March 2004
New Road Machines
New power equipment for the road market
by Kirk Landers, V.P./Editorial Director


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New line of hydraulic breakers

Atlas Copco Construction Tools now markets a line of 15 hydraulic breakers spanning impact classes from 200 to 15,000 foot pounds. The breakers debuted under the Atlas Copco brand name in January, following Atlas Copco’s acquisition of Krupp Berco Bautechnik, the largest producer of hydraulic breakers in the world.

The Atlas Copco line is separated into three categories: the Penta Breaker (PB) Series, offering service weights from 200 to 795 pounds; the MB Series, with service weights ranging from 1,210 to 3,750 pounds; and the HB Series, with service weights ranging from 4,850 to 15,400 pounds.

Atlas Copco has also introduced a new excavator-mounted hydraulic cutter, the CC 1501 Combi Cutter. Built for excavators in the 16- to 28-ton weight classes, the CC 1501 features two exchangeable jaw designs and can be used on many different materials. Atlas Copco recommends the unit for demolition, reduction, and recycling applications.

Click 12 on ROADFAX card

Curb machine gets power boost

Power Curbers has given its 5700-B slipform paver a 50% power boost by switching to a new 133-horsepower engine as one of a menu of enhancements for the popular curb-and-gutter machine. Other enhancements include a higher operator’s platform for improved visibility of the auger and chute man, repositioned radiators for cooler work, a new hydrostatic direct-drive conveyor with higher torque and lower maintenance costs, and rotary controls that allow fractional changes in ground or conveyor speeds for a smooth, consistent curb.

The company made a number of other changes to improve reliability and reduce maintenance requirements, including heavier frames and increased torque for crawlers, eye-level positions for filters and the high-pressure servo, and the use of an externally mounted radiator for easier access.

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New backhoe loader debuts

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced the second model in its new backhoe-loader line, the 83-horsepower BL60. The turbocharged machine has a 14-foot, 9-inch digging depth and 11,864 pounds-foot of backhoe bucket digging force. It has a 1.3-cubic-yard loader bucket and develops 8,936 pounds-foot of bucket breakout force. Designed for governmental agencies and construction contractors, as well as the rental industry, the BL60 can be ordered in two- or four-wheel drive, with an enclosed cab or open canopy, and with a standard or extendible dipper.

Like the BL70, which launched the Volvo backhoe loader line in 2003, the new model features a fixed-displacement, flow-sharing hydraulic system designed for reliability, power, and control. It has extended service intervals, an S-style boom, and a cast iron pivot and base for the boom to enhance durability.

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Breaker companies combine lines

Allied Construction Products and Sandvik Tamrock have combined their demolition attachments businesses in the NAFTA market place. Allied achieved market leadership in North America marketing hammers designed by Germany-based Krupp, which was acquired by Atlas Copco in 2002. As of January 1, 2004, Atlas Copco became the exclusive marketer of Krupp attachments in North America, and Allied markets breakers and other attachments under the Rammer and Allied brand names in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Rammer by Allied is the new brand name for 24 models of hydraulic breakers, ranging in impact energy class ratings from 150 to 16,000 foot pounds. The line is broken into three classes: the S-Series covers hammers weighing from 180 to 1,830 pounds; the E-Series covers models from 2,300 to 3,800 pounds; and G-Series models weigh 5,250 to 15,500 pounds.

The Rammer by Allied line also includes machine-mounted cutters, crushers, and pulverizers.

Click 11 on ROADFAX card

Quick-change brushes

The new quick-change broom attachment from Sweepster and FFC Attachments makes brush changes a snap. The QC Angle Broom is designed so that the brush drive slips easily out of the core without removing hydraulic lines for the wheel motor. The brush core is reversible from end to end for even brush wear. A new faceted hood is designed to provide maximum strength at the ends of the hood where most stress and damage occur.

