To coincide with the Electric Utility Lineman Day in Virginia, Terex Utilities sponsored the 11th annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman’s Rodeo and the Terex Equipment Operator’s Rodeo April 5-6, at the Caroline County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Ruther Glen, Va. Terex supplied the utility trucks, including: two Terex Commander 4047 digger derricks; one Commander 4047 digger derrick with the Terex X-Boost system; two TC55 material handlers; one Hi-Ranger HRX55 overcenter aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System; one Hi-Ranger TCX55 non-overcenter aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System; and one Hi-Ranger LTM40 telescopic aerial device with the Terex HyPower Hybrid System for operators to compete on and demo during the two-day event.

“Sponsoring these rodeos gives Terex Utilities yet another opportunity to grow and nurture relationships with our current customers, as well as increases our visibility with new customers and allows us to position our value as a supplier,” said Jim Lohan, Terex vice president of sales and marketing. “Our sponsorship of this event signals our ongoing commitment to be a vital partner and resource to customers in the electric utilities market.”

During the two-day event, more than 120 electric linemen from nine states demonstrated their skills operating Terex utility trucks and equipment. Friday’s competitions showcased operators’ abilities maneuvering Terex bucket trucks and digger derricks used to maintain electric distribution systems. Saturday’s competitions featured individual and team events in a variety of timed and scored tasks using Terex utility equipment. The rodeos were presented by the consumer-owned Electric Cooperatives of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

For more information about the Gaff-n-Go Lineman’s Rodeo, including 2013 scores and pictures from the event, click here. 

For more information about Terex Utilities products and services, visit www.terexutilities.com.

Just because we’re back in the office, doesn’t mean we’re done with bauma coverage. At the show, John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) introduced the PowerTech PWL 4.5L engine, which will meet Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations without a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The 85- to 140-hp engine complements the John Deere lineup of Tier 4 Final/Stage IV off-highway diesel engines rated 48 to 600 hp also announced at bauma.

The PowerTech PWL 4.5L engine reduces cost and improves engine packaging by eliminating the DPF — while still meeting customer performance expectations for applications in the 75- to 140-hp power segment.

The PowerTech PWL 4.5L is equipped with an Integrated Emissions Control system consisting of selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology. Elimination of the DPF was enabled through combustion system optimization and improvements in SCR system conversion efficiency.

“We believe the elimination of the DPF will serve OEMs and end users well in the very competitive 75 to 140 hp segment, balancing packaging and product cost considerations with performance and operating cost requirements,” said John Piasecki, director of marketing, sales and customer support for John Deere Power Systems. “We expect emissions technologies will continue to evolve and improve, and we’ll adopt those changes when available to improve the customer experience.”

The introduction of the PowerTech PWL 4.5L engine represents the third Integrated Emissions Control system configuration John Deere will offer for Tier 4 Final /Stage IV.

For the 48 to 74 hp power range, John Deere will offer models using a DOC/DPF without cooled EGR or SCR. The PowerTech PWL 4.5L in the 75 to 140 hp power range will be equipped with an Integrated Emissions Control system configured with SCR, a DOC and cooled EGR. Engine models above 140 hp will feature an Integrated Emissions Control system consisting of cooled EGR, a DOC/DPF and SCR. All John Deere Integrated Emissions Control systems are exclusively designed to meet the specific demands of off-highway applications in the given power categories.

“At John Deere, we tailor our Integrated Emissions Control system configurations to meet customer needs and Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations,” Piasecki said. “We’re confident that all of our solutions will deliver industry leading performance and value while also meeting required long-term emissions compliance.”

John Deere did attain an industry leading fuel economy position with its Tier 3/Stage III A and Interim Tier 4/Stage III B engines. With the move to SCR technology for Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines, total fluid economy becomes important, and John Deere is confident that its total fluid operating costs will continue that industry leadership. Total fluid economy takes into account an engine’s total fluid consumption, including diesel fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF consumption with John Deere Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines will be 1 to 4 percent of diesel fuel consumption depending on the application. Low DEF consumption also means 1) the DEF tank size can be smaller, minimizing space required on vehicles, 2) extended DEF filter service intervals, and 3) less on-site bulk storage requirements.

John Deere Final Tier 4/Stage IV engines will provide the same or higher levels of power density and transient response as the Interim Tier 4/Stage III B product lineup.

