This auction is open to the public. Registration to bid is free, though a refundable bid deposit may be required. Interested buyers can go to the auction site to inspect, test and compare items beginning February 10 at 8 a.m.

“The auction attracts one of the largest, most diverse audiences of consignors and bidders from around the world,” says Steve Kriebel, regional sales manager for Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers. “Because of this, the selection of equipment featured in the auction is plentiful and there is something available for all types of buyers everywhere.”

Thousands of late model equipment items from manufacturers such as Caterpillar and Volvo will highlight this year’s auction. Attendees can expect to see products such as forklifts, loader backhoes, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, motor graders, motor scrapers, crawler tractors, crawler loaders, pavers, skid steer loaders and multi-terrain loaders.

For more information about the auction, visit rbauction.com. For information about selling equipment, call 863-420-9919.

By Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

Custom-engineered crushing

Telsmith says its new H2238 Hydra-Jaw Series crusher reduces operating costs through a hydraulic toggle system that features a heavy-duty, custom-engineered, hydraulic cylinder. The company says the unit’s hydraulic adjustment, relief, and clearing systems eliminate costly downtime and prevent component damage, while also protecting workers. The crusher is engineered with a Pitman Lockout Pin that locks the Pitman in the forward position, allowing the toggle to be retracted and lowered away for maintenance in one safe, simple operation. The unit features a 22- by 38-inch jaw opening and is said to be easy to install on wheeled or tracked mobile units.

More horsepower, lower costs

Komatsu says its new WA1200-6 wheel loader was designed with environmental, technological, and ergonomic enhancements for greater productivity, while lowering operating costs. The machine is powered by a Komatsu SAADA16V160E-2 engine that delivers 1,892 gross horsepower at 1,800 revolutions per minute (rpm), yet offers increased fuel efficiency.

Features include an operating weight of 477,100 pounds; a dual-mode active working hydraulic system, allowing the operator to select between normal and powerful loading; an engine rpm control system with auto deceleration that allows the operator to set the engine rpm at the optimum work performance level and control speed smoothly with the accelerator; and an additional torque converter cooler that reduces oil temperature and increases cooling capacity.

Heavy-duty weighing

Cardinal Scale has two new truck scales on the market — the SRC Guardian and the Yukon. The concrete deck of the full-platform SRC Guardian scale (right) is installed flush with the ground surface for easy access. Its hydraulic load cells are said to be invulnerable to common truck scale problems such as lightning damage, electrical surges, water damage, and rodent damage.

The Yukon scale is designed specifically for mining and off-road vehicle weighing, featuring a 150-ton capacity with high 70-ton concentrated load capacity. The scale is available in impervious hydraulic or electronic scale types and features extra-wide 12-, 14-, and 16-foot scale platforms.

Cantilever conveyor

TCI Manufacturing’s new 100-foot cantilever conveyor has the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees and will stockpile 60,000 tons of material in a 270-degree stockpile. Its axle assembly consists of three axles around a center pivot point that includes 12 tires with dual power drive assemblies. The unit features walkways along both sides of the conveyor for safety.

Updated loader/backhoe line

Case Construction introduced four new N Series loader/backhoe models — the 580N, 580 Super N, 580 Super N Wide Track, and 590 Super N — which replace the company’s M Series 3 machines. The machines feature 4.5-liter, turbocharged engines ranging from 79 horsepower to 108 horsepower, respectively. The company describes the N Series as “stronger everywhere,” touting increases in backhoe breakout force and lift, along with increased loader breakout force, lift, and reach.

Additional features include:

• Improved visibility and operator comfort;

• A new Power Lift that channels hydraulic power directly to the boom with the touch of a button, increasing lift capacity by as much as 39 percent;

• 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.

Automated temperature monitoring

Axcess International says its new Dot MicroWireless-based IDs enhance location-based security monitoring, asset protection, workforce optimization, and safety capabilities such as “man-down” condition monitoring. The unit constantly monitors the ambient temperature in the workplace and automatically alerts users to dangerous temperature conditions.

Hydraulic torque wrench pump

TorcUP says its SV1000 hydraulic torque wrench pump is a perfect synthesis of continuous speed ratcheting and power torque. The pump is an upgrade to the EP1000, integrating a new style roll cage and different gauge setup. Its built-in circuitry allows the operator to choose the tool that will be used and the pump will automatically adjust the timing to that tool.

Specially designed pallet forks

New Holland Construction’s new pallet forks were specially designed for use with the company’s skid steers and compact track loaders. The assemblies are available with either 48- or 42-inch tines, with a choice of 5,500- or 4,000-pound-rated tine sets. The frame’s mounting angle ensures forward tilt for load pick-up and rollback for transporting loads.

