Earthmoving & soil compaction

With the launch of the PW168-11 and PW198-11, Komatsu reports it has rounded up the operating weights of its wheeled excavator range to 20 tonnes.

Komatsu says that the new machines - at 16 and 20 tonnes - are compact and easy to transport yet powerful and versatile.

There is no need for a special low-bed trailer. With a low transportation height of just 3.1m, they can be transported on standard low-bed trailers with a loading height of up to 4m. The short rear overhang of 1.85m (PW168-11) or 1.9m (PW198-11) is ideal for narrow construction sites.

Increased performance is claimed for Kobelco’s SK520LC-11E excavator, which is now being offered in two variants.

The standard model is the SK520LC-11E model, however there is also the new SK520LC-11E Mass Excavation variant, for specific application needs. Both models weigh from 52.9-57.2tonnes, depending on specification and have power from a six-cylinder Isuzu diesel rated at 348kW that meets Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions requirements.

Versatility is the key feature of Kobelco’s new SK380SRLC-7 excavator, with its short tailswing design allowing operation in restricted space areas. Operating weight varies from 36.8-39.4tonnes depending on the specification and the machine is powered by an Isuzu diesel delivering 210kW that meets Tier 4 Final/Stage V emissions requirements.

Sunward is now offering its SWDM80SW piling rig for the European market. Although well proven in Sunward’s Chinese home market, the machines have not been available in Europe until now. This 27tonne machine features an 8m high boom and is powered by a Stage 5/Tier 4 Final emissions compliant engine.

The firm says that it sees potential for its piling rigs in Europe as the machines offer performance durability. An array of options is available to suit the needs of different applications.

An innovative system from French firm IEV could allow customers to use a wheeled loader to take the place of a grader onsite. The quick attachment system offers 30° of rotation to either left or right for the wheeled loader bucket.

Used in conjunction with machine control technology from Leica Geosystems to adjust bucket angle, the IEV attachment system allows a loader to take the place of a grader for many duties such as haul road maintenance or preparation duties. However, a sideshift feature has not been developed so far.

Engcon is widening its range of tiltrotators with a new generation unit featuring improved hydraulics. The self-sensing hydraulic system can determine the volume and flow rates needed to operate a particular attachment and set the levels accordingly, increasing efficiency and productivity, while also reducing fuel consumption for the carrier machine.