News

Komatsu will be bringing different-sized hybrid excavators to the market in the next “one or two years”, the Japanese construction equipment manufacturing giant revealed at INTERMAT 2015. The new models will follow on from last year’s successful launch of the third-generation HB215LC-2, on show this week. “There are plans to extend the hybrid concept to other sizes of excavators. This development is ongoing,” said Keiko Fujiwara, chief executive officer of KEISA (Komatsu Europe International). Asked when th

The INTERMAT Paris 2015 inauguration included tours of key manufacturers’ booths and a reminder of the importance of the construction industry to France – and the world. The show was officially kicked off Tuesday in the Wirtgen Group booth.

Improved Trimble technology will enable contractors to reduce dozer time as much as 40%. The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System has improved responsiveness, which provides a substantial benefit on jobsites. “It corrects faster,” said Dwayne Rosie, Software Sales Engineer in the Heavy Civil Construction Division.

While the European construction equipment market is still some 40% below the record levels of 2007, there are definite signs of a recovery in the industry. This was revealed by Eric Lepine, president of CECE (the Committee for European Construction Equipment), who said that it is a mixed market environment. “There are still uncertainties in different regions of the world and particularly in Europe, but the good news is that figures are telling that Europe is picking up,” said Lepine.

INTERMAT is of prime importance to Turkish equipment manufacturers as it provides them with an important route into the European market. Meanwhile Turkey itself is of key importance as a sales territory for local firms, due to the country’s current massive investment in infrastructure. The third Bosporus bridge currently being built will be the widest suspension bridge in the world when complete, while the Istanbul area is also benefiting from two major tunnel projects. In addition, the new airport under co

Turkey was the country of honour yesterday, with INTERMAT 2015 celebrating its machinery and equipment market, calling it “the pearl shining in Europe”. Turkish Ambassador Hakki Akil accepted a thankyou trophy from Maryvonne Lanoe, INTERMAT show director, before a series of talks and presentations highlighting the place of Turkey in the global construction sector.

Engine manufacturer MTU, has become a major supplier to the construction market, celebrating new installations in Bomag, Hidromek, Manitou and Bell machines at the Intermat 2015 show. The company, now part of the Rolls-Royce Land & Sea division, has its first 10V1600 engine on display in Bomag’s BM2000 cold milling machine. With an output of 567kW, the 10V1600 is Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emissions compliant.

LiuGong chairman Zeng Guang’an has stressed the importance of the European market to the long-term health of the global construction equipment industry. “Europe is both an opportunity and challenge to LiuGong,” said Guang’an. “LiuGong has changed quickly in Europe due to meet technology needs.

Driveline specialist Dana has started production of rough terrain crane axles at its facilities in China. The company, which already builds driveshafts and transmissions in the country, has added a range of three steer/drive axles for cranes and the Spicer 37R FLT axle for fork lift trucks to the line.

INTERMAT 2015 is the scene of some major innovations for the equipment sector. Much of the focus is again on the engine sector with the likes of Cummins, Deutz, Kohler/Lombardini, MTU and Yanmar all amongst those suppliers unveiling new low emission diesels. These new engines are cleaner than ever before while also offering benefits in terms of lowered fuel consumption and extended service intervals.