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SED Review: Performers in the Park EHN’s review of SED, held at Rockingham Performance Park in Corby, focuses on the latest machinery, tools and equipment appropriate for the hire industry. Husqvarna’s complete display Occupying a stand twice as large as at last year’s SED, Husqvarna Construction Products UK was able to show a complete line-up from all its professional brands, including Partner and Dimas. The organisation offers a wide range of cutting equipment, from power cutters and floor saws, to wall saws, wire cutting systems and appropriate diamond products. Many machines were displayed on a large demonstration area opposite the main stand. Particularly prominent was the Partner K750 power cutter, featuring the manufacturer’s Dual Charge two-stroke engine technology, designed to give reduced exhaust emissions compared with standard engines, as well as lower levels of noise and vibration. Key Account and Marketing Manager, Richard Wardle, states that “several national hire groups have added the K750 to their fleets, and many local authorities and contractors are asking for it by name. “Health & Safety considerations are at the forefront of all our product development, to help employers comply with new legislation more easily and to protect their personnel. The breadth and depth of our product range helps hirers who want to reduce the number of suppliers they deal with, and allows us to offer comprehensive training and service backup.” T
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820300 Larger line-up from Terex Terex took one of the largest stands at SED to demonstrate the breadth of its range and its commitment to hirers, as well as to the wider construction industry. Amongst several newly launched machines are the HR 2.5 and HR 5.0 mini excavators, with operating weights of 2.6 tonne and 5.0 tonne. The latter is a 1.5m-wide machine with minimal tail swing, while the HR 5.0 has zero tail swing. Also new are the TV1000 series of double drum rollers featuring more powerful Kubota engines with lower noise emissions. These were shown along with low-vibration compaction plates such as the BPC 1535 and BPC 1850. New site dumpers, crawler excavators, wheeled excavators, articulated dump trucks, telescopic handlers, pumps and hydraulic rammers were also featured. T
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339400 Interest climbs in Euro Towers Dominating the entrance to Euro Towers’ stand was the company’s Euro Climb, which has proved particularly successful for overseas markets. Its rung spacings are designed to provide a natural means of ascent without the need for an additional ladder frame. Also shown was the Klik Stairwell Access Unit for industrial and domestic stairways. The basic pack provides platform levels between 1.5-2.7m at 0.3m intervals. It is 0.7m wide and extensions are available to 4.2m high. Access from both sides to the platform is via a ‘walk-through’ ladder frame. The company’s Klik Stak is designed for safe access to chimneys. Available as a 1/4, 1/2 or full set to suit any or all chimney corners, its telescopic arms mean no pre-adjustment is necessary. Euro Towers Managing Director, Roger Verallo, states that “our stand generated considerable interest, with enquiries from Lancashire to Libya.” T
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644774 Convenient power from Wacker Amongst several new products from Wacker is the GH 3500 high frequency generator designed for powering poker vibrators that require a 42V three-phase supply. It is offered as a convenient power source for work in places where electricity is not readily available. The PF3 is a petrol-powered submersible pump with a flexible shaft. Its 7hp air-cooled single-cylinder engine allows high flow-rate pumping in depths of up to 6m. The product’s compact dimensions make it suitable for applications in narrow spaces, such as in wells or shafts. Also on show at SED were DPU 100-70 remote-control coupled plates, claimed to combine the performance of a roller with the manoeuvrability of a vibrating plate. Two or three machines can be connected together for use in road or rail construction. The product can eliminate the risk of HAV. T
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707200 Speedy Pumps set for further growth Speedy Pumps highlighted specialist solutions such as GenSet surface and submersible pumps, and high-head pumps from SPP. “We now have three dedicated depots at Wigan, Erith and Port Talbot, with a presence at several Speedy Power locations throughout the rest of the country,” states Speedy Pumps Director Gary Cooper. “We will open other dedicated depots in Birmingham in August and in Scotland three months later. More outlets will follow. We have already established more than 100 core customers in industries as diverse as construction, petrochemicals, steel manufacture and utilities.” The SED stand focused on equipment that can help employers and contractors to meet regulations concerning noise and emissions, while maintaining fuel economy. The Speedy Power division also displayed equipment on the stand, including generators with inbuilt tracking and anti-theft devices. T
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723700 Dual power from Arc-Gen Amongst the range of welders, generators and lighting towers displayed by Arc-Gen was the company’s new Powermaker 6DV, a super-silent dual voltage 6kVA generator. The machine offers 115V and 230V outputs simultaneously, allowing users to power different equipment such as lighting and power tools for night-time work. Special soundproofing is incorporated for low noise levels, and the Wolverhampton-based company says that tests have shown a sound output of 62dB(A) at 7m on full load. The 6DV has a Kubota diesel engine and its 25-litre fuel tank provides up to 12 hours’ running. Standard features include automatic shutdown for conditions such as low oil pressure, high water temperature and battery charge failure. T
