Mecalac AS 1600
Mecalac’s new, four-wheel steered swing loader in the 11-ton-class the AS 1600 replaces the AS 150 that had been its flagship high-performance model for 13 years. Its entirely new design boasts a number of newly developed features, including a new intuitive operating concept, the new traction drive with MDrive, a new low-emission 90kW engine, the load-sensing hydraulic system with flow sharing and analysis of loader data via the Mecadiag diagnostic system.
It is the only wheel loader of its class reaching a load over height of 3.4m, and with a turning radius of only 4.35m across the rear it is ideal for confined work sites. The AS 1600 handles even larger buckets than its predecessor: several bucket sizes from 1.6 to 2.5m³, in several types, are available.
The AS 1600 can swing its ZPLUS kinematics boom by 90° to either side, while also ensuring exact parallel guidance during lifts. All of the bucket assembly functions are damped, which allows for jolt-free, comfortable working.
MDrive is an automotive hydrostatic traction drive with three switching stages selectable jolt-free under load to allow for an optimum adaptation to the work situation while helping optimize the fuel consumption. Hand throttle and inching speed can be coupled to the pedal and the inching speed controlled as desired in the lowest drive stage. When traveling on roads, the Eco mode function offers additional fuel savings.
LiuGong 856H
Launched at Bauma China last November, LiuGong’s 856H wheel loader has been tailored for the European market and features full EU Stage IV regulation compliance. The 856H is equipped with a Cummins QSB6.7 engine, and adopts mature variable geometry turbocharger technology to provide superior torque. The driveline features a ZF AP3000 wet axle with strong carrying capacity. The axle housing and main transmission system are reinforced to improve strength and anti-load capacity, with carrying capacity being increased by 40% from the previous model. It has a long service life, with average lifetime being increased by 250%. The ZF 4WG200 transmission works efficiently with the machine to achieve an optimal power output. An automatic shift transmission with kick-down function and electric proportional FNR lever make operating more convenient and reduce operator fatigue.
The 856H’s new cab design improves visibility to the work tool and enhances all-around visibility for safety. Curved glass in the cab decreases sound levels, while 360° access around the cab enables easy removal of snow and frost. Its constant temperature function can adjust the temperature automatically. The cab also features ROPS and FOPS in compliance with ISO3471 and ISO3449 safety standards.
The forward-tilting engine hood, which is equipped with an electric lifting device, allows for ground-level access to service points to increase the accessibility to components. The hydraulic driving fan motor can be reversed for cleaning, and the water and oil drains are placed together to realize easier, faster maintenance and service.
Volvo EW160E and EW180E
Volvo CE’s latest wheeled excavators, the EW160E and EW180E, are multi-tasking machines that can be tailored to suit customers’ precise specifications, with a whole range of flexible configurations that allow operators to change attachments quickly and easily, and add on useful features.
For example, there’s a choice of 12 different configurations of tires (including single and twin) from eight different suppliers, according to ground conditions. Customers can also select different arm lengths in line with jobsite requirements and market legislation. Optional hydraulic functions ‘X1 breaker/shear’ and ‘X3 tilt rotate’ provide power for attachments requiring one- or two-way flow and two-way flow for tilting or rotating attachments respectively. The corresponding buckets, breakers and grapples (together with a quick coupler or tilt rotator) have all been purpose-built to work in perfect harmony with Volvo machines, forming one solid reliable unit.
Operators can also bring all their tools along with them in a special drawer-type tool box that slides out from the undercarriage and carries up to 120kg. Box dividers, which can be adjusted into five different positions, help the operator stay organized, while a mechanical stopper prevents the drawer from sliding out during transport or operation.
Productivity is increased by excellent control the Boom Suspension System, for example, with its hydraulic circuit and gas pressure dampers, enables the operator to travel faster over bumpy roads or rough terrain, while the overall hydraulic system has also been improved for greater responsiveness.
Both models have an improved view to the right as well as the new Volvo Smart View feature. Three cameras attached to different corners of the machine the front, side and rear combine to show real-time footage of the machine operating from above. The three cameras also film individual views of the front, side and rear of the machine, helping the operator to see all angles and ensure safe rotation.
Manitou MRT 3255
Manitou’s largest rotating telehandler, the MRT 3255, has a maximum capacity of 5.5 tonnes, a maximum lift height of 31.6m, and a top speed of 40km/h. Launched late last year, the machine features a Dana 319 Continuously Variable Transmission for greater operating simplicity and optimized torque whatever the speed, and is powered by a Mercedes OM 934 LA.E4 231hp engine for Tier 4F, or 197hp OM 924 LA.E3A/1 for Tier 3.
With safety a high priority, the machine includes features such as the Load State Controller to continuously analyze the load in space and restrict the zone of movement, and the E-Reco which detects the attachment and selects the correct working configuration. Maximum movement speeds are also memorized, and with the anti-leaning device, the user can engage a lever to keep the load horizontal on rough terrain to ensure greater stabilization.
The electric tilting seat enables the operator to retain visibility of the attachment, in conjunction with cameras positioned at the rear or at the head of the boom to ensure safe operation.
