The worldwide construction equipment ... - Contractors World

Volume 1 No 6 

The worldwide construction equipment magazine 

• construction demolition quarrying mining 

The Case 1650L bulldozer being 

demonstrated at Monthyon, France. 

�� Case bulldozers and more for Europe 

�� The latest from the Doosan range 

�� Manitou's new compact telehandler in action 

�� The Giraf Track handler/platform versatility 

�� CompAir goes high pressure 

�� Volvo Trucks targets construction

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CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6

CP&E Contractors Plant & Equipment Vol 1 No 6 

CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

16 Case demonstrates latest European additions 

Report from the recently improved Case demonstration and product 

testing facility near Paris where the company has been promoting its 

expanded range of industrial handlers and the introduction of two 

bulldozers into Europe. 

21 New Manitou makes its mark 

Highlighting the latest compact telehandler from the French maker 

Manitou – the Maniscopic MT625T which has a maximum lift height of 

5.85m. 

23 Doosan adds new models and looks to the future 

Report on the latest additions to the Doosan range which now includes 

heavy-duty telehandlers as well as more excavators and a new wheel 

loader. 

28 Graf Track provides greater versatility 

The interesting Giraf Track is a rotary telescopic handler with a difference 

– it combines a Merlo boom with a Caterpillar excavator undercarriage 

(complete with a levelling blade). 

30 CompAir piles on the pressure 

The latest fuel-efficient portable compressors from CompAir – the new 

high-pressure additions to the company’s innovative lightweight 

TurboScrew C series. 

32 Volvo Trucks targets construction sector 

Nick Johnson reports on the new Volvo FMX construction trucks whose 

features include the recently updated construction version of the I-Shift 

automated manual transmission. 

Editorial Comment 

• Industry News 

Plant @ W ork 

EDITORIAL SYMBOLS 

Look for these symbols which indicate a link to a product brochure or link to a video. 

brochure links shown in BROWN or with this symbol 

video links are shown in RED or with this symbol 

Keep up with and comment on breaking news, news of a local nature and 

other developments on our blog pages. 

Page 3 

R

EDIT EDITORIAL EDIT ORIAL COMMENT 

COMMENT 

A A balancing balancing act 

act 

Construction can be a very dangerous business. And, if 

the machinery used to speed up the work is not employed 

correctly, it can add dramatically to the accident statistics. 

Given human nature, some regulation and guidance is 

necessary to promote good practice. But there can be a 

danger of swamping simple tasks in a sea of paperwork – 

if the balance is not right, the focus can be more on 

ticking the boxes on forms rather than actually doing the 

job safely. 

Common sense should prevail. People also need to 

practice self-preservation rather than being given the 

impression that some one else is always going to be 

responsible for their safety – from both practical and legal 

standpoints. 

When it comes to providing detailed guidance on the 

safe operation of construction machinery, some countries 

are more advanced than others. Given that the goal of 

preventing death or injury on site should be the same anywhere in the world – it is a shame that simple, practical 

guidance cannot be applied much more universally. 

A new best practise guide to the safe use of lorry loader cranes has recently been published in the UK. Produced 

jointly by the CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association) and ALLMI (the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and 

Importers), this detailed document stretches to 82 pages. It was produced by a working group of 22 people chaired by 

a Principal Specialist Inspector of the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) in the UK. 

To address both the different sizes of lorry loader cranes now available and the increasingly diverse range of tasks 

they carry out, the new best practise guide lists three different Categories of Lift. These are Basic, Intermediate and 

Complex. Determining the right category for a particular lift is dependent on differing environmental and load 

complexities. 

According to this guide, all lifts require the preparation of risk assessments and method statements by a suitably 

qualified Appointed Person. Although, for many Basic Lifts, these documents can be generic and the operator may 

take the roles of Crane Supervisor, Slinger/Signaller and Operator. 

For Complex Lifts, the Appointed Person should prepare a site-specific risk assessment and method statement. A 

separate Crane Supervisor should oversee the lifting operation and the Operator takes the role of Operator only. A 

separate Slinger/Signaller is needed – particularly if a load is being placed on a roof. 

The Best Practice Guide – which can be viewed online at: CPA web site – covers lift planning, the roles and duties 

of the personnel involved in the lifting operation, the positioning and operation of 

lorry loaders and the checks, maintenance and thorough examination of the 

equipment. Appendices include legal requirements, case studies, an example 

Lifting Schedule and an example Method Statement (Lift Plan). 

Guidance is also given to lifting persons with a lorry loader. This sensible 

information had clearly not been adopted by the person I caught on camera 

whilst on holiday in Menorca last month. He might not read an 82-page 

document, even if it were available in his native tongue, but carrying out such a 

balancing act partly outside the suspended basket simply does not make 

common sense. 

Page 4 

Nick Johnson 

Plant Editor 


CP&E Contractors 

CP&E 

Plant & Equipment Vol 

Contractors Plant & Equipment 

Page 5 

Page 5

Industry Industry News 

News 

Caterpillar Caterpillar to to expand 

expand 

excavator excavator production production in 

in 

China China and and the the US 

US 

Initiatives to increase its excavator making capability 

around the world have been announced by Caterpillar. 

In the US, the company is planning a new excavator 

factory in Victoria, Texas and in China it has plans to 

increase excavator production at its Xuzhou facility by 

as much as 400% by 2014. 

In China, Caterpillar has reached an agreement with 

the Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to 

acquire XCMG’s 15.87% ownership interest in 

Caterpillar Xuzhou Ltd (CXL), a joint venture which was 

initially established in 1995. When the transaction, 

which is subject to Chinese regulatory approval, is 

complete, CXL will be a wholly owned Caterpillar company. 

“In the next few years, we expect China to continue to invest heavily across the country in a wide range of 

infrastructure improvements,” says Rich Lavin, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for emerging markets. 

“So it is critical for Caterpillar and its dealer network to continue investing in China to increase manufacturing 

operations, research and development, marketing and customer support for success in this growing market.” 

In June, Rich Lavin, along with Caterpillar China Vice President Jiming Zhu and Caterpillar Excavation Division 

Vice President Gary Stampanato, attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Xuzhou on the site of what will become a 

new manufacturing building for large excavators. In addition, the company also celebrated the grand opening of 

another new facility in Xuzhou that will increase capacity for the production of small and medium excavators – models 

306D, 315DL, 320D, 320DL, 323DL, 324D, 324DL, 329D, 329DL, 336D and 336DL - primarily for sale on the Chinese 

market. 

In March this year, CXL In Xuzhun rolled out its first locally engineered and produced 315DL hydraulic excavator. 

More than half of the parts in this new model are made in China. 

Work on the US excavator factory in Victoria, Texas is expected to commence this September. Once production 

starts in mid-2012, the facility is expected to employ more than 500 people. It will triple Caterpillar’s US-based 

excavator capacity. 

The new Victoria facility will manufacture the two models now made in Aurora, Illinois as well as several additional 

excavator models now produced in Akashi, Japan and exported to the United States. The expansion of excavator 

production in the US will allow the Caterpillar facility in Japan to better serve the growing demand for excavators in 

Asia. 

Hydrema Hydrema gets gets big big US US Army Army contract 

contract 

Page 6 

As it develops new models like this 336E, Caterpillar is 

planning big expansions of its excavator production 

capability in both China and the US. 

Caterpillar 

The Danish machinery maker. Hydrema, is best known for its construction equipment. But as well as its articulated 

dumptrucks, 360° excavators, articulated backhoe loaders and multi-purpose tool carriers, the company also makes 

very specialist military machines. 

The success of this original Hydrema 910MCV2 mine clearing vehicles 

has resulted in a big order for AMCS versions from the US Army. 


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Page 7


News 

The company’s diversification into military hardware has resulted in it being awarded a five-year contract from the 

US Army for MCVs (mine clearing vehicles). Worth up to $168 million, the contract will result in Hydrema supplying 

not only area mine clearing systems (AMCS) but also spares, training and maintenance support. 

Hydrema CEO Werner Jensen says, “This MCV contract gives us an excellent opportunity for further development 

of the US market, both for our military and construction equipment products. It increases our level of activity and 

expands our sales and service facilities in the US.” 

The MCVs are standard operating equipment in other NATO countries and now the newest version released by 

Hydrema fulfils all US requirements. The US Army is scheduled to begin receiving the 910MCV2-AMCS vehicles in the 

next few months. 

The proven Hydrema 910MCV2 is a heavily armoured two axle articulated machine. With the operator’s cab at the 

front, the rear chassis carries a substantial blast deflector plate at the back together with a heavy-duty flail. 

The 910MCV2 can be transported inside a Hercules C130 aircraft. The machine has two Perkins 1006-6TW 

engines (the second for mine clearing equipment on the rear chassis) and two transmission systems. As well as a ZF 

Ergopower powershift transmission for road travel (up to 42 km/h) and hard surface mine clearing (up to 7.5 km/h) 

there is also a hydrostatic transmission that is used for soft surface mine clearing (up to 0.9 m/h). 

Three of Mammoet’s nine new 250 tonne capacity Kobelco 

CKE2500-2 crawler cranes have gone to work on the 

large new Mammoet/IRGA dry-dock project for 

Petronas in Rio Grande, Brazil. 

Hydrema 

Kobelco obelco plans plans Indian Indian factory 

factory 

and and sells sells more more cranes cranes to 

to 

Mammoet 

Mammoet 

A 1.2 billion yen investment is being made by Kobelco 

Cranes Co Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel Ltd, 

to establish a new crawler crane factory in India. This 

additional manufacturing capability will enable the Japanese 

company to further develop its overseas business and to 

strengthen its position in the Indian market which is 

anticipated to grow rapidly in the future. 

Kobelco claims to be Japan’s leading manufacturer of 

crawler cranes, with a roughly 50% share of the domestic 

market. Worldwide, Kobelco estimates that it has a 17% 

share of the crawler crane market. 

The new Kobelco crane factory in India is scheduled to 

begin production in October 2011. It will be built in the Sri 

City Special Economic Zone in Andhra Pradesh in south-eastern India. The new 6,900m³ crane facility will be located 

adjacent to Kobelco Construction Machinery Co Ltd’s new hydraulic excavator factory which will become operational 

in January 2011. The close proximity of the new factories will enable the two companies to share distribution and 

information, which will increase the business efficiency of their Indian operations. 

To operate its Indian business, a new wholly owned subsidiary company called Kobelco Cranes India Pvt. Ltd. (or 

KCI) is being established. KCI will manufacture crawler cranes with capacities ranging from 90 to 250 tonnes. 

Kobelco Cranes Co Ltd has also announced that the international crane hire, heavy lifting and transportation 

company Mammoet has ordered four more 250 tonne capacity CKE2500-2 crawler cranes. These are in addition to 

the five units ordered by the Dutch company at the Bauma plant exhibition. 

The first three CKE2500-2s of Mammoet’s original order have already been delivered to Santos Port near Sao 

Paolo for operation in Brazil. Their first project in Rio Grande is the construction of a large new dry-dock facility for the 

offshore industry, being constructed by Mammoet/IRGA for Petrobas. 

Kobelco Cranes 

Mastenbroek Mastenbroek adds adds GPS GPS option option for for its its drainage drainage trenchers 

trenchers 

The UK based equipment maker Mastenbroek has launched a new GPS system for its drainage trenchers. Developed 

in partnership with Trimble Germany GmbH, this GPS system for chain trenchers is said to represent a significant 

improvement on the laser-assisted technology currently available to assist the positioning of drainage pipes. 

