JLG introduces a ‘company-first’

JLG Industries, Inc., has debuted its first straight-jib (SJ) compact crawler boom lift — the X660SJ. With a 65-foot, 7-inch platform height, 500 pounds of capacity for up to two workers, 39 feet of horizontal reach and indoor/outdoor versatility, the new JLG X660SJ model is suited for a wide range of applications, including arboriculture, painting, general maintenance, electrical, HVAC and window washing, on a variety of job sites, such as auditoriums, arenas, atriums and outdoor structures. The X660SJ is designed with several unique features that are key to efficiently accessing work at height. For example, the architecture of this new straight-boom compact crawler boom lift enables operators to reach full height more efficiently, while it’s crawler-mounted design and 40-percent gradeability mean the X660SJ can climb slopes with ease compared to standard lifts. And, its 2-foot, 11-inch profile and less than 7,400-pounds footprint allow operators to go more places around the job site, such as through gates and standard doorways to work in yards and public buildings.

Other performance-enhancing features the X660SJ is equipped with include:

• Envelope tracking operation for work alongside buildings, walls and other infrastructure. With a single control function, operators can boom up/down, while also telescoping out/in, so that the platform travels a path perpendicular to the ground
• Multiple position, one-touch self-leveling outriggers to provide flexibility to work in tight areas and to maximize the working envelope
• “Go Home” and “Back to Work” functions for ease of returning to stowed or recorded work position. Software optimizes the path to the stowed or saved work position based on machine stability

The X660SJ comes standard with a Kubota diesel engine, but an environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery and AC drive system option is available, as is JLG’s new bi-energy option. This alternative equips the JLG compact crawler boom lift with two full-sized, independent power sources, combining an emissions-free lithium-ion battery pack with a dependable diesel engine, enabling operators to choose the best power source for the application — either the engine or the lithium-ion batteries. Common to all three power sources, all JLG compact crawler boom lifts available in North America, including the new X660SJ, come standard with fully synthetic biodegradable hydraulic fluid so it can be used with confidence in environmentally sensitive areas.

Additionally, like JLG’s other compact crawler boom lift models, forklift pockets for loading and unloading for transportation are standard. Air/water/power lines to the platform, non-marking tracks for work on sensitive flooring, integrated front and rear LED lights for visibility and SkyGuard SkyLine enhanced control panel protection also come standard on the X660SJ. This new model also has similar components and serviceability features to JLG’s entire compact crawler boom lift product family, including the enclosed powertrack design, which protects machine components by reducing debris impact. With the X660SJ, productivity is a top priority. This compact, low-weight straight-jib model will transform how facility and construction professionals get work done at height, indoors and outdoors.

Further expansion with Roll Group partnership in Africa

Nigerian heavy transport and lifting company Cranes ‘R’ Us (CRU) is the latest partner for Roll Group in Africa. Netherlands-headquartered lifting and transport specialist Roll Group has announced what it said will be a long term partnership with the Nigerian company. Sunil Suchdev, Cranes ‘R’ Us chief executive officer, explained, “Nigeria is developing rapidly in many segments. As a leading local operator it is great for us to team up with an international company like Roll, who have a large asset base, including a fleet of ships highly suitable for Nigeria.

“This partnership enables us to offer more services and even better value to our clients, who can rely on our constant presence and experience in Nigeria and Roll’s equipment and expertise, high quality engineering and a good understanding of working in Africa,” Suchdev continued.

Joining forces: Patrick van der Meide and Harmen Tiddens, Roll Africa directors, are keen to work with Sunil and the CRU team. Van der Meide commented, “It is part of Roll Group’s strategy for Africa to team up with local players, to offer even more reliable factory to foundation solutions to clients. Combining the forces of Cranes ‘R’ Us and Roll Group enables us to provide the highest quality equipment and safely execute engineered solutions, also in Nigeria. We are committed to this long term partnership and look forward to working together with CRU and our clients in Nigeria.”

Cranes ‘R’ Us Nigeria Limited provides heavy transport and lifting services in Nigeria. The equipment fleet includes cranes from 20 to 500 tonnes capacity and, among others, six prime movers with 28 axle lines of hydraulic modular trailers. CRU has more than 25 years’ experience of supporting the development of Nigeria.

