Doosan Portable Power has introduced a new branding scheme for its ranges of portable air compressors, generators and lighting towers. The front and back ends of the machines now carry the three-colour Doosan corporate logo, whilst the sides of these units have the manufacturer’s black product logo.

These products were added to the Doosan range when the company acquired several of the construction equipment businesses of Ingersoll Rand in 2007, along with the Bobcat, Geith and Montabert ranges. The air compressors will still carry a small Ingersoll Rand logo on two sides of the products until the end of 2012.

The portable compressor range includes 25 models, while the generator line-up comprises 11 mobile and portable generator models, with prime power outputs at rated speed from 20-500kVA. More details are available at www.doosanportablepower.com

Makita’s new BHS630 18v Lithium-ion circular saw has a 165mm diameter blade and gives a 66mm depth of cut which, the manufacturer says, is the same as a saw with a 190mm blade. It says this has been achieved by using a new housing design, and by having the drive shaft as low as possible to the base plate. At 45° the blade will cut 46mm deep.

The tool’s 730watt motor gives blade speeds of up to 3,100rpm, and is located on the left hand side of the machine to provide a clear view of the cutting line. An electric brake system stops the blade immediately when the control trigger is released. For more information, visit www.makitauk.com

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Makita’s UK sales office. By way of celebration, the manufacturer has launched a ‘special edition’ selection of power tools and accessories, bearing an anniversary logo. Hirers can also check out the company’s latest developments on its stand at the Executive Hire Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, next week.

Geko Engineering believes that hirers can extend the versatility of mini excavators in their fleets by offering its Stump Beaver attachment for use by landscapers and builders.

Manufactured in the UK, it is designed for use with most micro and mini excavators and incorporates 16 carbide tipped teeth mounted on a high inertia cutting wheel, for quickly reducing tree stumps to sawdust. The implement is supplied with a stand to facilitate storage on a site or in the hire yard, and it also enables the grinder to be strapped down securely for transportation without damaging the teeth. For more details, visit www.gekoengineering.co.uk

Geko Engineering plans to develop a range of compact plant attachments, and has taken a stand in the new ‘Top Tier’ at the Executive Hire Show on 8 and 9 February at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

JCB has added the 8026 CTS model to its range of mini excavators. The 2.7 tonne newcomer joins the 8025 ZTS zero tail swing machine in the manufacturer’s line-up, and offers a conventional layout with a trailer towable transport weight and increased lifting capacity.

The 8026 CTS has a dedicated boom and dipper arm, offering greater digging capacity. The increase in efficiency allows the same engine family to be used as on the 8025 ZTS, with a similar torque output, but with a lower power rating, providing a 14% performance gain. JCB says this is partly due to the introduction of new auto kick-down track motors.

The hydraulic system now features full control isolation when the left hand armrest is raised, improving safety on site. The slew turret has been lowered by 35mm for additional stability, while the machine uses a re-designed undercarriage, featuring a more open design with angled track legs to prevent build-up of material within the track frames. Visit jcb.com for more details.

New from Marcrist International is the TDM1 tile drilling system, which can be supplied in several kit formats to offer a complete solution that includes a specially developed drill, a guide mechanism, wet or dry tile drills and masonry drills, packed in a carrying case.

The 1100watt variable speed impact drill has a metal bodied Jacobs keyless chuck and is available as either 220V with RCD or 110V versions, and in PG850 (wet) or PG750X (dry) tile drilling derivatives.

The drilling guidance mechanism has been designed to overcome limitations associated with suction cup guides, such as adhesion to mosaic and textured tiles, or the suction cups slipping. A central gas strut with a rubber foot sits on the tile for accurate operation.

Marcrist claims that the product can give better performance than cordless equivalents, being able to work at the optimum speed for productivity and long drill life. A chart incorporated on the machine indicates the correct speed settings for each tile drill type and diameter. For more information visit www.marcrist.co.uk

To enable hirers to be ready in case harsh winter weather descends, Altrad Belle has introduced a snow plough attachment for its BMD 300 four wheel drive mini dumper. The implement will be displayed for the first time on the company’s stand at the Executive Hire Show in February.

Other attachments that can be fitted to the machine include a towing hitch and a flat bed, and ramps are available to aid discharging the contents of the hopper into a skip. The BMD 300 has a payload capacity of 300kg and can climb inclines of up to 38°, according to the manufacturer, which provides more details at www.belle-group.co.uk

2012 will see Bosch launch additions to its range of heavy-duty rotary hammers, starting with the GBH 2-24 DF Professional 2kg SDS Plus model, which is claimed to offer a 25% increase in power and impact energy compared with its predecessor.

