JCB launches booms and scissor lifts
JCB has introduced full electric and diesel/electric hybrid boom lifts and updated its hydraulically-driven scissor range with six electric drive versions.
The new pair of booms and six scissor models bring the full JCB Access range to three articulted boom lifts and eight electric scissors. The new A45E and A45EH articulated boom lifts – which are not currently available in North America – offer a maximum platform height of 13.84m with 7.47m horizontal reach, 300kg basket capacity across the entire envelope, along with secondary guarding as standard, slew lock and emergency override, as well as solid rough terrain tyres. They join the existing AJ48D diesel model, first launched in 2021.
While a jib is also standard on both new models, the ‘J’ has been dropped from the nomenclature.
The A45E is powered by eight 6V batteries, creating a 48V, 400AH operating system. The battery packs are located on either side of the lower chassis, maintaining a low centre of gravity for added stability and improved traction. The batteries power AC drive motors via motor controllers and the machine’s hydraulic pump through a hydraulic motor controller.
The A45EH uses a 14.8kW three-cylinder diesel engine and a 7.5kWa generator to power the machine’s eight 6V batteries. The engine is mounted on a swing-out tray, making it easier to service and maintain when required. A 40-litre fuel tank provides enough fuel for a full week of operation, making it ideal for offering low emissions in remote locations. The battery can also be plugged into a mains supply if available.
Rough terrain capabilities
Both of the platforms have four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering as standard. The wheels are driven by four AC motors which recover energy through regenerative braking, to prolong battery performance. With drive provided to each individual wheel, the machine is capable of climbing up to 40% gradients.
An oscillating axle ensures that maximum traction is maintained on rough ground when the boom is stowed. However, the axle is locked, to ensure machine stability, when the machine enters boom raise mode. Foam-filled, non-marking tyres are standard.
The 0.84m x 1.84m platform has three entry points and there are four harness clipping locations, allowing the operator full access around the basket.
A secondary guarding system is provided, automatically halting boom functions when triggered.
The booms are equipped with a Slew Acknowledgment feature, that ensures that the operator must register if the boom is slewed over the side of the chassis before driving when elevated. A tilt sensor prevents machine elevation when the chassis is on unlevel ground, tilting the machine to more than 5°.
JCB’s LiveLink telematics monitoring system provides real-time operating data on performance, service schedules and fault codes. Managers can remotely record engine operation, low fuel warnings, tilt sensor warnings and overload warnings. LiveLink also provide battery voltage, fuel level and platform load percentage data.
These machines are equipped with a 5” colour touch screen display on the platform, providing operators with essential data and controls at their fingertips. This intuitive interface enhances safety and productivity on the job site.
In addition, the machines feature a unique control system that eliminates the need to switch between platform controls and ground controls. Operators can seamlessly operate the machine from either location, eliminating the hassle of switching control modes.
Scissors in focus
The six updated electric drive scissor platforms, starting with three models, the S1932E, S2632E and S3246E, and followed later this year by the S2646E, S4050E and the S4550E, will offer up to 53% more run time than the hydraulic versions.
Platform heights range from 5.71m to 13.8m, with capacities from 230kg to 450kg.
With these new models, the hydraulic drive motors are replaced by electric drive motors. The 53% longer run time on a single battery charge, compared to the hydraulic version reduces overall charging cost and total cost of ownership.
The electric motors also deliver increased torque to the wheels and up to 25% gradeability. With the hydraulic motors replaced, there are up to 50% fewer hydraulic connections on a single-cylinder machine, or 48% on a twin-lift cylinder model, cutting the potential for leaks.
The S1932E model replaces the previous S1930E, adding 50mm to its width, despite a 106kg drop in operating weight. This makes it easier to transport on a trailer or when moving multiple machines. The S1932E offers a platform height of 5.71m and a platform capacity of 230kg. Moving up the range, the S2632E has a platform height of 7.92m with a 250kg capacity and the S3246E offers a 9.7m platform height, but with a higher 320kg weight limit.
