Multiple roles for compact construction machines

Versatility remains the key for the utility equipment sector

The range of duties that compact machines can be used for continues to grow. The rental sector is a prime purchaser of compact utility machines that are used in many segments of the construction market. Versatility is crucial and utility machines are expected to carry out numerous duties, with quick-hitch attachments speeding changeovers from one tool to another.

The array of utility machines is diverse and includes units such as skid steer loaders, tracked loaders, telehandlers, small wheeled loaders, backhoe loaders, wheeled excavators and mini excavators. These are used in a huge array of construction-related duties, with such machines used widely in the highway sector for maintenance as well as for new construction. There are scarcely any highway construction jobs that do not feature a series of rented utility machines being used for an array of tasks.

Fuel for thought

Although fuel prices may have fallen once more, the recent hike in fuel costs have sharpened the view that economy is an important factor for off-highway machines. At the same time, ever tougher restrictions on exhaust emissions are prompting manufacturers to develop radical solutions and this is particularly important for the utility equipment sector, where machines often operate in space restricted environments. Several manufacturers have now unveiled hybrid prototypes, powered by a combination of diesel and electric power and featuring batteries. French firm Mecalac-Ahlmann has built a prototype Hybrid 12MTX multi-purpose machine, which features a dual drive system. This machine won a Gold Innovation award from the Intermat exhibition organisers for its sophisticated drive system, which is designed to cut fuel use and exhaust emissions. Another innovative wheeled loader development aimed at reducing fuel consumption and operating emissions has been developed jointly by Kobelco and New Holland. The hybrid compact wheeled loader has benefited from the latest engine technology from Fiat Powertrain and this machine features all the latest in-cylinder technology for low emissions and low fuel consumption, as well as a novel hybrid drivetrain. The machine is still a prototype at this stage but could point the way for future wheeled loader designs from the firm.

Loadlifting

Telehandlers and compact wheeled loaders are used to carry out a wide range of handling tasks on site, with strong pressure to release new models. Spanish manufacturer Ausa says that its Tauralift T276H telehandler offers significant performance improvements over the model being replaced. This upgraded machine can lift a 2.7tonne load to a height of 6.1m and is powered by a low emission Kubota diesel. The machine features hydrostatic drive to all four wheels and offers a top travel speed of 24km/h. The machine can be specified with a Multi-Tach hydraulic system and side-shift and can use an array of hydraulic attachments. Optional features include a semi-closed cab, different tyre choices and a 700litre bucket.
In some European markets such as the UK and Ireland, telehandlers have been strong sellers and this has meant that neither country has historically been seen as a volume market for compact loaders. However, change may be coming as plant owners in the UK and Ireland begin appreciating the robust nature of the small wheeled loader. While telehandlers are often fitted with buckets, they are not as suitable as compact loaders for handling as telehandler booms are not designed for pushing into stockpiled materials. Northamptonshire aggregates supplier Bagforce is one UK firm that has made the change, replacing an old telehandler with a Case 321E compact loader for bagging and lorry-loading duties. According to Bagforce, the telehandler wore out due to the heavy loads exterted when handling aggregates. The 321E proved robust enough for the task in hand, and compact enough to fit in with the constraints of the site. The new machine was delivered with two buckets as well as fork attachments and is fitted with a quick release attachment.

Moving up to the top of the compact loader sector, Volvo is upgrading its L45 and L50 models with new F series variants. The machines are offered with Volvo's patented Torque Parallel (TP) loader linkage and the firm says that the system offers smooth, parallel lift, high tilt-back torque and good lifting power right through the lift range. Both loaders are available with optional Z-bar Volvo patented model attachment brackets, designed to match the machine's TP linkage geometry. The loaders feature separate power steering and load-sensing hydraulic pumps: separate pumps ensure full steering power is achieved, regardless of the load on the main hydraulic pumps. Both the Volvo L45F and L50F are powered by Tier 3/Stage IIIB certified engines rated at 73 kW and 85 kW respectively and the L45F's operating weight is 8.65tonnes while the L50F weighs 9.43tonnes.

Reduced tailswing

The development of short radius versions of mini, midi and larger excavators has allowed the use of equipment in even more restricted sites. These are particularly useful for highway jobs as the units can be operated on maintenance and repair tasks alongside life traffic lanes.

A wide array of manufacturers now offer machines, with new models coming regularly to market. Slotting in between Caterpillar's mini excavators and its midi excavators, the 8tonne 308D CR model is said to offer versatility and performance. The firm now fits load sensing hydraulics as standard to its high performance mini excavators, improving working precision and also helping to minimise fuel usage. A high pressure auxiliary circuit is fitted that allows the machine to use a wide array of attachments and work tools in the Caterpillar range. The undercarriage comes from a larger machine in the Caterpillar range so the design is able to cope with heavy-duty operation and offers high flotation even in poor conditions. Power comes from a Mitsubishi diesel rated at 41.5kW and which meets the interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB noise and exhaust emission levels.

Doosan is adding the 14tonne DX140R excavator to its range and this new short radius model produces the same bucket and arm breakout forces as the standard sized DX140LC and shares parts with it too.

The machine is powered by a 96kW Cummins engine.
JCB has replaced its successful 8060 midi excavator with the 8065 RTS. This reduced tailswing model works in the same 6tonne class, but is said to offer increased power and safety. The 8065 RTS is powered by a 54.3kW Isuzu engine, contributing to a powerful 77kN of tractive effort at the tracks to boost dozing abilities. Travel speed is also increased to 5.3km/h. Customers can choose between a full cab or a canopy, both of which are isolated from the slew frame for reduce vibration.

