Construction Equipment articles from July 2003

Construction Equipment archives from July 2003

What's under the paint? (Sutton Report).(author promotes value of factory tours)(Editorial)
July 1, 2003... Each year, our editors take two full days to review the hundreds of products that we've covered in the previous 12 months and measure them against the industry. Our choices for the most innovative and competitive products of that year become...

Caterpillar. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Refinements for the 938G-Series II wheel loader include a new low-emissions diesel engine--the 160-net-hp Cat 3126B--which employs air-to-air aftercooling and uses a new reverse-flow cooling package. An improved electronic powershift...

Dynapac. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The 12.5-ton CC622 HF tandem roller has a drum width of 84 inches and dual frequencies and dual amplitude measurements of 3,060/3,780 vpm and 0.024/0.008 inches. It features a drum diameter of 55 inches and an operating weight of 27,783 pounds....

Komatsu. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Weighing 84,440 pounds, the BR480RG-1 Mobile Impact Crusher provides mobile productivity for recycling, demolition and secondary rock-crushing applications. With HydrauMind hydraulic technology, it offers contractors production capacity of 441...

Ditch Witch. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The MX line of five mini-excavators ranges in size from 1,960 to 10,300 pounds with digging capabilities from 4 feet 11 inches to 13 feet deep. Tight tail swing allows working in confined areas, and removable counterweights provide true zero...

Ditch Witch. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Billed as the quietest vacuum excavator in its class, the FX60 system combines "soft' excavation capabilities and increased vacuum power in a trailer- or skid-mounted unit. For excavating, soils are displaced by water at pressures to 3,500 psi....

FUCHS-Terex. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Two material handlers feature several improvements. Model MHL 360-2 has 13 percent more power with a 253-hp aftercooled, turbocharged engine. It also boasts 15 percent more swing torque. Model MHL 380-2 (the largest in a line of eight) features...

Caterpillar. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The 287 Multi Terrain Loader combines the upper structure of Cat's 262 vertical-lift skid-steer loader with a rubber-track undercarriage that features torsion-axle suspension. Rated at 35 percent tipping capacity, the 287 has an operating...

Vermeer. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The rack-and-pinion drive system on the mid-sized D18x22 Navigator HDD delivers 18,000 pounds of pullback, and the unit develops 2,200 foot-pounds of torque. It's a step up in power from the 1 6x20 Navigator, in virtually the same footprint....

Yanmar. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... New features have been added to the Vio 75 mini-excavator that are exclusive to the 17,000-pound class, says Yanmar. The unit is said to be the only cab model in the United States available with factory air conditioning. It has a Yanmar...

Caterpillar. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The Series-II versions of the Cat 966G and 972G wheel loaders feature new Cat engines, the 3176C and 3196, respectively. A new reverse-flow cooling system design pulls air in through the rear grill and out through top and side panels to reduce...

Rogers Brothers. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Model TT20 tilt-deck trailer is available in a 20-ton capacity and features a 25 foot-6 inch full-tilt, unitized deck, with an 80-inch drawbar for optimum weight transfer. A folding, tapered rear ramp allows for difficult pieces of equipment to...

Takeuchi. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Replacing Model TB007 is the 1-ton TB108 compact excavator. New safety features include standard travel alarm, ROPS/FOPS canopy, and spring-applied hydraulically released parking brakes. Its hydraulically adjustable undercarriage allows the...

John Deere. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... The new 724J, 744J and 824J wheel loaders are built to deliver optimal performance for their bucket size, Deere says, resulting in faster cycle times and lower operating costs. Bucket sizes are 4.75, 5.25, 5.75 or 6.20 cubic yards; bucket...

Wirtgen. (Market Watch).
July 1, 2003... Wirtgen's fast-change system (FCS) for milling machines allows milling drums to be changed in about 2 hours. It's an option on the company's small W 600 DC; medium-class W 1000 F, W 1200 F and W 1300 F; large W 1900 and W 2000; and the W 2200....

