December 2001
Manufacturer News
Volvo and Komatsu in Talks on Industrial Cooperation of Components
Manufacturer News
Volvo and Komatsu in Talks on Industrial Cooperation of Components
ASHEVILLE, N.C.—Volvo Construction Equipment and Komatsu Ltd. have initiated discussions regarding future cooperation in the production and development of construction equipment components. Tangible outcomes from the discussion are expected by mid-year 2002, according to a Volvo press release.
The intention is to determine whether both companies can find ways to strengthen their cost competitiveness and to increase customer satisfaction.
In discussions, Volvo Construction Equipment and Komatsu will not include sales, service, distribution and equity participation.
Both companies will continue to engage in business as independent competitors using their own dealer networks, brands and identities.
CIMA Forecasts Continued Sales Downturn
WASHINGTON—Construction equipment manufacturers expect overall industry business to continue its downward trend through year-end 2001 and show little to no growth in 2002, according to the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association’s annual forecast.
Manufacturers expect business to drop 12.8 percent in 2001, and record 0.5-percent growth for 2002. Construction machinery shipments for Canada are expected to drop 11.3 percent by year-end 2001 and decline 0.7 percent in 2002. Worldwide business is anticipated to decline 2.7 percent in 2001, with a 1.1-percent decrease in 2002. Survey responses were completed before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, thus making lower estimates likely over the next few months.
“Construction equipment manufacturers have been affected
by the general economic slowdown, after enjoying record growth for eight
straight years,” said Bob Fien, 2001 CIMA chairman and chief executive
officer of Stone Construction Equipment, Honeoye, N.Y.
Manufacturers across product lines are concerned about the impact of a
faltering stock market and the uncertainty of continued consumer confidence
in addition to recent world events.
“Dealer and contractor purchasing is still conservative, as they take a wait-and-see attitude on the future of the economy, despite past strength in housing markets and infrastructure pent-up demand,” added Fien.
Manufacturers said continued excess inventories are a factor that would negatively impact future sales. Changes in distribution channels, particularly in rentals, will also affect demand. “Rental markets are over saturated,” said Fien. “Rental firms have cut new equipment purchases and flooded the market with quality late-model used equipment, further depressing sales of new machines.”
Cut-a-way Poster Details Kodiak Crusher
JCI offers a 19-in. x 27-in. color poster of its Kodiak series of cone crushers. The cross section graphics show the internal mechanisms and also shows patented features, including internal balancing with weights placed out of the rock flow, hydraulic thread locking for secure closed-side settings and left-hand brass threads, according to the company.
Coolant Cleaner Extends Cutting Tool Life
Erie Magnetic’s extended-pole magnetic coolant cleaners remove grinding swerve and turning fines from coolant cleaners. The permanent ceramic magnetic indexing units use extended poles on the magnetic roll to improve removal of micron-sized ferrous and non-ferrous contaminants. The extended pole unit is also available in a non-indexing model for applications where little or no non-magnetic contaminants are present in the coolant. Rare Earth cleaner models are available for removing fine iron particles to the 3 to 5 micron range.
Polyurethane Bar Rail Liners Fit Synthetic and Wire Mesh Media
W.S. Tyler introduces Polyurethane bar rail liners for use with either synthetic or wire mesh screens. Polyurethane bar rail liners are heavy duty, longwearing and provide extended wear lives for all tension media, according to the company. Liners are available for all standard bar rail thicknesses W.S. Tyler supplies a set of bar rail liners, at no charge, with each purchase of its Ty-Max Polyurethane tension screen panels.
Software and Support Optimize Hammer Use
The Rammer proprietary RAMmer Breaker Optimiser (RAMBO) software program optimizes selection of a hammer and carrier combination, according to the company. RAMBO considers nearly 20 factors influencing breaker performance, such as rock hardness, density and strength. An extensive database is used and equipment combinations can be compared. RAMmer Service Engineering System (RAMSES) is a support program in a CD-ROM package. The electronic documentation system provides service manuals of all hammers, video explanations of workshop procedures, parts lists and other information.
Brochure Highlights Large AC Motor
Rockwell Automation has published a brochure on the Reliance Liberator large AC motor. The four-page, color publication details the general-purpose motor. According to the company, the Liberator provides a more user-friendly implementation of large AC motor solutions. The motors are available with the shortest standard lead times Rockwell has ever offered.
