IDA Universal

I DA U N I V E R S A L M a rc h -A p r i l 2 0 1 9 49 Backhoe loaders It is not just excava- tors that are seeing new product launches, with Denmark-based Hydrema launching a new genera- tion of backhoe loaders. The company claims that the machines are much more than just backhoe loaders, with R&D manager Thorkil K. Iversen saying, "Hydrema's backhoe loaders are full-fl edged excavators and wheel loaders combined. Hydrema backoe loaders have articulated steering, which effective wheel loaders must have." The new F-series machines, 906, 908, 926 and 928 models, have been fi tted with Cummins engines updated to Stage IV. At the same time, the smaller models 906F and 908F have an increased engine power of 12hp, so they now reach 122hp. The larger models 926F and 928F have a changed power bulge, which was said to ensure more power and better torque at reduced engine revolutions. The new F-series machines have a fully redesigned front- chassis, which optimizes the operator's visibility from the cab. This provides a better view of the front shovel and down the side of the engine bonnet when mounting attachments. Komatsu Europe announced the launch of a new range of backhoe loaders in line with EU Stage IV emissions regulations earlier this year at Intermat, Paris, France. Released for sale in September 2018 was the WB93R, with a second new backhoe loader planned to be introduced shortly afterwards. Based on the current machines, these improved EU Stage IV models were said to provide improvements in effi ciency and reduced fuel consumption. "This new series repre- sents a perfect match between performance and effi ciency," said Alex Visentin, product manager at Komatsu Europe. "Keeping the exceptional visibility and exclusive design for the work equipment of previous models, our new backhoe loaders deliver high productivity and give special atten- tion to the operator's needs." Intelligent machine control Earlier this year, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) expanded its range of intelligent machine control systems. The company has introduced a full suite of Volvo Assist programs to the European market, which incorpo- rates the upgraded Load Assist for wheeled loaders, Haul Assist for articulated haulers, Dig Assist for excavators, Compact Assist for soil and asphalt compactors, and Pave Assist for asphalt pavers. All Volvo Assist programs are powered by the recently updated Volvo Co-Pilot on-board display, designed to boost profi tability through greater task accuracy. The 25cm touchscreen is an intuitive, scalable platform that uses on-board machine data and high precision sensors to deliver real-time data, for what was said to be greater operator effi ciency and site performance. Each Volvo Assist platform features an intuitive set of productivity-enhancing applica- tions that help the operator monitor the progress and output of their work in real-time. Another OEM offering machine control options is John Deere, with its G-Series motor grader line. SmartGrade technology delivers mastless Topcon 3D-integrated grade control as a factory option on new machines and fi eld kit for equipment already on the job. The system is incorporated into the machine's structures and software, delivering precise grading performance, while eliminating vulnerable masts and cables. "Earthmoving customers already utilize SmartGrade technology integrated into Deere dozers, and many have asked when it would be available on the motor grader line," said Luke Kurth, motor graders product marketing manager, at John Deere Construction & Forestry. "We're excited to be the fi rst manufacturer to offer this integrated solution to the industry," he said. Doosan's own telematics system was recently extended to cover 60,000 of the compa- ny's excavators, wheeled loaders and articulated dump trucks (ADTs) worldwide. While machine control is important, it is also essential that earth- moving equipment can operate in different conditions around the world. Stephane Dieu, product and sales trainer at Doosan, said, "Equipment for earthmoving projects needs to offer reliability, avail- ability and low cost of ownership, on all types of contracts all around the world, with very different climate conditions. "Doosan excavators are designed for work anywhere in the world: One of the Russian contractors who worked on the construc- tion work for the Sochi Winter Olympics said that in the very low temperatures during work on the site in winter time, the only machines that carried on working on site were the Doosan excavators. In Saudi Arabia, in the opposite type of conditions, Doosan is a market leader in excavators, again due to the high reliability of the machines, even in weather that is the worst possible for mechanical systems." ● www.khl.com Hydrema has launched a new series of backhoe loaders John Deere's SmartGrade tech nology is now available on their motor grader line Story continued from page 47

• Cover