Models and power ratings for the full John Deere Final Tier 4/Stage IV lineup include:

• PowerTech EWX 2.9L: 48-74 hp
•  PowerTech EWX 4.5L: 74 hp
•  PowerTech PWL 4.5L: 85-140 hp
•  PowerTech PSS 4.5L: 125-173 hp
•  PowerTech PVS 6.8L: 140-250 hp
•  PowerTech PSS 6.8L: 225-300 hp
•  PowerTech PSS 9.0L: 250-425 hp
•  PowerTech PSS 13.5L: 414-600 hp
  

John Deere has an established record of reliability, accumulating over 22 million operating hours with various after-treatment technologies. John Deere claims a large dedicated in-house after-treatment team, working with a mature exhaust filter and SCR supply chain, all to provide a field-proven Tier 4 Final/Stage IV product lineup.

The worldwide John Deere dealer network of more than 4,000 service locations will be trained and prepared to fully support customers and their Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines.

For more information on JDPS and its products, visit www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower.

Well our time at bauma is coming to a close and we would like to thank you, our readers, for following along in our journey. It has been an amazing experience here in Munich and it's safe to say our equipment cravings have been fully satisfied.

Engines were big at bauma with equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Volvo and JCB unveiling their Tier 4 Final solutions. Not to mention, engine OEMs including Perkins and Cummins releasing their impressive Tier 4 Final innovations.

Case made us giddy with new wheel loader and excavator offerings, and New Holland opened our eyes with the introduction of its new C-Series dozers.

Terex, Wacker Neuson and Manitou all gave us a great look at their 2012 and what to expect for this year and beyond.

If you're still planning to make your way to bauma, there are still a few days left to visit the world's largest construction trade fair. Show times are:

Thursday and Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

So now it's time for us to rest, kick up our feet and have a beer (or four). And like we've said all week, be sure to check out the May issues of both Compact Equipment and Utility Contractor for our complete bauma coverage. Until next time... Prost!

No dozing off here!

New Holland opened eyes and made quite an impression at bauma with the introduction of the company’s new C Series dozers. Redesigned from the ground up, the new C Series makes a complete break from the previous generation to offer new features that will allow operators to work faster and save fuel.  

The three models of the new C Series feature New Holland’s well proven SCR technology, which brings a remarkable 10.5 percent fuel savings compared to the previous generation, based on hourly fuel consumption. The 6.7-liter FPT Industrial engine delivers an impressive incremental power of 9 percent for the D125C and D180C and 16 percent for the D150C. As a result, the engine is more reactive to load changes and the torque growth is higher to avoid big engine rpm drops. The combined effect of New Holland’s SCR technology and the performance delivered by the powerful engine can drive the new models’ efficiency up to an exceptional 19 percent.

The three C Series models now feature a hydrostatic transmission that delivers drawbar pull of 213 kN for the D125C, 311 kN for the D150C and 372 kN for the D180C. The entire system has been redesigned with a new layout that ensures perfect cooling even in the hottest climate. With the new layout the oil is delivered directly to radiators instead of the tank, which now operates as a reserve of cooled fluid to further improve performance (the Air-to-boil level has been increased by 8 percent from 460C to 500C). 

The D150C and D180C feature a new “V-shaped” cooling package that increases the cooling surface for better efficiency and easier radiator cleaning. This solution, together with the hydraulic reversible fan, reduces the radiator cleaning intervals. It also cuts fuel consumption, as the oil flow is strictly linked to the cooling demand. The easy maintenance is further helped by the reversing intervals that can be set on the on-board computer or engaged manually. 

The hydrostatic transmission ensures a constant power transfer under load and the tracks’ counter-rotation allows the machine to turn easily in tight spaces. 

The reversing setting can be changed electronically, so that the operator can choose between soft, medium and aggressive reversing modes on the on-board computer for greater comfort and productivity. With the exclusive Proportional Dozer Control (PDC) mode, once the operator sets the maximum allowed speed, he can move the joystick forward or backward to increase or reduce speed continuously, achieving greater accuracy in fine grading applications. 

We're on Day 3 of bauma and the excitement throughout the show is still going strong. Check out just a sliver of what we saw today and again be sure to check out the May issues of Compact Equipment and Utility Contractor for our complete bauma coverage. Enjoy!

Engines, excavators, attachments, oh my! Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has a fantastic presence at bauma and its press conference this morning highlighted just what the company has in store for the show and beyond.

First on the list, Volvo CE has developed and rigorously tested a new engine system that meets the demanding Tier 4 Final/ Stage IV emission reduction requirements that come into force on Jan. 1, 2014. For engines 75 hp and greater, Volvo CE will meet the legislative requirements through a combination of in-cylinder and external solutions as well as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. The company has already recorded more than 20,000 hours of testing in its articulated haulers, wheel loaders and excavators, as well as engine test benches. The new generation of Volvo engines delivers improved fuel efficiency while meeting all quality, efficiency and reliability targets.

