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New Loaders Make a
Powerful Debut
Caterpillar
introduced the new H-series version of its four mid-size wheel loaders to
the trade press in September with a series of demonstrations that showed the
new series’ advancements in power, cycle times, and fuel efficiency.
Ranging in size from the 216-horsepower 950H to the
307-horsepower 972H, the new machines all feature load-sensing hydraulics
and Cat’s much publicized ACERT engines, which meet Tier III emissions
requirements and also deliver more power, fuel economy, and cost efficiency.
 To
dramatize the performance improvement, the company showed G- and H-series
models side by side in load and carry operations. The H-series models were
much faster, thanks to an advantage in horsepower and to the new hydraulic
system which makes the host machine much more efficient when performing
multiple tasks simultaneously.
In addition to producing fewer emissions than
preceding engines, Cat says the new ACERT models are more reliable thanks to
fewer parts and less sensitivity to internal acid formation, and more
durable because they are less sensitive to fuel sulfur content. They also
demand less-frequent oil changes, and produce better load response, higher
fuel economy, and better high-altitude performance.
To further enhance fuel efficiency, the engines also
employ Cat’s new idle management software. This provides four idle settings
for the machine: hibernate (for fuel efficiency during long periods of
idle); work; warm up (for cold weather start-ups); and low voltage mode.
Also new on the mid-size loaders are
electro-hydraulic implement controls which feature soft detents and which,
with the load sensing system, allow operators to simultaneously lift and
tilt the bucket for better bucket control and less spillage.
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Simplified 60-footer
 Elliott
has released its newly redesigned 60-foot L60 aerial work platform and
crane. New features include continuous rotation for easier operation,
turret-mounted lower controls for better line of sight in crane operations,
40% fewer fittings, and an improved leveling system. Its self-leveling,
removable work platform has 62 feet of working height and can be outfitted
with an electrical outlet, hydraulic tool circuit, air tool circuit, or a
material handling jib winch.
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Compact track loader launched
 JCB
has added the 1,800-pound-rated 180T as the third model in its line of
compact track loaders. It features a 60-horsepower engine, a three- roller
undercarriage design, and JCB’s unique single-arm side entry for safer
ingress and egress.
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Zero blind spots
 LaneScan
has developed what it calls an intelligent mirror system that helps
eliminate blind spots for large trucks. The com-pany’s Go Zone system allows
the driver to scan a wide area on each side of the truck by pushing a button
to activate the power mirrors.
When the mirror finishes its sweep, it returns to
its preset position. The system is said to improve driver visibility in
difficult situations like freeway merges and backing up.
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Plow and spread
 Multiple
attachments equip the
Trackless
Vehicles’ articulated carrier for a wide range of winter street
maintenance needs. The company’s front sander/plow transfers weight to the
front axle and spreads material in front of the tires for optimum traction.
A rear-mounted salt/sand spreader distributes material in a 41-inch-wide
diamond pattern. Used together, the attachments allow the machine to spread
two different materials.
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Tool carrier added
Komatsu has added a parallel-lift tool carrier, the
WA320PT-5, to its wheel loader line. The 166-horsepower, 32,000-pound unit
has a hydrostatic transmission and a new Tier 2 engine that is 15% more fuel
efficient than its predecessor.
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Converts heat to weight
Truckweight designed Smart Scale as a wireless,
onboard weigh scale for trucks and trailers with air suspensions. The system
uses sensors to measure temperature and pressure changes in the air
suspension and relays this data via a low-powered radio transmitter to a
handheld receiver. The receiver displays readings for axle weight and gross
vehicle weight, and the company says the GVW values are within 0.3% of
actual gross vehicle weight.
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Replacement grader blades
Following years of rebuilding motor grader
moldboards, Weller Tractor Salvage has formed a partnership with a local
steel company to produce moldboards for the replacement market. The Weller
blades feature 1-inch steel, and all supports are solid steel. The company
says there are no hollow spaces in the blades, and they weigh nearly 500
pounds more than original equipment blades.
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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
November 2005 |
