Earthmoving & soil compaction

Topcon’s i33 versatile 3D indicate grade system

April 2, 2014

Topcon Positioning Group has unveiled a multi-platform 3D indicate grade system – i33. The new system features GPS technology and a graphical display and is said to provide a powerful indicate system at an economical price. The i33 is designed for quick installation and easy operation on many types of grading and earthmoving machinery. “It’s ideal for use on a dozer, scraper or virtually any type of machinery used for cut or fill operations,” said Kris Maas, manager of machine control product marketing f

Case and Sumitomo’s Nordic feedback aids new excavator plans

April 2, 2014

A team of engineers from Case Construction Equipment and Japanese excavator partner Sumitomo Construction Machinery has been meeting Nordic region customers to listen to operator feedback and assess changing customer demands. The majority of excavators in Nordic countries operate with a rotor tilt attachment, adding to the versatility and utilisation of these machines. This precision operation is of particular interest to the Case Sumitomo engineering team, as the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System (CIHS

Video highlights efficiency of UK bridge demolition project

March 31, 2014

The demolition of the Belgrave Flyover in the UK city of Leicester was carried out efficiently and effectively, within the strict time and safety guidelines set by the client. This aged structure was no longer able to meet traffic demands in the city and was removed by the specialist contractor AR Demolition. Drone footage provided an aerial view of the operation. The contractor subsequently won a number of industry awards for several of its demolition operations. This video clip is shown courtesy of Digger

Efficient bridge demolition in China

March 31, 2014

A contractor in China has completed an effective bridge demolition job efficiently and quickly. The pre-weakened structure was brought crashing into the river it spanned following one final push using the boom of an excavator. The defunct bridge collapsed in a controlled fashion without injury or inconvenience, allowing the rubble to be removed in a subsequent operation.

Caterpillar opens new Chinese facilities and celebrates 20th anniversary

March 31, 2014

Caterpillar’s Chinese excavator facility in Xuzhou, China has celebrated its 20th anniversary since its opening. The Caterpillar (Xuzhou) facility was the firm’s first hydraulic excavator manufacturing factory in China and the company has now extended its capabilities by opening the additional Caterpillar Chassis (Xuzhou) plant. The opening was celebrated in an event attended by Caterpillar’s key executives. Following a series of investments, Caterpillar (Xuzhou) has now become the world's largest excavator

Volvo CE opens Chinese technology facility

March 20, 2014

Volvo Construction Equipment has carried out the official opening for its new technology centre in Jinan, China. The 50,000m2 facility is located in China’s Shangdong Province, China and will focus on developing products and components for customers in emerging markets. The centre combines design offices with workshops and facilities for testing both complete machines and components. Currently there are more than 150 employees working at the facility, the majority of which are local engineers, but employee

JCB is moving production of its compaction range to India

March 13, 2014

UK firm JCB is opting to move production of its compaction equipment range from its facility in Germany to facilities in India and the UK. Production of the VM compactors and the two larger VM tandem rollers will be moved to the firm’s factory in Pune. Meanwhile production of all walk-behind models and the two smaller VM tandem rollers is relocating to the JCB Attachments factory in Uttoxeter. And production of the 403 Wheeled Loading Shovel will be brought back to the JCB Utility Products factory in Cheadl

New Caterpillar K Series Wheeled Loaders

March 12, 2014

Caterpillar’s new design K Series Small Wheeled Loaders—924K, 930K and 938K— incorporate, for low regulated countries, a new EU Stage 111A/US EPA Tier 3 standard Cat 7.1 ACERT engine said to deliver up to 25% fuel savings compared with H Series models. An improved fuel filtration system features a dual fuel filter with increased dirt holding capacity for longer life. The C7.1 ACERT rated speed setting of 1800rpm, compared with 2415rpm for the H Series, also reduces sound levels and wear. An engine-idle shut

Advanced soil compaction

March 11, 2014

From Caterpillar comes a new compaction system that is said to boost working efficiency. The innovative machine drive power (MDP) package is said to be an integrated soil compaction measurement technology that has been tested by contractors at several jobsites around the world. Now coming to market, the MDP package is one component of an intelligent compaction (IC) package from the firm. The IC technology includes integrated compaction measurement (with an accelerometer, or Cat’s MDP), a system that pro

More making the grade

March 11, 2014

The grader market may be comparatively small but it is still fiercely fought and while Caterpillar holds a strong market share worldwide, other firms are also increasing their presence in the sector. John Deere hopes to capitalise on its share by installing the new G-series graders with the firm’s PowerTech, Tier 4 Final compliant engines. The engine update has also allowed engineers to install a number of other upgrades. The G-Series still includes 12 models, with power ranging from 164-214kW and six o