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Quarry workhorse officially debuts

As the first production models of Volvo’s much publicized 70-ton excavator rolled out of the factory in December, an international group of construction magazine editors were given the opportunity to operate the machine and learn more about the final production specifications.

The EC700B LC has been positioned against three 70-metric-ton models, led by the Cat 365C L, but a key part of Volvo’s strategy is to lure buyers from the 80-ton class. The company is stressing that the EC700B has the power to do the work performed by larger machines, and it has beefed up components to handle the stress. Volvo says the machine’s main pump, swing motor, and bearing and track rollers are of a higher capacity than usual in the 70-ton class, and the engine, a Volvo D16E EAE3, is the largest in its class. The company also claims the EC700B has best-in-class fuel efficiency.

On site, the new machine proved to be a quiet, smooth, easy-to-operate machine, even in the hands of magazine editors. Working in dirt, even first-time operators were producing oversized buckets, swinging them rapidly without spillage, and placing them accurately.

In the hands of a professional operator at a nearby quarry, the EC700B showed off its brute power and rapid cycle times moving shot-rock. Quarries are one of the key markets Volvo is targeting for the new model, which is designed to work efficiently with the company’s articulated haulers. The machine is also available in Mass Excavation trim, which features a shorter boom and arm and a larger bucket. Deliveries of the EC700B worldwide began in January.

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Compressed air cleaning

Airlanco says its Pulse Jet Receivers use bursts of compressed air to keep pneumatic conveying systems running plug free and in compliance with air quality standards.

They do not have any moving parts that can wear out, and they come in compact top- and side-access housings that fit a wide range of facility layouts. The company says each receiver is engineered for its specific application, from its size to its filter media.

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Truck deliveries start

Caterpillar announced last fall that it had begun delivering the first group of its 793D production trucks to customers. Introduced to the press and customers in early 2005, the 793D is available in five different configurations to fit specific application requirements.

The truck won an Aggregates Manager Top RollOut Award for 2005.

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 Virtual training system

Caterpillar is rolling out a series of PC-based Virtual Training Systems for training entry-level equipment operators. The systems use personal simulators and training modules to orient and train operators in basic machine operation and application skills. Cat says the training can be used as a self-study tool or as part of a program led by an instructor.

The Virtual Training System for excavators is already available, and systems for off-highway trucks, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, and crawler tractors will be introduced in 2006.

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 Zero blind spots

LaneScan has developed what it calls an intelligent mirror system that helps eliminate blind spots for large trucks.

The company’s Go Zone system allows the driver to scan a wide area on each side of the truck by pushing a button to activate the power mirrors. When the mirror finishes its sweep, it returns to its preset position.

The system is said to improve driver visibility in difficult situations such as freeway merges and backing up.

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Size reduction

Stedman designed its V-Slam Impactor specifically for the size reduction of limestone, gravel, slag, and other minerals and ores. It is capable of as much as a 15:1 size-reduction ratio and can produce 5 to 100 tons per hour.

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Reprinted from Aggregates Manager Magazine
February 2006