Skid steer loaders is an all-new sector for Volvo Construction Equipment, which introduced a number of new models at CONEXPO-CON/AGG including the MCT135C
2011 has already seen a host of new machine introductions among compact equipment makers, and we take a look at some of them in the utility sector
With emissions legislation dominating the introduction of new machines over 130kW, smaller equipment has not been overlooked. Most firms have been working feverishly to produce quieter, more economical and more productive equipment and Japanese makerBadged the TB285, it replaces the company's TB175 excavator, bringing with it a new cab, automotive styling and more performance too.
As a result, the all-new cab structure boasts more internal space, achieved through cleverly repackaging the internal components to give more legroom and a feeling of openness inside.
Attention to detail within the cab extends to a revised instrument cluster that sits in front of the right-hand joystick and features clearer dials for water temperature and fuel level, with audible warnings for low oil pressure and high coolant temperature.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new excavator has a reduced tailswing, but gets additional counterweight to maintain previous levels of stability, while keeping the machine true to the 8.5 tonne class.
An integrated thumb bracket on the dipper stick offers yet more versatility, while proportional control of the hydraulic system, on both auxiliary lines, means rotators and grapples can be easily handled. There is more tractive effort available too, says the company, allowing the midi excavator to work more effectively when dozing.
Takeuchi also unveiled what it claims is the world's first all-electric, battery-powered excavator, the 1,720kg TB117e, which is said to offer an 80% reduction in running costs and a 55% reduction in its carbon footprint.
In addition to requiring no fuel, there are no oil changes, oil filters or coolant required - only hydraulic fluid and greases, says the company.
A pre-production prototype, the mini excavator's battery pack is said to provide six hours continuous operation on a full charge.
Recharging is said to take six hours at 220- 240volts, but up to 12 hours with the 110-volt North American system.
Takeuchi says that the production version, which could be available in the next two years, should also be capable of working directly from mains power, when it is available nearby.
It uses a motor-generator to create electrical energy, which is stored in a capacitor that can gather regenerated energy from braking. This electrical energy is used to power the motorgenerator when required, assisting the engine in driving the 65Z's transmission.
As a result, the hybrid loader needs only a 4.5litre engine with 104kW and 587Nm of available torque to achieve the same productivity as its non-hybrid stablemate the 65ZV-2. By comparison, the 65ZV-2 uses a 5.19litre engine and gives 111kW and 584Nm of torque.
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Tipping loads are from 862kg to 2,313kg, and rated operating capacities extend from 431kg to 1,557kg. A parallel linkage is used for the 140 and 340 loader arms, with a more powerful, Z-bar linkage found on the 540.
A full cab option is available on the 340 and 540, while all models use a multi-function joystick for boom lift/lower, bucket crowd/tip, boom float, change of travel direction, differential lock and auxiliary hydraulic functions.
Kubota's quest to get much more versatility from its RTV utility vehicles has seen the compact equipment maker introduce the RTV1140CPX model. Using rear-seat technology often found in the automotive industry, the fourseat RTV1140 has a folding bench seat that can be flipped forward to allow the load bed to be extended by 45cm when not carrying passengers.
Conversion from four-seater to extended load bed takes less than 30 seconds, using integral components that are clipped into position.
This versatile utility vehicle is powered by a 18.5kW three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, gets four-wheel braking and hydraulic power steering.
Perhaps the busiest sector of all is that of skid steer loaders, with new models coming from
It is an all-new sector for Volvo Construction Equipment, which announced last year that it would embark on a joint venture with JCB for skid steer production. As a result, it has revealed the first nine models in an extensive range of skid steer loaders and compact tracked loaders.
Built for Volvo in the US by JCB at its Savannah factory, the range will be completed with additional models later this year. The first wheeled models have rated capacities of 1,009- 1,495kg with engine outputs of 62-68kW.
The compact tracked loaders currently available have operating capacities up to 1,452kg and engine outputs up to 68kW. As found on the JCB range, the machines have a single loader arm, which allows for a full door on the left-hand side of the cab, making it easy to get into and out of the cab.
JCB's own range has been swollen with seven new models of skid steer loader being added to its range, almost doubling the line-up from eight to 15 models.
Conversion from four-seater to extended load bed takes less than 30 seconds, using integral components that are clipped into position.
Kubota says that in both guises, the bed can still be tipped hydraulically.
This versatile utility vehicle is powered by a 18.5kW three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, gets four-wheel braking and hydraulic power steering.
Perhaps the busiest sector of all is that of skid steer loaders, with new models coming from Case, New Holland, Bobcat, JCB, Volvo and Kubota.
It is an all-new sector for Volvo Construction Equipment, which announced last year that it would embark on a joint venture with JCB for skid steer production. As a result, it has revealed the first nine models in an extensive range of skid steer loaders and compact tracked loaders.
Built for Volvo in the US by JCB at its Savannah factory, the range will be completed with additional models later this year. The first wheeled models have rated capacities of 1,009- 1,495kg with engine outputs of 62-68kW.