Later in the year, the S2646E will provide a 7.9m platform height and a 450kg load capacity, while the S4046E will deliver an 11.9m platform height and 320kg weight limit. Finally, the S4550E has a platform height of up to 13.8m and a 230kg capacity.
The new electric drive scissors benefit from all of the features already seen on JCB’s hydraulic drive models, including safety features such as a full height entry gate, pothole protection and intuitive operator controls.
The machines have swing-out battery and hydraulic trays for easy access, while the proven EPD paint finish, full size pivot bosses and drive motor protection ensure that these durable machines offer long service life with maximum uptime.
Kobelco puts minis on show at SaMoTer trade fair
Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe (KCME) displayed two mini excavators for the first time at the SaMoTer 2023 construction trade show in Verona, Italy.
According to Kobelco mini excavators are vital to Kobelco’s overall product line-up, and that the introduction of the SK34SR-7 and SK39SR-7 demonstrates how the Japanese manufacturer is continually developing its mini excavator technology.
Since the company established its first official dealer there in 2016, Italy has grown to be an important market for KCME, which now has a boasts authorised dealers including on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Atlas Copco unveils battery powered portable compressor
Sweden-based manufacturer Atlas Copco unveiled the new B-Air battery compressor prototype at its ‘Journey to a Sustainable Future’ event in Antwerp, Belgium. Designed for ‘toughness’, Maarten Vermeiren, product marketing manager sustainability and digitalisation for Atlas Copco Portable Air Division, said the B-Air was launched in response to user demand for a battery solution on site. It will go into production at the end of 2023.
Upon its reveal to Atlas Copco’s dealers and users, the company said that the product features no local emissions and emits low noise pollution. In addition to this, Atlas Copco highlighted that the compressor would allow up to 1.5 to 2 hours of usage if used at maximum capacity. Vermeiran added that the compressor also has the potential to save up to 70% of energy in comparison to a traditional diesel fuel compressor.
The event focused on how those within the industry can partner to increase sustainable solutions and reduce the impact on the environment. The company added that the launch is aligned with Atlas Copco’s goal to have a sustainable alternative available for each diesel product by 2030.
The B-Air is connection free and allows the user to move the battery air compressor around the site depending on where it is needed.
Cat’s new Stage V mobile generator sets
Caterpillar has added two new mobile generator sets to its XQP lineup of mobile diesel gensets meeting EU Stage V emission standards. Now available through the Cat dealer network, the Cat XQP20 and Cat XQP550 meet the requirements of Stage V standards, including a 90% reduction in NOX compared with the Stage IIIA standard. The new gensets represent the top and bottom of the XQP range, which means that Cat now offers five sets from 20 to 550 KVA prime power that meet the current European emissions standard.
“The addition of these mobile generator sets expands our ability to serve our European customers through a growing range of easy-to-operate power nodes that meet their rigorous application requirements while meeting EU Stage 5 emission standards,” said Tom Caldwell, Global General Manager for electric power rental solutions at Caterpillar.
The XQP20, rated 20 kVA prime at 50/60 Hz, targets owners and rental operations serving construction, industrial and commercial applications and outdoor events. It incorporates a naturally aspirated Cat C4.4 diesel engine that drives an LC1100 frame alternator. The XQP550 gen-set is rated up to 550 kVA prime at 50 or 60 Hz and is designed for a broad range of environments and applications, including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining and construction. It is powered by a turbocharged Cat C13 diesel engine teamed with an LC6114K frame generator.
Caterpillar said its new mobile gen-sets offer numerous features for rental applications. The XQP20 is equipped with easy-to-use GCCP1.3 digital controls and optional CE sockets, allowing power to be easily distributed across a worksite. The XQP550 uses Cat’s XQCP digital control panel, which provides all generator set controls and system indicators in a single, easily accessible interface. Additionally, programmable logic controller (PLC) functionality improves the reliability and flexibility of the Cat XQP550 for accommodating changes in processes or application requirements. Both gen-sets also incorporate Cat Connect technology designed to remotely track and manage the units while also offering insights into parameters such as fuel level, run status and battery voltage. Both units also have a dual-wall fuel tank with an open bund designed to help protect the environment by containing spills, while coastal insulation protection (CIP) enables operation in harsh conditions.