Trucks employ hybrid electric technology. (Industry News).(Federal Express Corp. works with Eaton Corp., Environmental Defense to launch use of hybrid delivery trucks)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A development that could have application for small- to medium-duty construction trucks is the new hybrid-drive system recently announced by Federal Express, working in concert with Eaton Corp. and Environmental Defense, a non-profit...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2003... Wirtgen makes 19 milling machines. In our June issue on page 46, six of the Wirtgen machine specifications were inadvertently placed at the end of the Roadtec product listing. In addition, we have added Roadtec's latest model--the RX-500....

Diesel oxidation catalyst reduces particulates. (Manufacturer News).(new muffler from Donaldson Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Donaldson's diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) muffler can be retrofitted to heavy-duty diesel engines to reduce particulate emissions. According to the company, the new DOC has patented, integral flow-distribution devices that enhance catalyst...

Grader efficiency starts at the blade. (Productivity Tips).(motor grader effectiveness)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Cutting-edge sharpness is the most important factor determining penetration and material action on a motor grader's moldboard. Caterpillar says the operator is responsible for keeping the edge sharp. Rolling the blade back when mixing material...

MBW still making plates and rammers. (Clarification).(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2003... In our June-issue attachments feature, Construction Equipment overstated that MBW had discontinued its walk-behind compaction equipment line to focus on compaction attachments. The company did discontinue its walk-behind trench and...

Managers digest. (Status & Forecast).(United States economic indicators)(Industry Overview)
July 1, 2003... [up arrow] TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SPENDING Total construction spending has declined 1.5% since the January peak with new residential steady, remodeling up 2.3%, nonresidential down 2.7%, and heavy off 5.7%. Residential trends will hold, but...

No revolution seen in rental expansion: the number of machines in the nation's rental fleets continues to grow, but equipment professionals haven't given up on owning production machines. (Special Report: Rental Trends).(Industry Overview)
July 1, 2003... The construction-equipment industry is talking about suicidal rental rates, major rental companies in bankruptcy, and equipment dealers and manufacturers acting like rental companies. Because rental usage continues to grow despite the turmoil,...

Fuel-system protection at work: grit and water in minuscule amounts can ruin diesel fuel systems, so don't skimp on filter and water-separator quality. (Buying Right).
July 1, 2003... That layer of dust on your television screen is composed of particles about 40 microns in size. Seems harmless, but particles much smaller--between 5 and 15 microns--can destroy expensive components in a diesel-engine fuel system in a...

Freightliner unveils a more serious M2: equipped for severe-duty jobs or short-range highway work, the M2-112 offers a choice of medium- or heavy-duty diesels such as this tractor's Mercedes-Benz 4000. (Hands-On Trucking).(Product/Service Evaluation)
July 1, 2003... Freightliner means business in trucks, which is why its redesigned Business Class M2 Series has just grown from a single model to three. Each has possibilities in construction, but the new 11 2-inch-BBC version featured here is the heaviest and...

Mid-sized loaders pack plenty of power: with 22 new models in the 200- to 300-hp size class, these machines showcase the latest in wheel-loader technology. (Buying File).
July 1, 2003... Although there are bigger wheel loaders, the machines that make up the 200- to 300-hp class provide plenty of punch when it comes to high production work. They're large enough to take a big bite with buckets in the 4- to 6-cubic-yard range....

Loader is highly stable. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... The boom of John Deere's 824J is newly designed to exceed durability and performance levels required for loader applications. Because of its stability, the operator is more confident, resulting in faster cycle times. Counterweighting is...

Fully automatic transmission. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... Advancing in size, Daewoo's Mega 300-V wheel loader replaces the Mega 300-III. With a fully automatic transmission, the loader has a modular cab design that offers top all-around operator visibility. Standard features include air conditioning...

High torque at low revs. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... The electronically controlled engine of the Volvo L150E provides a rapid response and faster cycle times. Even at low revs, the Volvo D10B engine delivers almost maximum torque. The TP Linkage lift-arm system delivers a high and even breakout...

Easy-cleaning radiator. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... The cooling system on Kawasaki's new 90ZV features a larger plate-fin radiator with the hydraulic oil cooler and air-charged aftercooler being separated from the radiator by several inches. A hinged access panel on each side of the radiator...

Fuel consumption drops 15 percent. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... Powered by a 261-hp engine, the Komatsu WA450-5 has a 15-percent reduction in fuel consumption, thanks to the high-torque Komatsu engine and the large-capacity torque converter. In addition, the optional lock-up torque converter will lock up...

