Earthmoving machines may soon get a boost of diesel-electric hybrid power, as heavy-equipment producers mirror automakers' efforts to attack problems that rising oil consumption poses to inflation, energy security and the environment. Concept machine makes North American debut. New Holland, a division of Lake Forest, Ill.-based CNH Global N.V., may be the first vendor out of the chute with the "HE-01," a 7-ton hydraulic excavator powered by 2.2L diesel engine and a 37-kW electric motor. So far, the company has produced four prototypes, using this year's World of Concrete show to put the spotlight on hybrid construction machines for the
A surge in commercial and public construction work could help offset a soft housing market and stoke a modest cement consumption increase in 2007-08, reports the Portland Cement Association, a Skokie, Ill.-based trade group. Tony Illia/ENR Sullivan. Higher cement usage is aiding overall consumption, the PCA says, despite a 12.9% drop in new home starts nationwide last year. Homebuilding accounts for about 25% of all Portland cement sales. “Concrete's relative pricing compared to competing building materials will result in a 2% cement intensity growth in 2007,” said Edward J. Sullivan, PCA’s chief economist, at the Jan. 23-26 World of Concrete
Hydraulic Demolition Attachment: Powerful Cutting Force The new CC 1700 hydraulic demolition attachment provides 220 tons of cutting force at the jaw tip, making it one of the most powerful cutters in its class, the manufacturer says. The product's single pin jaw retention design improves tool visibility for the operator and reduces the time needed to switch between sets of cutting jaws. Both universal jaws and steel cutting jaws are available. Universal jaws open 29.5 in. wide and are ideal for building demolition; steel cutting jaws open 17 in. wide and are best for steel structure demolition. Atlas Copco Construction
Many of today’s pickup trucks have a split personality—they can’t decide whether to be a car, work truck, SUV or something else. But the new 2007 GMC Sierra has enough options to please any construction user. Ride is improved for the plain-styled, multi-powered Sierra. Built on the same base as the edgier Chevy Silverado, Sierra’s plain exterior reflects a truck that roams freely from the driveway to the jobsite. A recent test drive revealed several other enhancements. The body has a tight fit, while a stiffer, boxed frame adds stability. Gone is the “black hole” between the cab and bed,
Crawler: With Rear-View Camera and Remote Lift The SuperVision 140 video inspection crawler travels through pipelines 6 in. and larger to evaluate conditions and maintenance needs. In addition to a short wheelbase, steerable six-wheel drive and a range of traction options, the crawler has a remote-operated camera lift to adjust view height and a monochrome rear-viewing camera to stop flips and cable snags when in reverse. A PipeBus network control architecture performs onboard diagnostics and allows for the use of light-weight cable for lengthy travels. Envirosight, LLC; 1-866-9ENVIRO; www.envirosight.com Blades: For Hacksaws and Band Saws Bosch presents a new hacksaw
Evaporative Air-Conditioning: Drier Cooling Up to three times as efficient as the best compression-cycle air conditioners, the Coolerado Cooler is an all-indirect, evaporative air-conditioning system that does not add any moisture. The fan is sized to handle most ducted applications and will deliver 1,500 CFM of conditioned air. Cooling output is optimal in drier areas in the western U.S. Coolerado; 303-375-0878; www.coolerado.com sponsored link: Evaporative Air-Conditioning on Sweets.com (Sponsored Content) Infrared Heaters: Expansions to the Line Space Ray's expanded line of low-intensity, gas-fired, infrared tube heaters are available in both natural and propane gas and range in capacity from 40,000
Milling Machines: From Small to Large Pavement contractors now have more milling options with this manufacturer's new line starting with the light-duty MW-500 and the larger MT-2000 (shown). Four more sizes are planned with milling widths up to 14 ft. The smallest model, MW-500, built in Germany, has a cutting width of about 20 in. and depth of 8.25 in. The U.S.-built midsize MT-2000 can cut across a half lane and chew up as much as 1,330 cu yd per hour. Its quad-track carrier has circle, front, rear, coordinated and crab steer modes. Ingersoll-Rand Co.; 201-573-0123; www.ingersollrand.com Submersible Pump: Handles
Mobile Generator Line: New Models Manufacturer announces the launch of seven new models, tailored for performance, simplicity and value, in the PowerSource mobile generator line. The generators are G90-G570 models, ranging from 94 to 570 kVA. Like all PowerSource generators, the new models have multi-voltage capabilities, easy access to maintenance points through wide opening side doors, and offer full containment of all generator fluids. Ingersoll Rand Construction Technologies; 800-866-5457; www.ingersollrand.com Cranes: With 'Easy Reach' Console The new Series 1300H is a 27-tonne capacity, stand-up control crane features a patent-pending control console technology called 'Easy Reach,' a spring assisted console which
Anti-Vibration Handles: Reduces Vibration and Operator's Risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome The new Vibratech handle diminishes vibration by eliminating the direct contact between the spindle and the grip of company's entire line of angle grinders. Absorbent elastomer between the spindle and grip helps to reduce vibration even further, lowering vibration on the side handle by up to 60% compared to standard handles, the manufacturer says. Metabo Corp; 800-638-2264; www.metabousa.com Catalyst: Improves Fuel Economy As an answer to high diesel prices, particulate emissions and global warming, company introduces Platinum Plus, a fuel-borne catalyst that improves fuel economy for engines up to
Dust and Erosion Controlled: Protects High-Traffic Areas To provide a long-term answer to the problem of dust and erosion on unpaved roads, construction sites and other areas, Midwest Industrial Supply has produced Road Oyl. The environmentally safe, resin-modified emulsion product creates a smooth, pavement-like surface, and can be used in many climates. Midwest Industrial Supply; 330-456-3121; www.midwestind.com Thermometer: Advanced Measurement Accuracy Without users making contact with the object being measured, the RIDGID MicroRay IR-100 is able to produce a fast, accurate temperature reading. The non-contact infrared thermometer can be used for facility management, maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, automotive and food
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