Maintenance

The skid steer loader has for many years been known as a jack-of-all-trades. Indeed the term loader can be a bit misleading, as a skid steer is far more than simply a digging or lifting machine. Skid steers, and their more recent compact tracked loader stablemates, are the original powered tool carriers. They are designed to work with a host of attachments, not just a bucket or pallet forks. However while this concept of one base machine and a multitude of attachments has been a big success in North America

Hitachi's new wheeled excavator offers the latest engine and advanced hydraulics. The short-tail ZX145W-3 suits applications in confined urban areas as well as on highway projects. The machine has been developed especially for European customers and features an integrated transmission and a reinforced structure.

In an interesting development Wacker Neuson is now promoting sales of used equipment. The firm recently held an equipment auction, with a wide range of units being sold including internal vibrators, pumps, rammers, plates and compact equipment weighing up to 15tonnes.

A new high performance machine from Komatsu offers short tailswing capabilities on a compact wheeled excavator chassis Komatsu Europe International says that its PW98MR-8 midi excavator is currently the only short-tail machine in its class

CNH Global NV, a global player in the agricultural and construction equipment business, has acquired full ownership of L&T-Case Equipment, an unconsolidated joint venture established in 1999 with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to manufacture and sell construction and building equipment in India.

Contractor CMK is using a new Bobcat T770 tracked loader to help build roads for the UK's Forestry Commission.

JCB is widening its WORKMAX range of utlity vehciles with the addition of a new 4x4 model. The new model is the WORKMAX 800D and offers 600kg maximum payload and this introduction extends the range, which also includes the 1000D model 4x4, and the 6x4 variant. Power for the new model comes from a 784cc Yanmar diesel engine coupled to a two-speed CVT with a Kevlar belt. The 800D model is a mid-range model with 4x4 drive and a selectable differential lock that is electronically controlled.

According to Bobcat its new 4-6tonne class mini excavators offer high performance in a compact chassis. The E45 and E50 models are zero tailswing machines designed to operate in close confines close to obstructions. Low noise and low emissions are features of these machines, along with precise control and both machines are based on the same chassis. Equipped with cab and bucket, the E45 has an operating weight of 4.6tonnes and offers a maximum digging depth of 3.3m. The E50 model, equipped with cab and buck

The powerful and productive DXB breakers from Doosan are said to suit a wide array of applications such as tunneling, secondary reduction, primary winning and demolition.

The introduction of a new backhoe loader line is a major development for Case, Mike Woof reports. Case is introducing its new backhoe loader line-up for the European market, which offers key performance improvements. There are four models being introduced, the 695ST, 590ST, 580ST and 580T, aimed at different market segments and intended to encompass the entire range of customer requirements. This is an important launch for CNH, which has been offering a fully-integrated backhoe loader in its line-up since 1