volvo P6870C wheeled paver, replacing its three year-old predecessor. “We’ve been very pleased with the performance and reliability of the P6870C over the last three years but, more importantly, we’ve been impressed with the level of after-market support, care and attention we’ve received from the team at SMT GB,” comments Joint Director, Darren Jones. The P6870C is powered by a Tier 4i D6 Volvo engine, which develops 175hp. At its heart, the P6870C features the EPM II, which is an electronic paver management system that incorporates ‘Settings Management’, allowing the operator to store up to twelve parameter settings for the major functions, such as; screed temperature, tamping & vibrating, conveyor, auger and paving speeds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN028

HUNTER BAGS BOBCAT MINIEXCAVATORS

BELL EQUIPMENT SOUNDS GOOD TO MJ CHURCH One of the south west region’s largest civil engineering, earthworks and waste management contractors, MJ Church has returned once again to Bell Equipment for the purchase of a recent consignment of ADTs. Opting for a combination of new and pre-owned machines, they include 15 Bell B30Es, a decision taken in part because of the manufacturer’s Fleetm@tic satellite-based, management system. The tech, which allows operators to keep projects on schedule, maintain machine health and reduce running costs, can be securely accessed from any location with an internet connection, providing a gateway to valuable data that can significantly improve a client’s fleet performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN029

18 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

North London-based Hunter Plant Hire has purchased the company’s first Bobcat mini-excavators. The new order for 12 machines includes two E57W 6 tonne wheeled mini-excavators, the first in the UK equipment rental industry. The balance of the order comprises Bobcat E17 1.7 tonne, E27z 2.8 tonne, E45 4.8 tonne and E85 8.6 tonne units. The E57W mini-excavators have the optional double tyre configuration and are powered by the manufacturer’s D24 diesel engine, delivering 42.5 kW (57 HP) of power. They offer enhanced hydraulic performance and, like all the other Bobcat machines in the order, have double acting breaker lines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN030

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NIXON HIRE LIGHTS ON MHM PLANT

Durability, reliability and a rental-tough design are the attributes Phoenix Hire and Sales is looking for in its equipment and it believes it’s found it in Yanmar. The manufacturer’s approved dealer for Wales has invested more than £1.5m in expanding its extensive plant hire fleet. The machines, which include SV08, SV16, VIO17, SV18, VIO27, SV26, VIO38, VIO50 and VIO80 models, alongside the B95W wheeled excavator and C30R3TV tracked carrier, will be put to work in a host of demanding environments with national contractors, housebuilders, independent landscapers and owner-operators.

Twenty-five X-HYBRID SOLAR and two hundred X-ECO LED sets, supplied by MHM Plant, have been added to the Nixon Hire fleet. The latter is fitted with the AMOSS safety system, which automatically lowers the mast if the lighting set is moved whilst the mast is still erected. The complete unit features an external emergency stop button, a fully bunded fuel tank, four height adjustable stabilisers and site levels for guidance during deployment. The energy saving LED lamps will work for up to 50,000 hours without replacement. The X-HYBRID SOLAR lighting units are powered through an individually designed hybrid power supply system.

This comprises of a solar panel connected to rechargeable batteries backed-up by a small diesel engine. The combined system substantially lowers fuel usage with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN031

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN032

PHOENIX RISES TO YANMAR

IT’S THE WHEEL DEAL FOR DCV ENGINEERING “With the excellent quality, reliability, performance and residual prices offered by Doosan equipment, it is not surprising that we have continued to purchase Doosan excavators and now Doosan wheel loaders”, explains David Venn, Joint Managing Director of DCV Engineering. The Northants plant hire business has purchased the first Doosan wheel loader for its extensive rental fleet – the new DL300-5 wheel loader has been added along with a number of new Doosan crawler excavators, including DX140LC-5 and DX140LCR-5 14 tonne and DX225LC-5 25 tonne models. With a bucket capacity of 3.0 m3, the wheel loader will meet a wide range of material-handling needs from loading and transporting granular material (such as sand and gravel) to industrial, mining and quarrying applications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN033

LIEBHERR GREEN GIANTS ARE A SELECT CHOICE It’s the green credentials that has attracted Select Plant Hire to Liebherr’s new Stage V emission standards compliant cranes, with an order for eight units. This month the company takes ownership of the first LTR 1060 telescopic crawler crane in the UK to have a Stage V engine and in March 2020 will take delivery of the UK’s first LR 1160.1 lattice boom crawler crane with a Stage V engine.The rental outfit already commands a fleet of 57 lattice and telescopic crawler cranes with a total of 37 Liebherr cranes ranging in capacity from 60 to 300 tonnes among that number.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN034

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 19

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E X C AVAT O R S

THE

TEAM

One Dorset-based groundworks and brickworks contractor certainly feels at home with Takeuchi on its housebuilding projects.

Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones visits the company to find out more.

“I

bought my first Takeuchi excavator 15 years ago, and we actually still have it”, declares Lee Bradford of Brooklyn Homes.

“Whilst, as a rule, we only run our plant for no more than three thousand hours, or three years, before we update it, I’ll never let go of my original 1 ½ tonne TBO16, and it’s presently holding its own on the very same site as our brand new 9 tonne TB290-2.”

That long association is built upon a trust in the Japanese manufacturer’s machinery, together with the service and support provided by local dealer, CBL. Established by the present directors’ father over five decades ago, Scott and Lee Lee Bradford (right) and his brother Scott of Brooklyn Homes.

20 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

Bradford have since developed Brooklyn Homes into three successful divisions. These now encompass their own developments, as well as brickworks and groundworks packages for the south of England’s largest housebuilders, with the Takeuchi presence an integral part of the team. “In total we’re presently running a 15 tonne TB290-2, 2 x 1 ½ tonners, as well as 3.5, 6 and 9 tonne units, and they’re engaged in everything from footings to attenuation tanks, drainage and utilities. It’s important to us that our guys have got the best and most up-to-date equipment to work with, and we look after both them and the machines. The resale value of the Takeuchi diggers is very good anyway, but we do get a good deal when it’s time to exchange them with CBL.” Whether it’s through the company’s head office in Wimborne, Dorset to the appearance of their diggers on site, Lee and Scott are acutely aware of the power of projecting a professional image. “Our diggers

are all sign written, and when I go out on site the first thing I look for is their condition, because it says a lot about us as a company but performance is, of course, what really counts. The two 1 ½ tonne machines we have on our fleet, which will shortly be joined by a third are, in our opinion, the best on the market, and will compete with most 2 ½ tonners from other manufacturers in terms of power and reach. They’re dependable workhorses that can easily be transported from site to site on the back of a trailer.”

House Wins It is a Colmar Construction job in Salisbury that’s presently playing host to both a Brooklyn Homes 1 ½ tonne and 9 tonne Takeuchi. This redevelopment of an existing period property into four apartments, with the addition of 11 luxury retirement properties within the grounds, has been complicated by difficult access and, thanks to one of the wettest winters on record, some

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A flourishing business will inevitably translate it an expansion in its fleet and that’s certainly the case with Brooklyn Homes. The TB290-2 might be the most recent addition, but the Dorset-based outfit was also one of the first to invest in Takeuchi’s 15 tonne TB2150, with its powerful offset boom. “We’re now undertaking projects with 40 or 50 units,” continues Lee, and for that we need something that can work quicker, but we’ve found the 15 to be still compact enough to access and manoeuvre around site.”

Happy Fleet treacherous ground conditions.

What was required was a machine that could undertake the bulk excavation works, but was nimble enough to thread its way through a restricted site, and the TB290-2 has achieved just that. Indeed, the machine has been designed with a shorter than average tail-swing of just 1,650mm with only 540mm overhang at 90 degrees to the tracks, combined with rounded corners and enhanced visibility.

Site Supervisor, Dean Curtis has been in the driver’s seat on the job: “The nine tonne is a good multi-purpose machine,” he explains. “They’ve still got the muscle to get all the site clearance and muck away done, but it’s also good for more intricate footings, for instance.” Finishing and grading is also facilitated with a 500mm high heavy duty dozer, and two speed tracking.

The Brooklyn Homes TB290-2 features a 52kW Yanmar DPF turbocharged and Stage V compliant engine, a drivetrain that offers

“The nine tonne is a good multi-purpose machine.

They’ve still got the muscle to get all the site clearance and muck away done, but it’s also good for more intricate footings.” increased power and torque but with the ability to work in low emission zones. Dig depth is 4,580mm, with a ground level reach of 7,290mm, whilst a break out force of 59.1kN compares very favourably with the competition. The machine also benefits from variable flow hydraulics, and servo controls.