Unit Provides Affordable Weight Indication
Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ affordable IQ plus 355 provides weight indication for straight weighing, truck scale and tank weighing applications. It uses a large, six-digit LED display, and a five button keypad provides quick setup. It is housed in a NEMA 4X/IP66 stainless steel enclosure. Two independent communication ports provide EDP and print ticket programmability. The unit programs two ticket formats with up to 300 characters, and up to six formats with Windows-based Revolution software. Rattletrap three-stage digital filtering lowers vibration interference.
Godwin Pumps Launches Website
Godwin Pumps announced the launch of its newly updated website—www.godwinpumps.com—created to provide visitors with access to detailed descriptions, specifications and performance curves for all Godwin Dri-Prime pumps. The home page offers navigation from a “quick select” menu of options and announcements which are scrolled across the top of the page. Other items include online warranty registrations; a downloadable credit application; and e-mail access to Godwin Parts & Service and national sales departments. The site also provides downloadable literature for all pump models, company news and a rental locations map.
New Holland Introduces Arctic Trucks
New Holland Construction’s six-wheel-drive AD250 uses a center-pin oscillation mechanism and an inter-axle differential locking system. The AD250 is the first model in a full line of New Holland articulated trucks. The units hauls 13.9 cu. yd. (SAE struck load) or 17.4 cu. Yd. (heap load). The cab offers a fully adjustable air ride seat with armrest that can be inclined. Air conditioning is standard. The cab is also equipped with a rear-view closed circuit TV and heated, wide-angle power mirrors. An oversized hydro-pneumatic front suspension automatically selects the level-optimized-for-heights, eliminating the difference in height level when loaded or empty, according to the company. Other items include hydraulic power steering, automatic six-speed transmission with manual override, a microcomputer that automatically shifts up and down, selecting gear-optimized-for-payload and traveling speed, and a backup, emergency steering system.
Management Software Offers Greater Job Control
Dexter + Chaney has released enhanced project management software for its Forefront Construction Management application. Project Management is designed to document and track changes to a job’s original contract that might create a cost impact. The software features add to the application’s existing capability to track requests for information (RFIs), submittals, transmittals, daily logs and more. The new change request system allows the user to create and submit change requests from documented RFIs and custom issues. The change request system makes it easier to combine items along with a cost estimate, including subcontract change requests, and submit them to the owner for approval, according to the company.
Arm Support Enables Easier Tool Use
Mic-Mac Products, Inc. offers Leverage King, an arm support that fits on a tool handle and takes pressure away from the hand and wrist, redirecting stresses throughout the arm. The raised arm position also secures and straightens the user’s wrist and helps prevent it from bending and twisting. According to the company, the device can protect sensitive nerves from coming into contact with tendons. Using the support can help ease the pain of tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, says the company. It weighs 6 oz.
Cable Products Designed for Conveyors
Interroll offers cable assembly products specifically designed to serve conveyor and machine building original equipment manufacturers. The company offers distribution blocks and power and sensor bus lines in a complete plug-and-play cable assembly that is ready for installation in conjunction with Interroll RollerDrive products. The wiring systems are an alternative to insulation displacement contact (IDC) connectors. Interroll’s complete plugging wiring system provides a main distribution block, which serves as the central terminal point for 24 VDC power distribution throughout the conveyor system. In addition, each distribution block carries four extra terminals, which may be used to tap the power connections for Interroll’s control cards.
JCI Incline Screens Comes In More Sizes
JCI offers an 8-ft. x 20-ft., three-deck model in its new line of incline vibrating screens. Items include heavy-duty 3/8-in., thick steel side plates with reinforcing; pre-drilled inclined mounting brackets, adjustable from 15° to 25°; formed vertical spring support C-channels; and an “HTD” timing belt for long wear life and rectangular tube cross members for support.
Brochure Details New Motor in Reliance Line
A Calibre AC motor brochure from Rockwell Automation focuses on features and benefits of the Reliance Electric product. The Calibre cast-iron AC motor is designed to provide OEMs and users with cost-effective, reliable operation in demanding industrial applications, according to the company. The product is available from 3-50 hp in NEMA frame sizes from 182T through 365T at 3,600, 1,800 and 1,200 rpm.