New 8kg and 11kg machines will follow later in the year, but a special preview of the tools will be given to visitors on the manufacturer’s stand at the Executive Hire Show in February.

In 2012, Bosch will also be commemorating 80 years of rotary hammer manufacture, which started with the launch of the EH600 Professional back in 1932. More details on the current line-up can be found at www.boschpowertools.co.uk

Makita has introduced further additions to its professional dust extractor vacuum range to meet increasingly stringent regulations covering on-site and workshop applications.

Two new L class approved models with 20 litre and 35 litre container volumes are available. Both are powered by a 1,100watt motor and are offered in 240 or 110V modes. The VC2010L and VC3511L are equipped with a washable PET filter that gives 3000cm² of filtration surface. The units generate a maximum airflow of 3.6m³ per minute and a maximum vacuum pressure of 18kPa.

Both models have a power take-off point enabling them to be coupled to Makita power tools which, when operated, automatically start the dust extraction unit to protect the working environment. Further information can be obtained at www.makitauk.com

TowerLight UK reports that the finishing touches are currently being applied to a version of its VB9 vertical mast lighting tower incorporating LED lamps, in readiness for its formal launch at the Executive Hire Show in February.

The lamps on the VB9-LED have a five year manufacturer’s warranty, are made from robust polycarbonate, with no glass or bulbs to replace and, unlike metal halide units, can be re-started whilst hot, says the company. The machine has a power consumption rating of 150 watts and provides an illumination level that is said to be equivalent to that of 400 watt metal halide lamps, giving reduced running costs.

The lights have a typical operating life of 70,000 hours and, whereas metal halide units require a system of electric ballasts fitted into the lighting tower to operate properly, LED lighting dispenses with this, meaning there are no complicated electronics to repair and maintain. For further details visit www.towerlight.co.uk

Ladder manufacturer, Werner, has launched a new range of fibreglass and aluminium ladders for professional users. They are being marketed through Belper-based Abru Ltd, which was acquired by Werner in April 2010.

The line-up includes more than 100 different products, including stepladders, combination ladders, loft ladders, extension ladders, roof ladders and work platforms. They incorporate the manufacturer’s Lock-In System, which is designed to hold various items of equipment and accessories for maximum working efficiency, from power and hand tools, to paint and spraying equipment. For more information see www.wernerladder.co.uk

New from Havwoods Machinery is the Graftmaster Viper floor preparation machine, which has a 20cm diameter head, weighs 77kg and is designed for grinding and polishing stone, terrazzo and concrete, refinishing wood floors, stripping tiles, and removing glue and other residues.

Grinding speed can be varied up to a maximum of 2,100 rpm, and the manufacturer says that the machine can be operated within less than 4mm of a wall. The system is also designed to enable the same tools and drive plates to be used to both level or to follow surfaces, reducing equipment costs and enhancing the versatility of the machine. For more information visit www.havwoodsmachinery.com

Armorgard Security Products reports that more hirers are adding its TuffCage to their fleets for the safe and secure storage of bottled gas on site. Of one-piece construction, the product is designed so that it can be erected quickly to form a robust 1.82 x 1.82 x 1.22m galvanised cage.

There are no parts to go missing and the product folds down to just 180mm high to facilitate storage when off-hired. Armorgard says that, as the unit is lockable, some contractors also use it as a convenient equipment store. For more information see www.armorgardsecurity.com

Lombardini held a special event at its factory in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy, to announce a new range of diesel engines designed to meet the forthcoming stringent Tier IV emission regulations. The manufacturer, which is owned by Kohler Co of the US, says it started with a blank sheet of paper to develop a system that achieved the necessary emissions reduction, without using additional accessories such as diesel particulate filters.

The power units use a high pressure (2000 bar injection) common rail system to create a very fine and highly penetrating spray for cleaner combustion. Four valves are incorporated per cylinder for optimum positioning of the injectors and efficient air intake.

Lombardini claims that the system, called Kohler Direct Injection (KDI), allows more power to be produced, meaning that smaller units can be fitted to machines to achieve similar performance, with benefits of lower levels of emissions, noise and vibration, and improved fuel economy.

New 1.9 and 2.5 litre KDI engines, with maximum outputs of 42 and 55.4kW (56 and 74hp) will go into production next September, and will be available with Kohler or Lombardini branding. A 3.4 litre, 100kW (134hp) engine is scheduled for manufacture by the end of 2014, the first time that Lombardini will have manufactured engines in this power class. A video presentation of the launch event can be seen at www.kohlernewproject.com.

