Earthmoving & soil compaction

New generation bulldozers are coming to market that are more powerful, more productive and more efficient. Both Komatsu and Liebherr are upgrading and expanding their model ranges at present for example. From Komatsu Europe comes the highly efficient D61EX/PX-24 dozer, which is said to be highly versatile and able to carry out a wide array of grading or earthmoving applications. Improved features include an upgraded cab and a new automatic idling engine shut down system. Proven features from the earlier

Two Hitachi ZX350LCH-3Gs recently acquired by West African company Logistics Support Services (LSS) are proving invaluable assets to operations at the Arigu Rock quarry, located close to Tamale in northern Ghana. The medium Zaxis-3 excavators are working across the 18ha site to excavate granite materials for use in road construction and concrete works, among others. Acquired in early 2015 by LSS, the Arigu Rock quarry holds enough materials to sustain an operation for over 50 years. The site’s 24 employees

A Sandvik Construction DQ500 dimensional stone drill rig has proved useful on a road project in Dagestan, Russia. Local contractor, Dagestan Vzryv Stroy, is using the drill rig to work on the reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road. The reconstruction of the Avar-Kakheti road began in early 2014. The local authorities were keen to rebuild a section of the 83km route where it runs through mountains in order to connect Russia with Georgia. The economically important project was given a national grade as i

Construction is now underway on the New Orbital Highway in Doha, Qatar. This project is called The New Orbital Highway contract 2 and is one of the largest projects being delivered through the Qatar’s public work authority Ashghal. The work consists of the design and construction of 47km of highway with a five-lane dual carriageway for light vehicles and two truck lanes in each direction. It also includes six viaducts, 17 bridges and underpasses and a 320m cut-and-cover tunnel. This last is particularly

Caterpillar is introducing sophisticated technologies for use in its M Series, M Series 2 and M Series 3 Motor Graders. The Cat GRADE package features cross slope, stable grade, auto articulation and advanced control joysticks and can be integrated into the firm’s graders. These technologies can be implemented to improve operator performance and productivity, while reducing operating costs. The Cat GRADE with cross slope package is an optional, factory-integrated system that requires no base station, desi

Increased performance and more durable construction are key features of new generation excavators – Mike Woof writes. All the major equipment manufacturers are introducing new hydraulic excavators to meet market demand. These machines are offering increased output at the same time as producing lower emission levels and burning less fuel than before. From Caterpillar for instance comes its new 330F, which features a maximum operating weight of 29.75tonnes and is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel that

Several major manufacturers are introducing new technology for the soil compaction market - Mike Woof writes With the bauma 2016 exhibition drawing near, several major manufacturers are looking to expand their respective ranges of soil compactors, as well as to introduce innovative new technologies to the sector. Ammann is offering new models in the shape of its ARS 200 and ARS 220, both of which are Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant. These 20tonne and 22tonne class machines feature newly designed cab

Chicago Pneumatic is offering a new range of hydraulic compactor attachments. The firm’s RC range is said to offer increased performance over the models being replaced. The new line up includes five models for use on carriers with an operating weight of 1-40 tonnes. The units are said to feature robust construction along with high performance and efficiency, as well as easy maintenance. These attachments are designed for use in demanding applications such as slope and trench compaction, or preparation for p

New innovations are underway that will help optimise rock crushing and screening operations and boost quarry efficiency overall - Mike Woof writes. Quarrying is a tough industry that provides enormous challenges to equipment providers as machines and technology have to be rugged, durable and productive. Cutting the cost of production while optimising output has been a major target for suppliers, with new technologies playing an increasingly important role. Taking the long view with regard to increased qu

Sandvik has developed a sophisticated radio remote controlled drill rig technology. The new remote screen is a wireless screen solution for radio remote controlled drill rigs. This new solution allows the attachment of the screen to the radio remote controller, offering a considerable advance over earlier systems installed inside the cab. The remote screen is based on a common mobile device hardware platform with an Android operating system. Practically, this means that any mobile device can be chose