Reverse-flow cooling system. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... Caterpillar's 972G-Series II wheel loader has a net rating of 270 horsepower and can take buckets from 5 to 6 cubic yards. The engine, a Cat 3196, is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions....

Shifts dependent on torque. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... With Case's proportional-shift control found on the C Series wheel loaders, including the 921C, shifting between gears is dependent on torque, not speed, allowing for a smoother transition between gears. According to Case, this not only results...

More glass provides high visibility. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... The LW230.B from New Holland has a cab that features plenty of view, thanks to a wide expanse of seamless glass, a tilting/telescoping steering column and an air-ride seat. Air conditioning is standard. The Z-bar linkage gives the operator...

Automatic to manual shift choice. (Gallery of Wheel Loaders).
July 1, 2003... A number of features provide a modern control center for Hyundai's new HL780-3A. This includes an electronic engine diagnostic function, a transmission display indicating speed and driving direction as well as diagnostic error codes, and a...

Blythe cuts costs by renting what isn't used 70% of the time: fleet size is down 45 percent and ownership costs have dropped by 40 percent. (Great Managers).
July 1, 2003... We target 70 percent utilization for the equipment we own and adjust the fleet size accordingly," says John Sharp, equipment support manager with Blythe Construction. In two years, the number of machines in the fleet has been reduced by 45...

Tier II Cummins for Hyundai loaders: the new diesel engine in models HL780-3A and HL78OXTD-3A improves transient response and reduces fuel consumption. (Earthmoving).
July 1, 2003... Hyundai Construction Equipment continues to refine its wheel-loader line with the recent introduction of the model HL780-3A and its high-lift counterpart, the HL78OXTD-3A, which are powered by the Cummins QSM1 1-Tier II engine. Maximum bucket...

Lull's PlaceAce system replaces TransAction: new load-placement system is one of several improvements on Lull's new telehandler series. (Lifting Report).
July 1, 2003... The first two telehandler models in OmniQuip Textron's new PlaceAce Series are the Lull 644E-42 and 944E-42. Lull telehandlers have long been known for their TransAction load-placement system, giving them the ability to retract or extend the...

Ditch Witch diversifies with mini-earthmovers: a new line of compact utility products including a mini-skid-steer, five mini-excavators, and attachments gives Ditch Witch an edge in a tough market. (Earthmoving).
July 1, 2003... In our March issue, we published an Underground Report entitled, How Contractors Counter the Telecom Bust. The article profiled three contractors who specialized in telecommunications construction and how they survived the recent drop-off in...

FFC attachments. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The hydraulically driven, single motor Brush Cutter for skid-steers features a stump jumper, which allows the machine to simultaneously mulch and cut--even when a stump gets in the way. Safety features include automatic blade shut-off, a front...

Koike Aronson. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Welding carriages in the Wel-Handy Multi Series are designed for automated and stitch welding, weaving and twin-torch welding operations. The lightweight and compact carriages have a low center of gravity for continuous welding of large,...

Yokohama. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The RY567 regional haul tire is available in two sizes: 295/ 75R22.5 and 11 R22.5. Reinforced casing allows multiple retreads. Features include a 22/32-inch tread, stone-rejection block, a stress-wear control groove near the sidewall, and a...

Geith. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The Claw quick coupler for excavators picks up a variety of attachments without any modification. It also provides variance in pin-to-pin dimension and stick width. Operators can unlock attachments only when the bucket is in a curled position....

Dana. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The new family of single-speed, single-drive axles has increased ratings for high-horsepower engines, reduced weight and broader ratio and application coverage. The Dana Spicer S23-190, S26-190 and S30-190 are designed for applications,...

Multiquip. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Designed for rental operators, the Street Pro Series walk-behind saws feature a steel-box frame to extend saw life and reduce vibrations. Blade guards range in size from 16 to 20 inches. The SP1 comes in electric and gasoline versions and...

Hendrickson. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The Ultra Rod Plus torque rod for heavy-duty trucks features empty end hubs to accommodate any cartridge configuration from the company's inventory. A 30-inch spacer end allows users to trim the torque rod length, and one-piece forging of the...

