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SED Review: Rockingham review With 452 exhibitors and 19,998 visitors, SED showed the construction industry to be in confident mood. EHN reviews some of the new products aimed at hirers. Terex launches tracked loader Featuring
prominently
in
Terex’s
stand
display
was
the
new
PT-30
tracked
loader,
a
1500kg
machine
whose
weight
enables
it
to
be
towed
legally
on
a
trailer
behind
a
four-wheel
drive
vehicle
or
a
pickup.
Various implements can be fitted to the machine, for construction and grounds maintenance tasks, and powered attachments can be driven by the auxiliary hydraulic system. The PT-30 is the smallest in a new range of Terex tracked loaders that extends up to 4604kg. T
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339400 Bomag system monitors compaction Prominent on Bomag’s stand was an eye-catching display promoting the company’s new Economizer system, an option available on four of its reversible vibratory plates. During operation, a series of LEDs illuminate to show the degree of compaction being achieved, enabling the user to quickly identify under or over-compaction and to take remedial action. An acceleration sensor sends data to a computing unit. This is converted to a measured value that increases in line with soil stiffness, and the results are shown on a display mounted within easy view of the user. “The Economizer system means that the optimum number of passes can be made to achieve the right level of compaction, and this can lead to savings in time and fuel costs,” Managing Director, Alan Batty, told EHN. “It can also reduce the operator’s exposure to HAV.” T
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716611 Wacker Neuson trowel saves money Wacker (GB) Managing Director, Andrew Howells, said that SED visitors showed considerable interest in the company’s recently launched CRT 48-35L diesel ride-on trowel, owing to its fuel economy. If run on red diesel, the 2.44m-wide machine is claimed to be up to 80% more economical to operate than comparable petrol models. The stand line-up also included several reversible compaction plates with new low-vibration handles. Following
the
acquisition
of
the
US
company,
Ground
Heaters,
the
company
promoted
a
range
of
specialist
heating
equipment.
These
included
units
incorporating
90%
efficient
heat
exchangers
that
can
be
used
for
curing
concrete,
flood
damage
restoration,
dehumidifying
and
large-scale
heating.
T
01992
707200 Thwaites dumper fills a gap New from Thwaites is a 1.5-tonne Powerswivel dumper, an hydrostatic machine that fills the gap between the manufacturer’s existing 1 and 2 tonne models. The company believes it will appeal to tool and equipment hirers who want to benefit from the continuing demand for compact plant. The skip can slew through 180¾ and the machine has similar controls to those on the popular 1 tonne version. Foot pedal controls are incorporated and an automatic failsafe braking system is built into the rear drive motors. T
01926
422471 Macgen shows welfare cabin generator New from Macgen is a version of its 13kVA MPG13 generator designed for installation in welfare cabins. Like other units in the company’s line-up, it is fully bunded and offers 110% fluid containment to avoid spillages. A range of socket and output options can be selected. Featuring prominently on the stand was the new MPG Maclight lighting tower, which has a 7m high mast and incorporates hydraulic vertical lift. Macgen also launched a new 100kVA generator, which it describes as having been specifically designed to meet the hire industry’s requirements. T
028
2954
2500 World class from Seddons The imposing Seddons (Plant & Engineers) stand was divided into different sections, each dedicated to one of several suppliers whose equipment it distributes, as well as the company’s own products. “Our aim is to demonstrate how we can satisfy virtually all hirers’ small equipment needs from world class brands,” said Sales & Marketing Director, Phil Winnington. Machines promoted included Seddons’ own cold water pressure washers and bowsers, Stihl power tools and equipment including the TS 410 cut-off saw, and the Honda EU65is generator designed for low levels of noise and emissions. The display also included Winget site mixers and MBW concreting and compaction products, including the new Ergo-Tamper, a pneumatic pole tamper specifically designed to minimise HAV. T
01204