There’s an option of either steel or rubber tracks, and the unit is now available with a 2-piece boom.

Indeed, the TB2150 has a track footprint of just 2,690 x 3,580mm but, with a bucket breakout force of 98.7kN, it’s equally adept at large excavations in relatively tight spaces.

Powered by an 85kW engine, Takeuchi’s 15 tonner achieves a dig depth of 5,225mm. It’s cast steel counterweight wrap around protects the unit from the hard knocks of a busy housebuilding site and it is equipped with steel tracks as standard.

“Our developer clients like the fact that we are in command of the whole build, right up to the roof,” concludes Lee, “and the fact that we have our own fleet of plant is what puts us in control. Ultimately, the Takeuchis are powerful, reliable and can get the job done quickly, which is what we need from a digger – they just don’t go wrong.”

i For further information on the range of excavators available from Takeuchi WWW.RDR.LINK/CN035

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 21

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E X C AVAT O R S

Meet t h e

ROBERTSON Robertson fencing expands with new Doosan excavators.

G

o north of the border and one sector that’s growing in every sense is forestry. Add to that the Scottish government’s ambitious woodland creation targets, and you have an industry that is poised for investment, and agricultural and forestry contracting company, Robertson Fencing is well-placed to take advantage. Based in Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, the company works with forestry companies, land managers and highland estates, with woodland creation and establishment works its speciality.

In the last three years, the contractor has taken delivery of eight new Doosan

excavators from Balgownie, the local Authorised Dealer, based at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. The new Doosan excavators include two DX160LC-5 HT 16 tonne high track crawler excavators, five DX140LC-5 14 tonne crawler units and a DX63-3 6 tonne mini-excavator. The arrival of the new Doosans, doubling the fleet of crawler excavators, has helped Robertson Fencing to continue to expand.

Excellence All Round “The first Doosan machine we purchased was a DX140LC-5 recommended by David Moir at Balgownie,” explains Managing

Right to left: Rab Robertson and Grant Brown – one of the company’s six ground preparation operators.

22 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

Director, Rab Robertson, “and its excellent performance convinced us to purchase the rest. In doing so, we have not only switched our favoured brand, we have changed from a dealer that was 25 minutes away to one that is two hours away, but Balgownie more than makes up for it in terms of support for our business – I have never seen quality service and back-up like that offered by them – it is amazing!”

The high performance of the DX140LC5 crawler excavator includes a 5 per cent increase in engine power and 4 per cent greater torque over the previous version of this machine. In addition, traction has been boosted with an increase in drawbar pull of about 18 per cent and front lifting capacity has been increased on average by 10 per cent and side capacities are 12.5 per cent higher. Complementing these figures, the fuel consumption in the DX140LC-5 has been lowered by 3 per cent compared to the previous generation excavator.

The continuing expansion into the forestry ground preparation sector at Robertson Fencing provides a perfect fit to complement the company’s established fencing operations, providing customers with a truly turnkey choice when appointing contractors for forestry establishment projects.

Continues Rab: “Our operators have been impressed by the comfort and reliability of all

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of the excavators. The new Doosan High Track excavators offer a specialised design for the forestry industry with a high ground clearance and a bigger, stronger undercarriage. They have been outstanding in our work in restock mounding for clients like Forestry and Land Scotland, RTS Forestry, Tilhill and Scottish Woodlands.�

The DX160LC-5 HT excavator combines the upper structure from the DX140LC-5 with a heavier-duty 18 tonne class high track undercarriage, increasing the ground clearance from 410mm in the DX140LC-5 to an impressive 615mm. In its standard configuration, the digging depth is 5,355mm, the digging height is 8,940mm and the digging reach is 8,080mm.

Doosan also offers the larger DX180LC-5 HT High Track model, which is an enhanced version of the company’s DX180LC-5 excavator, incorporating a reinforced structure and a carefully re-engineered, high performance braking system, offering the same ground clearance of 615mm as the DX160LC-5 HT, compared to 460mm in the standard DX180LC-5.

move with ease over rough terrain, negotiate obstacles, such as fallen tree trunks, and to pull trailers loaded with wood.

The DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT are powered by the Perkins 1204F engine, which combines reduced fuel consumption with the power and torque of larger engines with a smaller displacement.

The Perkins 1204F engine provides an output of 81.6 kW (109 HP) and 94.9 kW (127 HP) at 2,000 rpm, respectively, in the DX160LC-5 HT and DX180LC-5 HT.

The Doosan High Track models are designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a combination of higher ground clearance, a reinforced track frame and a strong traction system with reinforced upper rollers for work in harsh environments and on projects where larger travelling distances are involved. The High Track models are particularly suited for constructing roadways, mounding, and earthmoving, where the higher ground clearance, durable travelling system and the traction force allow them to

Doosan Dealer for the North of Scotland Balgownie is responsible for sales and servicing of the Doosan crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader and articulated dump truck ranges in Perthshire and Kinross-shire, Aberdeenshire, Morayshire, Angus, Fife, the Highlands and the Scottish islands.

i For more information on Doosan Construction Equipment WWW.RDR.LINK/CN036

CPN ONLINE PAGE_Layout 1 04/07/2017 10:58 Page 1

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Get the latest information on the industryʼs biggest deals, as contractors and plant hirers renew their fleets in our Fleet Additions section, as well as all of the newest products to hit the market.

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Gracelands’ new Volvo EC60E moving pea shingle in a forward facing bucket from a Mecalac site dumper to cover a new drainage pipe.

E X C AVAT O R S

Worthy Update The latest compact excavator from Volvo is the EC60C which replaces the former EC55C. Nick Johnson checks out the newcomer on site in Hampshire.

W

hen replacing its biggest conventional swing mini excavator last year,Volvo Construction Equipment did much more than simply change the engine to gain more power and Stage V emissions compliance. So, compared with the former EC55C, the new EC60E also gains a larger, more comfortable and quieter cab with thinner pillars for better visibility; increased controllability and a longer dozer blade.

Operator Mick Powell particularly likes the more spacious cab on the EC60E.

The new EC60E weighs in at around 5.7 tonnes with rubber tracks and is powered by a 44.3kW (60.2hp) Volvo D2.6H Stage V four-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine.

This provides 18 per cent more power than the 35.1KW (47.1hp) D3.1D engine used in the 5.7 tonne class EC55C. When equipped with the longer 1.9m dipper arm, the EC60E can dig down to a maximum depth of 4.0m and, to aid excavation in confined spaces, it has a boom swing angle of 50° left and 80° right. The 1,920mm wide machine has a tail radius of 1,650mm (so maximum side over hang is 690mm).

Apart from the more powerful, cleaner engine, the big change resulting from the move from EC55C to EC60E is the larger cab than provides 10 per cent more internal space. This feature contributes to a more comfortable and relaxed working environment for the operator that should result in increased production and less fatigue.

To check out the new EC60E I travelled to Havant in Hampshire to see a machine bought as one of a pair by the Eastleighbased groundworks and civil engineering contractor Gracelands towards the end of last year. It was supplied through Volvo compact equipment dealer PES Plant Sales of Exeter.

The new EC60E had plenty of traction to ensure it moved easily through the mud on the Havant site after Storm Dennis.

Extra practical features – Mick Powell has installed a hook for his safety hard hat and a small table for his cup of tea.

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 25

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E X C AVAT O R S Mick Powell likes mirrors and, to maximise rear offside vision, he has added this extra circular mirror.

With 698 fault free hours in the clock, the compact excavator was working on Gracelands’ groundworks contract at the new Brookvale housing development being built by Bellway Homes. At the controls of this EC60E was well-experienced operator Mick Powell and he was very complimentary about the new machine.

Having driven many different makes and types of earthmovers over the years, Mick Powell says: “I do like a Volvo.” And the new EC60E, which he describes as “A cracking machine”, has not dented his obvious enthusiasm for the brand.

He is especially enthusiastic about the roomy cab that provides more space than the cabs of similar weight class excavators from other makers that he has driven in the past. The EC60E comes complete with a radio, a phone tray, two power sockets, a cup holder and three other large storage areas. But Mick Powell has added a couple of small items to make his ‘daily office’ more practical.

To safety secure his safety hard hat close at hand when he is seated in the cab he has attached a small hook onto the top edge of the lower portion of the machine’s front screen. This makes it easy to reach down and pick up the safety hard hat before leaving the cab.

permit, he has the option of using the cab’s air conditioning that is now 10 per cent more efficient. In automatic mode, the temperature remains at a set level. Six adjustable vents allow for optimal airflow in the cab.