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790824 Probst’s articulated solution Probst’s new Unipose is an articulated, four-wheel driven loader that includes a vacuum lifting and laying device for the efficient large-scale handling of kerb stones. It has an integrated self-levelling mast and arm which, when placed in the parked position, enables the machine to be used as a conventional loader with a bucket or pallet fork. The Unipose measures 4900mm long by 1650mm wide and is designed to work in confined areas. Its maximum lifting capacity is approximately 250kg and it has a reach of up to 2250mm. T
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235325 GAP targets Health & Safety Health & Safety issues represented a key theme on GAP’s stand. The hirer distributed copies of its literature offering guidance on work at height, HAV and manual handling. Health & Safety Manager, Malcolm Campbell, states that many of the hirer’s contractor customers have ordered substantial quantities for distribution throughout their organisations. GAP has been shortlisted for Best Occupational Health Initiative in the Building 2006 Health & Safety Awards in respect of HAV. The winner will be announced on 22 June. The Glasgow-based hirer promoted its XDA paperless delivery system, which is now in place throughout its 55-depot network. Customers sign electronically when equipment is delivered, and an e-mail is sent automatically to the client with a copy of the proof of delivery attached. This prevents document loss and enables customers to monitor their transactions on-line. T
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4600 Ammann shows off new minis Ammann Equipment introduced the Semi-Vio SV15 and SV17 mini excavators in the 1500kg class, which replace the B15-3, B15-3 Ex and B18 Ex Series B machines. The newcomers have a reduced rear swing radius of only 980mm, enabling use in confined spaces, and they can pass through 1m doorways. They are designed to be more fuel-efficient than their predecessors with reduced levels of noise and emissions. The SV15 weighs 1480kg (1580kg with cab) and has a maximum digging depth of 2000mm. The SV17 is 120kg heavier and its longer dipper arm gives a 2400mm maximum digging depth. The SV17 Ex is similar but its undercarriage is variable between 750-1090mm. New compact tandem rollers from 1.5-13 tonne were also displayed. T
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414525 Find a Pal with Seddons Seddons (Plant & Engineers) Ltd had its largest ever stand at SED, being 30% bigger than last year, on which it displayed equipment from several of its partner companies including Honda, Stihl, Winget and Pramac. A new initiative is the Big Red Plant Pal, a pocket-sized reference book that details the impressively diverse range of equipment, accessories and services that the company can supply to hirers, such as new Volvo and Ausa machines, used equipment from the Seddons Refurbished Plant Machinery division, attachments like handlers and augers, and Kosran security systems. Advice is also provided on selecting items such as protective canopies for mini excavators, cab seats and machine filters. T
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854600 Fairport steps up to the plate Fairport Construction Equipment launched its new FPC range of low-vibration single direction plate compactors, and a demonstration area enabled visitors to try them out for themselves. At the company’s Sheffield factory the plates are tested on a special track to the BS EN500-4 standard. Vibration levels are measured according to BS EN 5349 using a SVAN 948 tri-axial meter. The low weight of the plates facilitates manual handling and an engine protection frame is incorporated. An optional water system or paving pad can be fitted without tools. Four models are available, with 300mm, 320mm, 400mm and 450mm base widths, weighing 51kg, 52kg, 67kg and 69kg respectively. Quoted vibration levels in m/s2 are 2.87, 3.04, 2.60 and 2.87. The FPC300 has a Robin 3hp engine, the FPC320 incorporates a Honda 3hp unit and the FPC400 and FPC450 feature a 5.5hp Honda engine. T
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7921 Simple measurement with Plan-B The ZipLevel from Plan-B Marketing is a single-handed elevation measurement device for surveyors, civil engineers and other construction professionals. It comprises a portable base unit and a hand-held meter with an LCD screen, which are connected by a 30m dual-bore polymer cable. One bore contains hydraulic fluid and the other is filled with a gas used to pressurise the system. These act on a pressure sensor in the meter and the differential hydrostatic pressure between one location and another produces a readout of elevation, positive or negative. The user places the base unit on the ground at one point, zeroes the meter and walks to the second location. After placing the measurement module on the ground there, the screen provides a digital readout. No direct line of sight is needed, enabling the ZipLevel to be used for measurements involving locations both inside and outside. T
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664499 MBW’s easy rider The LowRider power trowel from MBW is claimed to be one of the smallest machines in its class. The 13hp unit weighs 145kg and has twin 76cm-diameter rotors. Its light weight means it can be placed on concrete sooner than larger equipment, and it can pass through an 81cm doorway. It can also be used as a complement to bigger machines for edging work, particularly in confined spaces. The LowRider has three rollers on its front guard ring that enable it to finish within 0.5cm of a wall. T
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387784 JCB mini gets even smaller JCB unveiled the 8008, which is based on the company’s existing Micro mini excavator but has a lighter undercarriage and boom. Its 762cc diesel engine is rated at 12.7hp and produces a hydraulic pump flow of 13.2 litres/minute. The variable width undercarriage gives a track width of 700mm when retracted, exceeding the upper structure width of 695mm. Once extended, track width is 890mm. Further weight has been saved by the use of a tubular main boom, with all hydraulic hoses passing through the centre of the boom structure, as on JCB’s 8014 range of mini excavators. Digging depth is 1740mm with a maximum reach on the ground of 3105mm. T
