Despite volcanic ash and grounded flights, the mood in Munich was upbeat, and the show boasted a record number of exhibitors.

By Therese Dunphy, Editor in Chief

The show must go on. It was a rallying cry throughout Munich this spring as Iceland’s volcanic activity prevented many international visitors from attending the trade fair. Despite a ban on air travel during the opening days of the show, more than 415,000 visitors from over 200 countries attended Bauma 2010. Nearly two-thirds of visitors came from Germany, while the remainder was comprised of international travelers. Those who made it to Munich noted an upbeat mood among both the exhibitors and attendees. “The mood in the industry shows that, in Europe, the bottom of the cycle is now behind us. Confidence has returned,” said Ralf Wezel, secretary-general of CECE, the Committee for European Construction Equipment, in a show press release. “Of course at the start of the fair, the exhibitors felt the lack of many customers from Asia and America — but in the second half of Bauma, this improved considerably.”

Although a number of the events to be held in the first two days of the show had to be cancelled or re-staffed, approximately 44 lectures and events took place as scheduled from the third day on. And, as could be expected, numerous product introductions and updates debuted.

The next iteration of the show, the 30th Bauma, will be held April 15-21, 2013, in Munich. AM

Underground rock drills

Atlas Copco launched new and modified underground rock drills and stoppers, including a line of silenced light rock drills for underground applications. To address sound emission, the sound power levels of several drills were reduced by 5 to 8 dB(A), a reduction of more than 50 percent to the human ear. The BBC 34 WS6 and BBC 34 WS8 are new heavy-duty stoppers added to Atlas Copco’s existing range and are designed for tough working conditions in drilling, raise driving, and bolting applications. Suitable for medium- to hard-rock, they benefit from a high impact energy blow and a strong rotation mechanism.

Heavy hydraulic breakers

Atlas Copco introduced three new hydraulic breakers with PowerAdapt and optimized power-to-weight ratio. The HB 2000, with a service weight of 2,000 kilograms, offers 10 percent more power than its predecessor, the HB 200. The new HB 3100 and HB 4700 deliver 5 and 13 percent more power than their respective predecessor models. By developing and building attachments with an improved power-to-weight ratio, the company says the same performance can be achieved with a smaller attachment and carrier unit, thereby reducing capital and maintenance costs. An improved guide system is said to improve stability while a new retaining bar provides additional protection in the lower part of the hydraulic breaker, which is subject to greater wear and tear.

Improved cab, fuel efficiency

Caterpillar unveiled an updated version of its popular 988H wheel loader. The unit blends its predecessor’s top qualities with a fuel efficiency increase of up to 10 percent. Features include the C18 ACERT engine, 555 gross horsepower, a 12.5-ton payload, and bucket sizes ranging from 8.2 to 10.0 cubic yards. The Positive Flow Control hydraulic system uses a new electronically managed, variable-displacement pump that works with an integrated solenoid valve with force feedback to manage oil flow. A fuel management system, auto idle kickdown, and idle shutdown are among the fuel-saving features of the updated machine. Laminated windows have two panes of glass separated by an air gap to dampen window vibration, and interior sound levels are reduced by 1 dB(A).

Circular motion screen

Sandvik unveiled its SC screen, an inclined screen with circular motion and modular deck design. The flexible deck configuration allows the use of various screening media types and streamlines changes. The mechanism can be removed from the screen body as a single unit for ease of maintenance. Commonly sized rubber modules are used in feed and discharge areas, and the units can be modified to allow installation of water spraying devices.

Mine management system