Features

SDLG and Volvo CE are adopting a dual brand approach – Mike Woof writes. Chinese firm SDLG and its European partner Volvo CE are working on a novel arrangement that will see the two companies use a dual brand marketing strategy. While the sales channels in these markets will remain distinct, some back office services and parts logistics will be shared, affording SDLG much greater customer support than offered by other Chinese exporters

SANY Mining is gearing up to expand sales of its rigid haul truck range, as well as developing new models - Mike Woof writes. The global rigid dump truck market is at present dominated by a small number of manufacturers, but SANY Mining intends to challenge its main rivals internationally, having developed its presence in its home market. SANY Mining is continuing to expand its SRT range of off-highway dump trucks, as well as boosting its sales of these machines in China and for export.

LiuGong has been investing heavily in manufacturing and product development, as well as building international distribution – vice president David Beatenbough spoke with Mike Woof One of Chinese leading producers of wheeled loaders, LiuGong has an increasingly international flavour. The company has perhaps a larger contingent of North American and European executives and employees working in China than most of its competitors in the country.

Ensuring efficient cone crusher operation can deliver major economies of scale for quarrying facilities There are a number of ways in which cone crusher throughput can be optimised. One of the key issues is in keeping the system choke fed during operation, as this maximises the effectiveness of rock-on-rock crushing, extends the wear life of manganese components and ensures a quality product shape. A lack of feed causes inconstant loading, which affects the long-term life of internal components.

Benninghoven, the leading asphalt plant and accessories manufacturer, believes the greater use of Lignite Energy Pulverized (LEP) during asphalt plant production will ensure huge long-term financial savings for plant operators currently using alternative combustibles. Guy Woodford reports The claimed impact of LEP on the German asphalt plant market is impressive. As reported in the July-August 2013 issue of World Highways, 80% of all asphalt plants operated in the country are said by LEP Europe-wide

Major Wire Industries, a leading manufacturer of screen media, has determined a numbers of methods to tackle common screening problems Screen media inefficiencies can reduce product quality, production and profit as much as a poorly performing screen box. Screen media modifications cost less than screen box upgrades and can provide major benefits for little outlay. If material is coming off the end of the deck, instead of passing through the screen cloth there are several possible problems. It could be that

Pan-European enforcement of driving regulations should catch offenders and help improve Europe’s road safety - Mike Woof reports. Agreements are being reached that will see Pan-European enforcement of driving regulations. Drivers will now face being penalised for any offences committed in other European countries. The change is due on 7th November 2013. After this date EU Member States will commence the cross border exchange of data relating to road traffic offences. For this scheme to work, eight offences

Caterpillar’s new wheeled loader represents a new direction in the firm’s aim to develop machines to meet specific needs - Mike Woof reports Caterpillar’s 986H and 988K wheeled loaders are significant introductions for the firm, having been developed to meet the needs of entirely different market segments. The 988K takes the place of the earlier 988H model and this new machine features the latest low emission engine technology, suiting it to use in North America and Europe. Powered by a 403kW diesel the mac

*Nigel Grout discusses methods for minimising the risk of potential legal issues in construction projects Disputes and the construction industry are synonymous with each other. In a climate of economic downturn, the prevalence of major disputes will continue to be high as parties are unwilling or not able to compromise to reach a settlement. According to the latest ‘Global Construction Disputes’ report by EC Harris, the global average value of a construction dispute in 2012 was nearly US$32 million.

A new high quality runway surface has been laid at Bremen City Airport. This has provided a much-needed replacement at the airport as the old runway was laid over 20 years ago and was suffering from cracking and potholes. Laying the new surface required the airport to be closed, with the work having to be carried out in a tight time schedule. Contractor Heitkamp Erd- und Straßenbau was brought in to carry out the work as the firm had experience in runway rehabilitation projects having carried out pavemen

The project to upgrade Kassel-Calden Airport in Germany is providing a much improved facility. Opened in 1970, the original airport had a short runway that was not suited to predicted traffic volumes and current standards so a complete reconstruction of the facility has been carried out. The €271 million investment in the facility is expected by the developers to provide a strong economic benefit to the area. The original airport was built on an area of over 200ha and a new and longer runway has been con

Dynapac is now offering the SD2550CS tracked paver, which is said to deliver high productivity and efficiency at a low cost/tonne. The machine is also fitted with Dynapac’s latest intelligent Pave Manager 2.0 control system, further boosting mat quality. The company says that the paver has benefited from an intensive research and development programme and the R&D team has worked hard to improve a number of features on the new paver, which now has an improved operator work station and controls systems, lo

Drivers in Angola are benefiting from a bridge that spans the Catumbela River, taking the place of an old structure that had proven not fit for purpose. The US$35 million cable stayed bridge is located in the highway between Benguela and Lobito, around 7km from Angola’s Atlantic coast and is one of a series of new infrastructure developments in the country. Angola suffered a long period of war that impacted on its people and infrastructure. The war resulted in severe damage to the country’s road system alon

A survey carried out jointly by the National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA) and the Federal Highway Association (FHWA) shows that asphalt recycling and energy-saving technologies are in increasing use in the US The increasing adoption of new construction practices in the asphalt pavement industry has saved more than US$2.2 billion during the 2011 paving season through the use of recycled materials and energy-saving warm-mix technologies. According to a survey conducted by the National Asphalt Pavem

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