Celebrating the Most Exciting Equipment and Products of 2017

Large and in Charge

John Deere Releases the Largest PAT Dozer in the Industry

Forget multiple machines. The John Deere 950K PAT dozer can handle it all thanks to its 8.6-cu-yd six-way PAT (power angle tilt) blade. The PAT enhances jobsite productivity and versatility by executing several tasks that might otherwise require additional equipment. It also allows operators to place material where they want it on every pass using the blade angle feature. Contractors will quickly realize that the efficiently designed hydrostatic powertrain will get approximately 15 percent more power to the ground versus a conventional torque-converter powertrain. Available in standard and low ground pressure (LGP) configurations, this dual-path hydrostatic transmission allows an operator to push a full load through turns without losing material. Equipped with standard electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, the 950K PAT is grade-control ready, making adding a grade-control system as easy as plugging in the components, calibrating and going to work. John Deere’s “open-architecture” design lets customers easily employ their favorite brand of grade-control system — Trimble, Topcon or Leica. For more information, visit www.johndeere.com.

Ready to Work

Komatsu America’s PC138USLC-11 Offers Big Power in Compact Sites

Cramped jobsite? No problem! Thanks to Komatsu America’s PC138USLC-11 hydraulic excavator, operators can enjoy the power on a 14-ton machine and the short tail clearance needed for urban infrastructure and utilities work. The purpose-built, tight-tail excavator features a rounded cab and tail swing radius of 5 ft,1 in. The excavator has a closed center load-sensing hydraulic system with a quick arm return value to provide excellent fine control and quick cycle times. Its powerful, yet fuel efficient, four-cylinder, Tier 4 Final engine includes Komatsu Closed Crankcase Ventilation (KCCV) and Komatsu Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (KDOC) aftertreatment to reduce particulate matter using passive regeneration over 98 percent of the time. The PC138USLC-11 features KOMTRAX 5.0 for remote telematics monitoring of machine location, service meter reading (machine hours), utilization, fuel consumption and more. The machine is also covered by the Komatsu CARE program for the first three years or 2,000 hours, whichever comes first. For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.

Shift Change

The Cat D6T Dozer Delivers Smooth Shifting

Operators rejoice! The new Cat D6T dozer not only delivers up to 30 percent fuel savings, but offers easier operation and exceptionally smooth shifting. Thanks to the fully automatic four-speed transmission, operators simply set the desired ground speed and the dozer continuously adjusts for maximum power to the ground and optimal fuel efficiency. The operator does not have to upshift/downshift, so achieving maximum dozing efficiency is as easy as driving a pickup truck. Caterpillar engineers designed the auto shift to work up and down the entire working range, so fuel consumption is optimized for a greater percentage of the time. An added gear between first and second ensures smooth shifting. The dozer offers the full suite of Cat Connect GRADE technologies, including standard Cat GRADE with Slope Assist and optional Cat GRADE with 3D. These GRADE technologies help operators of all experience levels work faster, more accurately and with fewer operator inputs. For more information, visit www.cat.com.

Operator Input

Ditch Witch’s JT40 Drill Is Loaded with Features to Boost Comfort and Productivity

When Ditch Witch set out to design its JT40 drill, it relied on direct input from operators to include features that met specific jobsite needs and ensured comfort and productivity. Mission accomplished. The JT40 is available with the option of a fully enclosed cab or an open operator’s station designed with integrated vandal covers. Both options feature an ergonomic seat with extended legroom and place the operator at a 45-degree angle, which provides visibility of all critical vision points. In addition to two, 7-in. digital displays, the machine’s real-time carriage-position indicator tells the operator the exact carriage location for increased productivity and more intuitive operation. For greater drilling efficiency, the JT40 offers a two-speed, rotational drive system that produces 5,500 ft-lbs of torque. The machine minimizes pipe-entry distance, giving operators increased drill pipe support as it enters the ground. It also holds up to 600 ft of drill pipe onboard, allowing for longer bores and increased ROI. For more information, visit www.ditchwitch.com.