Mick Powell praises the speed of the EC60E and says he is very happy with its performance. The use of the more powerful engine and improved hydraulics has usefully helped to achieve a 10 per cent improvement in traction, swing force and lifting capacity.

Volvo claims superior fuel efficiency for the EC60E that comes with auto idle fitted as standard to reduce fuel consumption. As an option the machine can be fitted with engine auto shut down, which stops the engine automatically after a preselected time, thereby further lowering fuel costs and noise.

The EC60E features ground level service access, including new main control valve location, convenient greasing points and an easy to clean cooling unit. The operator can check service intervals easily through the 7in. in-cab colour LCD screen, which shows reminders when maintenance is needed.

Style Settings

‘Tea Table’ Another practical addition is the installation of a small flat surface in front of the right hand control console. This provides a convenient place to rest a cup of drink on when he remains in the cab during a rest break.

All-round visibility has definitely been improved by thr thinner cab pillars, a larger glazed area and an enlarged wiper blade found on the EC60E. Graceland’s machine did not have the optional rear view camera, but this does not concern Mick Powell, who says he prefers to use mirrors.

The EC60E is well equipped with large side mounted rear view mirrors attached to the near side of the cab roof and onto the right hand side of the machine superstructure. However, to get even better vision back along the offside of the machine Mick Powell has installed an extra small circular rear view mirror mounted on to right side of the cab roof.

Whilst Mick clearly likes to operate with the door open when weather conditions

26 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

There is good ground level service access to the more powerful Stage V emissions compliant Volvo engine.

The in-cab screen allows operators set up the EC60E to suit their own style of driving.

So the auxiliary hydraulic flows, electric dozer blade and boom offset speed can all be adjusted by the operator and tailored to three different work response modes – ‘Active’, ‘Normal’ or ‘Soft’.

Gracelands’ EC60E on the Havant housing site was fitted a number of useful extras. These included a Volvo automatic quick hitch, LED work lights and a green flashing beacon to indicate seat belt secured during machine operation.

This is one of two EC60Es bought last year and Plant Manager, Dave Lopez reports that their good performance has been instrumental in a new order for two more.

Gracelands runs some 60 excavators with around 70 per cent of the fleet being Volvo.

It has had a long association with the brand stretching back to running Samsung excavators before Volvo acquired that line back in 1998.

i For more information about the The optional LED work lights ably illuminate the working area when required.

Volvo EC60E WWW.RDR.LINK/CN037

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E X C AVAT O R S

TAKE CONTROL W

ith any new attachment or application an operator will often need time to get used to new working modes and machine customisation. With the introduction of Bobcat’s Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control (A-SAC) System, however, when using hydraulic attachments drivers can now customise control patterns of auxiliary hydraulic circuits on its excavators, depending on their set-up preferences.

The manufacturer introduced its original Selectable Auxiliary Control (SAC) system with the launch of the R-Series miniexcavators in 2018. The unique solution is operated by using the push buttons conveniently located on top of each of the joysticks. Used in combination with the SAC switch on the control panel, the operator can select one of seven pre-set control pattern combinations that allow them to keep their hands on the joysticks when carrying out their work.

Thanks to new technology from Bobcat, mini excavator operators can now customise auxiliary control patterns.

A-SAC – Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control “We developed the A-SAC system to further enhance the original SAC functionality by allowing the operator to adjust the speed of each function,” explains Robert Husar, the product line manager for mini-excavators at Bobcat. “Using the A-SAC system, the operator can easily customise the settings for up to seven different attachments or applications. This improves performance and precision when using specific attachments.”

28 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

The A-SAC system will be available as an optional feature for current and future Bobcat R-series excavators, and is also retrofittable on all R-Series excavators from 2 – 4 tonne.

So just how would the A-SAC system work in practice? For sorting grapple operations, for example, the operator can choose to have tilt (AUX4) and rotate (AUX2) functions combined on the left hand joystick, with the opening/closing function (AUX1) remaining independent on the right hand joystick. With the A-SAC system, the operator can adjust the speed of each of these functions individually to suit particular jobs, or their skill levels. When moving on to a different job with the same attachment, the operator can easily switch to a different setting that they will have predefined.

The R-Series mini-excavators tonne comprise five compact excavator models – the E26, E27z, E27, E34 and E35z. Across the

range the manufacturer is promising enhanced visibility, high digging forces, stability and smooth controllability of working functions, complemented by low weights for easy transportation.

The new excavators utilise newly developed flexible machine platforms that allow different configurations of models and specifications to suit a wide range of applications and customer needs. In addition, the development team has equally focused on operator comfort and additional functionality.

i For more information on Bobcat’s R-Series mini-excavators WWW.RDR.LINK/CN038

i For more information on Bobcat’s Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control (A-SAC) System WWW.RDR.LINK/CN039

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E X C AVAT O R S

BATTERY POWERED

MINI EXCAVATOR “The new Hitachi Zaxis-6 mini excavator has excellent all-round visibility, and is noticeably more economical,” declares Russell Buckley of Midlands-based, Jim Dorricott. The ZX26U-6 was purchased thanks to positive experiences with four Zaxis medium excavators. One of these, a ZX225USLC-5, is working alongside the mini to lay sewage pipes connecting to a main sewer. Adds Russell: “Hitachi machines are reliable, and we’ve never had a problem with them.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN040

90-TONNE MACHINE Having run Hyundai excavators since 2005, Irish plant and dredging contractors, Mill Road Plant have taken delivery of the first Hyundai HX900L excavator to enter service in Ireland. The company’s Donal Walsh is enthusiastic about the 90-tonne machine: “The digging power with the HX900L is excellent and it’s a really smooth machine to operate.

To get the most out of a machine like this with the kind of reach it offers, stability is very important, and I see it as being first class since it’s so well balanced over the whole working range.

The first fully electric, battery-powered mini-excavator from Wacker Neuson – the EZ17e – performs and handles just like a diesel-powered model, according to its makers. It can be operated entirely on its battery or while connected to the mains – and even charged while in operation. The ideal solution for environments where emissions and noise have to be kept to a minimum – in urban areas, indoor work or on sites close to schools and hospitals, for example – the unit also benefits from zero tail swing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN044

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN042

8-TONNE MIDI One of the first of JCB’s new 86C-2 midi excavators is proving a hit in the housebuilding sector for a specialist groundworks contractor. Norfolk-based King’s Lynn Construction has purchased the new 8-tonne, Stage V emissions compliant unit, which features improved forward visibility from the cab. Not only that but the routeing of hoses and harnesses has been updated, with improved retaining clips, while push-toconnect hoses can now be found on the auxiliary lines.

MIDI EXCAVATOR Powerful, compact, durable and dependable, is how Yanmar describes its SV60 midi excavator. Alutrade, one of the UK’s leading scrap aluminium recycling specialists, has invested in the machine to further improve the efficiencies of its baling press. Fitted with an extended dozer blade and an aftermarket grab attachment, loose cans are quickly and effectively moved into the infeed hopper.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN041

2-4 TONNE RANGE A best-in-class mix of stability, smooth controllability and high digging forces, complemented by low weights for easy transportation – that’s what Doosan is promising for its new 2 – 4 tonne models. The 6 tonne DX63-3 meets Stage V engine emission regulations, and has a maximum hydraulic flow rate of 132 l/min. The bucket digging force is 4.4 tonne and the arm digging force is 2.9 tonne. This is combined with a longer arm for a better overall working range.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN045

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN043

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A T TA C H M E N T S

T H G E N I TT

SE

L E E H W N

IN M O T IO

I

f you ever wanted proof that the building industry is a problem solving business then you need look no further than a housebuilding site in the elegant Norfolk resort of Hunstanton. Tasked with a full groundworks package for a site of over one hundred properties from Bennett Homes, the DAB Group team were installing deep foul drainage channels some 6metres deep.

Through the first 2metres of excavation they encountered the kind of silt and clay that is typical of much of the east and south of England. Delve deeper, however, and the bucket’s progress was blocked by some of the hardest ground conditions the experienced site personnel had ever encountered.

The challenging ground conditions on a DAB Group groundworks project prove no match for the Prodem PRW Rock Wheel. Construction Plant News Editor, Lee Jones visits the site to find out more.

Faced with a layer of flint-infested chalk as hard as granite, the power of a 30 tonne Volvo EC380EL was brought to bear – brandishing a reinforced, quarry spec digging bucket into the bargain – but still to no avail.

It is here that the contractor turned to BPH Attachments, a company that has the kind of extensive range that makes a solution inevitable. A breaker was first tried but, rather than splitting up the material so it could be removed, it only succeeded in punching holes in the ground, whilst an auger was rejected as a potential answer for much the same reason.