In addition to its crawler cranes, heavy lift gantries and specialized transport equipment, Roll Group owns and operates five semi-submersible, self-geared (2x 350 tonne) ro-ro cargo ships, plus three (DP2) flat deck.

Scania introduces new heavy-duty gearboxes

Scania has introduced two new additions for its G25CM and G33CM gearbox ranges. The G25CH and G33CH are both heavy-duty alternatives intended for mining and heavy-haulage vehicles operating in rough terrain. The new variants feature a sturdier planetary gear to help the prop shaft withstand the high torque of demanding conditions. But despite the robust nature of the units, Scania notes that the gearboxes still retain smooth operation and high fuel efficiency. The latter is supported through only having two synchronisers, which reduces internal friction.

“By adding these options, we are making it even clearer that our XT range and our mining offering mean serious business,” said Stefan Dorski, senior vice president and head of Scania Trucks. “Their ability to deal with the kind of challenges trucks in heavy-duty operations are facing will make a difference regarding uptime and R&M cost for customers.”

The first in the latest G-series automated gearboxes were introduced in 2020. From the outset, they were described as offering fast gear shifting, plus due to an aluminium case and smaller dimensions they were 60 kg lighter. Wide gear ratios, together with rear axle gearing, supports full torque delivery at low engine speeds. According to Scania, heavy-duty trucks with high gross weights typically use 6×4 rear bogie axles with short gearing (3:5:1 and higher). Short gearing, in combination with hub reduction axles, is suitable for use in hilly conditions or where there is high rolling resistance. The OEM states the new gearboxes can deliver an optimised balance between rear axle gearing and actual operation, allowing trucks to have faster gearing while still supporting heavy haulage situations.

Hitachi to showcase zero-emission excavator at IRE

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)  showcased its new eight tonne zero-emission excavator at the International Rental Exhibition next month.

The company says it designed the ZX85-6EB, which produces zero exhaust emissions and lower noise levels, to improve safety for operators, increase productivity and reduce life-cycle costs.

Part of its Zaxis range, the machine is said to require fewer maintenance requirements and less downtime than conventional diesel models while keeping the same hydraulic system.

HCME will also aim to highlight the benefits of its Hitachi Construction Machinery Premium Rental programme, which it launched in 2018 and has grown to include a fleet of approximately 1,000 machines.

Current products available on the programme, which was recently launched into the Baltic region, includes the company’s full range of excavators and ZW-7 wheel loaders. According to HCME rental manager Rene Danielsson, the programme gives customers the “high levels of reliability and quality they would expect from dealing directly with the Hitachi Construction Machinery brand.”

Danielsson adds, “This year is the first time that the IRE has been held since 2017, due to the pandemic, so we are really looking forward to meeting rental customers in Maastricht, and discussing how our new electric models and rental solutions can meet their needs.”

Bobcat reveals three new loader concepts

This preview included the first look at Bobcat’s S7X, the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader, one of three new loader concepts being shown at the event.

The new L95 model will be the next addition to the Bobcat compact wheel loader line-up, following on from the original L85 machine launched in 2021. The L95 is powered by a Bobcat 75 HP engine and offers a top speed of 40 km/h and an increased lift capacity.

Among the new attachments available for the L95 are a 1.0 m3 general purpose bucket and a 1.5 m3 light material bucket and new grapple bucket and tines attachments for agriculture. Other new features include an air-ride heated seat; DAB+ radio with phone connectivity and improved automatic ride control, high flow and quick tach systems.

At the smaller end of the range, the company displayed a new concept machine – the L40 – in the 2-3 tonne category. The L40 weighs less than 2.5 tonne and is designed as a load and carry, application-focused machine. The L40 is designed for heavy duty applications such as road maintenance and construction.

Bobcat is also showing the L35, a new small articulated loader (SAL) concept machine, which is an extension of the existing SAL portfolio to cover the market segment for machines which are easy to transport on a trailer. The machine weight is again below 2.5 tonne, which allows easy transportation and a high lift capacity. The engine power on the L35 is 57 HP, which allows for higher travel speeds and pushing power.