Mastenbroek will continue to offer existing laser technology with its trenching equipment. But the company states 

that the new GPS option affords greater accuracy where, in the case of laser positioning, uncorrected data is ‘laser 

flat’ not ‘earth flat’. 

Page 8 



News 

A Mastenbroek 30/20 trencher (complete 

with a GPS receiver attached to its boom) 

working in tandem with a Mastenbroek 

CT12 crawler carrier. 

Based on Trimble’s Field Level II 

technology, Mastenbroek’s GPS 

system should allow field surveying 

times to be reduced and drainage 

installation costs may be cut 

dramatically through more accurate 

deployment of gravel fill. An on-board 

computerised touch-screen display 

records every detail of the job and the data can be easily downloaded for analysis and customer billing. 

Compared to laser systems, GPS does not need regular calibration and there are no issues arising from dust, rain, 

fog, snow, wind or other related weather conditions. Mastenbroek reports that the system has undergone extensive 

field trials over the last year in a variety of site conditions and with a number of operators and surveyors. It claims that 

GPS conclusively scored better over laser systems on every count including, crucially, speed and accuracy of the 

drainage installation. 

During recent trials the survey work was carried out using a GPS system mounted on a quad-bike to produce a 

three-dimensional map. This map gave an exaggerated view of the peaks and troughs across the field, from which the 

system could calculate the natural water run-off courses. 

The system plans the depth of each run of pipe, which is followed in real time by the trencher operator with no 

need to carry out laborious calculations back in the office. All of the information gained from the survey is immediately 

available to the trencher operator on a touch-screen interface located within the cab. 

By acquiring SMC and its portable lighting tower line 

ArcGen Hilta has increased its product range and 

gained more overseas sales opportunities. 

ArcGen ArcGen Hilta Hilta buys buys SMC SMC to 

to 

broaden broaden its its product product range 

range 

Mastenbroek 

As a strategic addition to its product portfolio, UK based ArcGen 

Hilta has acquired the business and trading assets of lighting 

tower manufacturer Sandhurst Manufacturing Ltd (SMC). With 

its base in Gosberton, Lincolnshire, SMC is one of the largest 

UK manufacturers of portable lighting towers and these products 

ideally complement the portable generators, welder generators, 

variable messaging boards, water pumps and pressure washers 

also available for sale from ArcGen Hilta. 

The SMC brand name is being retained and the portable 

lighting tower business will continue to operate from Gosberton. 

SMC’s Sales Manger Iain Curran has joined ArcGen Hilta to 

become the General Manager of the SMC operation. SMC 

founder Tim Dean continues to run his separate business 

Sandhurst Equipment Rental which hires out hydraulically 

operated attachments for excavators. 

ArcGen Hilta’s Chief Executive Mark Hodgkins says, “Even 

though our sector has been hard hit during the economic 

downturn, we have had a long held focus on a strategy for 

growth and development. This includes investing in our product 

portfolio to meet the needs of our customers.” 

The SMC purchase sees ArcGen Hilta increase its staff from 36 to 45. It is expected that the deal will increase the 

company’s turnover by 30% and its profitability by 25%. 

SMC provides portable lighting towers for the construction, events management, quarries and petrochemical sites 

in the UK and oversees including Australia and New Zealand. It has also supplied Genpac branded power generation 

equipment across a range of industries and customers. Similarly ArcGen Hilta provides on-site equipment to the 

rental, construction, rail, petrochemical, water and other related industries. 


ArcGen Hilta 

Page 9


News 

Finning International has gained the Caterpillar 

sales territory in Northern Ireland and the Republic 

of Ireland following the decision of former dealer 

McCormack Macnaughton to call in the receivers. 

smaller, more cost effective premises can be found in the Dublin area. 

Page 10 

Finning inning gains gains Irish Irish Caterpillar 

Caterpillar 

dealerships 

dealerships 

The Canada based Finning International Inc has increased its 

Caterpillar sales territory in the wake of the Irish dealers – 

McCormick Macnaughton (NI) Ltd in Northern Ireland and 

McCormick Macnaughton Ltd in the Republic of Ireland calling in the 

receivers in June. A new business called Finning Ireland has been 

established with former McCormick Macnaughton employee Sean 

Magadigan as its general manager. 

Sean Magadigan will be responsible for managing a total of 120 

staff, 69 in the Republic of Ireland and 51 in Northern Ireland. As part 

of the deal Finning has acquired the former McCormick Macnaughton 

premises in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and Cork in the Republic of 

Ireland. The new dealer is also operating temporarily from the former 

McCormick Macnaughton HQ facility at Rathcoole in Dublin until 

At the Lisburn depot, Finning Ireland has employed over 50 staff including a sales support team, service engineers 

and parts specialists. In southern Ireland, the new Caterpillar dealer has taken on Republic of Ireland operation. 

Finning has to date employed 69 staff with 11 based at the Cork depot and the rest located in Dublin. 

The Mac Rental business, which McCormick Macnaughton established through the purchase of A-Plant’s Irish hire 

operation some six years ago, has not been acquired by Finning. This is not surprising as Finning recently sold its 

Hewden hire business in England, Wales and Scotland to concentrate on its long established Caterpillar dealership 

there. 

Mike Waites, President and CEO of Finning, says, "We are pleased to add this neighbouring territory to our 

established operations in Great Britain from which we will be able to leverage our existing infrastructure and service 

expertise. "With a history stretching back to 1933, Finning International Inc. is now the world's largest Caterpillar 

equipment dealer. Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., the company operates in Western Canada, Chile, Argentina, 

Bolivia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 

McCormick Macnaughton had been the Caterpillar dealer in Northern Ireland since the late 1950s. It would appear 

that the company’s recent financial woes were exasperated by the economic crisis and its decision, in the good times, 

to move to a new 8 million Euro HQ in Dublin on the basis that its old site near the Red Cow roundabout would be 

attractive to property developers. 

Bobcat Bobcat machines machines assist assist flood 

flood 

recovery recovery work work Czech Czech Republic 

Republic 

Finning 

One example of construction equipment being supplied to help 

in the wake of the severe flooding that has struck in many parts 

of the world comes from the Czech Republic. Volunteers and 

machines from the Doosan - Bobcat Training Centre at Dobris, 

45 km south of Prague recently responded to requests for 

assistance from the emergency services after flooding occurred 

in the Liberec Region in the north central region of the country. 

During the weekend of the 7-8 August, the equivalent of 

three months’ rain fell in just 24 hours, resulting in widespread 

floods. To assist the regional fire brigade, Doosan quickly 

This T320 was one of four machines quickly dispatched 

dispatched three volunteer operators together with a Bobcat from the Doosan – Bobcat Training Centre in Dobris to 

S330 skid steer loader, a T320 compact tracked loader, an E45 

assist after flooding in the Czech Republic. 

mini excavator and a Doosan Portable Power lighting tower to the town of Chrastava which had been extensively 

damaged by the flood. 

Easy to transport skid steer loaders, compact tracked loaders and mini excavators can provide invaluable 

mechanical muscle during for emergency recovery and clean-up operations. With the Bobcat factory at Dobris on 

summer shutdown over the first weekend in August, the company’s fast response was coordinated by a support team 

from the Product Development and Training Centre led by Jaroslav Fiser, Arnaud Gabarre and Stanislav Foukner. 

Bobcat 



News 

JCB JCB commences commences excavator 

excavator 

production production in in Brazil….. 

Brazil….. 

July saw the first 20 tonne class JS200LC roll off the production line 

at JCB’s new factory in Brazil. The new excavator production facility 

is next to the company’s recently expended backhoe loader factory 

in the city of Sorocaba. 

The construction of the new Brazilian excavator factory took just 

seven months and includes a new training area to enhance the 

service backup provided to excavator customers in the region. The 

landmark JS200LC has been bought by Jorcal Engenharia E 

Construções S/A, a company based in Sao Paulo State and owner 

Renato Rédis says he is “extremely pleased” with the performance 

of the machine. 

JCB has also recently doubled its backhoe loader production 

capacity in Brazil to help meet demand for machines in the region. 

The ceremony to mark the production of the first excavator in 

Brazil was attended by Vitor Lippi, the Mayor of Sorocaba, David 

JCB has delivered the first JS200LC to be made 

in its new Brazil factory to Jorcal Engenharia E 

Bell, JCB’s Chief Corporate Development Officer and Carlos 

Construções S/A based in Sao Paulo State. 

Hernández, Regional Director JCB in Latin America. Carlos 

Hernández said: “The Latin American region is undergoing strong 

growth this year and our decision to invest in the expansion of 

production capability will help us achieve our objective of maintaining business growth and increasing our market 

share in the region.” 

…….and …….and gains gains big big UK UK order order from from L LLynch 

L ynch Plant 

Plant 

A positive sign of confidence in the UK rental market is the news that JCB has won a multi-million pound order from 

London-based L Lynch Plant Hire. The machines included in the deal are 42 tracked and wheeled excavators, 40 JCB 

Loadall telescopic handlers and six backhoe loaders. 

The excavators Lynch has selected are 20 JS220 and 20 JS130 tracked excavator models together with two 

wheeled excavators - a JS175W and a JS130W. The wheeled machines have already gone to work carrying out 

groundworks on part of the M25 London orbital motorway-widening 

scheme. 

L Lynch Plant Hire Director, Robert Lynch says, “One of key criteria 

when selecting our plant is product quality – ensuring that our 

customers have access to the best equipment available and that it is 

always up to the task. With this in mind, we have offered JCB Loadalls 

and backhoe loaders for over fifteen years as they are universally 

accepted as the best machines on the market.” 

“When it came to expanding our tracked and wheeled excavator 

fleet we conducted trials of the leading models using our own operators 

to carry out the tests. We ultimately chose the JCB machines as the 

operator feedback was very, very positive, particularly regarding 

smoothness of controls and stability when digging.” 

Founded in 1980, L Lynch Plant Hire now has an operations centre 

in Stanmore, North West London as well as depots in London, the 

Midlands and the South East. It offers machines on self-drive hire or 

with experienced operators. As well as excavators, telehandlers and 

backhoe loaders, the company’s rental fleet includes site dumpers, 

articulated dumptrucks, lightweight tandem vibrating rollers and skid 

steer loaders. 


JCB 

Pictured together after completing the big UK deal are (from left) JCB 

Heavyline Sales Manager (South) Steve Bradley, JCB UK and Ireland Sales 

Director Yvette Henshall-Bell, L Lynch Plant Hire Directors Merrill and Robert 

Lynch and Greenshields JCB Major Accounts Director Paul Serby. 

Page 11


News 

The new 2300 tonne capacity Manitowoc 

31000 crawler crane complete with its 

Variable Position Counterweight system has 

successfully raised its maximum test load. 

Page 12 

Manitowoc Manitowoc 31000 31000 successfully 

successfully 

completes completes overload overload test 

test 

The design capacity of Manitowoc’s new flagship heavy lift 31000 crawler 

crane has been physically verified with an impressive overload test at the 

company’s factory in the US. The machine has a rated maximum 

capacity of 2,300 tonnes and it has successfully lifted a test load of 2,500 

tonnes. 

During its test lifts, the 31000 has been fitted with over 600 strain 

gauges to enable the Manitowoc engineers to monitor the stress levels in 

the crane under load. Larry Weyers, Manitowoc’s Senior Vice President 

of the Americas region, said the test went as expected and the 

company’s engineers were pleased with how the crane performed. 

To maximise its lifting capacities, the 31000 is equipped with 

Manitowoc’s Variable Position Counterweight (VPC) system. This clever 

arrangement automatically extends out rearwards when more 

counterweight moment is needed during a heavy lift. The VPC weights 

do not touch the ground (thereby greatly reducing site preparation work) 

and the device will allow enhanced pick-and-carry duties. 