When you’re in a hard place it’s time to call in the rock – or the Prodem PRW Rock Wheel

30 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

to be precise. Launched late last year, this multipurpose excavator tool is a relatively new addition to the BPH Attachments portfolio, and is part of a Prodem range that has quickly established a reputation in the industry for performance and durability. When a 22 tonne Volvo EC220EL is armed with this distinctively purple attachment, the Rock Wheel’s patented High Displacement Hydraulic Piston Motor is able to power the unit through 150mm deep sections of that hardened chalk, allowing its bigger 30 tonne sibling to then move in and scoop up the material.

“We’ve been using Rock Wheel on this job for three months now and we haven’t had

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to change any teeth yet,” enthuses operator Nobby Alton. “Given that this is just about the hardest material we’ve ever needed to excavate on a job that’s a testament to it toughness.” As the groundworkers have discovered, thanks to the feed line filters and dust-proof mechanical seals protecting the motor, the unit is virtually maintenance-free, and all wear parts are easily replaceable.

Not only that, but the Rock Wheel actually has a multitude of uses, from trenching to profiling rock and concrete walls. It will chew through medium to hard rock in tunnelling, quarrying and demolition applications, whilst it can equally be utilised in dredging and underwater jobs.

Rock Solid It might be a device reminiscent of medieval torture, but it can also be wielded with a lighter touch. Indeed, its makers would recommend the Rock Wheel for finishing operations that require high precision and minimum disturbance, or on sites where noise and vibration are a consideration. Another attribute being ably demonstrated on the Hunstanton project is its manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

Deep or narrow trenches are equally accessible, whilst the demands of the circular economy are answered in that milled material can be easily reused on site.

The site were making use of the Rock Wheel on a 22 tonne Volvo but the range of suitable excavators ranges from 3 – 70 tonnes. The duel hose positioning allows for 90° manual rotation as standard, whilst hydraulic rotation is an option. There are various drum and teeth options to suit your application, and the design allows for the quick and efficient discharge of material.

“Because the foul drainage here is 6metres down in a relatively confined space, the Prodem Rock Wheel was really the only solution,” concludes site engineer, Malcolm Hine. Indeed, this is one piece of equipment that has quite literally got this contractor out of a hole.

i For further information on the PRODEM PRW Rock Wheel supplied by BPH Attachments WWW.RDR.LINK/CN049

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A T TA C H M E N T S

SMASH AND GRAB

E

nvironmental concerns, legislation and advanced waste collection solutions are all driving continued growth in the recycling sector. Given the intense use that machinery and equipment can be subjected to in this sector, however, operators demand the most reliable, service friendly and robust tools available. The same applies in demolition, of course, and Worsley Plant offers a range of Rotar Grabs to hire or buy that provide just that, with a complementary selection of used stock. Not only that, but the product portfolio has also seen significant recent enhancements, focusing on a more compact, ergonomic design, longer product life, and less replacement parts.

Available for machines from 2 – 60 tonnes, the RG series has a number of unique features. There’s a strong rotating upper head, for example, and a heavy-duty double rowed slewing ring. The hydraulic motors in the upper head generate a high torque, suited for heavy loading in any position, and the hydraulic cylinders of every Rotar Grab are fitted with a load control valve, which protects against unexpected opening of the shells. Additionally, the cylinder has an extra-long stroke, to close the shells even when the edges are worn out.

The RG Series wear-resistant shells are made of HARDOX steel and equipped with easily replaceable and rotatable cutting edges.

The shells are mounted within the long bearing pivot points of the double-walled construction body with hardened, oversized pins. This design lowers the overall tension in the construction, thereby extending durability.

Recent Updates Following extensive customer feedback on the existing grabs, the range has seen new additions, with the RG 30, 40 and 50 – replacing the RG 28, 37 and 48. These are for 20 to 50 tonne machines – the most popular segment of the market.

Grab the latest solutions for demolition and recycling applications from Worsley Plant.

The latest introductions benefit from a brand new linkage design, and the addition of twin motors. When you’re removing roofs from houses, or in any other application that requires additional force, those twin motors will be particularly welcome.

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE n Reduced components – less spares and wear parts n Less risk of damage n More compact design n Harder working tool n Streamlined to make it ideal for demolition and construction jobs n Easier pick up of demolition materials n Time and money savings on the job site through quicker recycling times

In addition, by removing the box design in the shells, there is improved loading, increased handling volume, less resistance and a smooth loading approach when grabbing materials.

In addition, Rotar has designed a new method of installing the cutting edges, giving less resistance handling when grabbing materials. Taken from the idea of a tuning fork the new linkage is equally described by the manfuactuerer as unique to the market. It is manufactured as a casting, producing an inherently sturdier shape, less spare parts, and centralising all the forces and strength.

The new range of Grabs has been developed in collaboration with existing customers, ranging from operators to site managers. As a result, the Rotar design team has fine-tuned the Grabs to make them more efficient and safer to use.

i To view a video of Worsley Plant Rotar Grabs in action WWW.RDR.LINK/CN050

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A T TA C H M E N T S

QUICK SMART! Q

What are the benefits of investing in the Rototilt QuickChange system for end users?

The tiltrotators, accessories and systems that Rototilt already supplies can convert excavators to fully-fledged tool platforms. Thanks to a huge increase in efficiency, a fully automatic quick coupler extends that range of benefits still further. With QuickChange, excavator operators never have to leave the cab to switch between different hydraulic tools. That makes for a much improved working environment for the driver and significant savings in time.

As well as that, since no one needs to enter the risk zone around the machine during tool changes, safety is significantly increased, and there are no concerns relating to dropped or uncontrolled movement of tools. Indeed, QuickChange is supplied with Rototilt’s SecureLock as standard, ensuring that tools are always properly secured.

Construction Plant News puts the questions to Rototilt on its new QuickChange concept.

Q

So where does this new solution diverge from what’s currently available in the market?

By taking over product development for the entire system, we have pushed the technology forward in a completely in new ways, which has led to several patent applications. The entirely new design allows for impressive hydraulic flows, for example – up to 50 per cent higher than competing solutions, in fact.

Q

What about jobs where I don’t need a tiltrotator? When I’m using a hammer for instance?

If you don’t require the fully-fledged tool carrier functionality that a tiltrotator concept like QuickChange affords, you can quickly

34 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

disconnect the system from the safety of the cab, prolonging the life of the unit in the process. Indeed, the longevity of the product is another advantage. Thanks to the attention to detail in the design, our extensive testing has shown that the hydraulics on QuickChange offer significantly increased service life than other solutions.

A specially developed, more durable nose seal in the hydraulic coupling has, for example, minimised the risk of leakage and increased service life. The nose seals are also easily replaced without special tools. Not only that but encapsulated springs in the hydraulic coupling minimise the risk of contamination of the hydraulics in the event of spring fractures, whilst an improved design of the covers and seals protects the couplings against dirt and contaminants.

Q

When will the new equipment be available from?

Rototilt QuickChange will begin shipping in April 2020.

i To download the Rototilt QuickChange technical data WWW.RDR.LINK/CN051

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A T TA C H M E N T S

ACCESS all AREAS Whether it’s demolition or recycling, heavy construction or lifting applications, the Kinshofer Group has an answer.

Construction Plant News finds out more.

T

echnological innovation has always been at the forefront of Kinshofer’s engineering and manufacturing approach – typified by the cylinderless NOX Tiltrotator range, one of the most advanced tools available for excavators – and SmartFlow, the fully automatic hydraulic quick coupler system. Across the diverse range of attachments, and multiple mounting options available, there is an equally varied collection of brands. These include not just Kinshofer but Demarec, RF System, Auger Torque, Solesbee's, Doherty and Hammer.Visitors to Conexpo will be able to experience that tradition first hand because, at F2732, Festival Grounds, the manufacturer will be showcasing a selection of attachments from all four North American re-aligned product areas through a combination of static displays and live demonstrations.

DEMOLITION & RECYCLING

쑿KFX Hydraulic Breakers (KFX120)

씱쑿 SmartFlow Quick Coupler System (D-Lock Quick Coupler with SmartFlow adapter) This new proprietary, fully automatic, retrofittable, hydraulic quick coupler system, allows for five hydraulic circuits to be coupled comfortably, allowing you to change quickly, safely and efficiently between various mechanical and hydraulic attachments from

“Technological innovation has always been at the forefront of Kinshofer’s engineering and manufacturing approach.”

