Faster tire changes

Titan Wheel Corp.’s new Accelerated Change Technology (ACT) wheel is designed to allow service technicians to change or rotate the rear tires on a haul truck in less time. The company says the system enhances safety, reduces service technician fatigue, and increases profitability by reducing tire maintenance downtime. The wheel features a two-piece lock ring that releases the tire assembly from the wheel, allowing the inner dual wheel to simply slip over the outer wheel. The ACT wheel is said to save nearly 50 percent of the time previously spent changing tires.

Built with customer collaboration

John Deere’s new 755K crawler loader was built from the ground up through customer collaboration with company engineers. The loader features productivity enhancements and a new Interim Tier 4-certified diesel engine. Its design, track systems, and comfortable cab are said to make the machine quiet, comfortable, and easy to operate. Additional features include a V-pattern or joystick transmission control option, a viscous-mounted cab for noise suppression, a sealed switch module with keyless start, security mode with auto shutdown, a diagnostic monitor that provides machine condition information, color-coded service points for easy identification, fluid sampling valves, hinged belly pans, and improved access to maintenance areas.

‘Smart’ hydraulic systems

LiuGong says its new generation of intelligent crawler excavators — the 915D, 925D, and 936D — feature a computer-aided power-control system (CAPC) for greater operating efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and overall reliability. The ‘smart’ hydraulic system offers on-demand breakout power. At the touch of a button, the power boost feature instantly increases the excavator’s digging force up to 10 percent for 10 seconds, then resets back to normal functions. The CAPC automatically matches the excavator’s hydraulic output flow to the application. The 925D and 936D feature a no-time-limit heavy lift system that, when activated, increases hydraulic pressure to the attachment cylinders while simultaneously reducing attachment speed for better control during lifting operation. The D-Series’ new rigid x-type crawler car bodies distribute load stress throughout the frame.

New Interim Tier 4 excavators

Kobelco Construction Machinery America says its three Mark 9 excavators — the 181-horsepower SK260-9, the 197-horsepower SK295-9, and the 269-horsepower SK350-9 — offer operating weights ranging from 59,524 to 80,909 pounds, with digging depths between 23 feet and 24 feet, 10 inches. The excavators feature Kobelco’s Intelligent Total Control System, a new Economy power mode, and a new ROPS/FOPS cab. The company developed a selective catalytic reduction emissions solution for the Tier 4 Interim compliant units. A rear-view camera with a color monitor, rear work lamps, and swing flashers boost safety and productivity. Several configurations are available, including a long-reach model. Standard, high and wide, and heavy-duty undercarriage options are available.