Highlighting the Most Exciting Equipment and Products of 2016

Packed with Productivity

Caterpillar’s New 14M3 Motor Grader Ups Efficiency, Lowers Operator Costs

Productivity and efficiency. Check! Lower owning and operating costs. Check! Cat’s 14M3 motor graders features a full suite of integrated technology solutions that improve operator performance and productivity while reducing operating costs. The fully scalable, factory-integrated Cat GRADE with Cross Slope system allows operators to easily maintain desired cross slope by automatically controlling one side of the blade, ensuring the targeted slope is always met. In conjunction with Cat GRADE with Cross Slope, the Cat Advanced Control Joysticks allow the operator to easily manipulate any Cat GRADE or AccuGrade blade control system while maintaining control of all other machine and implement functions. The newly patented Stable Blade feature is the first-of-its-kind anti-bounce system for a motor grader. It detects and minimizes machine bounce by automatically controlling the throttle during operation, with no operator intervention required. The system helps eliminate rework, saving time and reducing fuel burn.

For more information, visit www.catallday.com.

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Good Grades

John Deere’s 700K SmartGrade Dozer Gets an “A” for Accuracy

Launched in March 2016, the John Deere 700K SmartGrade crawler dozer improves jobsite accuracy and quality of work through its complete integration of the Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System. The system is fully integrated into the machine cabin, structures and software — delivering precise grading performance while eliminating vulnerable external masts and cables. Because SmartGrade is integrated into the 130-hp 700K, it removes the need to install equipment daily, reducing setup time. Eliminating external cables to the masts reduces breakage, and the removal of the masts from the blade eliminates vulnerability to damage and theft. Inside the cab, the Auto SmartGrade feature allows the operator to easily adjust the system when moving the machine from one soil type to another, unlike an after-market system, which often requires the GPS manager to make a trip to the machine to recalibrate the system.
Especially helpful to new operators, Auto SmartGrade automatically lifts the blade over heavy loads before track slippage occurs, then returns the blade to grade. SmartGrade also limits the number of passes required, reducing the pace of wear on the undercarriage. Machine dimensions are preloaded into the grade control monitor, reducing the time required to calibrate the dozer to about 30 minutes. Additionally, the easy-to-use system is beneficial to new operators in that it can get them up and running quickly.

For more information, visit www.deere.com.

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An Eye on Utilities

The Vactor HXX ParaDIGm Helps Contractors Identify Dangers Underground

With their ability to uncover utilities effectively, vacuum excavators have become a go-to piece of equipment for those working underground. In June, Vactor Mfg. introduced the Vactor HXX ParaDIGm — a compact, multi-use truck that can dig holes with water or air; vacuum, contain and dispose of drill mud; power pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical tools; and provide transport and storage of replacement parts, equipment and tools. The truck’s trademarked “Park-n-Dig” design minimizes the time between arriving on the jobsite and excavation, including the ability to dig up to 6 ft in depth without additional pipe and hose. The air compressor, which is standard on the ParaDIGm, is able to power utility tools such as jackhammers and tampers that may be used on the job. The machine features a 6-in. hose and a powerful vacuum system capable of up to 2,200 cfm and 15 in. Hg of vacuum. The larger hose and vacuum system make the ParaDIGm a more productive vacuum excavator than other units this size.

For more information, visit www.vactor.com.

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Size Matters

Case Introduces Its Largest Skid Steer Yet

Power, strength, size, versatility — these attributes please us in off-highway equipment. Looking for those qualities in a skid steer? We suggest you test Case’s just-released SV340 skid steer, but only if you’re looking for something beast-worthy. This heavy-duty, earth-moving mini monster utilizes vertical lift and has a 3,400-lb rated operating capacity.

The SV340 provides extra power and performance, along with a stronger lift arm, H-link and upper chassis. The machine also offers optional high-flow (38.7 gpm at 3,450 psi) and enhanced high-flow (35 gpm at 4,000 psi) auxiliary hydraulics for excellent power and attachment versatility. New heavy-duty 14 x 17.5 tires and additional counterweights make the SV340 the ideal operating platform for more advanced attachments such as cold planers, tree spades and stump grinders.

For more info, visit www.casece.com.