Jaroslav Fiser, Product Line Director Loaders for Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says, “With the new L95 loader and the smaller wheeled loader concepts, we are once again demonstrating our commitment to offering the most complete loader portfolio in the world. Demo Days also provides our dealers and customers with an exclusive first look at the new L35 and L40 concept machines that enables them to participate in the development process as well as provide us with their valued assessments and feedback.“

New crusher from Dragon Equipment

Described as a more powerful and quicker version that its predecessor the CR300 Crusher, the machine is powered by a Vanguard EFI 23HP V-Twin petrol engine with a 33L fuel tank.

It is said to be easily transportable due to its multiple tie-down and twin lifting points coupled with width of 800mm and weight of under 1,200Kg. Its conveyor is suitable for maximum discharge height of 1,060mm. According to the company, the machine is ideal for bigger demolition jobs and large scale construction projects and reduces waste, labour, Co2 emissions and increases productivity. For safety, the CR400 is equipped with E-stop, a control panel at both ends, simple controls, inclinometer and dust suppression, which is included as standard.

According to Jeff Haines, Director, Dragon Equipment, the machine was designed to meet the demand for a larger option. “We had clients coming to us and saying how much they loved the CR300, but wanted something that was bigger in size,”

Kubota unveils new excavator

Kubota has unveiled its latest addition to its line of mini excavators with the new 8.5  tonne KX085-5.

The excavator, which is said to come with more than 20 improvements over the previous ‘dash 4’ model, is powered by a low-emission Kubota engine and can be equipped with a two-piece boom for expanded working range.

The KX085-5 includes an auto-idling system that automatically reduces the engine RPM to idling speed when the control levers are left in neutral for more than four seconds.

Kubota says the machine was designed to “ensure operators can save energy and running costs, as well as reduce noise and exhaust emissions” and boost work efficiency and increase productivity through its hydraulic mechanism that enables operators to run the arm, boom, bucket, and swivel simultaneously.

Other features include two auxiliary circuits with adjustable maximum oil flow, load sensing hydraulic system, float function, auto-shift system, a redesigned cab with wider entry point and floor and an Engine Auto Stop system that comes as standard that will automatically turn off the engine when an adjustable idling time has passed.

Elsewhere in the cab, a double adjustable air suspension seat for greater levels of comfort and operability comes as standard, while a full-colour, high resolution 7” LCD digital display screen ensures users can view all relevant operational information at a quick glance. The machine, which is scheduled for its first Delivery in July, was shown to Kubota dealers in the UK last week alongside two new electric RT compact wheel loaders, which were first seen at Bauma last year. The RT210-2e and RT220-2e are both powered by a 48V system with modular 260Ah lithium-ion batteries as standard and can be recharged via a Standard Integrated 40A on-board charger in seven hours. An optional supercharger can charge the machines fully within 90 minutes.

The RT210-2e’s long loader arm has a reach of up to 2,852mm, while the RT220-2e shorter loader arm has an increased lift capacity of up to 1,140kg.

Both the compact loaders and mini excavator will make their public debut next month at UK trade show plantworx.

Volvo Trucks calls off deal in China

Less than two years after it announced a plan to acquire the heavy-duty truck manufacturing operation of China’s Jiangling Motors Co. Ltd., Volvo Trucks has called the deal off. The company announced that it will not pursue the previously announced transaction involving the acquisition of JMC Heavy Duty Vehicle Co., Ltd., and its manufacturing site in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, China. Volvo Trucks said the two parties will not pursue the transaction due to that the conditions for closing the transaction were not met. Volvo Trucks will continue to export trucks to customers in China. “Volvo Trucks has a long history of successful business activities in China,” said Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. “We have great opportunities on the Chinese market and we will continue the efforts to develop our presence.

“Our long-term ambition is to grow our business and continue delivering our high-quality trucks to customers in China, together with our dealer partners in the country.”  When the $125 million deal was first announced in August of 2021, Volvo Trucks said it would acquire the Taiyuan facility where it would product the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX trucks for the local Chinese market. Production was to begin in 2022 and the plant was expected to eventually produce 15,000 vehicles per year from the site.