36 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

inside the cab. The advantages include a lowmaintenance operation and a maximum high oil-flow, which in-turn brings improved carrier machine fuel consumption and associated environmental benefits.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN052

The KFX breaker-series, for excavators from 8 – 200t, provides a powerful, highperformance, robust and reliable breaker, suitable for any type of excavator and on any single-acting hydraulic system, whilst they are also suitable for hydraulic systems with high back pressure. Two adjustable valves come as standard: a control valve on the breaker cylinder allows the operator to adjust the number of blows generated – while a second valve allows the adjustment of the working pressure from 160 to 200 bar. An anti-blank firing system avoids blank firing when the breaker is not in contact with surface rock.

Working in tunnels, or even underwater, is also made possible through the addition of optional air tubes. The KFX breaker-series is available with a range of five different breaker chisel types, suitable for penetrating a variety of surface structures.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN053

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LIGHT CONSTRUCTION

쑿씰 DXS Mobile Shears (DXS50) The DXS Mobile Shear has been engineered to deliver a scrap shear with maximum force, speed and the lowest weight ratio. This robust tool can be used for a wide variety of tasks including demolition, waste processing and recycling. The DXS Shear is equipped with DemaPower 2.0 hydraulic cylinder technology, which the manufacturer claims delivers 25 per cent more power than conventional cylinders of the same size, with faster cycle times.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN054

쑿 KSB Hydraulic Breakers (KSB10)

HEAVY CONSTRUCTION CRANE TOOLS Heavy Duty Clamshell Bucket with open shells and HPXdrive (KM605U HPX)

쑿 Tiltrotators (TR14NOX) With no cylinders to get caught, or damaged working in confined spaces, the TR14NOX Tiltrotator is one of the most advanced excavator tools. Moreover, thanks to smooth and constant torque delivery there’s no dropoff in power, whilst a 50° tilt angle on both sides, and the largest range of specialist tiltrotator attachments available from a single manufacturer, makes this a highly versatile addition to any job site. Displayed alongside the TR14NOX (for machines with an operating weight of 10 – 14 tonnes) there will also be two smaller model sizes, new to the range – the TR07NOX and TR11NOX, sharing the same compact design. Plus, a new NOXPROP CSP control system will be on show at Conexpo, featuring self-calibration, a single touch screen and multiple connection options, as well as a memory function for several operator profiles.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN055

The KM605U HPX is a powerful clamshell bucket, using cylinderless HPXdrive technology – the Heavy Duty version is ideal for tough environments and diverse tasks.

The open shells enable the handling of bulky materials – delivered with non-return valve, welded hooks and reversible wear plates. The HPXdrive technology creates a constant closing force and guarantees a reliable and virtually maintenance free attachment.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN056

The KSB breaker-series, for excavators from 0.5 – 12t, benefits from a distinctive ‘monobloc’ design, manufactured in a single piece and without any tie rods – a feature that makes the structure more durable and resistant to leverage during operation. The breakers all work with nitrogen inertial energy recovery – a gas that provides greater machine power and less stress on the excavator arm. Traditionally, breakers with nitrogen energy recovery require frequent recharges – but with the new range’s special sealing system, the charge-life can be increased by up to 300 per cent. The distinctive sealed casing design is also sound-proofed, emitting low noise levels during operation. A tapered shape also ensures visibility during operation, allowing the operator to work close to walls and other structures.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN058

Universal Forks (KM461) This wallboard fork is for loader cranes with a load capacity up to 2,722kgs, and is a universal fork that provides a safe and efficient method for delivering sheets of building materials. The tilt cylinder and Kinshofer rotator ensure accurate positioning, while a hinged lower section allows sheets of wallboard to be safely lifted, folded into a vertical position and clamped between the tines and frame, preventing any sliding during handling. Security is assured even in the event of dropping pressure due to the SUN counterbalance valve that prevents the fork from opening unintentionally.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN057

쑿 Tilt Couplers (TC14) The cylinderless rotary actuators range covers excavators with an operating weight 1.5 – 23 tonnes and allows for a tilting angle of 2 x 90°. In combination with the manufacturer’s tilt buckets, or quick coupling systems, the application options for your carrier machine are greatly increased. The compact, elliptic tilting drive results in a low overall height and width – it also runs in a permanent oil bath, meaning less maintenance and the closed system also makes working underwater possible.

WWW.RDR.LINK/CN059

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A T TA C H M E N T S

BREAKERS AND GRABS Armoy based drainage and earthworks contractor, IJ Lynn & Sons have further invested in Epiroc breakers and grabs.

As a result, local dealer WAC McCandless (Engineers) have supplied an MG 1500 multi grapple and MB 1650 breaker. The company’s range of silent demolition tools includes cutters, steel shears, pulverisers, grapples, bucket crushers, screening buckets, drum cutters, compactors and magnets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN060

MILLER AND VOLVO As part of a £5 million investment programme, Gordon Bow Plant Hire, has seen delivery of ten new fourteen tonne Volvo EC140E excavators. Each are kitted with Miller attachments, and join a fleet of excavators ranging from 1.5 up to 30 tonnes in operating weight.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN063

SIDE GRIPPER There are a number of innovations on the new Dieseko Side Gripper design. A linear side-clamping system results in a more efficient clamping load transfer. A modular Side-Grip clamping system reduces downtime during exchange of the side-grip inserts. There’s clamp opening up to 330mm for sheet piles & H-beams, and 550mm for casings, and the multi directional elastomers create a more stable and predictable movement of the dynamic part of the tool.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN062

HAMMERS Auger Torque has announced the addition of the Kinshofer range of KSB Hammers to its product range. The eight models already cater for machines from 500kg up to 12 tonne in operating weight – and there’s more on the horizon. Being a gas-type-breaker, these units are able to tolerate high back pressure and are independent of oil temperatures. That means the KSB series has a wide range of calibration when it comes to oil flow, and will allow operators to use the hammer on a multitude of host-machines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN061

DEMOLITION A new crusher bucket is the latest addition to BPH Attachments PRODEM hydraulic attachments portfolio. Designed to efficiently crush and convert waste material, including brick, concrete, rock and even wood, into reusable hardcore or infill, directly on site, the PCB Crusher Bucket, will be available to hire or purchase. Industry users have estimated the attachment, which features a patented auto-reverse crushing drum, can increase productivity to anything between 34 – 45 ton per hour on-site by reducing operator input and increasing utilisation of site machinery. It also has intuitive jaw adjustment, high displacement radial piston hydraulic motors, wear resistant teeth, and easy forwardfacing or reverse-facing loading.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN064

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To advertise call Jake Tatum on 01923 237799

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EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW

a Safe journey Nick Johnson reports from the recent Executive Hire Show on the latest initiatives to make the operation of site dumpers – both large and small – less risky.

I

n moves to counter a significant number of deaths and serious injuries involving wheeled dumpers in recent years, good work is being done to improve machine safety and provide better guidance to users.

The Strategic Plant Forum / CPA published a comprehensive Guide to the Safe Use of Dumpers last May and the results of a new initiative by the Hire Association Europe (HAE) were apparent at the 2020 Executive Hire Show in February.

The HAE was inspired to get involved after a young mother of four was killed in May 2018. Her family had hired in a compact hi-tip dumper to help landscape their garden.

Whilst she was operating the machine on a slope in her garden the machine overturned, trapping her underneath.

Particularly concerned about the safety implications of the public hiring in such machines for self-drive, the HAE established a dumper safety committee. It has held talks with machine makers and hire companies to devise measures to help prevent further tragedies. As a result three makers have already responded to make their smallest dumpers safer by offering a wider track option for use when really narrow access is not a vital requirement.

The new ‘wide track’ variation of the Thwaites 1.0 tonne Hi-Tip dumper increases width to 1,300mm and provides extra ground clearance.

A new safety option for JCB’s 1T-2 dumper includes a wider track and (insert) a visual gauge with a series of LED lights.

Smart Option At the Show, JCB revealed a new Smart Safety Package for its 1.0 tonne capacity 1T-2 High Tip compact site dumper. This new option provides a tip-alert alarm, the ability to reduce maximum travel speed and a wider track (up from 850mm to 988mm) to increase stability by 16 per cent – thereby further improving safety on rougher site conditions.

The tip-alert alarm utilises a visual gauge situated above the main console, with a series of LED lights running from green, through amber to red. As the skip is raised or tipped, the system senses if the machine is leaning to the side or forwards or backwards, causing a potentially unstable situation. If the lights reach the amber stage, an audible warning is given to notify the operator, to either lower the skip, or move the machine to more stable ground conditions.