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Can you Dig it? Komatsu and Volvo Release New Excavators

Komatsu’s PC360LCi-11

Komatsu has always prided itself on designing equipment that helps contractors work efficiently. Its new PC360LCi-11 intelligent Machine Control hydraulic excavator does just that. With the introduction of the new machine, Komatsu is the first and only OEM to bring 3D GNSS, automated machine control technology to the competitive 36-metric-ton class. Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control technology offers up to a 66 percent improvement in excavating efficiency over the standard model and traditional stake-plus-grade-checker methods. The PC360LCi-11 digs direct to grade accurately, without stopping, by utilizing the on-board, factory-installed 3D GNSS technology and machine control automation. The PC360LCi-11 features full 3D capabilities (not limited like 2D only systems), allowing it to dig to grade everywhere on the jobsite a 3D GNSS dozer does. Advanced features such as facing angle compass and minimum distance bucket control are delivered in a simple and intuitive manner, with a class-leading 12.1-in. touchscreen display.

For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.

Volvo’s EC750E

Go big or go home, right? Well, Volvo certainly went big with its new 75-ton EC750E excavator — making it the company’s largest in North America. The EC750E boasts significant measurable improvements in power and digging force, and delivers up to 15 percent higher productivity than its predecessor, the  EC700CL. The EC750E assists large utility contractors with the power and versatility required to stay efficient on major infrastructure projects. Featuring a powerful 516-hp Volvo D16 Tier 4 Final engine, the machine utilizes advanced technology built on decades of experience to ensure high productivity. Its 11 percent increase in horsepower and 5 percent greater fuel efficiency allow for higher production at a lower cost-per-ton. When combined with larger diameter boom cylinders and increased working pressure, the EC750E delivers a 7 percent increase in digging force, making big jobs look easy.

For more information, visit www.volvoce.com/na.

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Comfortable Quarters

Ditch Witch Blends Comfort and Productivity in Its Utility Tractors

Hoping to ease the toll operators take on the job, the Ditch Witch organization took its productive trenchers to the next level with the new line of ride-on utility tractors — the RT105, RT125 and RT125 Quad. Released in August 2016, all three machines were built featuring redesigned operator stations to keep workers productive and comfortable all day on the job. The updated workstations are equipped with a 5-in. color LCD engine display for direct visibility into all machine functions, including engine performance and diagnostics for optimal efficiency. Improved comfort features include an ergonomic, high-back rotating seat, advanced control console with 120-degree rotation and easy-to-read gauges, expanded legroom and upgraded foot-pedal design and a tilt-steering column. Further improving performance, the RT125 Quad features a three-speed, shift-on-the-fly ground drive to sense load conditions and automatically adjust to meet individual jobsite needs. And, its standard rear steer provides operators with improved turning radius and increased traction while digging.

For more information, visit www.ditchwitch.com.

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Raising the Bar

Doosan’s DL220-5 Wheel Loader Lifts Higher, Operates Efficiently

Thanks to its unique high-lift Z-bar configuration, the Doosan DL220-5 wheel loader features an extended dump height of 18 in. above the standard configuration. The high-lift option is ideal for loading material into high-sided trucks and building stockpiles. The Doosan DL220-5 wheel loader is powered by a Doosan DL06, non-DPF diesel engine. The 160-hp DL220-5 provides power and performance for excavating, grading and loading tasks. The compact, maneuverable wheel loader is ideal for utility construction projects in commercial and residential areas and is designed for use with a 3-cu-yd bucket. DL220-5 wheel loaders are driven by a powershift transmission. The fully automatic transmission — with three selectable transmission modes — utilizes a vehicle control unit (VCU), which means the engine’s computer and transmission control system constantly communicate with each other to reduce fuel consumption and increase performance.

For more information, visit www.doosanequipment.com.

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Big Lift, Small Package

Vacuworx’s SS 2 Brings Vacuum Lifting to Skid Steers

Vacuworx’s awesome vacuum lifting attachment systems have been around for a while, but this year the company finally released a skid steer version, and it rocks out most convincingly. The new Vacuworx SS 2 Vacuum Lifting System allows your skid steer to become part of a system that can lift steel plates, saw cut concrete, granite/marble slabs, landscape pavers and other materials faster, safer and smarter. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the patent pending design has a hydraulically-driven vacuum pump and can be easily attached to any skid steer. BONUS: The SS 2 can also be used with a variety of mini excavators or small cranes using the clevis hook connection. The compact design weighs just 98 lbs (without mounting plate) but has a lifting capacity up to 2,716 lbs.

For more information, visit www.vacuworx.com.

  Tags: Case, Ditch Witch, Doosan, John Deere, Komatsu, November December 2016 Print Issue, Vactor, Vacuworx, Volvo