• Stronger and longer loader arms for increased breakout and lift capabilities;

• A choice of three transmissions — Powershift S-Type and Powershift H-Type that offer four forward and three reverse gears, and Powershuttle that offers four forward and four reverse gears; and

• A new side lighting package that illuminates the entire perimeter of the machine.

Low-profile, high-capacity scales

Mettler Toledo says its two new scales — the VTC221 and the VTS231 — incorporate the newly released Powercell PDX load cell network. According to the company, the VTC221 concrete deck scale combines a concrete driving surface with an orthotropic understructure found in steel deck scales for extra strength; the VTS231 steel deck scale is supported by sealed orthotropic ribs, which eliminate the potential for rusting from the inside and distribute concentrated loads better than I-beam designs. Both scales feature a low-profile design; 100,000-pound concentrated load capacity; gross load cell capacity of over 800,000 pounds; onboard diagnostic capabilities; lightning protection; and a 5-year warranty on parts, labor, and travel.

Manufacturer markets lubricants

This year, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc. began marketing and distributing its own line of lubricant products, Hyundai Lubricants. The initial line of available lubricants includes engine oil, gear oil, and grease, with plans to expand the line by 2011.

Multi pick-up coupler

The JRB Multi Pick-Up Coupler, by Paladin Construction Group, was designed to work with attachments such as JRB 416, JRB ISO, John Deere 416, John Deere Hi-Viz, Volvo, JCB, and other ISO front-end wheel loader attachments. Its two-cylinder design accommodates quick-hitch style attachments, allowing an operator to switch from a bucket to a boom, forklift, or other attachment without leaving the cab or requiring assistance.

Long-lasting cleaning blade

Martin Engineering says its new cleaning blade for use on vulcanized conveyor belts features a special polyurethane blend and tungsten carbide tip to deliver up to two to three times longer life than conventional urethane blades. The company says the QC #1 MT Pre-Cleaner maintains consistent tension without frequent adjustment, requiring re-tensioning just twice a year in most applications. The blade was developed specifically for vulcanized belts with no mechanical splices and boasts belt speed capacities of up to 900 feet per minute. The blade is suitable for use on any type of material.

Pump innovations

Thompson Pump says its new OVT (oil-less vacuum technology) priming system, Compact pump series, and advanced Silent Knights offer revolutionary pump innovations. The OVT priming system (left) is said to offer multiple improvements over traditional vacuum priming systems — faster automatic priming, non-contacting rotors that eliminate internal wear, a dry-running system that requires no oil recirculation, and suction lifts of 28.4 inches Hg.

The company says its Compact pump series features a smaller compact size, lighter weight, fewer parts, less maintenance, and a lower price. The advanced Silent Knight has reduced noise levels by 3 to 6 dBA and features additional space inside the main compartment, a hinged pop-up roof, a plug-in float connection, an auto-start buzzer, a flashing beacon light, and a muffler mounted inside a separate front compartment.