Altrad Belle exhibited a wider track option on its recently introduced DX1000 1.0 tonne capacity high tip dumper. UK Managing Director Ray Neilson sat on the HAE dumper safety committee and he has instigated the introduction of optional wheel spacers that increase machine width from 1,100mm to 1,2000mm.

Thwaites was the third company showing a wider track small site dumper at the Show.

A new ‘wide track’ variation now available on its 1.0 tonne Hi-Tip dumper increases overall machine width from 1,100mm to 1,300mm.

The new ‘wide track’ machine also has a superior ground clearance of 274mm.

Moving up in size at the Show, JCB unveiled the prototype of an improved 9.0 tonne capacity 9T-2 site dumper with a Stage V emissions compliant 55.0kW (74hp) JCB Dieselmax 430 engine. Interestingly, this machine had the forthcoming option of new forward tipping skip design able to provide better forward visibility. A similar skip option will be available on the latest 6.0 tonne 6T-2.

JCB’s new ‘improved visibility’ skip option on its 9.0 tonner provides 30% better front visibility than the standard skip.

i For more information on: ALTRAD BELLE WWW.RDR.LINK/CN065 JCB WWW.RDR.LINK/CN066 THWAITES WWW.RDR.LINK/CN067

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EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW

HIRE ACHIEVERS Nick Johnson reports on a variety of new products launched at the recent Executive Hire Show.

T

his year’s Executive Hire Show benefited from the greater economic certainty resulting from the creation of a workable Government able to progress Brexit and determined to fund more UK infrastructure. Certainly there was a clear sense of more optimism from many of the 160 exhibitors and the 2,974 unique visitors who travelled to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry for this well-liked annual hire industry event – now in its 14th year.

Many exhibitors reported achieving bestever show sales performances and visitors were able to benefit from the traditional availability of Show Only Deals and the display of many new products. Noticeable this year was the trend towards safer and more environmentally friendly equipment including a significant increase in the number of battery-operated and solar-powered machines on display.

A focal point on the Molson Compact Equipment stand at the Executive Hire Show was the brand new electric version of the Cormidi C85 tracked dumper from Italy.

Complete with a 6.5kW electric motor powered by LiFeP04 lithium-ion batteries, this 810mm wide rubber tracked dumper was shown with an 800kg capacity high tip skip that provides a maximum discharge height of 1,500mm.

Molson Compact Plant showed the new Cormidi electric tracked dumper.

The electric Cormidi C85 can also be supplied with a flat bed tipping body, a swivel skip, and a standard discharge front tipping dumper skip – with or without a self-loading front scoop. The machine features a touch screen that clearly displays a variety of information including the percentage of power remaining from the on-board battery pack. Usefully the battery pack is easily removable – using a purpose-built wheeled trolley – so that another fully charged pack can be quickly inserted in order to maintain continuous operation.

Last year Compact Loaders UK from Chesterfield increased its product portfolio by becoming the UK dealer for both the Sherpa micro loaders from Holland and the Ecovolve compact dumpers from Ireland. It showed two new small electric machines – a Sherpa 100 Eco micro loader and an Ecovolve micro dumper. These brands complement the company’s established line of multipurpose compact loaders from MultiOne in Italy and provide more choice of new generation electric machines.

The trio of machines on show in the Ricoh Arena were two Sherpas and one 1,000kg capacity Ecovolve ED1000 electric dumper. The Sherpas were a diesel-engined model 100 with grapple bucket (posed loading the skip of a Ecovolve ED1000 electric dumper) and the new electric model 100 ECO (shown with a 314kg capacity Vacuworx suction pad).

There was particular interest in the twospeed electric Sherpa at the Show. This 750mm wide hydrostatic machine features a 1.5kW electric motor and a 24V 360Ah battery pack said to offer a full day’s working capability on a single overnight battery charge. Usefully, the machine’s battery pack can be replaced in minutes to maximise working time.

This Sherpa compact loader was one of two electric machines exhibited by Compact Loaders UK.

Tufftruk highlighted its small electric Truxta fitted with a new Poly-Skip made from polyethylene.

42 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

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The Leek-based micro dumper maker Tufftruk highlighted its small electric Truxta fitted with a new Poly-Skip made from polyethylene. Particularly suited to carrying wet concrete, it will not rust or scratch. This UK sourced skip is available in a number of colours, including yellow, lime green and orange.

The 450kg capacity electric Truxta micro dumper displayed at the Executive Hire Show was also equipped with the new PowerTip option. Utilising an electrically powered tipping cylinder for a more controlled load discharge, Power Tip provides a maximum discharge height of 252mm (from under the lip of a fully tipped skip to the ground). This height is increased to 589mm if the Power-Tip-Plus option is selected. Both options GGR used the show to are available now on announce becoming new electric Truxta 450s the UK distributor for and they can be the Faresin 6.26 Full Electric Telehandler. retrofitted onto existing machines of this type.

Tufftruk Managing Director Ron Blackhurst reports rapidly increasing demand for the electric Truxtas, including a big multiple order from Boels Rental.

Tri-fold Ramps A Boels machine was prominent on Tufftruk’s Executive Hire Show stand where the British The Trime stand was lit up by the manufacturer was also company’s new highlighting its new triX-Hybrid mobile fold ramp system that lighting tower. enables a operator to discharge a Truxta into a builder’s skip whilst remaining standing safely on the ground.

A surprise exhibit by the GGR Group – which arrived outside the front entrance to the Ricoh Arena on the second day of the Show – was a new battery powered compact telehandler. GGR has become the UK distributor for the Faresin 6.26 Full Electric Telehandler, which is designed and manufactured by Italian company Faresin Industries.

The GGR Group recently took delivery of the first three models of the Faresin 6.26Eco telehandler in the UK. This 1.890mm wide machine has a maximum capacity of 2,600kg and a maximum lift height of 5.9m. Maximum outreach is 3.1m.

This eco-friendly telehandler is powered by an 80V 300Ah lithium battery which has a battery life of up to 6 hours (depending on use) and a recharge time of 3 hours 45 minutes using the standard external three-phase charger. This recharge time can be reduced to 1.5h by using the optional external fast charger.

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EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW Genquip Groundhog was proudly displaying its ecofriendly Solar Hybrid Toilet unit.

JCB introduced a new E-Tech fast charge unit for its 1.9 tonne 19C-1E electric mini excavator.

Lighting tower maker Trime made good use of this year’s Executive Hire Show to promote its new X-Hybrid mobile model.

Fitted with four 150W LED lights atop a mast that extends to 9.0m, this machine is powered by a series of AG lithium batteries and a Kubota Z482 diesel engine.

The new X-Hybrid is designed to illuminate a site, emission-free and totally silently for up to eight hours on a single charge. In a ten hour lighting cycle, the engine will run for two hours.

A different type of hybrid product was shown by Genquip Groundhog. This was a new Solar Hybrid Toilet available as a demountable or trailer mounted unit. It utilises a 12V electrical supply and roof mounted solar panels.

Flush with Success This unisex mobile toilet unit Mobile Solar Hybrid Toilet from Genquip Groundhog provides one male and one female toilet together with waterless urinals. The lowflush toilets are serviced by an environmentally friendly 61 litre capacity rainwater-harvesting tank.

Having shown its 1.9 tonne 19C-1E electric mini excavator at the 2019 Executive Hire Show, JCB used this year’s exhibition to promote a new E-Tech fast charge unit for it.

Weighting 57kg, this self-contained fast charge unit utilises a 415V 3-phase power supply to charge a four battery pack equipped 19C-1E in 2.5 hours.

JCB also exhibited its new 1.25Qe singlephase power pack weighing 380kg at the Show. This is the smallest of four new JCB Power Packs and it has four lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 23 kWH to

44 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

There was a lot of interest in MHM’s Fuel Buddy 950 fuel tank with a new solar charged pump unit.

provide an output of 5.0kVA. The largest model is the three phase 3.50Qe with eight lithium-ion batteries, a capacity of 46 kWH and an output of 15.0kVA. These silent, zero-emission power packs can be recharged from a mains electricity supply or an on-site generator.

The Milwaukee Tool stand highlighted the company’s new battery power system called MX Fuel. There are 6.0 AH and 3.0 AH lithium-ion battery packs which have been developed to power a variety of MX Fuel System Milwaukee tools and equipment including a 350mm cut-off saw.

Claimed to be a world first, the battery powered MX Fuel 350mm cut-off saw is said to deliver the power to quickly cut reinforced concrete. It is ideal for indoor use as there are zero fume emissions. The saw can be hand-held or used on a new cut-off-saw cart with a height adjustable handle.

