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New dimension in traction
 Volvo has introduced a new Automatic Traction
Control option for its D-series articulated haul trucks. The automatic
system monitors wheel slippage and engages the dog-clutch locks only when
needed. The option is an answer for operators who permanently leave their
haulers set to all-wheel drive, even when conditions don’t require it,
leading to higher than necessary fuel consumption and mechanical wear.
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New excavator series debuts
John Deere has introduced six models in its D-series
excavator line, ranging from the 54,244-pound 240D LC to the 185,520-pound
850D LC. Along with Tier 3 engines, the series makeover includes totally
redesigned cabs with dramatic increases in sight lines, more legroom,
shorter pilot controls, and fully adjustable suspension seats. Hydraulic
flow has been increased for more digging power and precise control, and
daily operating costs have been reduced with a series of designed-in
features, including a 5,000-hour service interval on the hydraulic system.
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New mass excavator
 Case Construction Equipment has introduced another
high-production excavator, the 70-metric-ton CX700. The new machine fits
between the 46-ton CX460 and the 80-ton CX800. The new machine shares the
CX800 frame and has a 425-net horsepower engine. It has standard Case
features, including four work modes, auto power boost, and a
climate-controlled cab. New is a switch that lets the operator give priority
to either the boom or swing functions.
Case has also announced Tier 3 engine upgrades for
the CX330, which gets a 5% increase in horsepower and an 8 to 10% boost in
fuel economy, along with a beefed up undercarriage.
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Places concrete or asphalt
 Ingersoll Rand has extended its line of Titan pavers
with the introduction of the 231-horsepower 7820. The new model has a hopper
capacity of 14.8 tons and can pave up to 38.2-feet wide and 11.8-inches
thick, depending on the choice of screed and extensions used. Like its
stable mates in the Titan family, the 7820 can install roller-compacted
concrete, asphalt, cement-treated base, non-treated base, stone, and soil
cement. It features an electronic paver management control system and
electronically controlled traction drive for superior quality paving.
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Upgraded tool carrier
Caterpillar has upgraded its 180-horsepower IT38G
Series II integrated toolcarrier with improved lines of sight to the quick
coupler and work tools, a broader selection of buckets, a new electro
hydraulic system for the quick coupler, and a 14% increase in static tipping
load.
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Receivers for compacts
 Topcon has rolled out a new series of laser
receivers for grade control on small machines like skid-steer loaders, mini
excavators, and backhoe loaders. The LS-B10 series receivers are battery
operated, use green and red lights for on and off grade indication, and have
a magnet mount for quick attachment.
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New stabilizer line coming
 Roadtec has announced that it will begin producing
soil stabilizing machines by the end of the summer of 2006. According to
John Irvine, vice president of sales, the move comes in response to interest
from Roadtec customers engaged in soil stabilizing, cold-in-place-recycling,
and full-depth reclamation. Irvine announced in mid-March that Roadtec was
in the prototyping stage and had “accomplished the conception of a machine
that will offer our customers many improvements over currently available
equipment options.” The company has indicated the first model will be a
700-horsepower soil stabilizer with a 102-inch cutter housing.
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Long-range laser
Topcon has introduced a new long-range, dual-slope
laser it recommends for large job sites. The RT-5SW adds to the primary
benefits of the RT-5S series an integrated radio remote controller capable
of two-way communication up to 1,000 feet, allowing the operator to verify
adjustments from the cab of a machine. In addition to its automatic grade
alignment system, the new system has an automatic grade-matching feature.
The company says the greatest strength of the RT-5SW is the repeatability of
its high accuracy.
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Drivetrain upgrades for 2006
 Bomag
has upgraded several drivetrain components on
its recycler/stabilizer machines this year. In addition to a new Tier 3
360-horsepower engine, the rear-wheel-drive MPH362-2 and four-wheel-drive
MPH364-2 now have a double reduction planetary rear drive system which is
propelled by a pair of axial piston, variable displacement motors. Compared
to the previous ring and pinion differential assembly, the new hydrostatic
system demands less horsepower and delivers better fuel economy, according
to Bomag. It also has fewer wear parts to maintain and
repair. Three rotor
configurations are available for the machines. The asphalt recycler rotor
has a maximum cutting depth of 12 inches; the soil stabilizer rotor mixes to
depths of 14 inches; and a special deep-mix stabilizing rotor cuts as deep
as 21 inches.
