Earthmoving & soil compaction

ROPS excavator cabs now a reality

February 9, 2012

ISO-certified excavator ROPS cabs are coming for excavators. Mark Cherrington writes. It has been a long time coming, but certified ROPS cabs on excavators are now a reality. This follows the release of an international ISO standard that sets out laboratory tests and performance requirements for protective structures on excavators weighing from 6 - 50tonnes. In addition, an update to the EU's Machinery Safety Directive (MSD) took effect at the end of 2009 and brought in a number of changes, including a requ

North African roads

February 8, 2012

Morocco has a rapidly expanding road network, which is benefiting from expertise offered by French contractor Colas. The quality of Morocco's roads is higher than in many other African countries, with much of this due to the use of the latest road construction technology by Colas. It previously took almost two days to go from Casablanca to Tan Tan in the south and this journey now takes less than eight hours. Colas has some 800 machines and vehicles in Morocco, with 70 graders, 70 wheeled loaders, 50 excava

Digging performer

February 8, 2012

Doosan has developed a new 38tonne class excavator, the DX380LC. High performance is claimed as well as increased control and precision, improved fuel economy and reduced noise and emissions. Aimed at heavy construction and excavation applications the machine can be used in developing construction sites and renovating highways. High stability is a feature as the machine uses the long and wide under carriage of the larger DX420LC excavator.

Tamtron weighs in with Pro+

February 8, 2012

Tamtron's new Pro+ scale is offering accurate weighing equipment for use with wheeled loaders. The system from the Finnish company features fast data transfer through the Internet or using USB memory sticks, allowing information to be transferred to the office immediately. "The Pro+ package makes it possible to load a specified amount of product and features automatic angle compensation of up to 12.9°, which speeds up the working process when loading a crusher. The scale also compensates boom speed, tilting

Meeting the challenge of desert runway resurfacing

February 8, 2012

Ferocious daytime temperatures can provide a tough challenge to construction firms working in desert conditions in Egypt's south. Despite the high daytime temperatures however, Egyptian contractor Orascom has managed to complete an airport project on budget and ahead of schedule, while meeting the client's tight specifications.

Komatsu's excavator improvements

February 8, 2012

Komatsu's improved PC160LC-8 excavator offers high safety, performance and productivity. Weighing up to 18tonnes (depending on specification), the PC160LC-8 suits duties in general earthmoving and construction sites. A sophisticated machine management system is installed and other features include increased operator comfort, safety and low fuel consumption.

Case's first European Rodeo

February 8, 2012

Construction equipment manufacturer Case put dozens of its operator customers through their paces at a first-ever European Rodeo event to mark the first anniversary of the opening of its Customer Centre in Paris.

Compacting the soil

February 8, 2012

High productivity and value for money are two benefits claimed by the new generation of soil compactors - Mike Woof reports. The market for soil compaction machines looks to be growing more competitive as new manufacturers enter the sector. This is particularly noticeable now that Chinese firm LiuGong has moved into the sector. Meanwhile new design concepts are also allowing firms to develop much larger and more powerful machines than ever before. The choice for contractors is a wide one and manufacturers a

Earthmoving machines the backbone of construction

February 7, 2012

Earthmoving machines remain the backbone of construction operations - writes Mike Woof. ADTs, excavators and wheeled loaders play pivotal roles in most construction jobs with the earthmoving stage providing a key component of most projects.

Improved digging performance

February 7, 2012

Komatsu is rolling out its new PC190-8 excavator, which replaces the previous PC180-7 model. The new machine weighs in at up to 20tonnes and features an engine power increase of 7% over the previous model, boosting performance and productivity. Digging output is increased due to features such as a 200mm longer monoboom, and a maximum bucket capacity of 1.14m3. Lifting capacity is increased and the PC190-8 lifts over a tonne more than the PC180-7, while it offers a bucket digging force of 1.2tonnes, which