RollOuts
March 2007
Your complete guide to new and updated equipment and supplies in the aggregates industry.
by Kirk Landers, Editorial Director
Hybrid Trucks and Equipment Coming
Volvo Group, the international company
that owns Volvo Trucks, Mack Truck, and Volvo Construction Equipment,
among other noted brands, held a two-day press conference in January to
introduce its hybrid vehicle and alternative fuel concepts to the North
American press. The star of the show was a hybrid-powered
(diesel/electric) Mack Granite prototype dump truck (shown) developed
for the U.S. Air Force. The truck employs Volvo Group’s proprietary
I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) technology, which the
company says can provide fuel savings of up to 35 percent depending on
environment and driving conditions.
Representatives of Volvo Group said their hybrid trucks are expected to enter into production in 2009. The company is also working on hybrid technology for wheel loaders and other types of construction equipment and says fuel savings can range up to 50 percent in this kind of equipment.
New single-idler scale
Thayer Scale says its Quarry King
conveyor belt scale has been specifically designed for outdoor conveyor
weighing of dusty fines and stone-like aggregate materials. The scale
features Thayer’s proven “Rocking Flexure” fulcrums and a completely new
spill-proof/jam-proof “pipestem” single-idler suspension system, which
incorporates built-in storage for its calibration weight. No test chains
are required. Engineered to work where ongoing dust buildup and spilled
aggregates foul conventional suspension designs, Quarry King
applications include troughed belt conveyors 18 to 48 inches wide
operating at speeds up to 600 fpm and on inclines up to 18 degrees.
New mid-size excavators
Volvo Construction Equipment has
started rolling out its C-series excavators with the introduction of the
117-horsepower, 38,000-pound ED160C and the 147-horsepower, 47,000-pound
EC210C. The new models have new Tier 3 compliant engines that feature
Volvo’s proprietary advanced combustion design, which is said to offer
high torque at low revs for ultra-efficient fuel usage. Also new: a
beefed up undercarriage and superstructure, intelligent hydraulics,
simplified service and monitoring, and still more luxuries in the cabs,
including an electronic climate control system with 14 vents.
More power where it’s needed
LBX Company says its new Link-Belt X2
excavator series comes to market with Tier 3 compliant engines that
develop more power at lower rpms and sophisticated new hydraulic systems
that have more hydraulic horsepower than previous models — and can focus
that power where it’s needed most. The improved hydraulics are the
product of larger, more efficient pumps, larger cylinders, and improved
hydraulic circuitry. Cycle times are also enhanced with two-speed boom
lifting and arm open/close functions, an arm flow assist that improves
arm-in speed, and a bucket curl assist that improves curl speed under
load. Four X2 models have been introduced, ranging from the
37,700-pound, 120 horsepower 160 to the 65,700-pound, 207-horsepower
290.
Segmented building covers
Accu-Steel now offers segmented keeder
covers for larger buildings. The individual keeder covers attach to the
building frame at 20-foot intervals. Advantages over traditional
one-piece covers: increased wind and snow load potential, easier
expansion of the building, and easier installation and maintenance. Accu-Steel
Cover Buildings offer permanent or temporary shelter from the elements
for equipment or material, including materials requiring
moisture-controlled environments.
Hot wheels for trucks
RealWheels Accessories has decided the
construction truck needs to be spruced up. The custom wheel maker’s new
RealMag Hub Cover brings an affordable, custom mag-wheel appearance to
trucks. Made from high-impact, chrome-plated ABS, the RealMag offers
over-the-lug installation on 22.5 and 24.5 aluminum or steel wheels.
Extended day cab option
Kenworth is now offering its extended
day cab option on the W900S work truck chassis. The W900S is also more
maneuverable. The steering gear has been moved forward, ahead of the
axle, and longer front springs have been added as part of a front-end
redesign that increases wheel cut by 4 degrees and reduces the overall
turning radius, according to Kenworth.
Short-swing excavator debuts
Liebherr
has introduced its first
minimal tail-swing excavator into the North American market. The
53,000-pound, 164-horsepower R 924 Compact combines excellent reach (32
feet, 10 inches) and dump height (28 feet, 3 inches) with
high-production capabilities and a compact tail swing for safety and
versatility. Liebherr says the machine’s cab is the largest in its
class; it features oversized windows and automatic climate control.
New heavy-duty work truck
Sterling Truck has unveiled a new
truck for the construction market. The company says its Set-Forward
Sterling features an updated look, improved functionality, and increased
visibility, as well as easier maintainability. The hood, construction
from new polymer substrate, provides 12 percent more sight range than
its predecessor, and contributes to the vehicle’s look. New
serviceability features include quick-change headlamps.