As Manitowoc engineers progress with their commissioning of the first 

full sized 31000, it has been announced that model maker TWH 

Collectibles is to produce a limited run of 500 1:50 scale models of the big machine. A prototype of this model was 

displayed at the Conexpo exhibition in 2008 to illustrate the design of the new crane with its four crawler tracks. The 

production scale model will be produced in time for next year’s Conexpo. 

When fully rigged with a replica 80m main boom and a 40m luffing jib, this high quality scale model will be over 

2.5m in height. Complete with the VPC system, the model will retail for $1,800. Individuals interested in reserving a 

31000 model should visit The Manitowoc Model Shop website. 

Having its own on-line model shop shows how Manitowoc is keen to embrace every aspect of marketing. The man 

in charge of marketing at Manitowoc is now Ingo Schiller who has just become Senior Vice President of Global 

Marketing. He succeeds Bob Hund, who is now concentrating solely on his role as Executive Vice President of 

Manitowoc Crane Care. 

Ingo Schiller has over 20 years of experience in the crane industry working mostly in sales, marketing and product 

support. He joined Manitowoc in 2008 as the vice president of mobile cranes and was recently appointed to senior 

vice president of sales and marketing for Manitowoc Cranes Americas. His duties will also now embrace global 

product management. 

Equipment Equipment Manufacturers Manufacturers Call Call on on Congress Congress to to Act 

Act 

on on V VVoter 

V oter Demands 

Demands 

Manitowoc 

Congress prepares to return to Washington in a few weeks, and voters across America, regardless of political party 

affiliation, have one issue as their top priority -- improving the economy. A number of recent surveys show that 

American voters want to restore the unlimited potential of manufacturing jobs in America as a sure way to lift stagnant 

unemployment numbers. 

"When Congress returns in September, it cannot merely tinker around the edges of policies that will impact 

manufacturing jobs and the future of America's economy," said Dennis Slater, president of the Association of 

Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “Two very direct ways to create jobs: meaningful funding of needed infrastructure 

improvements across the nation and export-friendly policies that spur trade.” 

AEM recently released results of a non-partisan nationwide voter survey that showed nearly 9 out of 10 voters 

agree that the nation needs to “dramatically increase manufacturing jobs” so our economy can compete with other 

countries. The survey asked voter attitudes on the economy, manufacturing jobs and infrastructure. 

In a bipartisan poll by Mark Mellman and Ayres McHenry, two-thirds of Democrats, Independents and Republicans 

agree that "high-tech and services" industries cannot replace manufacturing in a strong U.S. economy. A top concern 

among independent voters in this April poll is that “we have lost too many manufacturing jobs in this country.” 

“Poll after poll shows that American voters want the federal government to focus on creating a national 

manufacturing strategy that really drives job creation and a revival of manufacturing,” stated Slater. “We hope Speaker 

Pelosi and her colleagues heed this call when they return to work in September.” [CP&E] 


Plant 

Plant 

@ 

W WWork 

W ork 

Unimog Unimog shunts shunts plant plant into 

into 

Swiss Swiss tunnel 

tunnel 

A 40 year old road/rail Mercedes Benz Unimog U406 has been 

proving useful to move equipment on rail wagons to assist with repair 

work to Cassanawald road tunnel in Switzerland. Running on 

temporary rails laid in the tunnel, the 40 year old vehicle has being 

acting as a shunter to propel special works trains weighing up to 60 

tonnes into and out of the 1.2 km long Alpine tunnel. 

The work of the Luzern-based construction company Marti AG 

inside the tunnel includes the application of fireproof mortar to the 

walls. To efficiently carry out this work, the contractor is using four 

specially equipped Swiss Railway (SBB) freight wagons. 

The main 19.0m long wagon in the construction train carries 

machines for wet and dry spraying as well as 4.0m high protective 

screens. The second freight wagon has been fitted with concrete 

mixer whilst the third and fourth wagons carry compressors and 

hoppers for construction materials. The use of protective screens 

protects passing traffic from being splattered with any of the fire 

proofing mortar. 

Even the Unimog itself has been wrapped up to protect it from 

stray spray. The vintage vehicle, which was originally used by the 

Swiss army, is equipped with the rail equipment from the German 

company Zwiehof. 

For its work inside the tunnel, the U406 has been fitted with a 

particle filter and it has other various engine modifications in order to 

comply with the European exhaust emission standards. Thus 

equipped, the Unimog successfully shunts the works train to where it is needed within the tunnel where the track has 

gradients of up to 3%. 

Martin Werthmüller, Marti AG’s construction engineer on the Cassanawald repair project, considers that using the 

works train with its construction equipment and protective screen will help the construction work stay on schedule. He 

says, “We usually work on SBB railway tracks where using engines to pull and shunt our work trains is not an issue. 

But here we have quickly realized that there is no alternative to the Unimog as a substitute engine when road-rail 

operations are involved.” 

Having been partially dismantled 

to allow it to be lowered down a 

shaft, this Bobcat T300 was 

reassembled so that it could 

remove spoil from a new 

pedestrian tunnel in Italy. 


This 40 year old road/rail Unimog U406 is 

playing a vital role in the repair of a Swiss road 

tunnel by shunting special works wagons. 

Borrowing Borrowing Bobcat Bobcat helps helps construct 

construct 

monastery monastery link 

link 

Mercedes-Benz Unimog 

A Bobcat T300 compact tracked loader has been busy removing spoil during the 

construction of a pedestrian tunnel at the site of the 14th century monastery of 

Santa Caterina del Sasso in Italy. Located at the base of a sheer cliff face above 

one of the deepest points on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, this old 

monastery is a popular destination for pilgrims, 

Together with a range of attachments, the T300 loader was purchased by 

Sondrio-based excavation special ACCISA SpA, which is working for main 

contractor I.CO.P. SpA. The machine was fitted with a diesel particulate filter by 

local Bobcat dealer MAIE. To reach the tunnel, the T300 had to be partially 

dismantled so that it could be lowered in pieces by the site crane (which had a 

maximum capacity of only 1.6 tonnes) down a shaft to the tunnel entrance. 

The new monastery access works have been commissioned by the 

Architectural Heritage Sector of the Province of Varese, with the collaboration of 

the Achille Balossi Restelli Engineering Company in Milan. Together with a new 12person 

lift system, the new tunnel will make it easier for visitors, particularly the 

elderly and disabled, to reach the monastery from a car park situated 50m above. 

Bobcat 

Page 13

Plant 

Plant 

Volvo olvo Pipelayers Pipelayers at 

at 

work work in in Germany 

Germany 

Ten of the innovative Volvo PL4611 

pipelayers are being used on the major 

Bunde-Etzel gas pipeline project in 

Northern Germany. The machines are 

being deployed by the Italian main 

contractor Ghizzoni SpA which has a 60 

million Euro contract to complete the 

pipeline for Bunde Etzel Pipeline (BEP) by 

mid 2011. 

The 60km long Bunde-Etzel pipeline will 

run between a cavern storage facility at 

Etzel and the gas pipeline hub at Bunde – 

situated on the German-Dutch border. IVG 

Caverns GmbH, which operates caverns Two of the Volvo PL4611 pipelayers being used to lift a section of the 1200mm 

for both crude oil and gas in Etzel, is 

diameter pipe on the Bunde-Etzel gas pipeline project in Northern Germany. 

expanding its storage facilities and the new 

1200mm diameter pipeline is needed to deal with the increasing demand for gas. 

Ghizzoni has been operating in the pipeline industry for 60 years and has extensive experience of constructing and 

laying cross-country pipelines for oil, gas and water transportation. On this gas pipeline job it is using 10 Volvo 

EC290BNLC crawler excavators to help dig the trench. The Volvo pipelayers are then used to feed sections of the gas 

pipe into the trench. 

The pipelayers have been used in groups operating in as many as four different areas consecutively. Alternatively 

they can all be used in one line. Marco Scazzina, the Construction Leader at Ghizzoni, says, “We can lower a 1km 

long pipe in one go using 10 pipelayers at the same time.” 

Whilst conventional pipelayers utilise hinged booms fixed to the sides of crawler tractors (side-booms), the Volvo 

PL4611s carry their booms on the front of Volvo EC460C tracked hydraulic excavator superstructures. This design 

configuration provides the PL4611 with 360° rotation and increases operational versatility because the pipelayer boom 

can be interchanged with standard backhoe digging equipment. 

The 9.2m boom on the PL4611 is longer than a conventional side-boom pipelayer that means the Volvo can 

operate more safely further back from the edge of the trench. “In very wet conditions, the risk of slippage is 

considerable, if not inevitable, when conventional side-boom pipelayers are required to work close to the trench,” says 

Marco Scazzina. 

Complete with a Load Management System, the PL4611 on its 5.5m wide tracked undercarriage has a tipping load 

rating of 113 tonnes (depending on the terrain). The boom has a three-stage light indicator system situated at its end, 

which shows when the machine reaches its load capacity. 

Paul Johnson, Key Customer Business Development for Volvo Construction Equipment Europe, says the Ghizzoni 

project shows how Volvo is expanding into the oil and gas segment. “Despite the recession, the pipeline segment has 

more than doubled in recent years and there has never been a better time for Volvo to become more involved in this 

growing market.” 

Terex erex tandem tandem lift lift in in Bavaria 

Bavaria 

Page 14 

@ 

W WWork 

W ork 

Volvo Construction Equipment 

Two Terex mobile cranes – a 100 tonne capacity AC100/4 and a 55 tonne capacity AC55 City – were recently used by 

Kran Saller GmbH to help replace two large truck scales. Each weighing 43 tonnes, the old scales had to be carefully 

removed in extremely tight working conditions at a waste management company’s facilities in the Bavarian town of 

Passau, Germany. 

The most difficult part of this job was a tandem lift that had to be partially performed under a projecting roof with a 

height of only 5.0m. To further complicate the lifting operation, the area immediately surrounding the truck scales had 

a maximum width of approximately 4m. 

By selecting the compact AC55 City crane, the Kran Saller team was able make use of its ability to telescope its 

boom with a load even when the boom is horizontal. Using the AC55 City in this way, it was able to lift and manoeuvre 

the end of the scale under the low roof. The other end of each scale was handled by the AC100/4 which operated 


Plant 

Plant 

@ 

W WWork 

W ork 

with a reduced outrigger spread in order to 

fit into the restricted space available. 

Once each of the truck scales was lifted 

1.0m off the floor, they were swung out 

beyond the edge of the projecting roof so 

that they could be safely raised high 

enough to be placed onto a semi-trailer for 

transport from the site. The procedure was 

reversed from the installation of the new 

scales. 

Headquartered in the eastern Bavarian 

town of Deggendorf, Kran Saller GmbH has 

been active in the region for over 50 years. 

The company was founded in 1959 and it 

now carries out not only crane rental and 

contract lifting but also heavy haulage, 

forklift and aerial platform rental, machinery 

movement and vehicle recovery. It has six 

locations and 80 employees. 

The narrow travel width of Panther’s 

Omme 220 access platform allowed 

it to pass through the doors of 

Salisbury Cathedral. 


Modern Modern platform platform squeezes squeezes into into old 

old 

cathedral 

cathedral 

Terex Cranes 

An Omme 2200 rubber tracked spider style powered access platform was 

recently supplied by the rental company Panther to facilitate the internal roof 

inspection of the 750 year old cathedral in Salisbury, UK. The machine was 

selected because its narrow travel width of only 1.1m allowed it to get through 

the through the cathedral’s doors. 