Genie. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The company now offers two welding options for some of its Telescopic S Stick Booms. The Weld Master stick welder includes a welding generator, electrode holder with ground clamp, fire extinguisher, weld-cable-storage brackets and a platform...

Partner. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Adding Chain Saw and Ring Saw models to its K950 Active line enables the full range of concrete sawing operations, including full-depth and precision cutting. All three models feature a 6.1-hp, 2-stroke-cycle, 94-cc air-cooled engine. For...

Primex. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... WearMax tires for skid-steer loaders feature traction tread with cut-resistant rubber and a wide footprint for a smooth ride and increased machine stability. The tires have a built-in wheel, which allows operators to easily move the tires from...

Stone. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The company has added a 48-inch, heavy-duty model to its line of Smooth Operator power trowels. The CF484 is available with three engine options: an 11- or 13-hp Honda or an 11-hp Robin. According to Stone, the CF484 operates at a faster blade...

Robin Subaru. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... With four models rated at 4.5, 6.0, 7.0 and 9.0 horsepower, Ex Series air-cooled engines feature a chain-driven overhead cam. The design lowers resistance for fuel/air flow, and pent-roof-type combustion chambers allow high combustion ratios...

Allmand Bros. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The Port-A-Lite 1250W2 light stand features a 1,250-watt lamp fixture, which is 25 percent brighter than the model it replaces. It features a smooth, rounded two-wheel base and a 10-foot-tall telescoping tower. A welded-steel frame and...

D-A Lubricant. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Three new products are available from the company. Moly 5 heavy-duty grease is ideal for applications involving high shock loads. It provides cohesive and adhesive characteristics for continuous lubricant protection. For high- and low-pressure...

Diamond Prods. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... With a maximum cutting depth of 6 5/8 inches, the Core Cut CC1300-XL concrete saw turns easily and features a quick-acting handwheel to raise and lower the blade. The 13-hp saw has a 14-to 18-inch blade capacity. It is also available with a...

Bridgestone/Firestone. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Destination M/T off-road tires feature a square footprint and more rubber between the bottom of the skid and steel belts than competitive tires, says the company. A high void helps clear debris from the tread. No-tread siping provides cut...

Caterpillar. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... The G3500 Series advanced natural-gas-fueled generator sets keep NOx emissions and electricity costs low, according to the company. With ratings up to 2.1 MW, the units come with 12- to 20-cylinder engines and operate at 1,500 rmp/50 Hz to...

Allen Engineering. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Thanks to all-hydraulic power steering and drive, the HD550 Riding Trowel requires no manual levers, clutches or mechanical gearboxes. A stretched frame with 18 inches of spacing between the pans helps to achieve higher F#s by reducing ridging...

Vermeer. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... For use with horizontal directional drills, the RS8 rock-drilling head uses an 8.75-inch-diameter Tri Cone Bit. A specially designed outer housing provides steering and allows operation with any standard drill. It accommodates drill bits that...

Diamond Prods. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... With its blade visibility and fast maneuvering, the Core Cut CC7878 EZ Rider Joint Cutter Rider Saw delivers a high production rate, according to the company. The 78-hp, turbocharged machine has a full belt enclosure and allows quick belt...

Midland. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Four new sweeper attachment models are available. Multi-Sweep models provide sweeping widths from 46 to 98 inches and have capacities to one cubic yard. They attach quickly to a variety of prime movers equipped with forks. Units are powered via...

Yokohama. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... Designed for on- and off-road use, the MY507A tire features an anti-chip compound for durability. A deep groove depth of 23/32- to 24/32-inch increases tire life. Funnel-shaped grooves and a wide block-type rib design increase traction. The...

VAC-TRON Equipment. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... For under $10,000, the E-VAC wet/dry vacuum excavator provides flexibility: Remove four bolts and transform an on-trailer unit to a skid, which most trucks and forklifts can carry. A 100-gallon, high-pressure wash system is available. For...

Target. (Market Watch Lite).
July 1, 2003... For the PC 20 line of walk-behind concrete saws, the weight of the saw is balanced equally on either side of the blade for enhanced straight-line sawing. Maximum blade capacity is 20 inches with a maximum cutting depth of 7.75 inches. Engine...