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Variable-frequency drives cut costs
 Astec
uses Variable Frequency Drives to regulate air flow in its plants by
changing the speed of the blower rather than using a damper, as in other
designs. By reducing fan speed, air flow is controlled and energy is saved,
says the company. Astec also says the VFD system is much quieter than
damper-based systems because air is not being forced through a set of
blades, which can cause turbulence and vibration.
To illustrate the significance of the energy savings, Astec says that
when the plant is used at 70 to 80% of capacity — a typical condition for
most producers — electricity consumption in the VFD-system plant is about
half that required with outlet damper control.
Click 41 on ROADFAX card
Two new radius-lift skid steers
Bobcat has
introduced new skid steel loader models in the 1,600-pound rated operating
capacity class and the 2,200-pound class. The 1,600-pound-rated S160
replaces the company’s popular, mid-size 763 model. It has a 56-horsepower
turbo-diesel, an optional high-flow hydraulics package, and can be ordered
with air-conditioning. Another version of this model, the S150, has a
46-horsepower diesel engine and a 1,500 pound ROC.
The 2,200-pound ROC Bobcat S220 replaces the 863 model. It features a
75-horsepower turbo-diesel, more breakout force, and an extra 5 inches of
wheelbase for improved ride characteristics. The unit features a new Bob-Tach
mounting system and redesigned lift arms with dual tilt cylinders for
improved visibility and easier entrance and exit.
Both models employ Bobcat’s radius lift path design, which maximizes
efficiency in digging and grading operations.
Click 42 on ROADFAX card
New wheel loader series
John Deere says
its new J-series wheel loaders deliver better uptime, performance, and
productivity while lowering daily operating costs, thanks to the complete
redesign of several key systems. A solid-state electrical distribution
system eliminates the need for multiple wire harnesses and connectors, and
provides up to 50% greater reliability, according to John Deere. The 444J,
544J, and 624J have redesigned cooling systems featuring Quad-Cool system
coolers that are arranged side by side within a box for easy cleaning
access, a proportionally controlled fan, and isolation from the engine
compartment to minimize preheating of incoming air. Engines in those three
models feature new torque curves that enhance productivity with greater
power bulge and torque rise.
The 110-horsepower 444J has a standard 2.5-cubic-yard bucket capacity;
the 134-horsepower 544J is a 3.0-cubic-yard design; and the 160-horsepower
624J is slotted in the 3.5-cubic-yard class.
Click 45 on ROADFAX card
More productive grading
Caterpillar has
announced improvements to its motor graders intended to increase
productivity and reduce operating costs. The 120H, 135H, and 12H have new,
electronically controlled engines that deliver improved performance and
reduce fuel consumption, according to Cat. The huge 16H also has a new
electronically controlled 265-horsepower engine, improving rimpull by 9%,
enhancing lugging performance, and improving fuel efficiency.
Click 47 on ROADFAX card
Defense group selects Volvo
 Volvo
Construction Equipment has been selected by the U.S. Defense Logistics
Agency for its long-term “Commercial Requirement Contract” operation,
allowing military customers and other U.S. agencies to purchase products
from the Volvo line. Volvo says many U.S. government customers have
individually purchased the company’s products in the past, and the new
contract will make the company’s products even more attractive by ensuring
favorable pricing and by making ordering easier, with shortened lead times
for delivery and comprehensive local product support.
Click 46 on ROADFAX card
Compact TLB upgraded
 The
redesigned B250 all-wheel-steer loader backhoe from Bobcat has an improved
sideshift backhoe arm with a dig depth of 10.5 feet, and a variety of other
upgrades that make it more practical for municipalities, utilities, and
other target users. Bobcat
calls the new B250 “more parts friendly” because it uses more locally
available, off-the-shelf components. It also uses Bobcat-built cylinders; in
the backhoe, these cylinders are cushioned, enhancing smooth operation and
overall productivity. The 31.5-horsepower unit has a loader rated capacity
of 2,350 pounds and a hydraulic pump capacity of 11.7 gpm. It has tool
carrier versatility, with Bobcat’s Bob-Tach and X-Change attachment
systems.
Click 44 on ROADFAX card
Trench paver attaches quickly
Guest Industries designed the Quick-Attach Utility Trench Paver to
replace hand shoveling and raking in trench paving. The unit attaches to the
bucket lip of a loader with clamps. In application, a worker controls the
flow of material into the trench from a dump truck, and the loader follows,
gathering and leveling the hot-mix asphalt. The unit can pave 3.5 inches
above grade and as much as 6 inches below grade. Four size ranges are
available, covering widths from 4 to 72 inches.
Click 37 on ROADFAX card
Aids oil filter disposal
The TC-15 Oil Filter Crusher from TSI helps fleet managers meet oil
disposal regulations by using 38,000 pounds of force to crush filters and
remove 95% of the oil. The refuge oil is deposited into a built-in oil
container or, as an option, can be pumped directly to a main holding
container. The TC-15 has a 9- by 16-inch crushing chamber for handling
heavy-duty truck filters. The TC-16 has a 15- by 15- by 20-inch chamber and
can crush 5-gallon containers.