Once inside the cathedral, the Omme was unfolded so that the facilities 

managers could carry out important structural surveys of the roof. The 

machine’s ability to reach up to a maximum working height of 21.8m allowed 

the inspectors to reach places that had not been accessible for close 

inspection since the building was erected in medieval times. 

The custodians of historical buildings like Salisbury Cathedral are rightly 

concerned to safeguard what 

are often ancient and precious 

floors. So they appreciated the 

Omme 2200 having rubber 

tracks to spread its weight more 

evenly, therefore reducing the 

risk of damage. 

Another very useful feature of 

this product is its tri-energy 

power source. For any external 

work undertaken, the machine works from diesel and it can also operate 

from a mains electricity supply. For the interior work at Salisbury 

Cathedral its electric battery was used. 

Panther’s Senior Sales Manager Stewart Green said it is also a very 

significant time saver: “Surveying the same area from scaffolding would 

have taken days, as the scaffolding structure would have needed to be 

taken down and rebuilt to access different areas. It would be much more 

expensive and in a busy, public building like a cathedral it might not 

have been feasible.” 

Omme 

The Omme 220’s ability to reach up to a maximum working height of 21.8m 

enabled a thorough inspection of the impressive internal roof structure. 

The ability of the Terex AC50 City to telescope under load with its boom 

almost horizontal allowed Kran Saller to use under a low roof 

to lift one end of a heavy truck scale. 

Page 15

Case has added this new visitor 

centre to improve its demonstration, 

product testing and training facility 

at Monthyon in France. 

Nick Johnson reports from 

the recently improved Case 

demonstration and product 

testing facility near Paris 

where the company has been 

promoting its expanded range 

of industrial handlers and the 

introduction of two bulldozers 

into Europe. 

Case 

demonstrates 

latest European 

additions 

Think of Paris and many people will doubtless 

picture the engineering marvel that is the 

symbol of the city – Gustave Eiffel’s amazing 

tower. But for many European construction 

plant professionals that is one site – not on the 

At Monthyon, machines being demonstrated outside can be 

tourist map – that they may also have visited at 

viewed from the comfort of the new 80 seat indoor auditorium. 

least once over the years – the Case 

demonstration, product testing and training facility on the outskirts of the French capital. 

Conveniently situated not far from Charles de Gaulle airport, the Case facility at Monthyon has a long history 

extending well back into the era of another French icon – the red Poclain excavator. Now, following a £3 million 

investment by Case last year, the centre has been vastly improved with the addition of new customer centre. 

Visitors now benefit from the provision of a new 80 seat all-weather auditorium from which the machines can be 

viewed, as well as several classroom areas, canteen facilities and even a Case museum. The facility continues to 

carry out technical training for service engineers and it is also home to an operator training school. 

Page 16 

Well-preserved 

Construction King 

Old Case machines on display in the 

museum area include a wellpreserved 

Case Construction King 

centre mount backhoe loader built on 

a 530 tractor introduced in 1960. 

Three years earlier the similar 320 

based Construction King was hailed 

Old machines on display in the museum 

area at Monthyon include this classic 

Construction King 530 backhoe loader 

dating from 1960. 


The high level cab and good reach of 

the Case CX240B-MH material handler 

enable it to safety load waste into 44 

tonne gross refuse bulkers. 

as the first integrated machine to 

provide a tractor loader backhoe with 

all three components made by the 

same company under a single 

warranty. 

To illustrate the history of the 

Case skid steer line there are 

examples of old and new machines. 

The vintage unit is a 1530 Uni-Loader 

skid steer loader with a Wisconsin 

engine (dating from 1969) and the 

recent machine is the special 40th anniversary, 

black liveried 410 produced in 2009. Interestingly 

the term Uni-Loader comes from Case's purchase 

of the Universal Loader Company in 1968. 

Sadly, given the heritage of the location, there is 

not a full sized old Poclain excavator in evidence. 

There are, however, some scale models of these 

famous machines on display in the customer centre 

to rekindle the memories of visitors familiar with the 

marque. 

The new customer centre now conveniently 

provides a central hub for the demonstration and 

operator familiarisation of Case products. With a 

land area of 6.5 hectares, the facility is now 

designed around six zones, each of which has 

features replicating specific job sites for different 

types of machines. 

The CX240B-MH is equipped with twin dipper arm cylinders and a 

special linkage to provide a larger working envelope. 

Different demonstration zones 

One zone is specifically for smaller machines – mini excavators, skid steers and backhoes – whilst another is for 

machinery used in re-handling such as material handlers or telehandlers. Other zones include areas for operating 

medium and large excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dumptrucks. There is a road-building zone and a ditch 

and canal area for realistic use of long-reach excavators. 

The introduction of the first latest generation tracked Case materials handler in Europe last year (and the 

subsequent expansion of the range this year) has provided the Monthyon facility with a good opportunity to 

demonstrate the units to potential customers. Produced specially for Case by Sumitomo in Japan, the first of the new 

purpose-built tracked material handlers was the CX240B-MH. 

Compared to a standard CX240B tracked excavator, the MH version incorporates a strengthened main frame and 

a heavier 6.9 tonne counterweight that bring its operating weight up to 27.8 tonnes. To maximise stability, the materials 

handler has a 3.19m wide tracked undercarriage when fitted with 600mm track shoes. Wider 700mm shoes are an 

Basic Specs – Case CX210B & CX240B Handlers 

Model Weight Power Max Top Max Top Cab Riser 

tonne kW Pin Height Pin Reach Stroke 

m m m 

CX210B-MH 25.7 132 12.7 11.3 2.3 

CX210B-SL 25.3 132 12.8 11.1 2.3 

CX240B-MH 27.8 132 12.6 11.6 2.3 

CX240B-SL 30.1 132 14.4 12.8 2.3 


Page 17

option to maximise stability. 

Larger working envelope 

The CX240B-MH is equipped with a 7.1m standard boom and a 

special 5.0m long materials handling straight dipper arm with 

twin dipper arm cylinders. 

These cylinders, together with a special linkage to the 

dipper, are mounted outside the boom to allow an increase in 

operating angle for a larger working envelope. This 

arrangement also provides a very low boom height for ease of 

transportation. 

When fitted with the longer 5.0m arm, the materials handling 

front end on the CX240B-MH provides a maximum working 

height (to the attachment pin on the dipper) of 12.3m. Maximum 

working outreach is 11.6m. 

Attachments for the CX240B-MH include demolition and 

sorting grabs weighing up to 1610kg and timber grabs weighing 

up to 1340kg. 

In the UK, the CX240B-MH with a sorting grab has already 

been successfully deployed in waste transfer stations. Here the 

machine’s purpose-built hydraulically elevated cab provides the operator into the trailers of the 44 tonne gross refuse 

bulkers used to transport the waste material. 

The top of the elevating cab on the CX240B-MH can be raised from an entry / transport height of 3.23m up to a 

maximum operating height of 5.53m. At this maximum elevation the operator on his KAB seat gets a maximum eye 

level working height of 5.06m. 

Emergency descent switch and ladder 

The cab rises up smoothly and does not flex so the operator feels secure when fully elevated. A safety valve limits 

descent speed and there is both an emergency 

descent switch which can be operated from ground 

level and a rear escape ladder to cover all 

eventualities. 

Practical features include an optional swingaway 

front screen guard to protect the operator from stray 

debris. It hinges out to allow access to clean the cab 

glass from a forward step. 

Additional steps and handrails assist service 

engineers and there are mechanical locking pins to 

secure the cab in the elevated position for service 

and maintenance. Keeping the machine properly 

lubricated is aided by the centralised greasing points 

for the elevating cab structure. 

Power for the CX240B-MH is provided by a Tier 

III compliant 132.1kW (177hp) Isuzu AH-4HK1X 

water-cooled, turbocharged engine that is very quiet 

in operation. 

This engine is also used in the CX240B-MH’s 

smaller brother – the more recently announced 

CX210B-MH which has a lower operating weight of 

25.7 tonnes. 

Page 18 

The elevating cab on the CX240B-MH can be 

lowered from ground level by means of an 

emergency descent switch. 

This new CX210B-SL scrap loader made it’s 

European exhibition debut at Bauma 2010 in April. 


for the mass movement of industrial waste. 


This 1650L is the larger of the two 

South American built bulldozers that 

Case is now bringing into Europe. 

New scrap handler 

versions 

There are now two scrap handler 

versions of CX240B and CX210B with 

the Isuzu AH-42H21X engine. Also 

equipped with the now proven 

hydraulically elevated cab, these SL 

machines have operating weights of 

30.1 and 25.3 tonnes respectively. 

The CX210B-SL made its European 

exhibition debut at Bauma in April. It 

has a straight, rather than curved, 6.8m 

boom and a 5.2m goose neck dipper 

Its operating envelope embraces a maximum attachment pin height of 12.8m and a maximum forward reach of 

11.1m. 

Attachments for the CX210B-SL include four or five tine grabs weighing up to 1145kg. The larger CX240B-SL can 

be equipped with four, five or six tine grabs that can be raised to a higher attachment pin height of 14.4m. 

The new MH and SL tracked machines allow Case to offer customers with an alternative to its longer established 

WX210MH and WX240MH wheeled excavators with materials or industrial handling equipment. Whilst wheels can 

provide faster mobility around a site, tracks provide better stability and higher lifting capacities. 

European debut for dozers 

Monthyon is also being used to demonstrate the Case 1650L – one of two bulldozers that had their official European 

launch at Bauma. Case has been building this sort of machine in the USA and other associated markets since it 

bought the American Tractor Corporation (ATC) in 1956. 

At one time Case also made some tracked dozers and loaders in Cornwall in the UK but since the mid 1980s these 

products have been absent from Europe despite the production of machines across the Atlantic. Now the 1650L and 

the smaller 1150K Series 3, which are produced in the Case factory in South America, are in Europe. 

The 1650L and 1150K have operating weight ranges of 16.0 to 17.0 tonnes and 12.6 to 13.3 tonnes respectively. 

They both have Case Tier 3 emissions compliant engines – with power ratings of 107kW (144hp) and 88kw (118hp) – 

teamed with Rexroth PowerStat hydrostatic transmissions. 

The engine in the 1650KL at Monthyon was a 6-cylinder, direct common rail Case Family IV 667TA/EDJ. It delivers 

a peak torque of 669kN at 1400rpm - useful low down torque for dozing applications. Electronic fuel injection and a 

charged air cooler help to maximize engine power and improve fuel efficiency. 

The conventional low drive tracks get their power through the variable axial piston pumps and motors of the dual path 

hydrostatic transmission. The use of a drive 

shaft between the engine and the hydrostatic 

pumps helps reduce machine vibration, 

thereby improving operator comfort. 

The undercarriage has pinned equaliser 

beam suspension to aid stability and provide 

the traction needed for work on slopes as well 

as pushing hard at low speeds and carrying 

out demanding tasks such as stump removal. 

A test drive of the machine revealed that 

the hydrostatic transmission operated 

smoothly and allowed power turns with a full 

The 1650L’s narrow instrument panel and 

tapered bonnet allows a clear view of the front 

of the tracks and both sides of the PAT blade. 

Page 19

Basic Specs – Case Bulldozers 

Model Weight Engine Engine Blade 

Range Power Torque Capacity 

tonnes kW Nm m³ 

1150K 12.6-13.3 88 567 2.9-3.2 

1650L 16.0-17.0 107 689 3.1-3.2 

cab (optional in some markets), one gets good all round vision. 