854600 erento signs up HSS erento, a web-based hire marketplace that originated in Germany, announced on the first day of the Show that HSS had become its first national customer in the UK. HSS will use the service to promote its entire equipment range from more than 300 locations. Users can search for a specific item by location, and the database then lists the closest providers. Enquiries can be sent to the hire company, which then contacts the customer to confirm the transaction in the normal way. Owen Whitehead, Head of Direct Marketing and Online at HSS, says, "As potential customers increasingly rely on search engines to direct them to the most appropriate site, such marketplaces are fast becoming a vital element of a multi-channel strategy." erento says that its European service is already used by 7,200 hire companies, almost 1,000 of which are tool and plant hirers. It lists over one million products and is visited by more than 45,000 visitors daily. Clinton Patterson, Director UK Operations, expects business to grow sharply. “In 2002, 2% of UK business was transacted via the web; by 2020, that figure could grow to 40%,” he told EHN. T
0207
099
8797 Lift slabs with Fairport Fairport Construction Equipment showed a new battery operated vacuum grab for lifting kerbs and slabs of up to 150kg. It can be slung from a boom or hoist on a construction machine, or can be fitted with a handle and used by two people manually. The implement can be finished in customers’ corporate colours. A gauge indicates the battery charge level, and up to four hours’ operation is possible before recharging is required. An in-built safety feature is that, in the event of the battery suddenly failing, the vacuum will remain long enough to lower the attachment to the ground in a controlled manner. Sheffield-based Fairport plans to move to a larger purpose-built factory later this year. T
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276
7921 Hanix celebrates with mini prototype Hanix gave SED visitors a sneak preview of its forthcoming H08D mini excavator, an 870kg machine that represents the second model in a new generation of its machines. It has all-steel body panels to withstand tough site conditions, and the boom cylinder has been relocated to reduce the risk of damage. Operator comfort has also been a major consideration, with the addition of joystick operation and increased legroom. Visitors to the stand were invited to fill in forms giving their feedback after having seen the machine, under the categories of its design features, control layout and appearance. Hanix technicians in Japan will study the information, so that they can make any modifications deemed necessary before the H08D’s formal launch. T
0161
335
2330 Brokk machines for hazardous sites Brokk UK promoted the remote controlled tracked machines it supplies to the construction, demolition, drilling and nuclear industries. Manufactured in Sweden, the electrically powered units can be fitted with attachments for tasks such as breaking, crushing, cutting and lifting. They enable operators to stand at a distance from the work area in potentially hazardous environments, and exposure to vibration is eliminated. The smallest machine in the range, the Brokk 50, weighs 475kg and is 590mm wide, enabling it to pass through narrow doorways, up stairways and to work on weak floors. Machines can also be hired from Brokkhire UK, (www.brokkhire.co.uk), part of the Lenpart group which also supplies diamond blades, hydraulic hose fittings and industrial products. T
01539
824063 Takeuchi mini offers more space Takeuchi’s new TB235 3.5-tonne mini excavator is a direct replacement for its existing TB135, and has a similar track footprint. The tail swing has been reduced to 36mm, and the cab offers the operator more space, with a 12% increase in overall area and additional foot room. As well as a drinks holder, an auxiliary port for an MP3 player is provided, and air conditioning is available as an option. The height of the dozer blade has been increased slightly to facilitate achieving gradients, and the machine retains the tilt-up cab concept for easier service access. Power comes from a 28.8hp Yanmar 4 Tier engine, designed to meet the latest noise and emissions regulations, and the alternator capacity has been increased from 40 to 55A. T
01706
657722 Digbits crusher impresses Digbits had a demonstration area opposite its stand to show its 3-tonne Bavtrak 025 tracked crusher, which was making its SED debut. Managing Director, Marcus Clay, said that hire visitors were impressed by the machine’s crushing capabilities, as well as by its high work-rate. The jaw area measures 630 by 330mm, yet the unit itself is only 1200mm wide measured between the tracks. The company also demonstrated its BAV Alligator Crusher attachments for mini excavators, which can be used for cutting reinforcing wire and bars. T
01889
