Earthmoving & soil compaction

Atlas Copco has completed the introduction of its fifth generation soil compactor range with the roll-out of the compact CA models. The new Dynapac CA1300 and CA1500 machines share features with the larger machines launched earlier this year, with a focus on reduced operating costs, low operating noise and fuel consumption and ease of servicing.

German firm MOBA is now offering a tool that can help boost the efficiency of soil compaction operations. The company’s MOBA MCA-2000 roller system is designed to help the roller driver achieve optimum compaction in earthworks. This is important as the load-bearing capacity of the subgrade of a construction site can be crucial and material compaction is vital. Uniform compaction can prevent subsequent plastic deformations and ground settling. But whether an area has been compacted to the specification is d

Dressta, the Poland-based LiuGong subsidiary, is developing its next generation of dozer crawlers, the first of which will be potentially available to customers sometime in 2016. Speaking at a recent Dressta press event at the firm’s HQ and factory in Stalowa Wola, southern Poland, David Beatenbough, LiuGong’s vice president, said: “We’ve got major work going on our next generation crawler dozer. It’s a global project. We have a team of Chinese [LiuGong] engineers who are paired off with a Polish [Dressta]

Volvo CE’s redesigned soil compactors offer improved cab designs and better performance, while the firm is offering other glimpses of future technologies - Nick Johnson reports This summer marked the 55th anniversary of Volvo Days – an event that enables Volvo Construction Equipment customers to find out more about the company’s latest products and services. An impressive machine demonstration at the Volvo Customer Centre in Eskilstuna, Sweden provided the official launch for several new models, including s

Chinese quarry producer Beijing Xindadi Equipment Company is looking to increase the size of its Caterpillar machine fleet as part of its plan to increase output The company is based at Beijing Miyun Taishi Village and currently produces 1-1.5 million tonnes/year of limestone, which is used for general construction in the Beijing area. Zhang Guofeng is equipment manager for the firm and said, “Business is good because the market is not affected by the downturn.”

Volvo Construction Equipment has agreed to acquire Terex Corporation’s off-highway hauler business for around US$160 million (SEK 1 billion) on a cash and debt free basis. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, includes the main production facility in Motherwell, Scotland and two product ranges that offer both rigid and articulated haulers.

Equipment manufacturer JCB plans to invest €179.5 million (£150 million) in its manufacturing facilities in the UK. The investment will be targeted at its operations in Staffordshire and this will add some 2,500 to the firm’s payroll by 2018. This in turn is expected to add a further 7,500 jobs in the UK component supply chain. This investment represents the single largest investment in JCB’s history and includes a brand-new purpose-built factory for JCB Cab Systems in Beamhurst, near Uttoxeter, to replace

Chinese firms are growing their expertise in terms of products and international sales – Mike Woof reports China’s major off-highway construction equipment manufacturers have grown in a relatively short period and now number amongst the largest players in the sector. Some of the key firms are looking to boost exports and are providing tough competition, particularly in the emergent markets. Best known for its wheeled loaders, LiuGong has been developing its excavator range, with production of the E

High quality Desert Cream Granite is being extracted from a sprawling 300ha site in Mungeria, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The Barmer district in West India spreads forms part of the Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert. In summer months temperatures can soar to 51°C and drop to freezing point in winter, while Barmer is also home to a specialty stone, the durable Desert Cream Granite.