Page 20 

Customers at Monthyon are shown 

how easy it is to tilt the cab on the 

1150K to gain good access 

to its power train, electrical and 

hydraulic systems. 

blade. The left hand joystick used to 

select travel direction and to provide 

infinite speed control up to a 

maximum of 9.7 km/h. Side mounted 

buttons allow manual selection of any 

of the 10 speed increments to suit 

particular operating requirements. To 

hold the 1650L stationary when the 

engine is switched off, the machine 

comes as standard with a heavy-duty, 

spring-applied hydraulic release 

parking brake. 

Low-effort blade 

hydraulics 

The right hand joystick controls all the 

motions of the PAT (power, angle and tilt) 

blade by means of logical forward/reverse, 

left/right and twisting movements. 

The low-effort hydraulics aid precise blade 

adjustment on the move to maximise load 

retention and carry out efficient dozing to the 

required grades. A separate right hand lever 

operates the optional ripper (not fitted on the 

Monthyon demonstration machine) that can 

be equipped with three or five teeth. 

When sitting on the comfortable 

suspension seat in the air conditioned ROPS 

The use of a narrow instrumentation panel and a tapered bonnet view provides a clear view of the front of the 

tracks and both sides of the 3.98m wide, 3.2m³ capacity PAT blade. 

The test dozer had the 2.13m gauge LGP (low ground pressure) tracks with 864mm wide shoes which maximise 

flotation when used on soft ground. Other track options are the 1.87m gauge XLT (extra long track) with 610mm track 

shoes for precision grading and the 2.13m gauge WT (wide track) with 864mm shoes – most suitable when extra 

stability and a wider blade are needed for finish grading or slope work. 

Sealed and lubricated track pins 

Ground pressure varies from the XLT at 42.8kPa, to the WT at 38.7kPa and the LGP undercarriage, which puts down 

just 31.9kPa. All models use the Case Lubricated Track system with its sealed and lubricated pins. An optional Case 

Extended Life Track, with a second hardened bushing, is available for abrasive soil conditions. 

All the three LGP, XLT and WT configurations utilise Case Lubricated Track with sealed and lubricated pins as 

standard. An option for sustained use on abrasive ground is the more durable Case Extended Life Track (CELT). 

Daily service checks can be carried out from ground level and there are quick-disconnect diagnostic test points to 

assist any necessary troubleshooting. Mechanics will appreciate the side tilting operator platform and cab. It takes less 

than ten minutes to ‘open up’ the machine in this way to obtain really good access to its power train, electrical and 

hydraulic systems. 

The 1650L and 1150K were launched in the USA at the ConExpo exhibition in 2008. Now their availability in 

Europe will provide Case and its dealers with more sales opportunities. Time will tell whether the other Case 

bulldozers are also offered in Europe. [CP&E] 

Case Construction 



Nick Johnson highlights the latest compact 

telehandler from the French maker Manitou 

– the Maniscopic MT625T which has a 

maximum lift height of 5.85m. 

New Manitou makes 

its mark 

Amongst all the new machinery being launched at the 

Bauma exhibition in April was the latest small telescopic 

handler from Manitou. Designated the Maniscopic MT625T, 

this compact machine slots into the increasingly popular 

market segment for handlers which are less than two meters 

wide and high. 

The MT625T is actually 1.82m wide and 1.92m high (with 

its magnetic flashing beacon removed) so that it can access 

low headroom areas and operate in confined spaces. The 

machine is a little bigger than the long established 

Buggiscopic but it scores over its smaller brother by offering 

greater lift height and a more roomy cab. 

Equipped with a two section telescopic boom, the 

MT625T can raise 2000kg up to its maximum lift height of 

5.85m – to enable a 3rd tier lift onto scaffolds. Maximum forward reach is 3.4m at which an 800kg load can be carried. 

Usefully a 1.2 tonne pallet can be can be picked up 2.5m in front of the front wheels. 

Side mounted Kubota engine 

The new design, low boom MT625T telehandler has a side mounted 55.4kW (75hp) Kubota V3307-D1-T-E3B Euro 3A 

emissions compliant engine and a hydrostatic transmission. There are two speed ranges – up to 7 km/h for site 

operation and a maximum of 25 km/h on the highway. 

An ergonomically shaped JSM multifunction joystick allows the MT625T operator to conveniently select travel 

direction and control all the boom and carriage motions with his right hand whilst keeping his left hand on the steering 

wheel. Roller controls on the JSM joysticks are sensibly used to facilitate boom extension / retraction and auxiliary 

equipment operation. To aid smooth operation, all the telescopic boom functions are proportional and independent. 

The low slung, side mounted ROPS/FOPS cab is easy to enter and inside the operator finds a quiet (76db(A)) 

environment with an adjustable seat. The machine features a simple 10 second start-up sequence, a safe load 

indicator (with a vertical display of green, amber and red LEDs) and a switch to neutralise the JSM joystick to prevent 

involuntary movement of the boom or carriage during 

road travel. 

Safe load indicator display 

There is an emergency engine stop button located 

next to the JSM joystick and the machine has an 

easy-to-read instrument panel. As well as housing 

the safe load indicator display, this panel includes an 

hour meter and fuel gauge as well as being able to 

show when the next service is due and indicating 

diagnostic codes for fault finding and servicing. 

The MT625T is only 1.92m high so that 

it can access low headroom areas 

and operate in confined spaces. 

The new MT625T compact telescopic handler 

was launched by Manitou at the Bauma exhibition 

in April 2010. 

Page 21

The MT625T has all wheel drive and steer with three 

steering modes – front wheel, all wheel and crab steer. 

With all wheel steer selected, the machine can achieve 

a tight turning radius of 3.3m. 

The cab provides plenty of glazing so, when the lowslung 

boom is lowered, the operator has good all round 

vision. The main door window can be hinged back and 

latched against the side of the cab but, in this position, it 

might be considered by some people to be a little 

vulnerable to site damage. The rear cab window can 

also be hinged up open to provide more natural 

ventilation in warm weather. 

Superior Comfort version 

The machine comes, as standard with heating and demisting but air conditioning is 

an optional extra and only available with the superior Comfort version. The 

enhanced Comfort specification also includes an adjustable steering column, roof 

light, windscreen and roof sun visors, a roof window wiper, enhanced cab trim 

working lights and an aggravating movements cut-out as standard. 

Good service access to the engine, and especially to the air and diesel fuel 

filters, is provided by the wide opening offside canopy. A lockable hinged panel at the rear provides secure fuel tank 

access. 

The Comfort version of the MT625T comes with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit at the head of the telescopic boom as 

standard. Options for both versions include hydraulically activated attachment locking, a side-shift carriage and a load 

back rest. 

Whilst the compact MT625T is particularly suitable for use on building sites where there are space or headroom 

constraints, it can also be very effective on road reconstruction and maintenance jobs. Its small size and 

manoeuvrability allow it to be used safely in restricted width coned off areas beside live traffic lanes. 

First UK MT625T on prominent London job 

A good example of this new Maniscopic being used on an interesting road project can currently be found in London. 

The first MT625T to be sold in the UK has been supplied to Leighton Hire Centre Ltd (LHC) which has hired it to major 

contractor Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering (BBRCE) for use on a prestigious street improvement scheme in 

the centre of the capital. 

The $38 million Exhibition Road Streetscape Project for the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of 

Kensington & Chelsea involves repaving the well-used road to create a kerb free ‘shared space’ for both pedestrians 

and vehicles. It will provide more pedestrian space for the many visitors to all the well-known buildings in this area of 

central London – including the Natural History, Science and V&A Museums, the Royal Albert Hall and Imperial 

College. 

BBRCE Construction Superintendent Cliff Short says, “The MT625T has ample capacity for our needs and its 

compact dimensions and all wheel steering allow it to work safely within the confines of our site.” He particularly likes 

the ease with which the forks can be folded back 

over the carriage to enhance safety when travelling 

on the public highway without a load. 

Operator Kulvinder Dhanda is also 

complimentary about the new Manitou. He says 

that the machine is easy to drive and he likes its 

power steering, operator comfort and good all 

round visibility. Having a good view from the cab is 

essential on this central London job where the 

machine often has to travel in amongst the heavy 

city traffic. [CP&E] 

Page 22 

The easy-to-enter cab provides a quiet environment 

with an adjustable seat and a clear digital display 

instrument panel. 

The first MT625T in the UK has been hired from 

LHC for use on the prestigious Exhibition 

Road improvement scheme in London. 

Manitou 


Plant Editor Nick Johnson reports on 

the latest additions to the Doosan 

which now includes heavy-duty 

telehandlers as well as excavators 

and wheel loaders. He also provides 

an insight into the company’s future 

ideas on excavator design 

Doosan adds 

new models and 

looks to the 

future 

Aided by its Bobcat brand and its leading 

position as a supplier of excavators in 

China, Doosan Infracore Construction 

Equipment claims to be number four in the 

world construction equipment business. It 

aims to move up to number three and any 

visitor to the company’s large Bauma stand 

in April will have seen the many new models 

that indicate the company’s forward thinking 

strategy. 

The latest Bobcat machines were covered in the last issue of CP&E so this article will focus on the new orange 

liveried Doosan units. After Bauma I was able to inspect many of the newcomers in operation at the Doosan Training 

Centre at Dobris in the Czech Republic. 

Of particular interest was the new 23.7 tonne DX235LCR short tail swing crawler excavator. This joins the 14.5 

tonne DX140LCR that was introduced at the Intermat exhibition in Paris during 2009. These two units now allow 

Doosan to compete strongly in markets where demand is increasing for crawler excavators to work more safely 

without a significant tail radius in confined spaces or in road works next to live traffic lanes. 

Tight tail swing 

The smaller DX140LCR utilises a 71.0kW (91hp) Cummins QSB 4.5 engine rather than one of Doosan’s own engines 

because it can be installed in a smaller space. The fitting of the 4- 

To aid safe operation close to 

obstructions, the DX235LCR has a 

rear overhang of only 85mm beyond 

the edge of 800mm wide tracks. 


Doosan now has two near zero tail 

swing tracked excavators – the 

14.5 tonne DX140LCR (left) and 

the new 23.7 tonne DX235LCR. 

cylinder QSB 4.5 allows this machine to have a tight tail swing of 

1480mm which means that its superstructure only protrudes beyond 

edge of its standard 600mm wide tracks by 185mm. By contrast, the 

tail of the standard swing 14.0 tonne Doosan DX140LC tracked 

excavator (with 600mm shoes) has a side overhang of 905mm. 

A short test drive of a near zero swing DX140LC with an excavating 

bucket at the Doosan Training Centre revealed a very stable machine 

with smooth controls and plenty of digging power. The cab is 

comfortable and there is an easy to use multifunction colour LCD 

monitor panel. Curved access doors at the rear corners open up to aid 

maintenance and the standard safety features include a rear view 

camera. 

Now, with the arrival of the DX235LCR, Doosan has scaled up its 

short tail swing design. The company states that its new model has 

been produced to satisfy customer demands for a bigger excavator 

that can better work in a confined environment whilst maintaining the 

operating performance of a standard swing machine of the same size 

class. 

The Doosan engineers have succeeded in giving the DX235LCR a 

tight overall swing diameter (with boom fully raised and dipper arm 

tucked right in) of 3990mm. Composed of a 2310mm front swing 

Page 23

adius and a tail radius of 1680mm, his 

diameter is much less than some notable 

competitors. The rear overhang beyond the 

edge of 800mm wide tracks is only 85mm - 

compared to 1070mm for the conventional 

configuration DX225LC with the same size 

track shoes. 