The new broom is available in 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-foot widths, and in a variety of hydraulic motor sizes in single and dual motor configurations to provide a match to a wide spectrum of host-machine hydraulic systems.

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Hybrid electric commercial truck

Mack Trucks has received a $1.2-million contract through Southwest Research Institute to develop diesel hybrid electric technology for use in military and commercial vehicles. The immediate goal is a hybrid vehicle to be used for refueling operations at U.S. Air Force bases. The long-term goal is to develop heavy-duty trucks that operate on a combination of electricity and diesel fuel. Along with better fuel economy, the hybrid is expected to deliver longer engine and brake service intervals, and reduced emissions.

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Landscape rake for mini-loaders

McLaughlin says its new Landscape Rake attaches to all standard mini skid-steer loaders and is available for the Bobcat MT50. It is designed to mill, fill, mix, grade, clean, pulverize, and spread materials. Standard soil prep tines provide surface preparation to a depth of 1.5 inches; deeper preparation to 5 inches is available with replaceable tilling tines. A removable catch basket collects rocks, twigs, and other debris; with the basket removed the rake can be used for dethatching grassy areas or fluffing mulch beds.

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Improves concrete reclamation

Liebherr Concrete Technology has introduced the LDP Concrete Reclaimer Buffer, which provides up to 12 cubic yards of buffering capacity for discharging returned concrete into an existing concrete reclaiming system. The buffer increases overall efficiency by improving mixer truck utilization. Liebherr says up to six mixer trucks can discharge their loads simultaneously and at full discharge speed into the buffer, which agitates the material and adds additional water to maintain desired slump. The buffer also provides a uniform flow of material into the reclaimer.

Liebherr says the LDP Concrete Reclaimer Buffer can be adapted to work with most brands of concrete reclaiming systems.

Click 17  on ROADFAX card

New bracket improves concrete paving

Wyco Tool has developed a new single-isolator mounting bracket that attaches its hydraulic vibrators to any paving machine to reduce concrete buildup and improve consolidation. The company says the single-isolator design reduces maintenance by eliminating the problem of concrete buildup that occurs in mounts with two to four rubber isolators.

Wyco claims the single-isolator mounting can affect paving performance. If concrete hardens in the isolator mount, says Wyco, it is extremely difficult to remove and substantially reduces the benefit of the isolator. Clean mountings also ensure more of the vibration force is concentrated in the concrete for a better final product and less vibration transmitted to the paving machine.

The new mounting brackets require just two bolts to secure the vibrator heads, and are featured on Wyco’s new 2500# impact rotor.

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Converts to walk behind in minutes

Bobcat’s new MT52 mini track loader has the industry’s only ride-on platform that can be removed in minutes for fitting into tight areas. Designed for the landscape industry, the MT52 measures just 6-feet long and 3-feet wide, yet has a rated operating capacity of 520 pounds. More than 18 Bobcat attachments have been approved for the new loader.

Click 20  on ROADFAX card

Aluminum radiators for off-highway machines

Modine Manufacturing, a major supplier of radiators to the automotive, trucking, and off-road markets, has announced it is offering a full line of new aluminum radiators for the off-road market.

“We’re migrating to aluminum radiators because they bring the same or superior level of performance and durability as current products, while providing more cost-effective solutions for our customers, said John Hankey, general manager of Modine’s Heavy Duty and Industrial Division. He added that aluminum radiators are more environmentally friendly to manufacture, since they don’t contain lead like the copper brass units traditionally used in the heavy-duty market. The company says it is filling orders for the new units from major heavy-duty customers serving the construction, agriculture, and material handling markets.

