Following last week’s preview of Intermat 2015, here’s the first of our sneak peeks at some of the new construction equipment highlights to be launched in Paris this April.
Hamm DV+ 70i and DV+ 90i
Their share of the 40,000+ unit market may be tiny, but every compactor manufacturer’s jewel in the crown is its range of pivot-steered tandem rollers, Hamm’s product and marketing manager Gottfried Beer told iVT. Its key introductions will therefore be the DV+ 70i and DV+ 90i tandem rollers, developed according to a wishlist suggested by leading construction companies. With a large, fully glazed panoramic cab, the driver can see the drum edges and edge pressing device at all times made possible through the innovative design of the cab and water tank. The glazed cab floor provides an unobstructed view of the roller drum.
Both models are equipped with ultra-modern engines. With its 75kW power plant, the DV+ 90i betters the requirements of Tier 4i, and the DV+ 70i with its 56kW engine even satisfies the Tier 4f values, both using a DPF as part of the exhaust gas purification. The mid-mounted engine together with the two-part water tank ensures an even, constant weight distribution, and thanks to the automatic reverse transmission, gentle braking, acceleration and reversing could not be easier.
The new and innovative Easy Drive operating concept enables intuitive, self-explanatory operation. The different functional elements are grouped by color on the operating panel. This helps to create clarity and simplifies operation. In addition, a joystick on the armrest allows the most important functions to be called up, with the driver being able to see all the keys on the joystick. The arrangement of the operating elements all around follows the principle that the proximity of the elements to the control lever is directly related to their frequency of use.
Following the recent news of Hamm’s supply agreement with Wacker Neuson, iVT asked Beer whether that could work both ways, meaning we could soon be seeing a complete line of Hamm compaction equipment from rammers to the largest ride-ons but was told that there were no immediate plans. Nevertheless, there was one ‘orange’ manufacturer unexpectedly introducing this equipment
Hitachi light compaction equipment and ZX350LC-5
Although non-ride-on equipment isn’t usually the sort of machinery we feature in iVT, we were intrigued to learn that Hitachi is introducing walk-behind rollers, reversible vibratory plate compactors and vibratory rammers. This machinery has been available in Japan for several years, but will make its European debut at Intermat.
Back on more familiar territory, the OEM will introduce is largest super-long front medium excavator at Intermat. With an extended operating range, the ZX350LC-5 model has been specially designed for earthmoving on dredging, bank maintenance and slope finishing projects. The ZX350LC-5 has a powerful Isuzu engine, which delivers higher productivity with greater fuel efficiency aided by the auto shutdown and auto idle features. The new TRIAS hydraulic system has helped to boost the productivity of the ZX350LC-5 super-long-front, because it enables faster operation with less fuel than the previous Zaxis-3 model. The auto power boost function has been increased by 10% to deliver an enhanced excavating and earthmoving performance.
With a strengthened boom and arm, the ZX350LC-5 super-long-front offers greater durability than the previous Zaxis-3 model, which makes it ideal for working long hours in rugged and remote environments.
Comfort and safety were also influential factors on the design. The comfortable cab provides enhanced visibility, particularly down the right hand side of the machine. The monitor and door have been repositioned to enhance the view and also make access to and from the cab much easier. The rear-view camera offers a closer view of the counterweight to minimize the blind spot.
Bell 50E
Bell Equipment will have a prototype of its B50E ADT on display, which will in time succeed the world’s first production 50-tonner, the Bell B50D, and is a vital part of the second phase of the company’s E-series development program. Bell Equipment’s product marketing manager, Tristan du Pisanie, says that the distinctive and striking styling that was introduced with the small truck range has been carried through to the larger trucks. “The hood or bonnet now covers the air cleaner for a neater look, while moving the lights into the bonnet and back from the front of the truck provides more protection of the lights.”