Enhanced excavating force 

The DX235LCR is powered by a 6-cylinder 

Doosan DL06 turbocharged diesel engine 

providing 125.0kW (166hp). This is 13.4kW 

(18hp) more than the conventional 

DX225LC and this contributes to enhanced excavating force. Digging force over the bucket is 14.2 tonne, while that 

over the arm is 10.3 tonne. Use of power boost increases both forces by about 5% which, Doosan contends, are the 

highest forces of any excavator in this class. 

Thanks to the high engine power and the high swing torque, the DX235LCR can work efficiently on slopes. Its 

slewing speed is 11.3rpm and, when equipped with the longer 2900mm dipper arm, the machine can dig down to 

6670mm. 

The DX235LCR is equipped with the same cab as the smaller DX140LCR. This has a durable hinged door which 

can be clipped back neatly against the superstructure. Inside the cab is quiet (the stated noise level is 72 dB(A) at the 

operator’s ear) and comfortable. 

Visibility is good and the operator gets both a rear view spherical mirror and a camera to see behind in order to 

enhance safety when working in a confined space. Like its smaller brother and other Doosan DX excavators, the 

DX235LCR gets the e-EPOS (Electronic Power Optimising System). Designed to balance the hydraulic power 

requirement to available engine power, e-EPOS effectively manages the hydraulic pumps to reduce fuel consumption. 

The machine has a manually selected ‘auto idle’ fuel saving feature together with two speed travel (up to 5.8 km/h 

or 3.1 km/h), a straight travel pedal for trenching and a power boost button to raise hydraulic pressure for between 10 

and 12 seconds in order to provide a burst of greater breakout as required during hard digging. 

Smooth and precise operation 

During a stint at the controls of the DX235LCR I was impressed by the 

ability of the load sensing piston pump and the closed centre valve to 

allow fine metering of hydraulic flow to enable me to effectively carry out 

precise grading. Smooth operation is aided by the provision of end-of 

stroke cushioning on the boom and dipper arm cylinders. 

I found the machine to be very stable to operate and this virtue will 

make it attractive for use with a wide variety of attachments. To improve 

its operational flexibility, the new DX235LCR can be supplied with the 

same auxiliary hydraulic lines as can be fitted to the conventional 

DX225LC. 

Engine service intervals are 500 hours and the DX235LCR also 

shares the extended lubrication intervals of the whole Doosan excavator 

range. To facilitate servicing the machine has hinged side panels. The 

water trap and the engine oil filter are both located in the hydraulic pump 

bay on the offside for easy access from the ground level. 

This machine clearly has the power to perform and its availability 

should help to increase the population of this size of short tail excavator 

on sites with limited operating space. To appeal to contractors and rental 

companies in countries such as Italy where narrower machines are 

popular, Doosan will shortly introduce a DX235LCRN version. 

Page 24 

The LED monitor panel in the cab of the DX235LCR 

has different information displays as well as 

buttons for mode, flow rate and auto deceleration selection. 

The compact, curved superstructure and the 

access to the Doosan DL06 turbocharged 

engine can be clearly seen in this aerial view 

of the DX235LCR. 


New DX380LC fills a gap 

Above 25 tonnes, conventional style tracked excavators with pronounced rear tails are the norm. To fill a gap in its 

range between the 34.1 tonne DX340LC and 40.9 tonne DX420LC, Doosan has added a 37.9 tonne DX380LC. 

This new DX380LC utilises a lot of the well-proven parts from the bigger DX420LC including the undercarriage. 

This serves to make the new 38 tonne class excavator very stable. 

The turbocharged engine in the DX380LC is a 6-cylinder ‘common rail’ Doosan DL08 rated at 202.0kW (271hp), 

thereby providing 18.0kW (24hp) more than the DX340LC. The larger unit has a 6500 mm boom and its longest 

3950mm dipper allows a maximum digging depth of 8200mm. 

The arm and bucket cylinders are sized to provide enhanced excavating force. Digging force over the bucket is 

21.7 tonne, while that over the arm is 17.3 tonne. Use of power boost increases both forces by about 5%, claimed by 

Doosan to be the highest forces of any excavator in this class. 

New Doosan flagship excavator 

Whist not at the Doosan Training Centre at the time of my visit, the other new excavator in the company’s range is its 

flagship DX700LC. Propelling the company up into the heavier excavator league, this machine weighs in at 70.1 

tonnes - a significant step up in weight from the previous top-of-the-range DX520LC with its operating weight of 50.7 

tonnes. 

When equipped with the EU-approved 2900mm dipper arm, the DX700LC offers a maximum digging depth of 

7765mm. The machine has a 6-cylinder ‘common rail’ Isuzu AH-6WG1X turbocharged diesel engine which is rated at 

345.0kW (463hp). This engine, with its high-pressure fuel injection system and exhaust gas recirculation, is emissions 

Tier 3 / Stage IIIA certified. 

The DX700LC has Doosan’s e-EPOS electronic control system to optimise power whilst conserving fuel. The 

operator can chose between Power Mode (for very heavy duty digging and loading), Standard Mode (for heavy duty 

excavating and operation of a breaker), Economy Mode (for medium duty excavation) and Lifting Mode. 

To provide adequate cooling of the engine and hydraulic systems the DX700LC is equipped with a Doosan Cooling 

Fan Control (DCFC) system. Audible and visual monitoring sensors warn the operator of excessive temperatures, 

while an overheat prevention system is automatically activated if coolant temperature should reach 110°C. As the 

machine is destined to be used in quarries and 

heavy construction, it has multi-stage filters 

and features such as track guards, an auto 

grease system and greased and sealed track 

links. 


This new 37.9 tonne DX380LC fills a previous gap 

in the Doosan tracked excavator range between the 

34.1 tonne DX340LC and 40.9 tonne DX420LC. 

Hybrid excavator under 

development 

Another Doosan excavator attracting attention 

at Bauma was a working prototype of the 

company’s 22 tonne class Hybrid machine. 

Now scheduled to become available for sale in 

2012, this Hybrid tracked excavator is being 

developed as part of a Strategic Technologic 

Doosan used Bauma to show this working prototype 

of its 22 tonne class Hybrid tracked excavator which 

should go on sale in 2012. 

Page 25

Development Programme funded by the 

Ministry of Knowledge Economy in South Korea. 

Doosan is the lead partner in the project. 

Expected to burn at least 20% less fuel than 

a standard DX225 hydraulic excavator, the 

Hybrid machine will also dramatically cut CO2 

emissions. It is equipped with will be equipped 

with a diesel engine, an electric slew motor, an 

electric converter and an ultra-capacitor that will 

store excess energy during slewing and lightduty 

work. The reserve of electricity that has 

been generated and stored will then be utilised 

to part power the excavator during heavier duty 

work. This arrangement allows the speed of the 

diesel engine to be reduced. 

The next step in the Doosan’s hybrid 

machine development programme is likely to be 

the application of the technology to both wheel loaders and forklifts. Meanwhile, the company also used Bauma to 

provide a visual indication of how its excavators and wheel loaders might appear even further into the future. 

Futuristic concept excavator 

Colourful graphics and scale models were used to depict a pair of futuristic ‘eco transformers’ – a CX Eco Energy 

tracked excavator and a CL Eco Energy wheeled loader. The excavator has four articulating triangular track 

assemblies to enable it to traverse rough ground and operate more safely on slopes. 

The cab of the CX Eco Energy excavator slides forward to provide the operator with a better view down the hole 

when required. However, somewhat surprisingly given the current trend towards short tail machines, this concept unit 

has an extending counterweight at the back of what is already a lengthy superstructure! 

The ‘star gazers’ have included a hybrid power system and they predict the use of an emotional haptic control 

system and intelligent solar-control glass (which will adjust its transparency level and colour according to the weather 

conditions). 

This glass sounds expensive – let’s hope that vandalism has been eradicated before its introduction! 

New Doosan branded breakers 

Coming back down to earth, Bauma was used to introduce its new Doosan branded hydraulic breakers for the 

European market. Models on show were the DXB170 and the DXB260 (suitable for use on excavators weighing 18 to 

28 tonnes and 27 to 37 tonnes respectively). 

Other breakers in the DSC36 (for 4 to 10 tonne carriers, DXB100 (10 to 20 tonne carriers) and DXB190 (20 to 30 

tonne carriers. The breakers, which incorporate Montabert technology) include an energy recovery system and a 

patented valve system. 

Wheel loaders represent an important 

part of Doosan’s construction equipment 

line-up and the company used Bauma to 

highlight its replacement of the DL400 with 

the new DL420. The DL400 has been 

Doosan’s best selling wheel loader as it, 

like the DL420, slots into the very important 

250 to 300hp segment of the wheel loader 

market. 

Page 26 

This scale model of a CX Eco 

Energy tracked excavator 

reveals some of the features that 

could be included on Doosan 

machines in the future. 

Cummins QSM 11 in new 

DL420 loader 

At the heart of the new DL420 is the Tier 3 / 

Stage IIIA emissions compliant Cummins 

QSM 11 10.8 litre electronically controlled 

engine. Rated at 209 kW (284hp) this 

To utilise the latest Cummins QSM 11 

engine, Doosan has introduced this DL420 

to replace its popular DL400. 


engine makes the DL420 a bit more powerful than the 

former DL400 that had a Cummins QSL 9 engine rated at 

204kW (274hp). 

The switch to the more technically advanced 6-cylinder 

Cummins engine with its high-pressure injectors and new 

combustion system provides better acceleration. It also 

saves diesel and Doosan reports that tests have shown that 

fuel consumption is about 7 % less when compared to the 

DL400. 

The standard bucket capacity for the DL420 is 4.0m³ (up 

from 3.9m³) and the machine’s 210KN breakout force is 

claimed to be amongst the highest in its category. The 

operator gets the choice of working modes (standard and 

economical) and the ZF 4WG210 powershift torque 

converter transmission provides maximum travel speeds of 

38 km/h forwards and 18.4 km/h in reverse. 

The DL420 offers a static tipping load with bucket of 

18.9 tonnes (at maximum reach with a straight frame) and a 

height at bucket pivot point of 4.35m. Equipped with a pinon 

bucket with teeth and tipped forward at 45°, the dump 

height is 2.96m and the dump reach is 1.40m. 

New integrated monitoring system 

In upgrading from DL400 to DL420, the Doosan engineers 

have taken the opportunity to improve the visibility, heating 

and air conditioning. There is now a new integrated 

monitoring system, a vehicle control unit (VCU) and an 

optional electric steering system. 

An integrated LCD panel displays information about the 

loader, engine and transmission, including the service 

intervals for each filter and the engine oil. The transmission 

can be tuned by the operator without the assistance of a 

mechanic. Transmission status is easily verified and various 

adjustments such as compensation for disc wear are done 

automatically with no disassembly required. 

The DL420 is now being produced at Doosan’s new 

factory at Gunsan in South Korea. Situated some 100km south of Seoul, this factory with its 125,400m³ covered area 

went on stream at the start of 2010. Making the larger Doosan wheel loaders and excavators (30 tonnes and above), 

it has a maximum production capacity of 5,200 units a year. 

Development work is now proceeding for the next generation of wheel loaders with Tier 4 / Stage IV engines. 

Interestingly, Doosan is planning to switch to Scania engines for the new versions of its DL300 and larger loaders. 

Dieci sourced new capacity telehandlers 

To extend its product portfolio, Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment has signed a deal with the Italian telescopic 

handler maker Dieci to supply badge-engineered units. Doosan’s Bobcat range gains Dieci sourced rotating 

telehandlers whilst four large capacity rigid frame models are to be supplied in orange to provide a new Doosan DT 

series. 