High Light

This prototype SMC TL55 Solar H2, tower light has a hydrogen fuel cell, solar panels and a wind turbine.

Milwaukee also exhibited its new MX Fuel tower light at the Executive Hire Show. The mast of this trolley mounted light tower extends up to 3.1m and carries four adjustable light heads to provide up to 27,000 lumens of light. The unit can be powered by either an MX Fuel battery pack or a 100V / 240V power supply.

Port Talbot based MHM used the 2020 Executive Hire Show to celebrate its 10th company anniversary and to introduce more environmentally friends products. It showed its 950 litre capacity Fuel Buddy 950 transportable fuel storage tank along with a new solar charging kit for its 12V battery pump.

MHM also previewed its first solar only mobile lighting tower. Designated the Solar

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The all electric Klubb K20 vehicle mounted access platform exhibited outside the Ricoh Arena by CPL.

ST-9 LED, this solar panel unit features a 9.0m mast and four LED lights and will be ready at the end of this year.

Centre stage on the Executive Hire Show stand of Morris Site Machinery was a thought-provoking prototype of its new hybrid lighting tower with four LED lights.

Designated the SMC TL55 Solar H2, it is

being developed to build on the success of the company’s TL55 Solar with the addition of a 1kW, 24V DC hydrogen fuel cell, and two additional solar panels, to ensure a constant power supply to the LED floodlights. To really standout, the show exhibit also featured a five-arm wind turbine at its pinnacle.

Usefully, the eco-friendly SMC TL55 Solar H2 lighting tower’s fuel cell emits no pollutants, as its only emission is water vapour. This additional energy source intuitively kicks in to charge the batteries as required, during long winter nights and adverse weather. The unit operates from two, easily accessed 300 bar Genie hydrogen cylinders mounted within the wheeled chassis.

Electric Platform CPL of Kettering exhibited a 100 per cent electric Klubb K20 vehicle mounted access platform outside the rear entrance to the Show. It utilises a Goupil-G4 electric utility vehicle powered by lithium batteries with a claimed driving range of 70km.

The K20 platform provides a maximum working height of 10.1m, a basket capacity of 120kg and a maximum outreach of 4.1m.

GVW is less than 3.5 tonnes and features include proportional controls, an independent emergency manual pump and an aluminium boom with internal hoses and cables. Options include a 220V power supply in the basket.

i For more information on: CPL / KLUBB WWW.RDR.LINK/CN068 GENQUIP GROUNDHOG WWW.RDR.LINK/CN069 GGR GROUP WWW.RDR.LINK/CN070 JCB WWW.RDR.LINK/CN071 MHM WWW.RDR.LINK/CN072 MOLSON / CORMIDI WWW.RDR.LINK/CN073 MORRIS / SMC WWW.RDR.LINK/CN074 TRIME WWW.RDR.LINK/CN075 MILWAUKEE TOOL WWW.RDR.LINK/CN076

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LIFTING & ACCESS Snorkel’s new narrow rough terrain scissor lifts are proving to be a good fit for the UK & Irish construction sector.

D

esigned to handle the toughest jobsite conditions, rough terrain scissor lifts are a common sight on most construction projects. Equipped with powerful four-wheel drive, they are available in full-size and compact versions, depending on the application.

At Snorkel, compact just got slimmer. The company, which produces a line-up of three ‘standard’ compact rough terrain scissor lifts, recently expanded its global offering with two new slimmer models. The S2255RT and S2755RT are just 1.45m wide, a significant reduction from the ‘standard’ versions produced by most manufacturers’, including Snorkel, that measure in at around 1.8m.

Not only are the lifts slimmer, but they are also carrying less weight. The smallest model, the S2255RT weighs just 2,410kg, and the larger S2755RT weighs in at just 2,750kg. This means that the lifts can be

fittingin transported on a conventional plant trailer, enabling tool and plant hire companies to provide low cost, rapid response transport solutions for their customers.

Despite the reduction in width and weight, Snorkel has managed to maintain the same performance as the ‘standard’ rough terrain scissors, as well as comparable lifting capacities, with the S2255RT and S2755RT delivering 420kg and 300kg respectively.

Interestingly, these lifts are not a new development. Snorkel’s engineering team at their manufacturing facility in New Zealand actually designed these units in 2006 in response to local customer demand for a narrower width rough terrain scissor lift that could be easily transported by contractors using a tandem trailer.

46 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

The lifts were designed, tested and produced in the New Zealand facility solely for the Australasia market for a little over 10 years, before Snorkel decided to roll out the concept to other regions. Shown for the first time in Europe in 2017, Snorkel took the S2755RT to the APEX trade show in Amsterdam, The Netherlands to gauge interest in the units.

Customer feedback was positive and early sales were made with production remaining in New Zealand. In 2019, in response to increasing demand for the models, Snorkel commenced production in its UK manufacturing facility in Washington, Tyne & Wear, and is now supplying a growing number into the UK and European markets, as well as exporting to the U.S. and beyond.

So, how are UK customers embracing the slimmer scissors? Andrew Fishburn, VP of

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S2255RT

S2755RT

Max. working height

8.5m

10.1m

Platform capacity

420kg

300kg

Platform size (extended)

1.4m x 3.93m

1.4m x 3.93m

Gradeability

35%

35%

Inside turning radius

2.5m

2.5m

Weight

2,410kg

2,750kg

Strategic Accounts (EMEA) for Snorkel, and Managing Director of Snorkel UK, explained that a lot of the rough terrain scissor lifts that you see on jobsites are provided through the equipment hire channel, and as such that is where he has focused on introducing the slim versions. He said that the response towards the slim scissors in the UK and Ireland has been very positive, and they are already available in many hire fleets across the country, with more on order.

“The narrow scissors are being very well received in the UK and Ireland. Due to space constraints, many light industrial units are being built closer together and cladding contractors have been able to use these machines to skin the sides of these units without the use of scaffolding.”

Size Matters A benefit of the narrow models for hire companies is that they can be hired out either as a specialty product for accessing specific confined spaces, such as a jobsite accessed via a narrow space between existing buildings, or can be simply hired out as a ‘standard’ rough terrain scissor lift as there is no difference in performance.

A company who appreciates this is CPH Plant & Platform Hire in the Republic of Ireland. They added a S2755RT to their fleet in summer 2019, and it has been on hire ever since, but mainly as a diesel scissor lift, rather

than specifically due to its width. However, Jim Dundon, owner of CPH said that they chose to add the S2755RT to our fleet because it is unique, and recently purchased an additional model.

“While we may not have customers every week who need a rough terrain machine that can fit in a specific tight space, our customers are working on increasingly confined jobsites and the feedback received so far is that the S2755RT does everything the standard diesel

scissor lifts will do, but it is much easier to manoeuvre around the site, and can get into spaces that they previously could not access.”

According to Andrew, there is nothing like this on the market already, without going to a specialist supplier. He believes that as our towns and cities are becoming more densely populated, demand is going to increase for lifts which deliver the same or better performance than currently available, but from increasingly compact footprints and electrically powered for zero emissions and less noise.

Currently, the north-east based manufacturer offers the S2255RT and S2755RT in two power source options. They can be supplied as a Kubota diesel variant, or fitted with Snorkel’s innovative bi-energy system that enables the lift to be switched between the diesel engine and full electric battery power. This provides a zero-emission option, and the flexibility to use the lift either indoors or outdoors, as non-marking high grip tyres are fitted as standard.

It seems that the S2255RT and S2755RT are a great fit for hire companies and construction contractors alike, and that they are finding their place on jobsites across the country.

i For more information on the Snorkel S2255RT and S2755RT WWW.RDR.LINK/CN077

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 47

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VEHICLES

MAN OF ACTION If you are in the market for a compact tipper, skip loader or dropside truck, MAN Truck & Bus has recently added to the range of vehicles on offer.

Dan Gilkes gets behind the wheel.

48 FEBRUARY / MARCH I CPN

T

he company now offers its TGE van and chassis line with gross weights right up to 5.5-tonnes, providing more than 2.5tonne of carrying capability on a vehicle that still looks much like a 3.5-tonne van.

The TGE line-up which is, of course, based on parent company Volkswagen’s Crafter, is now offered at 3.0 – 4.0 tonnes with frontwheel drive or all-wheel drive, while rear-wheel driven models go from 3.5 – 5.5 tonnes. Those rear-drive models can be ordered with single or twin rear wheels, to suit your individual needs, though most building and construction companies are likely to opt for the twin rear wheel set-up, particularly if you tow.