Kubota's U17-3 is a 1.65tonne zero tail swing mini excavator and replaces the previous U15-3 model. The new U17-3 sits between the 990kg U10-3 and the 2.1tonne U20-3 and features adjustable track gauge, which can be used to increase stability. When track width is retracted to 990mm the machine can pass through tight spots and these can then be widened to 1.24m to boost stability where required. As it weighs just 1.65tonnes, the U17-3 can be towed by a pick-up truck while other features of the machine include dozer blade extensions as standard and an anti-theft system.

Yanmar Construction Equipment has extended its zero tailswing midi excavator range with the ViO55-5B, which weighs in at 5.3tonnes with a full cab. The machine uses a tailor-made hydraulic quick hitch and has a wide track gauge for increased stability. That power is generated by a Yanmar TNV series diesel providing 30kW. The company claims easy access for servicing and maintenance, despite the zero tailswing layout.

Tracks replace wheels?

Several manufacturers are bolstering their skid steer loader ranges with tracked loaders, now that customers are beginning to appreciate that added stability of these units on difficult sites. The development curve has been quick and many new models are coming to market.

Caterpillar is now offering customers greater choice with its latest improved machines for the utility equipment sector. Three new compact loaders, the 279C, 289C and 299C, are available and these feature durable and strong undercarriages that can cope with poor running conditions. Steel embedded and all-steel undercarriages are available and all the models are said to offer high traction on site. A new suspension type undercarriage has been developed by Caterpillar that features four independent torsion axles that is said to offer good ride characteristics even on rough ground. These machines offer high flotation and low ground pressure capabilities as well as good traction and long track service life. Two speed drive systems allow high travel speeds as well as high precision working. Both standard and high flow hydraulic versions of these machines are available. The High flow XPS variants suit the use of hydraulic attachments such as hydraulic breakers or planers. A mechanical quick coupler system is fitted that allows the operator to switch from one attachment to another.

Imer's IHI-built CL35 rubber-tracked skid steer loader is a compact machine that is powered by a Tier 3/Stage IIIA emissions compliant Yanmar engine, developing 49kW. The two-speed hydrostatic transmission offers 6.7kph and 10kph speed ranges for the 3.5tonne machine, which has an operating load of 780kg. The machine features an economy setting which can be used to provide fuel savings. Bucket capacity is 0.36m3 and the machine runs on 320mm wide tracks as standard, though 400mm wide tracks are optional.

Wheeled excavators

The integration of Bobcat's mini excavator range with Doosan Infracore portfolio has resulted in a re-branded Doosan DX55W. This is Bobcat's first move into the wheeled excavator market and the new E55W tips the scales at 5.5tonnes. Power comes from a 40.8kW Yanmar liquid-cooled diesel and running gear consists of a rigid, welded frame chassis that offers additional protection for the transmission. Heavy duty axles add to stability and durability, with a combination of outriggers and dozer blade for extra working stability. The E55W offers two travel speed ranges, with a maximum travel speed of 30 km/h. As standard the machine runs on single wheels, while dual wheels remain an option.
Moving up the size range, New Holland's improved wheeled excavators offer increased performance. Replacing the current MH series, the new WE models are aimed at the 14, 15 and 21tonne wheeled excavator classes and benefit from upgraded hydraulics, electronics, service access and ergonomics. The large, high visibility cabs have new control systems that make these machines easier and more comfortable to operate. Customers can select from a range of boom and dipper as well as stabiliser and blade options to suit requirements.

Quick hitches

Caterpillar Work Tools is introducing the Fusion wheel loader quick coupler, which pulls the coupler and work tool closer to the wheel loader. The patented design moves the centre of gravity closer to the machine, allowing the loader to pick up and use a wide range of work tools. The system is designed for wheel loader models ranging from the 938H-972H, including the IT38 and IT62. The system also gives the operator good sight lines to the work tool, load and target location. Eliminating play increases reliability by reducing wear on the coupler/tool bearing surfaces.

Klac Industrie is building on its experience with its quick-hitch systems aimed at machines in the 1-9tonne market to introduce new and much larger versions. Three units have been developed for machines in the 9-23tonne range and these are said to be compact, safe and efficient according to the firm. The design features a mechanical locking mechanism and in the event of a power failure by the carrier will retain the attachment, while an alarm will sound in the cab in the event of an attachment not being locked into place properly. Meanwhile the slim-line hitch design also ensures that the attachment is kept close to the boom of the carrier. The hitch is also said to be able to cope with the particularly high loads exerted by certain attachments such as breakers or compaction plates.
Austrian firm Martin is offering an improved multi-coupling system and its patented MMK unit is able to connect several hydraulic lines at once. There is no pressure on the housing and this is said to make the MMK unit almost wear-free. Safe in operation, the couplings are also protected against dirt ingress and this minimises wear and tear on the attachment while a quick visual inspection by the operator is sufficient to ensure the unit has located properly.

New options for the Wacker Neuson range of mini excavators include a new design of quick-hitch. The Easy Lock hydraulic quick coupler system is said to differ from conventional systems that can often erode the machine's lift capacity and breakout force, by using just one moving part. As a result, the hitch follows a lightweight, compact design philosophy that is said to complement the machine's working envelope.