Wide, impact-absorbing base frames, customer connections isolated from circuit breakers, and optional CEE sockets are designed to facilitate transportation, setup and use. Forklift pockets, dragging points, and a lifting arch help to simplify loading, unloading, and placement around the worksite.
All Cat mobile generator sets meeting EU Stage 5 emissions can use up to 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), the company said.
TBMs work on one of China’s largest metro lines
The construction project of Guangzhou Metro Line is the largest metro investment in China. The company CRCHI (China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Ltd) has tailored 52 EPB/Slurry TBMs for the project, creating the world record of the largest TBM construction group applied in a single project, helping the construction of Guangzhou Metro and serving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Olectra Greentech bags Rs.1000-crore order for 550 electric buses from Telangana
Olectra Greentech Limited, a subsidiary of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), has received an order for 550 pure electric buses from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) worth Rs.1,000 crore. The buses will be delivered over 16-months. “These orders for supply of 500 electric buses and 50 electric buses are to be on gross cost contract (GCC) / OPEX model basis for a period of 12 years and 10 years (contract period) respectively,” the company said in a BSE filing.
“We won the order to supply 50 standard floor 12-metre intercity coach e-buses and 500 low floor 12-metre intracity e-buses from the TSRTC. We are proud to partner with the TSRTC in their vision for a sustainable and economical large-scale public transport. The e-buses will be delivered in phases soon. Olectra’s pure e-buses will significantly reduce the noise and emission levels in the city of Hyderabad,“ said K.V. Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director of Olectra Greentech Limited.
“Olectra’s association with TSRTC began in March 2019, with 40 e-buses. These e-buses have been plying from the airport to various destinations in Hyderabad. Exactly four years later, in March 2023, Olectra has partnered with TSRTC once again for 550 e-buses,” added Pradeep.
The 50 intercity coach e-buses will ply between the city of pearls, Hyderabad in Telangana and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The e-buses are fully air-conditioned and can travel a distance of more than 325 km on a single charge.
In the intracity segment, the 500 e-buses will ply within Hyderabad. Each e-bus can travel a distance of more than 225 km on a single charge. TSRTC has allotted five depots in the twin cities for the deployment and operations of these e-buses.
Coal India to infuse Rs.91,000 cr on mining and diversification
Domestic coal major Coal India (CIL) is set to infuse Rs.91,000 crore in various projects, including diversification and mine development, by 2025-26. An allocation of Rs.36,000 crore has been made for coal gasification projects, while Rs.46,000 crore is earmarked for mining developers cum operators-led (MDOs) projects and other contracts. The remaining amount will be spent on various other projects.
CIL has already identified 15 greenfield projects having a total project-rated capacity (PRC) of 168.58 million tonne (MT) per annum for implementation through the MDO mode. Out of these 15 projects, letters of award (LOAs) have been given to nine MDO-based projects. These nine projects have a production capacity of around 127 MT. Eleven of the 15 projects are opencast and the remaining four are underground mines. Another six mining projects are in different stages of implementation.
So far, three tenders have been completed for the coal gasification project, with the overall objective of setting up four coal gasification projects and one lignite gasification project. The gasification project has been taken up prolifically to yield multiple energy, chemical and petro-chemical products. CIL has inked pacts with BHEL, GAIL and IOCL to this effect.
CIL’s diversification plans include bauxite mines, aluminium smelters and others besides power plants.
New player in engine, gen-set controls market
Deep Sea Electronics Ltd., a Generac company, and Germany’s Motortech GmbH have announced the creation of a new Controls and Automation Business Group focusing on diesel and gaseous-fueled engine and generator set controls.
Headquartered in Hunmanby, U.K., Deep Sea Electronics designs, manufacture and supplies products into the diesel engine and gen-set market while Motortech, based in Celle, Germany, supplies similar products and technologies for gaseous-fueled engines and gen-sets.
The similarities between both businesses and products are extremely complimentary, the companies said, adding that the combination of the two will provide the market with access to a range of cutting-edge technology platforms.
