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Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)/HCME) is launching its range of Zaxis-5 medium and large excavators. New machines on show include the ZX250LC-5, ZX290LC-5, ZX350LC-5 and ZX470LCH-5. The range of Zaxis-5 models has been developed by the Design Centre at Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) in Japan. Yusuke Kajita, general manager of HCM's Construction Equipment Development Centre, is responsible for the team of 200 engineers behind the new medium excavators (between 10-35tonnes). “We develop new mach

The Swiss, well-known for their tunnel constructions, have enhanced their reputation with the recent Gotthard Tunnel breakthrough which has created the world's longest tunnel. And in Bern, a roundabout is being re-positioned almost 10m under the ground, which will transform a somewhat dismal road intersection into an attractive gateway to the country's capital. PERI provided a comprehensive formwork solution for the realisation of the massive beams, reinforced concrete slab along with the conically-sh

Improved performance is claimed for Roadtec's SX-7 soil stabiliser which now offers increased visibility for the operator. The cab is optional and can now be slid from side to side past the frame of the machine, allowing the operator to observe the working area. The front and rear of the machine have also been reworked to add to the visibility improvements.

Geotechnical specialists Bachy Soletanche has started work on a new grade separated interchange on the A41 road in West Bromwich in the English Midlands for a Balfour Beatty/Birse joint venture.

Innovative developments are pushing forward concrete road construction techniques. The concrete road sector looks to benefit from some key innovations and developments now coming to market or being employed in different territories. Irregular weather and environmental conditions can alter the rate at which concrete cures, with a risk of plastic shrinkage cracks that can compromise the integrity of a pavement. Contractors cannot control the environmental conditions of a paving project and when weather patter

Volvo CE says that lowering fuel consumption will tackle fleet costs and deliver environmental benefits for its customers, Mike Woof reports. Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is targeting fuel economy and performance with its latest generation of machines. The new L180F and L220F wheeled loader models are being fitted with the sophisticated OptiShift package, which will boost operation and driveline efficiencies and cut fuel consumption by 15%, and more in some instances.

The NUVM1.5, a highly compact concrete batching solution that can produce 1.5m³ every three minutes, is offered in static, trailer-mounted or truck-mounted versions by UK company Nurock Mixers. The truck-mounted version can be fitted onto a standard vehicle with a 7.5tonne GVW and is fully computerised, with the ability to store up to 50 mix designs. Power for the static version comes from a Hatz diesel that meets the necessary Tier 3/Stage IIIA emission requirements, while the mobile version can be driv

Contractor Ringway has completed work on a tricky project to replace Stile Farm Bridge, which crosses the Great Stour River near Chilham in County Kent, south-east England. Built in the 1920s, the bridge was in a severe state of disrepair resulting in weight restrictions of just 3tonnes. The new structure has a 16m span and is constructed using pre-cast concrete, with pre-stressed steel-reinforced beams based on cast in-situ abutment, and enables the bridge to carry heavier traffic. As well as helping to ea

Toyo says that its hydrostatically driven submersible pumps provide performance benefits over rival electrically driven units. Features include robust construction and special metallurgies coupled with hydraulic motors that deliver high torque at low speed and which can handle tough applications. With the hydraulic piston motor featuring adjustable rotation speed, the capacity and the pressure supplied by the pump can be adapted to application and site requirements. The motors can cope with slurrie