The November/December issue of EHN will include a dedicated article on the new KDI engines, which will also be displayed on Lombardini’s stand at the Executive Hire Show on 8 and 9 February at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Lift Turn Move has added the Able range of manual lifting equipment to its line-up, which includes the new CB360° hand chain hoist. The product incorporates a chain guide that is designed to enable operation from virtually any angle, and to facilitate use in more confined working environments.

The company, which recently re-located to a new purpose built production facility in Bromborough. Merseyside, offers hoists, winches, jacks, pulleys and other lifting products targeted at professionals working in industry and in the events market. For more information visit www.liftturnmove.co.uk

The new TEX PE range of pneumatic hammers from Atlas Copco are designed for low levels of vibration and noise. Three models are included in the line-up. The compact TEX 05PE, which weighs 6kg, is said to be suitable for smaller jobs in softer material and for overhead work. The 10.5kg TEX 09PE is also optimised for use with softer materials, while the 12kg TEX 12PE is designed for work on harder objects.

Both the TEX 09PE and TEX 12PE can be supplied with a round shank that allows the chisel to rotate freely, which can facilitate tasks such as kiln stripping, says the manufacturer. All three hammers have multiple gripping surfaces to enable the operator to choose the most comfortable working position, and each has a large D handle that is designed to accommodate a gloved hand. The larger tools also have a front handle for additional control and support.

The hammers have a lightweight retainer for rapid tool changing, and they also incorporate a two-step trigger control system. One hirer who has tested the tools is Colin Purvis, Project Manager at GAP, who said: “The new TEX 12 PE hammer is the best vibration reduced hammer I’ve ever tried. It is very smooth to operate, and is an excellent machine.” For further details on the new range, visit www.atlascopco.co.uk

Broughton Electro Air Products has announced modifications to its Mighty Heat range of industrial portable electric heaters, having spent the summer developing and refining the heat delivery systems on the FF42, FF80 and FF125 models. The line-up is now designed to provide single pass heat rises of up to 100°C.

Units are available to run from 13-125A supplies, with outputs from 15,000 to over 350,000 Btu, with enough pressure to duct the heat over a distance of up to 100m, making them suitable for use in a wide range of buildings.

Safety features include isolated heat chambers that are designed to keep the outer body of the machines safe to the touch, and a heat purge system allows the fan to keep running after the unit has been switched off, helping to avoid potentially hazardous heat build-ups. Visit www.broughtoneap.co.uk for more details.

The October issue of EHN will include a Market Report on Heating & Lighting Equipment.

Genie says that its new GS-4047 full drive-height, self-propelled electric scissor lift has been developed to meet the requirements of operators working in confined indoor spaces. The machine, which will be available during the first quarter of next year, can lift up to 350kg to a maximum working height of 13.93m, and has a compact footprint of 2.44m long by 1.19m wide when stowed.

A 91cm extension deck can be fitted to increase the platform workspace, and the machine is said to be able to negotiate gradients of up to 25%. The 24V 300Ah battery pack is designed to provide enough power to operate the machine during a typical eight-hour shift without needing recharging. Genie, which is part of the Terex group, launched the GS-4047 at the Apex exhibition in Maastricht. For more details visit www.terex.com

Ransomes Jacobsen has launched the Spider Mini, the latest addition to its range of radio controlled slope mowers, which also includes the existing Spider 1 and Spider 2 models. Measuring 1040 by 900mm and weighing 130kg, the compact machine offers a 56cm width of cut and can access smaller and more difficult areas on wooded slopes, river banks and other constricted areas.

Power comes from a 6.5hp Briggs & Stratton petrol engine with hydrostatic transmission and the mower’s single rotary blade can be set to a cutting height ranging from 40-90mm. The remote control unit allows the operator to control the drive, steering, engine start and, if required, emergency shutdown, without the need to stand on sloping ground.

The Spider Mini’s chain drive system is designed to provide a lower centre of gravity. The manufacturer says the machine can climb 25 degree slopes and that it can mow up to 1500m2 per hour on a single litre of fuel. For more details visit www.ransomesjacobsen.com

Wacker Neuson has introduced a new variant of its DPU 100-70 reversible vibrating plate, which is designed to enable consistent compaction up to and along edges, such as kerbs and walls.

The DPU 100-70Les has a working width of 70cm, or 87cm with extension plates, and delivers up to 100kN of centrifugal force. Its speed can be infinitely varied at the push of a button, in both forward and reverse mode, to enable the operator to move slowly along edges before increasing speed again, to achieve uniform results.

The manufacturer says this avoids having to use additional, smaller machines and, therefore, increases operating efficiency. The machine has a quoted HAV rating of less than 2.5m/s2 and it can be used as a double or triple coupling set for compacting railway ballast. For more details go to www.wackerneuson.com