The formation of the business group delivers a combined workforce of more than 500 employees and a total revenue of $125 million. Both companies will remain separate legal entities, aligning strategically on future growth initiatives.
“The formation of the Controls and Automation Business Group marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting chapter for both companies and provides a solid platform for continued growth over the coming years,” said David Thomson, group president at Deep Sea who is now also group president of the new business group.
“The technical expertise within the group and the detailed understanding of diesel and gas generator technologies, gives customers direct access to a range of products and services that add value to multiple customer application environments”.
The Controls and Automation Group said it will make further announcements over the coming months related to a range of collaborative projects.
Escorts Kubota Limited Construction Equipment volume grew by 34.4 percent in April 2023
Escorts Kubota Limited Construction Equipment Business in April 2023 sold 457 machines, registering a growth of 34.4 percent as against 340 machines sold in April 2022.
There is a sustained demand for construction equipment industry, supported by the Government’s continued thrust across all the infrastructure sectors like Road, Railways, Urban development, Ports, Airports, Mining and Irrigation. We expect demand momentum to continue going forward for the current quarter and till we enter the monsoon period.
Kohler rebrands power business
Kohler Co. has announced a rebranding of its Kohler Power businesses to Kohler Energy. The company called the move an evolution that aligns with its focus on providing energy resilience to homes, businesses and communities around the world.
“Our newly named Kohler Energy celebrates the industry-leading solutions Kohler has been offering for over 100 years and aligns with our ongoing leadership in resiliency, performance and energy capabilities that delight our customers,” said Brian Melka, Kohler Energy Group President.
“Our new brand presence better reflects the modern, forward-looking and design-oriented characteristics that Kohler is known for and highlights the solutions we bring to market that provide energy resilience to our customers’ homes, businesses and tools to get jobs done.”
Kohler Energy offers solutions across Home Energy, Industrial Energy Systems and Powertrain Technologies (engines) that are branded Kohler, as well as a portfolio that includes Clarke Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Heila Technologies, and Curtis Instruments. Kohler said it will be implementing new Kohler Energy brand elements across its portfolio of businesses in the coming months.
“Our collective focus is to help sustain people and communities around the world and build energy resiliency,” Melka said. “As we start to design our future to best support our customers, we are investing in clean energy, advanced technologies and improved production and performance capabilities.”
Sustainability the focus for Generac at IRE
Generac Mobile and Pramac are set to display the latest sustainable launches in lighting towers, gensets, and energy storage systems at the International Rental Exhibition in June, which takes place from June 6 to 8 at the MECC in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
From its range of lighting towers, Generac Mobile will showcase the VT-Solar, a generator-free lighting tower with three solar panels that can recharge its built-in battery pack.
The tower is available in two versions, a manual-mast and hydraulic-mast version, which comes with higher battery capacity, powerful solar panels (400W each) and four LED floodlights with adjustable light power output and a run time of up to 50 hours.
Pramac will display its GRW Hybrid generator, which it describes as an efficient, reliable unit that reduces operational expenditure, with a choice of available operating modes that allow the correct selection according to site specificities, such as events, construction, working sites or city centres.
Construction firms benefit from €9 billion in HS2 contracts
The figures released show that more than 2,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating from within 12 UK regions, have benefited from the mega-project, which is expected to be ongoing for up to 20 more years.
The UK government recently announced a two-year ‘pause’ to some elements of the project, due to soaring costs and amid current economic challenges in the country.
Nevertheless, the majority of HS2’s elements have been given the go-ahead and thousands of companies are being kept afloat by the largest high-speed rail project in Europe.
Billions for SMEs
Latest figures show that awards to SMEs currently total just over €4bn, equating to a 45% share of the tier 2 contracts. Over €1.1bn of this has been secured by micro businesses, employing between 1 and 10 people. A further €765 million has been awarded to small business, with between 11 and 49 employees. Karen Woolley, development manager at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said, “It is encouraging to see in black and white HS2’s level of spend with SMEs, which demonstrates the much-needed levelling of the playing field that the FSB has been calling for.
“At a time when trading conditions are quite possibly at the most challenging they have been for many years, smaller firms having the opportunity of accessing contracts with such an important infrastructure project as HS2 can provide that much needed boost to a company’s economic productivity, whilst also securing jobs and providing for economic stability.”