Under the hood, the OEM has chosen to continue using Mercedes Benz engines, but in the relevant power classes Mercedes Benz has moved from V engines to Straight 6 engines to meet the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final legislation. Says du Pisanie, “This change has been incorporated into our E-series large trucks resulting in an increase in kW/tonne to deliver better cycle times. The new engines from Mercedes Benz also show improvements over the outgoing 500 Series engines in the areas of emissions, power density, noise levels and fuel consumption; so we look forward to seeing these engines offer more value to our customers.”
However, this has required changes in the location of the transmission retarder, which has been removed to make space for the in-line 6 engine. The powerful and automatic retardation will instead be maintained through an automatic retardation function in the cooled wet brakes. In addition, the new Allison 7-speed transmission on the B50E gives an improvement in the ratio steps between gears, for better performance and fuel burn, thanks to optimized transmission shift points.
To cater for the increased payload of the E-series large trucks, the fabricated and machined axle housings have been strengthened accordingly. However, this has necessitated using separate oils for the wet brake system and the axle. Explains du Pisanie, “Using the wet brakes for the retarding function increases the heat load in the brake system so this has required a fully flooded wet brake system and significantly larger wet brake oil cooler. This separation has allowed Bell to choose the optimum commonly available oil for both the wet brake system and for the axle oil.”
Hyundai R17Z-9A
Targeted to contractors and tradesmen who need a reliable and productive machine, the 1.7 tonne R17Z-9A rounds out Hyundai’s mini excavator range and is a compact, nimble machine that provides plenty of power to get the job done. Making its world premiere, the new R17Z-9A has a Kubota D902 engine which is rated at 11.7kW (15.7hp) and it slots into the existing Hyundai mini line-up between the R16-9 and the R27Z-9.
When fitted with a 960mm long dipper arm, the R17Z-9A provides a maximum dig depth of 2,190mm. This mini excavator achieves true zero swing capability and it has 2-speed travel, traveling at 2.2km/h at the lower end and 4.1km/h at the higher end of its range. There are also a two, rather than four, canopy posts, offering the operator an optimal work environment with a canopy designed for comfort and sophistication.
Operators can fully customize their work environment and operating preferences to fit their individual needs. In addition, the boom cylinder is placed in the traditional position under the boom.
With many new additions to the mini excavator model range, Hyundai has established a strong foothold across the 1t 8t class of equipment, with its range backed by a market-leading two-year/3,000-hour full factory warranty.
Hyundai is putting increased focus on the mini excavator market for 2015, as part of the plan to meet the aspirations of its new CEO, OG Kwon (view the statement by clicking here).
Liebherr L 506
To be shown for the first time at a major construction equipment show, Liebherr’s compact loader L 506 feature a 46kW Stage IIIB/T4F engine and represent the latest machine concept in the OEM’s wheel loader range. The operating weight and tipping load of the Compact Loader L 506 are perfectly balanced: with an operating weight of 5,180kg, the machine achieves a tipping load of 3,450kg. The vehicle’s compact design enhances stability and security against tipping, and gives it a lower center of gravity to help improve driver, machine and cargo safety.
Moreover, the more favorable centre of gravity means that larger buckets can be used, increasing the efficiency and productivity of the machine. The oscillating center pivot balances out any unevenness in the terrain, allowing the compact loader to be stable and safe, even on rough terrain.
Being only 2.5m-high and low in weight, the compact loader can be transported quickly and easily between jobs. When transporting the wheel loader, for example with the aid of a trailer, the total height is usually less than 4m.
Especially in horticulture and landscaping, the all-round visibility of the L 506 makes it extremely safe to work with. The driver has a clear view in all directions thanks to the high proportion of window area, the intelligent positioning of all the mirrors and the conical-pattern construction of the lifting gear. The clearly arranged controls of the cab create an environment in which the driver can be comfortable, focused and productive. Various operating elements such as the joystick and steering can be individually adjusted to the needs of the driver, while the entire machine can be intuitively operated to facilitate day-to-day operation.