Meet the Minotaur

Case Creates a Whole New Category of Compact Equipment

Equipped with a dedicated track undercarriage and extra weight compared to a skid steer, compact track loaders make great dozing units. That’s exactly what Case thought with its DL450 compact dozer loader — a.k.a. Project Minotaur. With more than 30 new patents pending, the one-of-a-kind DL450 integrates a small dozer in a platform with a track loader’s ability to take a zillion attachments. The DL450 main body was born from the base frame of a TV380 track loader (the largest and most powerful in the Case family). It operates with track loader controls but uses dozer features such as blade shake and pitch adjustment. A counterweight has been added, and the undercarriage features steel tracks and grousers, a fifth roller for better traction and greater clearance. The design even includes a rear, integrated ripper. Plus, the DL450 can be outfitted with a Leica Geosystems 3D grade control system. The DL450 is not yet available, but the concept was released at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017. For more info, visit www.casece.com.

In Control

Vermeer’s SPX25 Vibratory Plow Features a Remote Control, Better Visibility

Vermeer answered the call for fast and efficient cable/fiber and irrigation system installation with the SPX25 vibratory plow. It features a full-function remote control that gives the operator a 360-degree view of the jobsite, helping to avoid potential obstacles and an unobstructed view of the product being installed. The SPX25 is compact, powerful and built with tracks to minimize ground disturbance. The machine is powered by a 25-hp Kohler gas engine that provides ample power for installing small pipes and cables at depths up to 12 in. and for boring underneath driveways and sidewalks using the optional Porta Bore attachment. The dual rubber tracks with a ground pressure of 3.7 psi on the SPX25 deliver great floatation in soft ground conditions and help reduce jobsite restoration after an install. The lightweight plow offers a quick transport speed of 3.7 mph. For efficient turning, the SPX25 unit is equipped with a pivot-mounted plow that has a 55-degree swing angle that automatically adjusts when turning. For more information, visit www.vermeer.com.

Vacuum Lifting

Vacuworx’s CM 3 Compact Modular Vacuum Lifting System Makes Lifting a Breeze

Picking up concrete slabs and trench plates has never been easier. Designed to specifically work with compact equipment like skid steers and track loaders, the CM 3 Compact Modular Vacuum Lifting System from Vacuworx is easily adaptable to different material handling needs with an interchangeable pad system. It can be used for concrete slabs to pipe-moving applications. The system utilizes the auxiliary hydraulics from the host machine and can be installed in just minutes. Vacuum lifting is a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lifting methods such as anchors, hooks, slings and chains. For more information, visit www.vacuworx.com.

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All Eyes on Utilities

Vactor and McLaughlin Release Two New Vacuum Excavators

Vactor’s HXX Vacuum Excavator Concept

Meet the next generation Vactor HXX vacuum excavator. The new HXX concept showcases Vactor’s latest improvements in payload capacity, weight distribution, operation and performance. The HXX concept maximizes legal payload for customers and improves operational efficiency. The placement of the debris body and water tank on the concept’s chassis ensures equal distribution of the payload on the axles, regardless of how much water is in the tanks. A new PrecisionFlow water pump system features a single-piston design which is capable of higher flow and pressures than a triplex water pump system for superior production and reliability. The HXX concept features Vactor’s Park-N-Dig quick operation design, which reduces setup and teardown time between jobs. In addition, the HXX concept is equipped with a QuietPak sound-damping system featuring a Robuschi positive displacement blower rated for 6,176 cfm and 28-in. Hg. The system delivers higher airflow and quieter operation, with a decibel rating of less than 90 dB(A) throughout the rpm range. For more information, visit www.vactor.com.

McLaughlin’s ECO75

Looking for a larger boom? Smaller spoil tank? No problem! The ECO75 truck-mounted vacuum excavator from McLaughlin was designed to accommodate the varying needs of the utility construction market. A 74-hp Deutz Final Tier 4 diesel engine powers a 1,200-high cfm vacuum blower and an 8-gpm water pump capable of 3,000 psi operating pressure, making these excavators an ideal choice for compact jobsites, production potholing, setting power poles or fluid management in directional drilling operations. The vacuum excavator also features a larger 5-in. boom that pulls more material and reduces clogging to enhance jobsite production. Contractors can customize the unit to meet their business needs by choosing either a 500-, 800- or 1,200-gal capacity spoil tank, as well as the option of adding a sewer jetter or air compressor to their ECO75 vacuum excavator. McLaughlin’s industry-exclusive three-stage cyclonic filtration system allows both wet and dry vacuum excavation while prolonging filter life and helping to keep maintenance costs low. For more information, visit www.mclaughlinunderground.com.

 

Tags: Case Construction Equipment, Caterpillar, Ditch Witch, John Deere, Komatsu, Mclaughlin, Vactor, Vacuworx, Vermeer