503020 Easy paving with Probst Probst demonstrated a range of equipment for the safe manual handling of paving slabs, which, the company believes, will become the subject of greater attention from the Health & Safety Executive following on from its work on kerb lifting, as part of its on-going Supply Chain Project. Products displayed included the Speedy VS-S vacuum hand-laying device, a single-phase electric machine weighing 16kg. The two handles are individually height adjustable to suit each operator, and the suction plate’s dimensions of 400 by 300mm are said to make the product suitable for most applications. Maximum carrying capacity of the machine is 75kg. T
01939
235325 Belle cleans up On a busy demonstration area opposite the Belle stand, the company showed how its diverse product range could be used for many light construction tasks, such as mixing, laying and finishing concrete, cutting paving slabs and moving materials. New items shown included the BHF high-frequency poker, which features an internal vibrator and an electric converter. This configuration is designed to give an optimum rotation speed of 12,000rpm, and the product is supplied with 15m of electrical cable. 110 and 230V versions are available. Also new is Belle-Clean, a non-foaming concrete dissolving substance that contains no phosphoric or hydrochloric acid and is biodegradable. Supplied in 710ml spray bottles and 19 litre containers, it can be used on machinery such as mixers, pumps and vehicles, as well as wooden decking. Most items will be clean within 5-10 minutes, says Belle. T
01298
84606 Bobcat’s compact launches As well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first skid steer loader, Bobcat unveiled several new products, including the E08 conventional and E10 zero tail swing mini excavators, which weigh 1028kg and 1066kg respectively. Both have retractable undercarriages that give a minimum machine width of 710mm to facilitate site access in restricted working environments. Also making its debut was the S70 skid steer loader, which replaces the company’s 463 model. The smallest in Bobcat’s range, it weighs 1291kg and is 901mm wide. Power comes from a 22.5hp Kubota diesel engine designed for low emissions. T
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32
2
377
6811 Arc-Gen sounds good Arc-Gen’s stand was double the size of the one it had in 2007, and pride of place went to the new ‘ultra silent’ models in its DCA generator range, featuring noise levels as low as 50dB(A) at 7m. To emphasise their quietness, the company employed mime artists to help man the stand during the Show. In all, there are nine DCA models, including super silent 65db (A) versions ranging from 14-100kVA, and 22 and 40kVA ultra silent units. Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins says that target markets include the events industry and noise-sensitive locations such as in and around hospitals and schools. Pump manufacturer, Hilta, which Arc-Gen acquired in March, had a separate stand at the Show. “Hirers are already recognising the synergies between the Arc-Gen and Hilta product ranges, and by offering a broader portfolio we can help them to streamline their supplier base,” says Mark Hodgkins. “The 3in and 4in pumps have a particularly strong reputation within the hire industry, and we are looking at ways of expanding the range.” T
01902
790824 Avant’s sure-footed scissor Avant Tecno demonstrated the sure-footedness and compact dimensions of its Leguan 80SX scissor lift. The machine can be fitted with either a battery or a petrol engine, or both, for indoor and outdoor use and has four-wheel drive for work on difficult terrain. A motor is mounted directly on each wheel hub to provide maximum grip on uneven surfaces, even if one wheel should lift off the ground. Hydraulic outriggers are incorporated to facilitate operation on soft ground, and the machine measures 1m wide by 2.8m long and 2.05m high in the transport position. Maximum platform height is 6m and the stated safe working load is 225kg. T
01953
714896 Imer launches new mortar pump Imer Direct GB’s new Spray 120 screw pump is designed for spraying or pumping mortar and plaster. The electrically driven machine can be supplied with or without a mixer, and it can pump materials over distances of up to 15m vertically and 40m horizontally, at rates of up to 25 litres/minute. The product’s hopper has a capacity of 120 litres and if either the machine’s protection grid or the vibrating griddle is removed, then the paddles will automatically stop rotating and moving parts will shut down for operator safety. T
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5930 Executive Hire News › Archives › June 2008 › SED Review › Rockingham review
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