Earthmoving & soil compaction

Volvo CE is continuing its development of sophisticated zero emission machines and is now unveiling a prototype wheeled loader with all-electric drive. The firm recently demonstrated its LX2 electric compact wheel loader at the Volvo Group Innovation Summit in Berlin. The prototype machine delivers zero emissions, significantly lower noise levels, improved efficiency and reduced operational costs. At the summit, Volvo CE also demonstrated its EX2 fully-electric compact excavator prototype and presented the

Volvo CE is taking bold steps in developing technologies for the future of construction machines – Mike Woof writes Volvo CE is making serious innovations in construction machine technology, developing equipment that is smarter, safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient. This innovation comes from a position of strength and from a financial perspective, Volvo CE is performing well. CEO Melker Jernberg said, “When it comes to performance we need to be good economically. We saw growth for 2018 in all region

Intercomp says that its new PT300DW filling scale offers a portable, cost-effective way to measure the total weight of trailers while loading. The scale system allows the user to maximise load and also assists in tracking inventories of various items. The scale has been designed to work in conjunction with the firm’s AX900 axle scale system. However, it can also be used in conjunction with the company’s range of scale pads, in a wireless, or cabled, configuration. The package features RFX wireless weighing

Improved performance is claimed by Caterpillar for its new 36tonne class excavators, the 336 and 336 GC. Upgrades include increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and better operator comfort compared to previous models. The new 336 model features standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the higher power and lift capacity of the two models. This offers productivity at a competitive cost. Meanwhile the Cat 336 GC combines productivity with reduced fuel consumption and maintena

Volvo CE is commencing operations of its low emission quarrying operation in Sweden. The facility has a strong focus on electric machines, with diesel-electric hybrid equipment also being used. According to the firm, this is a world first for a quarry facility that can be run almost 'emission-free'. Volvo CE and its customer Skanska have now commenced testing the viability of the Electric Site concept at Skanska’s Vikan Kross quarry, located near Gothenburg in Sweden. The production system at the site

XCMG is now offering its 700tonne class hydraulic excavator to the extraction sector. The machine is the largest hydraulic excavator currently built in China and is powered by twin diesels, rated at 1,270kW each. The machine is 23.5m long and its 5m wide bucket offers a capacity of 34m3 and can carry up to 50tonnes/pass. The excavator is able to deliver a digging force at the stick of 230tonnes and has been designed to work with XCMG’s 216tonne and 270tonne capacity haul trucks. It features a novel dual-po

Hydraulic breakers from Indeco have helped with the excavation of a road tunnel in Italy. The HP 7000 and HP 5000 units from Indeco were used for excavation of a stretch of tunnel where blasting could not be used due to the proximity of live traffic. The Greppoli Tunnel is located between Grosseto and Siena in the section of road near Civitella Paganico on the SGC E 78. The route connects the Tyrrhenia coast with the Adriatic and is a major highway, connecting Grosseto to Fano. The 100m-long Greppoli Tunne

Driver comfort, more power and improved environmental credentials highlight some of the latest earthmoving equipment Doosan Construction Equipment has launched a new version of the company’s DA30 30tonne class articulated dump truck (ADT), now in a new colour scheme. Most of the changes are for better operator comfort and controllability of the machine. But there are also changes in the driveline and electrical systems. The most important development is an upgrade of the suspension to a hydro-gas self-lev

French construction machine manufacturer Mecalac is expanding its operations with a key acquisition. The Mecalac Group is adding to its range of products by taking over production of a range of compact wheeled loaders, currently being manufactured by the French company Pichon. The deal will be finalised on January 1st, 2019. The Pichon firm specialises in the design and manufacture of agricultural equipment and is based at Landivisiau in Brittany (France). Following the deal, Pichon will cease production of