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New hammer line
 Volvo Construction Equipment has rolled out a new HB
series of hydraulic hammers. The seven-model series ranges in size from the
1,830-pound HB800 to the 8,380-pound HB3800. Volvo says the hammers are
designed to match the weight, power, and flow performance of its excavators.
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New series of wheel loaders
 Case has added Tier 3 engines, a new cab design, and
improved service and maintenance features on its new 721 and 821 E-series
wheel loaders. Cab upgrades include lower noise levels, better vision, more
space and adjustable steering column, seat, arm rests, and control
placement. The Tier 3 engine can be managed with three power curves — max,
standard, and economy power. The machines also have four work modes — max,
standard, economy, and auto. Service checks require no tools and can be done
from the ground, and remote drains are provided for coolant, engine oil, and
hydraulic oil. Both models also feature ride control as standard
equipment to enhance material retention and reduce shock to operator and
machine when traversing rough surfaces. Ride Control can be set for
full-time or in auto mode when roading above 3 miles per hour.
The 183-horsepower 721E has a 3-cubic-yard standard
bucket, while the 213-horsepower 821E has a 3.8-cubic-yard bucket.
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New 540-horsepower mixer
 Caterpillar has replaced its RM-350B Reclaimer Mixer
with the new RM-500 Rotary Mixer. The new 540-horsepower model has a Tier 3
engine with 8% more horsepower than the RM-350B. It also has upgrades in
traction, weight balance, serviceability, versatility, and productivity,
according to Cat. Key features include full-time all-wheel drive, large
tires with aggressive tread, two speed ranges (work and transport), and
electronic gear selection. The all-wheel-drive system features two
independent variable-displacement propel pumps that supply balanced oil flow
to the front and rear drive motors.
Three rotor styles are available. The universal
rotor is designed to handle both asphalt reclamation and soil stabilization;
it has a 16-inch maximum cutting depth. The application-specific soil rotor
has a 20-inch maximum depth; and a combination rotor handles both soil
stabilization and light asphalt reclamation.
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Concrete slab buster
Allied Construction Products has added the
Hammerhead II Model HB 550 to its line of attachments. Designed to work with
a skid-steer loader, the totally self-contained hydraulic attachment
rubblizes concrete at a 45 degree angle from the point of contact. It uses
just three moving parts and, powered by 3,350 psi of hydraulic pressure, can
demolish roadways and bridge decks up to 12-inches thick.
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Commercial class paver
 LeeBoy designed the new 8510 conveyor paver to fill
a niche between the 8500 and 8515 commercial-class pavers. The 8510 features
12-inch-diameter casted augers and a 7.5-ton hopper constructed of
heavy-duty 0.375-inch steel with large radius hopper wings for enhanced
material flow. Standard features include hydraulic operating controls and
dual lever joystick steering from both sides of the paver. The 8510 has a
full electronic control system, an upgrade from the 8500’s manual cable-type
drive system. Power comes from a 74-horsepower engine. An 8- to 15-foot
Legend Screed System with dual vibrators is standard equipment, and there is
a choice of propane or electric heat systems.
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40 years of artic haulers
 Volvo is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the
debut of the Volvo DR631, the first articulated hauler. The unit fused an
agricultural tractor (with its front axle removed) and a trailer using an
articulating hitch; it had a 10-ton payload. A year later, the company added
a bogey to enhance stability and reduce spillage. In the 1970s,
turbo-charged engines were introduced, followed by a front-axle suspension
system and an automatic transmission.
Volvo introduced the articulated hauler to North
America in the 1980s and has retained market-share leadership ever since,
both here and worldwide, thanks to constant upgrades in the design and
engineering.
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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
August 2006 |
