Engines, Components & Tyres

A new development looks set to offer an efficient alternative to lithium ion batteries for use in electric vehicles (EVs). At present the current generation of EVs feature lithium-ion batteries to store energy. However the performance of the lithium ion batteries has been criticised, particularly with regard to the recharge time required as this is considerably longer than the time needed to refuel a combustion engine-powered vehicle. While faster charging technologies are available for lithium ion batterie

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) and Shell are now working together on testing the Shell GTL (gas-to-liquids) fuel in construction operations. The latest range of Hitachi Zaxis-5 excavators is being used to trial the innovative liquid fuel. This concept is being tested as a potential solution to environmental and quality concerns surrounding conventional crude oil-derived diesel. The test programme has been developed as a solution for cleaner burning fuel products. This is in response to th

Chinese equipment firm LiuGong is adding to its portfolio with the planned acquisition of a transmissions operation in Poland. The ZZN Transmission Plant in Stalowa Wola lies next door to LiuGong’s existing facility that makes the Dressta range of bulldozers. Parts from the ZZN facility are used in many of the Dressta bulldozers and the acquisition is a strategic move that will strengthen LiuGong’s presence in Europe through the LiuGong Poland subsidiary, as well as its component manufacturing capabilities.

Chinese bulldozer firm Shantui is building on its core competency of bulldozers, broadening its range as well as its operations – Mike Woof writes Bulldozer specialist Shantui has a clear policy of broadening its product range, having grown from being a small producer with a limited model line-up to become a major global manufacturer. The company began its diversification process in 1999, buying a road machinery range and then following this up with a line of concrete equipment in 2008. This process cont

Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary technology - Mike Woof reports One of the key things to understand about Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator is that its fuel savings come not from a single technology, but from a range of features that have been integrated together. The sophisticated engine works hand in hand with the advanced hydraulics, with electronics governing the whole operation and optimising efficiency. And while none of these technologies is new in it

Several of the major equipment manufacturers now offer sophisticated telematics packages fitted as standard to their machines. Caterpillar and Komatsu were amongst the leaders in this field, allowing a high level of access to a machine's systems and sub-systems for performance monitoring, maintenance management and geofencing purposes for example. To the customer this offers the chance to address fleet running costs and utilisation, reduce the risk of theft and increase overall efficiency. Customers can eve

New diesel developments from JCB and Volvo Innovative diesel technologies are being developed by all the major engine manufacturers at present. New emission requirements have pushed the boundaries in terms of technology, with all the firms working on new systems to ensure their products meet requirements. And companies are also developing new engine sizes to broaden their range of offerings to the market.

Problem tyres played a role in nearly 15% of fatal passenger car and van accidents in Finland from 2000-2009, based on the accident database kept by the Finnish Motor Insurers' Centre. During the 2000s, passenger cars and vans have been involved in 2,647 fatal road accidents. In 393 of these, the accident was caused or at least partly caused by the installation of bad or wrong type of tyres. In some accidents, there was also found to have been problems with the tyre pressure.

Techking’s 445/80R25 ETGC tyres were displayed as OE fitment tyres on Dynapac’s wheeled paver at the bauma 2013 show in Munich, Germany. The 445/80R25 (17.5R25) ETGC tyres by Techking come in two versions with two different design directions. One is for mobile cranes and the other one is for wheeled pavers. The one for wheel pavers is designed for heavy loads while the mobile crane tyre is designed for high speed. Besides Dynapac, Techking also provides OE fitment tyres to another German paver manufacturer,

DEUTZ has won a record level of new orders under its current business structure in the first half of 2013. The globally renowned German diesel engine manufacturing firm saw new orders rise by over 20% year on year to €843.5 million, compared to €701.0 million in H1 2012. Despite the number of engines sold by DEUTZ in H1 2013 falling by 8.5% to 85,907, compared to the corresponding period of 2012 (93,853 units), the company’s first-half revenue declined by only 2.8% year on year to €662.1 million, compared t