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590312 Belle’s full house A demonstration plot featuring a simulation of a house building site opposite the Belle group’s stand enabled the company to show how its light construction equipment could be used at virtually all stages, from mixing and laying cement, to cutting concrete blocks and roof tiles. New on show was the RT65 narrow body trench rammer, designed for use in confined areas and for easy storage. Its Honda engine has a diaphragm carburettor and a special oil system that means the machine can be laid down without risk of flooding the engine. Other machines on display included the Pro Trowel flooring trowel featuring rapid blade adjustment, Promix materials mixers, and the well known line-up of Belle concrete mixers. T
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84606 Compact GenSet versatility Shown in prototype format on the GenSet stand was the VT2 compact lighting tower, which can accept four 1000W or 400W metal halide lamps. The manually operated vertical lift mast has a maximum height of 7m and the super-silenced generator is fully bunded. The machine, which has an air-cooled engine and weighs only 280kg, can provide light and power and is designed as a compact lightweight machine for hire usage. Also on show was the new Hireman generator range, which includes models from 30-530kVA. Designed to withstand the rigours of the hire industry, the super-silenced units have noise levels as low as 67dBA and feature long-run fuel tanks with built-in spill trays. Other plus-points include a blocked filter warning light, sump drain pump, battery cut-out and protective guards over potentially hot areas. T
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777000 Imer makes the cut The latest additions from Imer Direct (GB) include the Combi 250VA tile saw, which replaces the existing model 250V. Accepting 250mm diameter blades, it features an extending cutting table to accommodate the larger tiles that are becoming increasingly popular. It is lighter in weight than its predecessor and carries a lower price tag. Also new is the Combi 200VA, which takes 200mm blades. At SED, Imer also launched the Masonry 700 block saw alongside the existing 900 model. It is designed for fast cutting of large sized materials like structural stone blocks, cement blocks and stone facings. T
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5930 Makita previews HAV tagging Makita provided an insight into an HAV tag system it is helping to develop in association with Earlsmere ID Systems. Vibration data is fed into a computer program that calculates the operator’s exposure points per hour and the maximum permissible usage time. Details are then printed on to stickers and tough plastic tags that can be placed on equipment and fastened to cables with tie-wraps. The vivid red, amber and green tags are designed to provide easy recognition of a tool’s vibration level. Other information can also be recorded, such as noise data. A demonstration area on Makita’s stand enabled visitors to have a hands-on assessment of the company’s low-vibration tools incorporating AVT dynamic dampening, such as the HM 1810 breaker. T
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211678 Kubota shows more growth Kubota UK’s packed stand included the new 5-tonne U50-3, a zero tail swing model fitted with a long reach arm. It has a heavier counterweight for enhanced stability and improved torque for increased traction. The company also promoted its key-based anti-theft system, which is now fitted as standard equipment. Richard Harrison, Construction Equipment Division Sales & Marketing Manager, contends that Kubota UK’s hire industry market share continues to grow, being driven by customer preference and good residual values. T
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214500 Takeuchi stops the show Takeuchi scooped the SED Showstopper Award for the most eye-catching stand, principally because of the Oriental costumes worn by staff and the colourful Japanese food served at regular intervals. Equally arresting, however, was a new ‘concept’ machine on the stand, in the shape of the TB016E. Derived from the 1.5 tonne TB016 mini excavator, it is powered by a manganese Lithium-Ion battery that gives up to eight hours’ running time. Performance is said to be the same as that of its diesel counterpart. The machine can be fully charged in three to four hours and it gives the operational benefits of low vibration, no emissions and silent operation. It is scheduled for launch in the UK by the end of 2007. T
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657722 Lombardini offers options Lombardini highlighted models from its range of air and water cooled petrol and diesel engines below 67hp. Its latest versions are designed for low levels of noise, vibration and exhaust emissions. The 15LD air-cooled diesel series, which includes engines from 4.7-11.8hp, are said to be suitable for hired equipment such as compaction plates, generators, pumps and compact tracked dumpers, owing to their compactness, light weight and longevity. The engines can be customised to meet individual requirements, with options that include hour meters, power take-offs, air filter blockage sensors, accelerator and stop remote controls, single lever commands and large capacity oil sumps. T
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793299 Engine upgrades on Universal K9s The new K9-4 Series III stand-on skid steer loader from Universal Hydraulic System features engine options including a Generation III Yanmar 27hp engine and a 400 Series 27hp Perkins diesel engine. These are designed to give more power at low revs, reducing noise and emissions. Like its predecessors, the new model produces 3400psi of hydraulic power and it has twin pumps to enable power to be directed to both the wheels and the attachment that is fitted, to give a faster work-rate. The machine can fit through a 760mm-wide opening. Executive Hire News › Archives › June 2006 › SED Review › Performers in the Park
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