Earthmoving & soil compaction

Trio of manufacturers release cutting-edge hybrid excavators

May 19, 2014

A trio of leading global construction equipment manufacturers have released innovative hybrid excavators. Guy Woodford reports on the new models Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has launched the first of a new generation of excavators, the ZH210LC-5 hybrid. The latest innovative Zaxis-5 model has been designed to deliver reliable performance with fewer emissions and less fuel than the ZX210-3 model.

Kobelco targets growth in North America and Europe after re-entering markets

May 19, 2014

Kobelco Construction Machinery Group is expecting strong sales in North America and Europe in the 2014 financial year after recently re-entering both key markets after a decade-long absence. Consolidated net domestic sales in Japan in 2013 financial year (April 2013-March 2014) were up 29.2% year-on-year to US$1.362 billion (138.3 billion yen), with overseas sales at $1.771 billion (179.9 billion yen), a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. The ratio of overseas sales to consolidated net sales decreased slightl

Komatsu’s KQUE scheme

May 14, 2014

Komatsu Qualified Used Equipment (KQUE) is a Komatsu Europe International remarketing scheme that provides top quality and affordable previously owned Komatsu equipment to customers who expect reliability, fuel efficiency and peace of mind from used equipment. Under the KQUE program, selected pre-owned Komatsu equipment is put through a stringent inspection and evaluation process by Komatsu Distributors. Detailed information about the machine’s previous life is fully reviewed with available KOMTRAX data

Cat’s efficient M Series Wheeled Loaders

May 14, 2014

The new Cat 966M, 966M XE, 972M (pictured), and 972M XE Wheeled Loaders meet EU Stage IV emissions standards, and are said to offer considerable additional value including greater productivity, lower fuel consumption, improved operator efficiency and Cat Connect features. The four models have C9.3 ACERT engines equipped with a combination of proven electronic, fuel, air and after treatment components. Deep system integration is said to result in reduced emissions, improved performance and improved fuel

JCB reports strong performance despite tough market

May 12, 2014

UK equipment manufacturer JCB is bullish and reports strong sales, despite difficult trading conditions. The company claims that its sales for 2013 are the third highest it has achieved, since the firm was established 68 years ago. Earnings stood at €383.7 million on an EBITDA basis, compared with €447.4 million for 2012. Meanwhile turnover reached €3.28 billion, close to the €3.31 billion achieved for 2012 and machine unit sales stood hit 66,227, compared with 69,250 for the previous year. JCB Chairman Lor

CNH Industrial to manufacture Sumitomo designed 13-35tonne crawler excavators

April 29, 2014

CNH Industrial is to manufacture Sumitomo designed crawler excavator models between 13-35 tonnes at specific plants within its manufacturing network from mid-2016. The announcement comes after CNH Industrial agreed to enter into a new technology license and component supply agreement with Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

MOBA expanding by increasing its holding in Novatron

April 25, 2014

German equipment technology specialist MOBA is increasing its stake in the Finnish firm Novatron. MOBA Mobile Automation has acquired an additional 24% stake in the Finish excavator system manufacturer Novatron and now holds a 49% total share of the business. ”The steady market growth in Scandinavia, the successful cooperation during the last three years and a close cooperation with OEM customers“, explained David Shelstad, MOBA’s vice president, as the main reasons for MOBA’s decision to intensify the part

Hyundai Construction Equipment strengthens partnership with Cummins

April 17, 2014

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas has said that Cummins Tier 4 Final engines will make their appearance in Hyundai machines in the “near future.” The news follows both companies’ recent launches at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas, USA, where Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas continued its partnership with Cummins by enhancing its new 9A series product lines with Cummins Tier 4 Interim engines. Hyundai exhibited many of the 9A wheeled loader and excavator models. “Cummins state-of-the-art eng

Caterpillar is developing its Chinese operations further

April 10, 2014

Caterpillar has carried out an official renaming ceremony for the Chinese operation formerly titled Shandong Engineering Machinery Co. It is now called Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Co. The Qingzhou facility will be used to produce the Caterpillar-branded 950GC wheeled loader at present) and SEM-branded products at the plant. Caterpillar will carry out a dual brand (Caterpillar and SEM) strategy in China, so as to provide differentiated products to the Chinese users.

Cat 725C and 730C articulated truck bare-chassis models

April 2, 2014

The Cat 725C and 730C articulated truck bare-chassis models are said to combine the proven durability, reliability and superior performance of Cat C Series articulated dump trucks with the capacity to mount specialty equipment, including application-specific bodies (coal and domestic waste), water tanks and spray systems, fuel- and lube-service components, hook-lift systems, container-transport systems, and flat-bed dump platforms. Through direct interaction with Caterpillar, Cat dealers and OEMs can wo