Earthmoving & soil compaction

A number of key manufacturers are offering major improvements to their product offerings for loading and excavating. Key developments have been seen in engines and transmissions in particular, with vast reductions in emissions as well as improved fuel economy and working efficiency. Caterpillar’s 966K XE wheeled loader is one of the firm’s most sophisticated new models, with power from a 240kW diesel being delivered through an innovative continuously variable transmission (CVT). This technology is new t

New smart dozers provide faster working and greater efficiency - Mike Woof reports Both Caterpillar and Komatsu are making key moves in offering intelligent bulldozing capabilities on their latest machines. In the medium-sized bulldozer market, both companies have sophisticated new models that will increase both productivity and finish quality, while lowering running costs for the user.

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) (HCME) has completed the €10 million restructure of its manufacturing sites at Oosterhout in the south of The Netherlands. The Application Centre (AC) and Zaxis mini excavator factories have merged into one operation, which, according to HCME, will have far-reaching benefits for the firm. “At first glance, there is no similarity between Hitachi mini excavators and special application machines,” said Tonny Engels, general manager at the Oosterhout factory. “Howev

The remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena will shortly benefit from the construction of a new airport as well as access roads and supporting infrastructure. This is the biggest construction project in the history of the island, which lies nearly 2,000km off the coast of Africa. The airport is expected to boost economic development for the island’s 4,000 residents with an estimated 20,000 people a year forecasted to visit this highly remote, 122km2 equatorial volcanic outcrop. At present the islan

The remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena will shortly benefit from the construction of a new airport as well as access roads and supporting infrastructure. This is the biggest construction project in the history of the island, which lies nearly 2,000km off the coast of Africa. The airport is expected to boost economic development for the island’s 4,000 residents with an estimated 20,000 people a year forecasted to visit this highly remote, 122km2 equatorial volcanic outcrop. At present the islan

A range of products will be shown by Indeco, the Italian hydraulic breaker manufacturer.

Bell Equipment plans to make a strong impact locally by showcasing its strides in innovation with the debut of its 60tonne articulated dump truck, the B60D. The B60D has full articulation and oscillation steering but differs from most conventional ADTs in that it has two driven axles, giving it 4x4 capability. With a 60tonne payload the company believes it will be able to move considerably more dirt than a regular ADT, at a lower cost/tonne than comparative rigid haulers. “At the same time the truck offers

A three-year modernisation programme at Bamako-Sénou international airport will improve the facility and allow larger aircraft and greater passenger numbers. The Malian Government has been undertaking a vast extension of the airport with the aim of being able to accommodate over a million passengers/year and all sizes of passenger aircraft. The project is being handled by MCA-Mali, a consortium led by RAZEL-BEC and also including the Vinci Group, which is active in Mali. Guillaume Derousseau, constructio

A new airport has been constructed in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea that will help with communications and logistics for the development of a natural gas project in the area. Built at Komo, the airport is sufficiently large to be able to handle the massive Russian Antonov AH-124-100 transport aircraft. Construction of the airport however proved challenging as the climate in this mountainous area is known for its changeable weather and heavy seasonal rainfall. However the airport was need