All TGE vans are powered by VW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, but there are some differences, depending on which driveline you go for. The front-wheel drive TGE can be ordered with 102hp, 140hp or 177hp, while the 4x4 models, which are based on the front-drivers, are offered with 140hp and 177hp engines.

The rear-drive vans and chassis are available with the 140hp and 177hp engines at 3.5-tonnes, while the 5.0 and 5.5 tonne models can be ordered with a dedicated 122hp engine or the range-topping 177hp

diesel. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all models, while the 140hp and 177hp models can also be ordered with an eightspeed automatic transmission.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, for MAN the mix of TGE sales is more heavily tilted towards chassis cabs for conversion than its parent VW’s Crafter. Around 21 per cent of TGEs are built as single cab chassis, with a further 9 per cent the double cab chassis. As with all manufacturers, MAN offers a range of prebodied popular models and 27 per cent of TGE chassis are converted within the factory. The remaining 73 per cent go to approved body builders for conversion. MAN operates a web-based Body Builder Portal, providing all the necessary data, electronic interface and build information for converters. This has been available to truck buyers for some years and the TGE range was added to the system earlier this year.

There is little to show that the 5.5-tonne TGE can run a full 2.0-tonnes heavier than the regular 3.5-tonne tipper from the outside, other than the model number on the front wing starting with a 6 rather than a 3. As a tipper, it is fairly high riding, though the driver

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still sits well below a typical 7.5-tonne truck.

There is little doubt that for some owners this will be part of the attraction of a 5.5tonne model, particularly those contractors working in confined urban operations or residential streets where a larger truck chassis would be unwelcome. It’s a bit like Iveco’s 7.2tonne Daily, as the 5.5-tonne TGE provides a friendly van face to the general public, rather than looking like a big truck on urban roads.

However, the TGE is built to work. Even with a sturdy steel Meiller tipper body, the 5.5-tonner offers more than 2.5-tonnes of payload. But even fully laden, it still drives much like a van. Our test model was powered by the range-topping 177hp engine, which provides plenty of power to get things moving. That said, the truck is, of course, limited to 56mph and drivers will require a tacho card to use on UK roads.

While the performance of that 177hp engine is undeniably blunted by the extra weight, the TGE retains the light steering, controlled suspension and reassuring braking that drivers will recognise from the lighter models. This helps to make it an easy vehicle to drive in town, on country roads and even on the motorway.

Of course, for some companies the 5.5tonne TGE still won’t have the necessary carrying capacity, particularly for skip use.

Should you need a slightly bigger vehicle, MAN has updated its TGL and TGM truck

“The 5.5-tonne TGE provides a friendly van face to the general public, rather than looking like a big truck on urban roads.” models, with the addition of Euro VI-d engines. The TGL and TGM use the firm’s latest D08 engine, which meets Euro VI-d emissions standards through the use of Selective Catalytic reduction (SCR), but without needing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). It’s available in four and six-cylinder layouts and features an intelligent alternator management system and lower ancillary power requirements, to reduce the amount of energy taken from the engine.

MAN’s 7.5-12 tonne TGL line-up is available with both the four- and six-cylinder

versions of the engine, driving through a sixspeed automated TipMatic transmission. The four-cylinder motor can be had with 160, 190 or 220hp, while the six-cylinder engine delivers 250hp in the TGL. The heavier TGM range, which runs from 12-26 tonnes, is only powered by the sixcylinder engine, offering 250hp, 290hp or 320hp. All power ratings drive through a 12speed TipMatic transmission. Service intervals have been extended on the D08, from 12 months on the previous engine to 18 months, further reducing operating costs. Both TGL and TGM models can be had with a range of single or crew cabs and while the TGL is only offered as a 4x2 chassis, the larger TGM can be had with 4x2, 4x4, 6x2 and 6x4 drivelines.

i For further information on MAN WWW.RDR.LINK/CN078

CPN I FEBRUARY / MARCH 49

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NEW PRODUCTS

BACKHOE LOADER Packed with customer‐focused features is how Komatsu is describing its WB97S‐8 backhoe loader, with improvements in visibility, operator comfort and productivity. The new unit has an operating weight of 8,750 kg, and an improved EU Stage IV Komatsu SAA4D99E‐1 engine with more power (75 kW /101 HP gross), lower fuel consumption and no loss of performance or productivity.Versatility is enhanced with a Closed Load Sensing System, parallel loader linkage, which is ideal for working with forks, a “Return to Dig” function, a kick down switch, and, for the loader, a new automatic “speed up” and a selectable floating function.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN079

OUTDOOR SENSORS

SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

If you’re pouring concrete, or operating cranes, OTT Hydromet’s weather monitoring sensors can provide accurate data, with instruments that are compact, rugged and reliable. In the past, customers would have had to purchase multiple sensors to monitor outdoor conditions effectively, but with the WS Series this can now be achieved with substantially less costly devices. A range of parameters can be interrogated, including temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, wind velocity / direction, precipitation amount / intensity / type, UV index, sun direction, brightness and twilight, and global radiation.

The latest addition to WM Donald’s ever-expanding fleet is a new 40-tonne Doosan DX80LC excavator, fitted with a Trimble CB460 control unit. The new machine has also been equipped with a GKD Technologies height restrictor system, and a purple roof beacon forms part of the 1HLi boom height restricting system. Willie Donald reported that the system was chosen partly because it is simple and effective in use, whilst providing an appropriate height cut-off even when the excavator is positioned on a slope, something that other systems can struggle with.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN080

BI-ENERGY SPIDER PLATFORM Access Platform Sales has delivered the UK's first bi-energy Hinowa Lightlift 33.17 Performance IIIS spider platform to access rental company JMS. The new machine can be powered with a lowemission Kubota D902 diesel engine or as an electric platform with its lithiumion batteries. It has a maximum working height of 32.5m and maximum outreach of 16.5m. Like all Performance platforms, it has an unrestricted basket capacity of 230kg.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN082

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN081

AD INDEX ABC ............................................................................ (page 40)

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Bobcat ........................................................................ (page 27)

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Brigade Electronics PLC .......................................... (page 31)

Morris Site Machinery .............................................. (page 32)

CPN Online ................................................................ (page 24)

Point of Rental ............................................ (inside front cover)

Doosan .................................................................. (back cover)

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Finning (UK) Limited .................................................... (page 4)

Snorkel ........................................................................ (page 9)

Genie UK Limited ...................................................... (page 38)

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SOLAR POWER

MEWPS

An exclusive partnership between MHM and MIPV, a South Wales based manufacturer of thin-film solar panels, is set to develop bespoke solutions to meet the sustainable energy needs of mobile welfare, site lighting and temporary security applications. MHM will now become the global distributor for the latter’s renewable solar thin-film CIGS technology. Commenting on this partnership, MHM Managing Director, Mat Llewellyn said: “Our aim is to limit, and possibly eliminate, the use of diesel entirely by concentrating on renewables, hybrid and battery powered systems.”

Hybrid or electric equipment is the order of the day at AFI with approximately 64 per cent of its mobile elevating working platform (MEWP) hire fleet now using those powertrains. Ideal for use on restricted sites, in low emission zones, specialist applications and indoor work, the hire fleet is now Ultra Low Emission Zone Ready and Euro 6 compliant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN083

VIBRATOR SYSTEM

NEW MAT RANGE The Ground Guards range is made with 100 per cent recycled plastic and is, according to the manufacturer, virtually indestructible. It will provide better control and support for vehicles to prevent them from sinking and damaging soil, will enable better stability for vehicles in high-risk construction environments, and can also be used for heavy pedestrian areas, to protect underlying turf. There are four different designs, including the lightweight and quick to install MultiTrack. The MaxiTrack comes with a SmartGrip tread which offers superior grip in all directions, and can hold up to 120 tonnes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN084

New freedom of movement for the end user, and a high level of operating comfort during concrete consolidation, is what Wacker Neuson is promising for its battery-internal vibrator system.

The powerful lithium-ion battery is inserted in a converter backpack (ACBe). The operator thus carries the power source directly when working, eliminating the need for long power cables. In large areas in particular, this saves a great deal of time compared to cabled internal vibrators where the internal vibrators or converter have to be moved to a closer power source.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN085

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN086

LIGHTING TOWERS It’s the intelligent inbuilt sensors in Atlas Copco’s SmartMast lighting tower concept, which detects and responds to adverse conditions, obstacles, potential impacts and irregular ground surfaces or floors. On detecting high winds, for example, the system automatically lowers the mast to avoid losing stability. Similarly, it brings the mast down if any obstacle is detected between 300 and 500mm above it. It can also sense – and alert users to – the approach of objects which might impact upon the light tower.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/CN087

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