Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/139700
reporter | by Equipment World staff Machine intros get summer start J une offered a spate of machine intros from manufacturers, usually a sleepy time for debuts since contractors are full throttle in the field. Head-to-head press events showcased everything from previously-announced hybrids to dozers capable of using machine control from the beginning of a job. Details on each introduction can be found at equipmentworld.com. Komatsu's D61i-23 dozer has "intelligent machine control," delivering automatic control through rough dozing to finish grading. Offered in both a standard and low ground pressure model, the machine control features can be implemented from the first pass, a feature Komatsu says was previously unavailable in aftermarket machine control solutions. The machine can wirelessly transmit real time location and grade progress data through both Komatsu's Komtrax and partner Topcon's Sitelink3D systems. (Look for more details in our August issue.) JCB's 14,000-pound capacity 514 telehandler has a 56-foot reach and is designed for heavy duty pick-and-place operations. The unit's 20ply rated tires can take on the axle loading of a heavier machine and the chain-driven boom has more material in the inner and outer assemblies to take increased loads. John Deere announced it will use a modified vertical lift boom design on its mid-frame E-Series skid steers and compact track loaders, expected to be introduced later this year. The boom's hydraulic lines will be protected by the boom frame, and have 7 1/2 inches more reach and 122 inches of lift height. Deere also showcased its 644K Hybrid loader, announcing the machine comes with a $53,000plus price premium, with an expected ROI of two to four years. In heavy truck loading applications, Deere says users can see fuel consumption reduced by 37 percent. New Holland updated its 200 Series skid steers with Tier 4 engines, including the L220 skid steer, which now offers a 21 percent higher peak torque with a 12-percent gain in horsepower. The L216 will replace the L215, offering 8 percent more horsepower, and increasing its rated operating capacity from 1,500 to 1,600 pounds. Volvo plans "de-tiering" kit A conversion kit that will allow Volvo customers to resell their Tier 4 Interim machines outside of highly regulated countries will be available in the second quarter 2014. Tier 4 engines require the use of ultra low sulfur fuel, which is not available in much of the world. This, in turn, has caused concerns about resale of U.S. Tier 4 machines, many of which end up in less regulated areas, particularly Mexico and South America. According to Volvo, the kit will protect Volvo engines from the detrimental effects of high sulfur fuels. Volvo dealers will apply the conversion kits. EW EquipmentWorld.com | July 2013 13 EW0713_Reporter.indd 13 6/24/13 4:10 PM