Complete with frame levelling, the new DT70, DT120, DT160 and DT210 have maximum lift heights of between 

9.4m and 10.2m and maximum lifting capacities ranging from 7 to 21 tonnes. The DT70 has an Iveco NEF TA engine 

whilst its three bigger brothers utilise Perkins power. All have hydrostatic transmissions. 

The machine shown at Bauma and subsequently available for customer evaluation at the Doosan Training Centre 

in the Czech Republic was the DT160. 

This substantial four wheel drive and steer telehandler weighs 23.7 tonnes and can lift a maximum load of 16 

tonnes. It can raise 14.5 tonnes up to its maximum lift height of 10.2m and extend 7 tonnes to its maximum forward 

reach of 5.15m. 

As well as pallet forks, these new high capacity telehandlers can be used with crane jibs, loader and mixing 

buckets as well as access platforms. They now ideally complement the existing Doosan ranges of medium and large 

excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks used by contractors in civil engineering, mining and quarrying 

applications. [CP&E] 


Bauma 2010 saw the 

unveiling of the first of 

four new high capacity 

telehandlers that Doosan 

is sourcing from Dieci. 

This 16 tonne maximum capacity DT160 telehandler 

weighs 23.7 tonnes and can lift up to 5.0 tonnes 

at its maximum outreach of 5.15m. 

Doosan 

Page 27

The interesting Giraf Track is a rotary telescopic handler 

with a difference – it combines a Merlo boom with a 

Caterpillar excavator undercarriage (complete with a 

levelling blade). 

Nick Johnson reports on this unusual multi-purpose machine. 

Graf Track provides greater versatility 

I first saw the Giraf Track at the APEX access show in Maastricht, Holland in the autumn of 2008. It was immediately 

obvious as a new product because it was markedly different to most other machines. The problem was how to 

describe in simply. 

Developed by TDL (Testcentrum De Lille NV) – the Merlo dealer in Belgium – the Giraf Track cleverly combines a 

Merlo telehandler boom and the undercarriage from an 18 tonne class Caterpillar tracked excavator. The result is 

effectively a heavy-duty rotary telehandler on tracks, complete with an optional blade (to level up the machine on 

slopes) and the ability to utilise an array of different attachments (including access platforms). 

By the time the original Giraf Track GT580B had made its APEX debut it had been under development for four 

years. Now the product is being increasingly accepted as a specialist 

machine able, according to its makers, of being equipped to do jobs 

that other handlers and platforms cannot. 

The GT580B weighs 16.5 tonnes and it is operated by radio remote 

control. Undercarriage width is 2.49m and the unit’s steel tracks can be 

fitted with rubber street pads. 

Proven telescopic boom and carriage 

TDL buys a proven telescopic boom assembly and fork carriage from 

Merlo. The boom is the one used by Merlo for its P38.16 Roto. When 

fitted onto the Giraf Track machine, this boom allows a maximum 

capacity of 3800kg. 

When used as telehandler with forks, 2000kg can be raised up to 

the maximum lift height of 15.2m and 700kg can be extended forward 

to the maximum reach of 13.7m. The use of a loader bucket, different 

crane jibs and a variety of access platform options greatly increase 

operational versatility. 

Maximum platform capacity (A1829 basket) is 1000kg and, when a 

5.5m long 181LIMS basket is fitted, maximum working height and 

outreach are 17.8m and 16.0m respectively. At the Bauma exhibition in 

Page 28 

The new 7.0m to 13.0m long extending 

access platform for the Giraf Track 

was a prominent exhibit at Bauma. 

Long cladding panels being installing using 

the new 13.m maximum length extending 

platform on the Giraf Track GT580B. 


Germany and the Vertikal Days event in the UK, the Giraf 

Track GT580B was shown with the new 7.0m to 13.0m long 

extending platform designed for use by glazing contractors. 

Complete with 180° rotation, this 1.3m wide platform has a 

payload of 500kg for the sheet materials plus 250kg to carry 

three persons. 

Also on show at Vertikal Days was a CE approved 

access platform and hydraulic loader crane. With this 

attachment both the basket and the crane can be rotated 

independently. The crane was a Palfinger PC2700 which 

has a maximum capacity of 950m with its three section 

telescopic boom closed and 550kg at full 1.55m extension. 

The basket and crane combination for the Giraf Track 

isesigned specifically to aid the installation of glass with 

frames. There are four extending supports on the front of 

the 2.5m wide basket to carry the glass panel weighing up 

to 950kg. The basket capacity is 600kg with the crane 

retracted and 200kg with the crane in use. This latter rating 

allows two people be carried in the basket - one person to 

operate the crane whilst the other person does the 

manipulation of the glass panel. 

Platforms can also be used with a detachable winch unit 

and short jib. Providing a lifting capacity of 500kg, this lifting 

equipment aids the placing of lightweight panels (such as 

insulation borads) onto the wall of a building in front of the 

basket. If the 13.0m platform is used with this winch, the 

platform capacity is 300kg. 

Caterpillar engine and undercarriage 

The Giraf Track is powered by a Caterpillar 4-cylinder turbo 

charged diesel engine rated at 74.5kW (101hp). This well 

proven power source is Stage IIIA emissions compliant. As 

well as this engine, the tracks, undercarriage and slewing 

ring are amongst other components sourced from 

Caterpillar. 

The use of a 2490mm wide Caterpillar 318 size tracked 

undercarriage provides the Giraf Track with plenty of stability 

CropMech’s cabequipped Giraf Track GT580-3C 

so that it can operate without outriggers. The tracks provide 

levelled up on its Vblade to carry out power line 

a low ground bearing pressure and allow the machine to 

pole maintenance from sloping ground. 

traverse soft and wet ground that would be too much of an 

obstacle for conventional wheeled access platforms or telescopic handlers. The downside of tracks versus wheels is 

that the Giraf Track is heavier to transport and has a maximum travel speed of only 2.5 km/h. 

The Giraf Track will drive up steep slopes and works with unrestricted 360° operation on inclines of up to 7° (12%) 

as standard. It has the capability to work on even steeper gradients with the optional VBLADE slope compensation 

and anchoring blade. Providing additional levelling of up to 12° (21%), the VBLADE allows the machine to be used on 

gradients of up to 19° (34%) although, when perched on the blade and the other end of the tracks, ground bearing 

pressure will increase dramatically. 

Version with fully enclosed cab 

As well as the original Giraf Track GT580B, TDL also now produces the GT580-3C complete with a fully enclosed cab. 

Inside there is a cradle to carry the radio remote control box in front of the operator. 

One company which has purchased a GT580B is CropMech of Okehampton in the UK. This agricultural, 

contracting and rental business runs the Giraf Track alongside a fleet of Merlo telehandlers. The tracked machine has 

proved particularly useful for erecting and maintaining power line poles in bad weather or on soft or wet rough terrain. 

Frans Van Dooren, the Export Manager of TDL says that over 30 machines have been sold to contractors and, 

increasingly, into rental fleets in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and the UK. When used as an access 

platform, customers have found that it can work well in applications where conventional access platforms have 

insufficient size and capacity - especially in the industrial, construction and utilities sectors. [CP&E] 


This basket and Palfinger hydraulic crane attachment aids 

the installation of glazing units with the Giraf Track. 

Giraf Track 

Page 29

Nick Johnson inspects the latest fuel-efficient 

portable compressors from CompAir 

– the new high-pressure additions to 

the company’s innovative lightweight 

TurboScrew C series. 

CompAir piles on the pressure 

Having originally introduced its low-pressure TurboScrew C series portable compressors in 2007, CompAir used the 

Bauma exhibition tin April to extend its range with three new high-pressure models. The newcomers are designated 

the C230TS-17, C210TS-21 and C200TS-24 which respectively deliver compressed air with maximum operating 

pressures of 17, 21 and 24 bar. The big feature of these units is that they weigh less than 3.5 tonnes so that they can 

be towed, in Europe, behind a suitable 4x4 vehicle. 

The C230TS-17, C210TS-21 and C200TS-24 compressors provide free air deliveries of 23m³/min (812 cfm), 21m³/ 

min (742 cfm) and 20m³/min (706 cfm). Their high-pressure output makes them particularly suitable for powering the 

down-the-hole drills used in water well and geothermal drilling. On such work on-time job completion is dependant on 

maintaining sufficient air pressures at depths of 100m and below. 

Each of the C series CompAir TurboScrew compressors are powered by an electronically controlled Cummins 

QSB 6.7 6-cylinder turbo-charged engine made at Darlington in the UK. This compact Tier 3A emissions compliant 

engine has been developed by Cummins specifically for use in the company’s TurboScrew C series compressors – so 

it is unique design supplied only to CompAir. 

Patented bi-turbo technology 

The TurboScrew compressors cleverly utilise CompAir’s patented bi-turbo technology with two Holset turbochargers. 

Air enters the system through a dual filter assembly and passes through the first turbocharger which is running at 

approximately 115,000rpm to pre-compresses the air. 

The pre-compressed air then passes through an intercooler where it is cooled increasing the air’s density before it 

reaches the engine. The increased air pressure and air density means more fuel can be mixed with the air resulting in 

greater power and greater fuel efficiency from 

a smaller engine. 

With TurboScrew, CompAir applies the 

same principles to the compressor, precompressing 

its inlet air via a second turbo 

charger which runs at around 75,000rpm. This 

air is also cooled within an intercooler before it 

enters the compressor. This total process can 

as much as double the atmospheric pressure 

at the compressor’s air inlet. The net result is 

greater compressor performance from a 

smaller, lighter, more economical package. 

Page 30 

A big feature of the new CompAir highpressure 

compressors is that they weigh 

less than 3500kg and so can be easily 

towed on European roads. 


Significant fuel saving 

CompAir claims that its C series TurboScrew machines can deliver, without any loss in pressure, up to 30% better fuel 

efficiency than most conventional portable compressors of similar output. The use of a smaller airend with a lower 

torque demand allows CompAir to reduce its engine idle speed to 1000rpm in offload mode compared to other 

designs that cannot reduce their idle speed lower than 1300 or 1400rpm. 

When auto idle kicks in, fuel consumption drops by as much as 58%. This is useful as compressors used to power 

down-the-hole drills revert to idle each time a new length of drill rod is added. 

According to CompAir, the lifetime cost of 

conventional compressors typically breaks down as 15% 

purchase cost, 10% service costs and 75% fuel costs. 

(based on average site running conditions over a lifetime 

of 10,000 hours). It contends that, with TurboScrew’s 

Bi-Turbo fuel efficiency, lifetime compressor costs 

can be reduced by as much as 20%. 

New high-pressure airend 

Having proved its TurboScrew technology in its lowpressure 

(9 to 14 bar) C series portable compressors, 

CompAir decided to develop high-pressure versions in 

mid 2007. The company’s Portable Compressor Product 

Manager Harald Wenzel says that the project involved 

developing a new high-pressure air end with a different 

internal pressure ratio. The machines also required a 

different oil coolers and a pressure vessel rated at 28 

CompAir’s engineers have succeeded in producing this 

bar to provide the required safety margin. 

new small sized screw compressor capable of delivering 

air up to a maximum pressure of 24 bar. 

A particular challenge was to construct a strong 

connection between the air end and the pressure vessel. 

It had to withstand vibration and to safely accommodate pressure spikes. 

The new high-pressure machines retain the low weight and compact dimensions as pioneered by the low-pressure 

models in the TurboScrew C series. The machines feature a robust steel canopy (with wide opening side access 

doors) that is carried on a twin axle trailer with an over-run braking system supplied by Knott. Alternatively the unit can 

be skid mounted. 