Nationwide contract distribution
One of the medium-sized businesses claiming the remaining €2.15 billion in tier 2 contracts is Walsall-based Altrad RMD Kwikform.
The company’s managing director, Mark Pickard, said, “Working on HS2 has given our business a timely boost, allowing us to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic and giving us the impetus to invest in our people and hire more staff.”
The company has securing multiple contracts on HS2 over the last few years, working on sites in London, the Colne Valley and currently in Birmingham, where it is aiding the construction of a viaduct that will bring high-speed trains into the centre of Walsall.
Pickard said, “With years of construction still to go, we’re confident that our work on HS2 will continue to bring stability, prosperity and growth to the business.”
On March 9, the UK government confirmed that all phases of HS2 between Manchester and London Euston will proceed, with priority being given to the first operational phase of HS2, between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said, “The benefits of HS2 will be felt for generations to come, creating extra capacity on our rail network and providing a sustainable option for travel, while boosting a skilled construction workforce in the process.”
Second 3,000 tonne capacity Huisman giant crane for Havfram
Huisman has won an order for a second 3,000 tonne capacity leg encircling crane for Havfram in Norway. Image: Huisman
Havfram Wind has ordered its second 3,000 tonnes-plus capacity Huisman crane for offshore wind turbine installation.
Dutch crane and heavy engineering specialist Huisman will supply the Norwegian installation contractor with the giant leg encircling crane (LEC). Installation will be on the second new NG-20000X wind turbine installation vessel. This order follows the first, placed in mid-December 2022, for an identical crane which was the 13th LEC order for Huisman since 2021. At the same time, Havfram ordered the second new NG-20000X vessel, on which the crane will be installed, from CIMC Raffles in China. It is designed by GustoMSC in the Netherlands and CIMC Raffles. The new vessels with their 3,000 tonne LECs will be able to install turbines with rotors up to 300 metres in diameter and monopile foundations weighing 3,000 tonnes to a water depth of 70 metres.
What will it lift: Huisman’s fully electric LECs for Havfram will have 155 metre booms and a lifting height around 180 metres above the deck. It is designed to be lightweight and reliable, with high positioning accuracy and energy efficiency in operation. Deck space is maximised by the short tail swing design. Its segmented slew bearing is designed for easy inspection and maintenance.
Speaking about the latest order David Roodenburg, Huisman CEO, said, “We are grateful that Havfram have placed their trust in us to also equip their second innovative new build vessel with a Huisman crane. They are constructing some of the world’s most energy efficient, hybrid-powered wind turbine installation vessels. We are proud that with the two crane orders, we can contribute to boosting wind energy production as well as further improving energy efficiency to reduce Havfram’s carbon footprint.”
Commenting on his choice of crane Håkon Johannessen, Havfram Wind engineering manager, said, “We are pleased to have Huisman supplying cranes for our newbuild wind turbine installation vessels. Huisman’s track record and willingness to tailor their already proven leg encircling crane design to fit the requirements of Havfram and the market has been key to ensuring we have the right tool for the tasks that lie ahead.”
Like the first unit this second crane will be built at the Huisman factory in Zhangzhou, China.
CEAT inaugurates its largest truck service hub in Gandhidham
CEAT has announced the inauguration of its largest Truck Service Hub in Gandhidham today. This service hub is being launched in association with one of the car tyre manufacturer’s dealers, Bharat Tyres Gujarat. CEAT is set to inaugurate three more such Truck Service Hubs later this month in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka respectively.
The newly inaugurated centre in Gandhidham is a cutting-edge facility that boasts a modern tyre display area, comfortable customer seating and 6 truck alignment bays for multiple trucks to be serviced simultaneously. It is the most advanced and largest retread unit for truck, farm and OTR tyres that have been established in collaboration with Marangoni, an Italy-based retreading group. Mahendra Verma, Owner, Bharat Tyres Gujarat said that the advanced technology and expertise is focused on the future and would enhance the overall experience of truck drivers and fleet operators.
