Maintenance

The mini and midi excavator sector continues to squeeze more out of less, with some innovative engineering solutions being applied to zero- and short-tailswing models - Geoff Ashcroft investigates. It is a vicious circle - customers seek smaller, tighter, ever more compact excavators, leaving manufacturers with the challenges of squeezing greater levels of technology into what is all too often an even smaller machine.

High performance backhoe loaders from Hidromek can compete with leading brands on performance - Mike Woof reports

Several manufacturers are now offering new solutions for moving heavy construction equipment, with German firms DOLL, Goldhofer and Zandt all introducing new models. DOLL says that its compact Panther units feature new running gear that is said to improve on-road handling and load capacity considerably over competing products in the same size class.

CASE CONSTRUCTION Equipment operators and customers from Europe are honing their skills at the controls for the return of the Case Rodeo operator competition, which follows an inaugural European championship last year. Competitors will have to show off their skills in a range of machines, from skid steers and backhoe loaders to larger hydraulic excavators and wheeled loaders, and demonstrate technical skill, safe working practice and productive capability.

Danish contractor Holbøll & Sønner has recently bought more construction machinery from Hitachi, having bought its first excavator from the company more than 25 years ago.

Mike Woof reports on equipment developments in the demolition sector. The hydraulic hammer is a tough tool used in a wide array of demolition jobs. Highly versatile, the breaker has evolved from a simple design based on rockdrilling equipment into a sophisticated and reliable piece of machinery. German firm Krupp and French company Montabert were pioneers of the hydraulic breaker, being followed into the market by a growing array of other manufacturers. Early breakers had the unfortunate habit of tearing th

Smaller construction equipment offers versatile options, particularly on highway repair and maintenance projects. Patrick Smith reports. Visitors to any highway construction site across the world will see a sizeable amount of utility equipment in action carrying out a variety of tasks. Indeed, because of its smaller, more compact size, such multi-task equipment is essential when repair and maintenance projects are being carried out, particularly in urban areas where space may be limited.

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.