CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017

Family firm Guntert & Zimmerman celebrates 75 years in the concrete paving business by forming a strategic alliance with Miller Formless. Chief executive Ron Guntert says that his father - who founded the company – created the first slipform paver in 1956. The revolution continues today with the S400 and S600 pavers.

Hamm introduces into North America its articulated roller DV 70i with intuitive Easy Drive operator’s platform, including “crab steer” and auto-turning seat. A lot of commonality between machines make them easy to operate, explains Richard Evans, vice president of sales

Sophisticated simplicity is the watchword of Dynapac, whose new range of pavers and rollers for commercial applications has received great customer feedback. Similar to highway-class machines, the focus has been on screed technology, with the FC1600C’s screed, for instance, weighing 4,000lb (against an industry-typical 3,000lb) to give better pre-compaction.

Framework expert Doka has launched a hydraulic stripping corner for use in high rise construction applications such as the inside of elevator cores up to 90 storeys. Framax Xlife runs off a large hydraulic unit or a cordless drill unit and does that does not require a lot of labour. Customers are keen on this idea because, it says, “no-one has a hydraulic stripping corner right now”

GOMACO is introducing versatile new pavers that benefit from the latest technology. The machines deliver a wider range of capabilities than before such as tighter turning, more precise control and smoother finish. Key to the performance gains are GOMACO’s advances in electronic controls.

Peri is introducing an innovative new formwork system that is easier to assemble than before. Highly adaptable, the firm’s formwork solution can be used in a wide range of applications, while also featuring fewer components.

A radical hybrid excavator from Komatsu will offer increased productivity for the 36tonne class while delivering fuel savings. When used for truck loading the machine is particularly efficient, with a capacitor storing regenerated electrical power. This is returned to the slew motor, leading to major fuel savings.

XCMG has used CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 as a shop window for 40 machines that are all "tailor-made for the US market". The Chinese giant says that it has carefully researched what American operators want to see and adapted its wheeled loaders and excavators accordingly. It is also proud of a new 14 tonne truck-mounted crane that is "proving very popular".

What a range: BKT is showing everything from skid steers to loading tyres, right up to its 27R radial mining tyre. The company also has its snow design on show, based on its graders, to help with snow removal in the winter months. It also features artic dump-trucks, telehandlers and even the Grave Digger, exclusive to Monster Jam

Dedication to the product line is the key for Hitachi, with all machines Tier IV Final so there is no need for diesel particulate filters, which also means there is one less thing to be maintained - and for operators to worry about. The company says it is making the commitment to customers and dealers that it will have parts on the shelf for them