The compact tracked loaders currently available have operating capacities up to 1,452kg and engine outputs up to 68kW. As found on the JCB range, the machines have a single loader arm, which allows for a full door on the left-hand side of the cab, making it easy to get into and out of the cab.
JCB's own range has been swollen with seven new models of skid steer loader being added to its range, almost doubling the line-up from eight to 15 models.
The new machines are a mix of wheeled and rubber tracked models that sit above the firm's existing skid steers, and they also bring verticallift booms that afford increased capacity and more reach at maximum lift height, along with fuel efficient DieselMax engines too.
Badged 260, 280, 300 and 330 wheeled skid steers and 260T, 300T, 320T compact track loaders, these additions to the range are large platform machines with rated operating capacities from 1,179-1,495kg.
For the last 17 years, JCB admits it has barely scratched the surface of the skid steer loader market. Its existing range has been somewhat inadequate for those who wanted a powerful, larger class machine and the lack of a boom with vertical lift characteristics has hampered sales too.
But this expanded skid steer range will enable JCB to cover 97% of the skid steer market, compared to meeting just 53% with its former eight model range. And the developments are unlikely to stop there. JCB deputy chairman John Patterson said that telescopic boom technology could soon be transferred into the skid steer range too, creating the industry's first telescopic skid steer loader.
These new models represent the third generation of skid steer produced by JCB. It is a range that will eventually include a total of 11 wheeled and seven tracked models when existing models are over hauled later this year, when three additional models will be added to the range.
JCB's developments however, haven't stopped with skid steer loaders: its compact 1CX-T now combines the features of two machines in one, blending skid steer with backhoe loader.
This concept machine is likely to go into production towards the end of 2011 and the 45kW machine is based on the wheeled 1CX version.
Heavily revamped, the 1CX-T includes longer loader arms to give a 2.73m load-over height, an extending dipper option adding 500mm to the working envelope, servo controls and a power management system. The tracked machine will come with a 125litre/min high flow auxiliary hydraulic system, and integrated air conditioning will also be offered for the cab. However, both these items are likely to be extra cost options.
Kubota's entry into the compact track loader market sees the new SVL75 and SVL90 rubbertracked models form part of its compact equipment line-up.
The 55kW SVL75 boasts a 2,814kg bucket breakout force and a 2,214kg lift capacity, while the larger, 67kW SVL90 has a bucket breakout force of 3611kg and a lift capacity of 2662kg.
Both models are powered by four-cylinder, direct-injection, turbo-charged Kubota diesel engines, tuned to provide the different power levels required.
Case Construction Equipment has launched nine Alpha series skid steers and three compact tracked loaders. The skid steers have rated operating capacities from 590-1,360kg and engine horsepower from 34-67kW. The line-up includes six radial lift and three vertical lift models, covering hard digging and materials handling applications.
The compact tracked loaders tip the scales from 1,226-1,905kg, and have engines with outputs from 55-67kW. There are two radial lift models and a single vertical lift machine. All Alpha series models have improved visibility, thanks to an ultra-narrow wire side-screen, and the cabs are 25% larger than on previous models.
New Holland also has new skid steer loaders, badged the 200-series. Models feature longer wheelbases for greater stability, a full-size cab and 20% more power than the previous L-Series machines.
Five new vertical lift models, L218, L220, L223, L225 and L230, range from 42-62kW and feature New Holland's vertical lift Super Boom.
Two new radial lift skid steers, the L213 and L215 models, feature a 15% increase in breakout force for excellent digging power.
Bobcat's T770 compact tracked loader represents a new generation of compact loaders and with a new design of cab that is mounted further forward than traditional designs to improve visibility.
There is more space, less noise and improved ergonomics for greater operator comfort, says the company.
With a significant increase in power, hydraulic performance and productivity, the T770 has a rated operating capacity of 1.61tonnes and a tipping load of 4.6tonnes.
Hydraulic flow has been increased by more than 30% to provide significantly better attachment performance, while standard travel speed of 10.6km/hour can be increased to 17.2km/h using an optional two-speed system.
Traction has been increased by 15% to 20% to provide greater pushing and digging power while a larger fuel tank allows for longer work intervals between refuelling, says Bobcat.
The company has also developed an extending dipper arm option for its E32 and E35 mini excavators, increasing the reach by 76cm over the standard boom and arm configuration.
Spanish company
AUSA heavy dumpers are fitted with the Premium cabin, which features sound proofing, armrests, tinted windows, front and rear windscreen wipers and many optional extras.
AUSA also highlighted the smaller D 350 AHG and the D 150 AHG, two powerful compact articulated dumpers with side-tipping, payload capacities of 3,500kg and 1,500kg respectively, latest-generation Kubota engines, and hydrostatic transmission. The other 1,500kg dumper will be the D 150 RM, which boasts hydraulic frontal tipping.
The rigid-chassis AUSA D 201 RHGS dumper has a payload capacity of 2,000kg, 180º hydraulic rotating tipping, a hopper of 1,230litres and a self-loading shovel. It is equipped with a Kubota engine and a two-speed hydrostatic transmission.