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Compact track loader digs hard

Bobcat’s new T250 compact track loader has a 2,500-pound-rated operating capacity (35% of tipping load) and a radius path lift arm design. The company says the T250 delivers superior digging and grading ability in construction and municipal applications, among others. The machine has an 81-horsepower diesel engine, and a longer frame and footprint than its predecessor, resulting in 7% more push force and a low 4.1-psi ground pressure with 18-inch tracks. Auxiliary hydraulic flow is 21.2 gallons per minute; the high-flow option is 31.7 gallons per minute and 3,300 psi. Attachments include the Brushcat rotary cutter, dozer blade, stump grinder, and tree spade.

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National used equipment program

Volvo Generation 2 is Volvo’s new used-equipment remarketing program for its dealers and customers. The program gives buyers access to Volvo-certified used machines that meet factory standards and remarketing specifications. Volvo says these machines are covered by unique warranty plans and a variety of flexible financing arrangements.

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Stronger wheel loaders

Kubota says its new R20 Super Series wheel loaders offer more strength, comfort, and operator benefits. The units include factory-installed cabs, 60-amp alternator, and a rounded silhouette. The R420S is powered by a 43-horsepower, three-cylinder diesel, while the R520S has a 49-horsepower, four-cylinder diesel. Breakout forces are 6,550 pounds and 7,424 pounds, respectively. Both models have Kubota’s Load Sensing Transmission which changes between high speed/low torque and low speed/high torque as load conditions vary.

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Two new excavator models

Komatsu has introduced two new excavator models, the compact PC40MR-2 and the production-size PC400LC-7.

The 10,560-pound, 39-horsepoer PC40MR-2 is said to be structurally stronger, more comfortable, and capable of wider working ranges than its preceding model. The 103,000-pound, 330-horsepower PC400LC-7 received improvements in power, productivity, fuel consumption, lateral stability, and lifting capacity compared to its predecessor.

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Paver line changes owners

Bomag Americas, formerly known as Compaction America, has purchased Gilcrest’s ProPaver equipment division, which includes five self-propelled tracked asphalt pavers and four towable wheeled pavers with application widths from 4 to 15 feet. The line also includes an asphalt distributor for heating and spraying emulsified asphalt. All products are now being marketed under the “ProPaver by BOMAG” brand name.

Simpkins expects to offer the paving line through the same dealers handling Bomag’s compaction equipment.

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Portable compressor

Kaeser Compressors’ new addition to the Mobilair line, the M38 portable compressor, delivers up to 135 cfm at 100 psig. The tough, dependable compressor can run a 90-pound breaker, making it perfect for road and highway maintenance and construction. Standard features include the power-saving Sigma Profile airend; heavy-duty, 44-horsepower diesel engine; and an instrument and lighting package. A high-capacity, cold-start battery ensures reliable operation in severe working conditions. The galvanized-steel canopy allows quick access to all components for easy servicing and reduces noise levels. The torsion bar suspension, oversized tires, and compact design provide superior road handling.

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Tool carriers upgraded

Caterpillar has improved its wheel-loader-based IT38G and IT62G Series II integrated tool carriers with a Tier II compliant, electronically controlled engine that is said to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They also have a new cooling system with on-demand fan that reduces noise and radiator plugging, and contributes to better fuel efficiency. A new variable shift control allows the operator to select shift modes based on application and preferences, reducing fuel consumption. Other drive-train improvements are designed to reduce operating costs.

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Cuts roadbeds in rock

Trencor’s three-model line of RoadMiner machines are designed to excavate large surface areas predominantly underlaid with rock to final grade. Designed for high-production applications, the machines can cut up to 15.5-feet wide and 5-feet deep in a single pass, leaving a clean even cut. In most applications, the company says, the RoadMiner eliminates the need to blast, leaves excellent-size aggregate, and eliminates boulders and voids.

Click 21  on ROADFAX card

New distributors named

LBX Company has announced two new distributors of Link-Belt earthmoving equipment in New York. George and Swede Sales and Service, based in Pavilion, serves northwestern New York, while New Millennium Rentals in New Windsor serves the southern portion of the state.

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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
March 2004

 

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Copyright © 2004 James Informational Media, Inc.
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