The recall will support a production ramp-up driven by increased orders, according to the company.

“In addition to some positive market trends, we believe the order increase is also being fueled by the very positive experience customers are having with our new EPA 2010-compliant trucks,” Volvo says

The company also says it “has also been working very hard to get people behind the wheel of demonstrator trucks to show them first-hand the quality, performance, and productivity of these vehicles. Beyond meeting the most stringent emissions requirements in the world, the new Volvos are also delivering up to 5 percent better fuel economy than their predecessors.”

In a special media announcement, Volvo noted that it publicized an order for 370 trucks from Knight Transportation back in February and an order for 600 from Penske Truck Leasing in May. “Beyond these orders, which we had permission from the customers to publicize, we’re continuing to win significant orders from new customers that until now have not had Volvo trucks in their fleets,” the company said in the media announcement.

A visit to the plant — which the company says is increasingly being used as a sales tool — has been a big part of bringing several customers to Volvo.

The NRV plant currently employs just more than 1,200 people.

This recall represents a staffing increase of about 23 percent.

Although Volvo doesn’t publicly discuss its build rates, the company says “a recall of this size is in line with a significant increase in production.”

Mack Trucks, Inc. is part of the Volvo Group, a manufacturer of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and a producer of heavy-diesel engines (9- to 16- liter).

Each year, Mack acknowledges the efforts and contributions of its dealer network by honoring high-performing distributors in its North American and International business units.

Selection criteria include sales, facilities, personnel, service, parts, general management, customer satisfaction and community service.

Redhead Equipment was founded in 1990; its dealer principal is Gary Redhead. It has four other locations across Saskatchewan, in addition to Regina. Redhead Equipment currently has 360 employees.

Mack also named 2009 winners for each of its U.S. regional sales divisions:

·Northeast Region: Beam Mack Sales & Service, Inc., Rochester, NY

·Southeast Region: Tri-State Mack, Memphis, Tenn.

·Central Region: RDO Truck Centers, Fargo, ND

·Southwest Region: Shipley Motor Equipment Co, Lowell, Ark.

·Western Region: Mountain West Truck Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

Vanguard Truck Center, Houston, (part of the Vanguard Truck Group) was named National Used Truck Distributor of the Year, while the Mack Leasing System National Distributor of the Year award went to Tri-State Leasing/Tri-State Truck Center, Memphis.

“These businesses have done an outstanding job supporting our customers during very challenging times,” said Kevin Flaherty, Mack senior vice president, U.S. and Canada. “We are proud to recognize the best of the best for 2009. And since Mack’s overall network of distributors remains very strong, I am confident that 2010will continue our 110-year tradition of excellent customer service and support.”

The production from Asheville will be moved to other Volvo CE locations. The company says supply to North American dealers and customers will not be interrupted. The manufacturing of wheel loaders will move to Arvika, Sweden; excavators will be produced in Changwon, South Korea; and cabs for motor graders will be moved to Shippensburg, Pa.

“Although the decision was necessary from a business standpoint, we fully understand that the affected employees – who in the current downturn are already going through challenging times – will face additional difficulties,” said Patrick Olney, executive vice president, global operations. “We will do what we can to help our employees through the transition.”

“Volvo CE’s commitment to the U.S. market remains strong,” said Olof Persson, president and CEO of Volvo Construction Equipment, “This decision has no impact on the ongoing significant investments in Shippensburg, Pa.,  where the Volvo CE plant is being expanded to receive the motor grader production and the manufacturing of grader cabs.”

A small number of employees from the Asheville plant will be offered positions in the company’s Shippensburg, PA manufacturing operation.  Employment opportunities in other North American Volvo Group companies will also be investigated.

A comprehensive human tesources plan has been developed which will include, but will not be limited to, counseling support and assistance in the search for new employment.

Volvo Construction Equipment North America, Inc. says its new EW230C wheeled excavator is engineered to provide stability for handling bigger loads. Its design ensures that the rear axle weight, when fitted with the standard counterweight, is below 12 tons; a heavier counterweight is available for applications not requiring the machine to be moved on the road. With the light counterweight, the machine weighs 21.6 to 24.3 tons, depending on machine configuration (23.1 to 25.6 tons with the heavier counterweight).

The excavator is powered by a Volvo D6E EHE3 diesel engine. Additional features include:

• Access to the superstructure via steps for easy servicing and maintenance checks;
• New and higher-capacity cooling module;
• Load-sensing hydraulic system that features two pumps — one for the attachment and travel, and a second, closed-loop slew pump;
• Larger hydraulic cylinders; and
• Digging forces 10 to 15 percent greater than on the EW210C.

In addition, 95 percent of the machine is recyclable, according to the company, making it environmentally friendly.