Click 59 on ROADFAX card
Performance handbook published
John Deere has
announced the availability of the 2003 edition of the Deere Performance
Handbook and CD-ROM package. The 2003 edition includes the latest
specifications for John Deere equipment, as well as owning- and
operating-cost formulas to help customers estimate costs. The book and CD
are available at all John Deere dealerships.
Click 39 on ROADFAX card
Small dozers go turbo
 Cat
has introduced new turbocharged Tier 2 engines for its small dozer
models, the 70-horsepower D3G, the 80-horsepower D4G, and the 90-horsepower
D5G. Turbocharged engines, not previously available on the D3G or D4G, are
said to improve responsiveness for both models. The updated models are
available with Cat’s AccuGrade Laser Grade Control System and the
Caterpillar Product Link system which transmits machine data to the owner
via GPS and internet technology.
Click 50 on ROADFAX card
Factory-installed laser grading system
 Cat
has rolled out its factory-installed AccuGrade Laser Grade Control System as
an option on all its crawler dozers. Laser receivers mounted on the blade
automatically control the machine’s hydraulic system. A thin beam of light
from a transmitter located on the job site provides precise elevation
information that is picked up by the receivers and converted into constant
blade lift and tilt adjustments. The system allows dozer operators to bring
an area to grade faster and in fewer passes, improving productivity and
accuracy by up to 50%, according to Cat.
Click 49 on ROADFAX card
New soil compactor
Ingersoll-Rand
has added the 24,350-pound SD-116 to its TF line of soil compactors.
Available in either smooth-drum or padfoot format, the 84-inch machine has a
155-horsepower engine and I-R’s Ultra-Grade traction system for
gradeability. The smooth drum model reaches nominal amplitude of 0.076
inches (1.92 mm), while the padfoot reaches 0.080 inches (2.03 mm).
Centrifugal force ratings are 60,000 pounds (267kN) for the smooth drum, and
60,700 pounds (270kN) for the padfoot. The SD-116 has five frequency
settings, ranging from 1,650 to 2,050 vpm.
Click 38 on ROADFAX card
Extended-life bin
Cemen Tech
has introduced a new optional extended-life stainless-steel bin for their
Mobile volumetric mixer models. According to the company, the
stainless-steel aggregate bin and conveyor frame offers customers a mixer
that will outlive a standard carbon steel body for years, with less
maintenance and downtime.
Click 60 on ROADFAX card
Milestone buggy
 In
December, Roadtec
announced the production of the company’s 500th Shuttle Buggy material
transfer vehicle. Introduced as a new concept to the paving market in the
early 1990s, the Shuttle Buggy provides a mobile surge bin and remixing
operation to help pavers achieve smooth pavements and avoid mix segregation
problems. The unit receives mix from the haul truck, then remixes the
material with a triple-pitch anti-segregation auger, and delivers it to the
paver hopper.
Click 43 on ROADFAX card
New 166-horsepower loader
Komatsu says its new 166-horsepower WA320-5 wheel loader is Tier II
compliant and 15% more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Features include
a variable shift control system, and a traction control system to improve
performance in sandy or wet conditions.
Click 51 on ROADFAX card
New 6,000-pound crane
The new 2820 telescopic crane from Iowa Mold Tooling lifts material up to
6,000 pounds, and fits on trucks rated below 15,000 GVW. The model is
capable of handling equipment components, propane tanks, and the general
material handling needs of municipalities, according to IMT. It has 400
degrees of rotation and a maximum vertical reach of 21 feet, 6 inches.
Click 75 on ROADFAX card
Fast-action truck hoist
TSI bills its S-1400M truck-frame hoist as a fast-action, long-reach air
lift engineered for heavy-duty equipment shops. The unit allows mechanics to
reach under the truck and lift by the most secure lifting point, the frame.
Unique movable pads lift from either the front, back, or side and the
extensions can be spread out a total width of 48 inches to increase the
stance under the vehicle.
Click 76 on ROADFAX card
Custom-made batch plants
 Mixer
Systems has designed its new EconoBatch Batch Plant so the user can select
from a wide choice of components to match specific production needs — and
change components if capacity requirements change. Four different mixer
configurations are available, and the mixer-stand height and
operator-platform size can be varied to accommodate whatever off-loading and
concrete placing systems are in use. Other choices include three aggregate
conveyors, single or split aggregate bins, and one or two silos.
Click 48 on ROADFAX card
Kenworth offers lightweight diesel
Kenworth and Cummins have announced that the truck maker is now offering
enhanced Cummins ISL engines on its vocational trucks, as well as other
models. Kenworth is offering the 8.9-liter model in ratings of 310 to 350
horsepower on short hood models. According to Kenworth, the engine
represents a 500-pound weight savings compared to competitive engines,
enhancing payload capacity for heavy haulers.
Click 33 on ROADFAX card
Wheel excavators do more
Caterpillar
has replaced the M312 and M315 wheel excavators with the 115-horsepower
M313C and the 121-net-horsepower M315C. Both C-series models feature
electronically controlled engines that provide more power, better fuel
economy, and reduced emissions. They also have increased lifting and digging
performance and a more comfortable operator station, according to the
company.
Click 53 on ROADFAX card
Reprinted from February 2004 Better Roads Magazine |