The new 24 bar C200TS-24 only weighs 3420kg including a full 370 litre tank of fuel - which is sufficient for working 

an 8 hour shift. Being less than 3.5 tonnes allows the compressor to be towed in Europe by a large 4x4 vehicle such 

as an Audi 27, Land Rover Defender 110 or Range Rover without the need for air brakes. CompAir claims a significant 

weight and size advantage over competitive machines which need a bigger 9 litre engine due to the absence of a 

second turbocharger. 

The control panel on the C200TS-24 

allows the selection of output pressure 

from 13 to 24 bar in 0.1 bar steps. 

Easy adjustment of air pressure 

The electronic control panel for the high pressure C200TS-24 is at the back 

beside the single air outlet. Together with an emergency stop button, the 

operator gets simple, intuitive controls, a fuel gauge and a display screen. Use 

of the arrow buttons allows output air pressure to be adjusted up or down in 

0.1 bar steps within the range of 13 to 24 bar. The electronic regulator 

ensures that the maximum operating pressure of 24 bar cannot be exceeded. 

With language options of English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, 

there is a menu that shows important operational data such as operating 

hours, fuel consumption, engine oil pressure and engine water temperature. 

Advance warning is given of the next scheduled service and fault codes help 

mechanics to solve problems. Operational data can be downloaded to a 

laptop but, at present, there is no remote monitoring system. 

The new high-pressure compressors are produced at the CompAir factory 

in Simmem, Germany and units have been field tested in the demanding 

environment of the mines of South Africa. Now Harald Wenzel sees a bright 

future for the machines in water well drilling worldwide as well as in the 

growing business of geothermal drilling. [CP&E] 


Compair 

Page 31

Page 32 

At the world premier of the new Volvo FMX 

trucks, this FMX500 8x4 tipper (left) and 

FMX450 6x6 hooklift tipper were seen in 

action at Bauma. 

Having been launched at the 

Bauma exhibition in April, the 

Volvo FMX construction truck 

goes into series production this 

month (September). 

Nick Johnson reports on the truck’s new features including the recently updated construction 

version of the I-Shift automated manual transmission. 

Volvo Trucks targets construction sector 

The big Volvo outdoor stand at the Bauma exhibition in Munich during April was used to demonstrate now only 

machines from Volvo Construction Equipment but also for the world premiere of the latest vehicles from Volvo Trucks. 

Bauma provided a most apt venue for the major launch of the new FMX construction trucks and they have 

subsequently been exhibited at other events including the ComTrans commercial vehicle fair in Moscow, the Truck 

Show in Jönköping, Sweden and the Hillhead quarry show in the UK. 

Developed specifically for construction sector operation, the heavy-duty on/off road FMX trucks are now going into 

series production. They are initially being introduced in Europe, followed by a global rollout during the rest of this year. 

Volvo is keen to capitalise on the synergy of these new vehicles with its yellow construction products as the Group 

seeks to strengthen its ability to provide ‘total solutions’ to construction sector customers. 

The need for a more specialist on/off road truck was perceived by Volvo Trucks back in 2007. At that time the 

company’s best selling vehicle for heavy construction was the FM truck which had found favour on both sites and the 

road particularly in the Nordic countries, the UK and Eastern Europe. 

Volvo Trucks Heavy Segment Product Manager Hayder Wokil reports that development of the new FMX models 

started with customer clinics in Europe. The participants indicated a desire for FM series trucks improved for 

construction applications and fitted with at least an 11-litre engine to provide more torque. 

Another issue raised by some customers was the need for a front mounted central towing device. 

Choice of 11- or 13-litre engines 

Based on the well-proven FM platform, the resulting ‘Xtra’ heavy-duty FMX trucks provide a heavy weight option for 

contractors requiring better off-road performance in muckshifting and demolition applications. To address the feedback 

from the customer clinics, the new trucks utilise either a Volvo D11C 11-litre engine (330 to 450hp) or a D13C 13-litre 

engine (380 to 500hp). 

Transmission options include a fully automatic Powertronic gearbox and an updated construction version of the 

I-Shift gearbox. The FMX trucks can be 

fitted with a new load sensor which sends 

precise load weight information to the 

I-Shift for an optimal gear sequence and 

smooth gear start. 

Before releasing the new FMX trucks 

for sale, Volvo has subjected them to 

some particularly tough testing on the 

demanding ‘construction track’ at its 

Hallered proving ground outside 

To check their durability, the new FMX 

trucks have been subjected to 

accelerated life cycle tests at Volvo’s 

Hallered proving ground in Sweden. 


Gothenburg in Sweden. Driven around the clock by a 

team of test drivers for six months, the vehicles have 

successfully completed accelerated life cycle tests. 

The tortuous circuit with its steep hills, bumpy 

surfaces and water traps is designed to simulate a 

vehicle lifetime of around 15 years and a travel 

distance of 2 million kilometres. 

Visually, Volvo’s designers have sought to 

distinguish the FMX models from the FM series 

vehicles by giving them a more aggressive, rugged 

look. This is particularly apparent at the front of the 

vehicle where the new upper grill comes complete with a thicker diagonal bar carrying the Volvo emblem. 

New central front towing device 

Of more practical use is the inclusion of a new central front towing device. Rated at 25 tonnes for both push and pull, 

this strong device will better facilitate the towing or shunting of trailers on construction site in countries such as 

Germany where this is a common application. 

The lower front of the FMX trucks has been extended 165 mm and there is a new anti-slip footstep integrated in 

the skid plate to enhance access to the windscreen for cleaning. An extra foldable extension step and/or a front grab 

handle at the upper grill are optional to provide even easier access. 

The truck features modern headlights (with optional mesh protection) that allow the lamps to be changed 

individually. LED lights in the side indicators have been selected to provide better light and longer life. 

There is the option of fog lamps that are neatly integrated into corners of the new three-piece steel front bumper. 

Complete with 3mm thick steel outer corners, the sectional bumper allows any damaged section to be more 

conveniently, and cheaply, replaced than if a one-piece bumper had been used. 

The FMX truck gains practical side mirrors that, whilst not being as stylish as those on FM vehicles offer very good 

vision. Carried on a narrow arm, the two side mirrors are both heated and the larger, upper one can be electrically 

adjusted. 

Cab mounted load inspection ladder 

The day cab variants of the new FMX trucks can be fitted with a ladder and grab handle assembly behind the driver’s 

door. This optional arrangement allows the driver to safely step out from his cab and climb up to check the load in the 

tipper body without having to go down to the ground and up again. 

Another option with the day cab is the provision of a new, higher air intake. This loftier intake not only helps to 

supply the engine with cleaner air but it also serves to improve visibility when reversing. 

Inside the cab there are three new interior trims to choose from: vinyl seats and door panels, textile seats and vinyl 

door panels or plush seats and door panels. A leather seat is optional. Practical interior features include easier to 

clean rubber mats, a table with dedicated space for cups and pens, a practical storage box and a paper holder in 

water resistant fabric. 

The day cab variants of the new 

FMX trucks can be fitted with a 

ladder and grab handle assembly 

behind the driver’s door. 

The front of the FMX truck has a new 

central towing device and a step to 

aid cleaning the windscreen. 


Page 33

To assist with the preparation of specific vehicle configurations, body 

builders can specify the rear overhang they require. The factory is geared 

up to provide pre-drilled frames with different lengths increasing in 50mm 

increments. Hayder Wokil says that Volvo’s aim is that body builders will 

not need to drill any holes in the FMX frame. 

The FMX trucks come with several options of fuel tank. The largest 

capacity tank has increased to 570 litres to satisfy requests made at the 

initial customer clinics. 

Dedicated construction I-Shift transmission 

To enhance the performance of its FMX trucks, Volvo offers the option of 

an updated construction version of its I-Shift automated manual 

The I-Shift gear lever includes the E/P 

mode selection button and the ‘plus’ / transmission. I-Shift was first introduced in 2002 in on-highway long haul 

‘minus’ override buttons. 

44 tonne trucks and subsequently its use has been greatly extended. Its 

popularity is such that last year 70% of Volvo trucks sold in Europe had 

I-Shift and 50% of the company’s construction customers also chose this transmission. 

Now for construction applications, the I-Shift transmission gains the more versatile P+ software. Smart electronics 

provide optimised gear selection and faster gearshifts whilst utilising higher engine revs. 

The Construction I-Shift comes as standard with basic shift strategy, performance shift, Basic gear selection 

Adjustment, a gearbox oil temperature monitor and launch control. Options include enhanced PTO functions, 

enhanced gear selection adjustment (including kickdown) and improved performance. 

A short test drive of I-Shift equipped FMX tippers on a twisty and hilly circuit in a large quarry near Gothenburg in 

Sweden revealed just how driver friendly this enhanced construction transmission is. I was able to select the P+ (Extra 

Performance) mode rather the Economic (on road) mode by pressing the E/P button on the gearlever. The P+ mode 

provides extra torque for starting, higher revs to better facilitate climbing the steep hills as well as quicker automated 

gear changes. 

Fast and responsive automated gearshifting 

With the automated gearshifting selected, I found that the gear changer was invariably fast and responsive. The 

system reacted well to steep slopes with the electronics usually keeping the transmission in the highest practical gear. 

Where the truck started to falter 

on a steep grade, the transmission 

quickly reacts to select a lower 

gear and retain forward 

momentum. Going down a 

significant slope is also as 

painless as the VEB+ (Volvo 

Engine Braking) really proved its 

worth. 

Leaf spring suspension is the 

most common choice for tippers 

used in construction applications. The arrival of the FMX trucks provides the Volvo Group with another attractive option 

Previously Volvo was not able to 

for construction sector customers seeking vehicles to move material on site. 

supply a load sensor on such vehicles and its I-Shift transmission could only start the vehicle in one to third gear. Now 

there is a load sensor on the truck’s rear axles and this extends the automatic selection of the correct gear to starting 

from first to fifth depending on weight and other factors. 

Usefully, the I-Shift’s automatic mode can be overridden by means of ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ buttons on the side of the 

gear lever. Just before reaching the bottom of a significant hill, you can press the minus button and let the engine 

speed reach around 2000rpm. With the chosen gear, the truck will then proceed up the hill without making any 

upshifts. 

An established feature is the hill start aid which prevents the truck from rolling backwards on a hill. It is 

automatically engaged when vehicle is on an incline of 1.5% or more. 

Other useful features now available with the construction version of I-Shift are Rock Free and Heavy Start. The 

former is a way of getting the truck unstuck from deep by rocking it to and fro by intermittent use of accelerator pedal. 

The latter automatically senses a heavy load and engages the clutch a bit harder at full throttle to get the vehicle 

moving. 

I was impressed by the driveability of FMX trucks which gain from the enhancements made to the I-Shift 

transmission. The arrival of this range with all its options should provide Volvo with ammunition to do much more truck 

business in the construction sector in a significant number of different countries. [CP&E] 

Page 34 

Volvo Trucks 


Page 35 

ArcGen Hilta 

Bobcat 

Case 

Caterpillar 

CompAir 

Doosan 

Finning 

Giraf Track 

Hydrema 

JCB 

COMP COMPANIES COMP ANIES IN IN THIS THIS ISSUE 

ISSUE 

Kobelco Cranes 

Manitowoc 

Manitou 

Mastenbroek 

Mercedes-Benz Unimog 

Omme 

Terex Cranes 

Volvo Construction Equipment 

Volvo Trucks 

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