Next, bauma visitors could check out the company’s new ECR25D, ECR58D and ECR88D short swing radius compact excavators. These small, but mighty machines from Volvo CE are in their element in enclosed areas. But even with their compact size, the D-Series compact excavators boast digging performance, breakout and tear out forces and lifting capabilities that rival their larger counterparts. These machines also feature engines that offer superior performance and reduced fuel consumption.

Getting around site on these compact machines has never been easier thanks to automatic two-speed travel for optimized traction, as well as hydraulic travel pedals for easy and accurate track control. The ECR25D has the added feature of high mobility: it can be transported with up to three buckets and a hydraulic breaker on a small trailer and still weigh less than 3.5 tons, including the trailer. Four accessible tie-down points further aid easy and safe transportation.

Volvo CE also introduced a range of tailored buckets and hydraulic breakers designed to improve the versatility and flexibility of its excavators. The range includes general-purpose and heavy-duty buckets for large excavators, a new line of hydraulic breakers for compact excavators, as well as attachments for German-speaking markets.

Breaking through all industry records at 180 ft (54.9 m), the revolutionary new Genie SX-180 self-propelled telescopic boom lift was introduced at bauma 2013 in Munich, Germany. The largest of its kind in the market, the boom lift is suited for applications in the oil and gas industries, commercial construction, industrial construction and maintenance and general maintenance. The SX-180 may be seen publicly for the first time by visiting stand F7- 710/711.

The Genie SX-180 is designed to be productive, reliable and easy to transport. “Customers are always looking for new and innovative ways to carry out their work more efficiently and more effectively. In concert with customer input, our engineers have been able to reach new heights for this next generation of Genie telescopic boom lifts,” said Scott Krieger, senior product manager, Booms and Telehandlers, Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP). “We have pushed the limits of innovation in the aerial industry by successfully producing results beyond expectations.”

The Genie SX-180 is built to safely and quickly lift operators higher than any previously offered self-propelled boom lift. With a 180-ft vertical reach and 80 ft horizontal reach, the Genie SX-180 provides a working envelope ideal for the most extreme access jobs. The 8-ft by 3-ft platform has an unrestricted capacity of 750 lbs. The 10-ft rotating jib positions workers and gear exactly where they are needed.

The machine is designed to be driven at full height. Travel speeds vary based on boom position and range from 2.5 mph with the boom in the stowed position, 0.4 mph below 125 ft and 0.1 mph above 125 ft. 

The newly designed X-chassis extends and retracts to provide both stability on the job and a narrow profile for transport. The boom lift’s stowed dimensions are 10 ft in height and 8 ft, 2 in. wide. With a stowed length of 42 ft, 7 in., the 54,000-lb machine requires no over width or over height permits allowing it to be easily transported on a truck. “This X-chassis design is also used on our new Genie ZX-135 articulating boom introduced earlier this year,” said Krieger. “This allows our big booms to share many design features providing parts and operating commonality.” 

The Genie SX-180 is designed with reliability and serviceability in mind. There is easy access to important systems and components, robust hose and harness routings and access to slew bearing bolts from topside. The rotating jib offers a robust slew bearing and worm drive arrangement. 

New platform controls consist of toggle switches and fully proportional jib and boom controls. The ground controls offer an updated function diagram layout and tactile membrane switches. Customers may choose from either a Deutz or Perkins engine. A 50-gal fuel tank for longer run time and a 7.5-kW generator are standard equipment. 

Worldwide availability will begin in the second half of 2013.

On top of its impressive display of equipment we mentioned here, Caterpillar is also exhibiting a full range of Tier 4 Final, Stage IV industrial engines and technologies at bauma 2013.

 With decades of innovation and expertise working on the customer’s behalf, Caterpillar is offering a new generation of engines from 34 to 1,200 hp that meet high expectations for reliability, performance, fuel and fluid efficiency and component life, with significantly reduced emissions.

 Cat industrial engines are utilized by a wide range of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the construction, mining and general industrial sectors. Models featured at bauma 2013 are the C1.5, C7.1 ACERT and C18 ACERT engines as well as C4.4 ACERT, C13 ACERT and C7.1 ACERT power units.

Caterpillar has selected from a portfolio of engine and after-treatment technologies to meet the latest emissions standards, while providing optimum value in each power range. The technology offering includes a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particular filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) available as applicable. In addition, a “No DPF” after-treatment package is available on select platforms.    

Caterpillar equips every U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engine with a combination of electronic, fuel, air and after-treatment components based on engine size, the type of application and the geographic location in which it will work. Applying technologies systematically and strategically optimizes each engine to meet customers' high expectations for productivity, fluid efficiency, reliability and service life.

We stopped by the Perkins booth to speak with Allister Dennis about their upcoming Tier 4 engine options. He was kind enough to talk to us on video in detail. Enjoy!

With more than 70 products on display at bauma, Caterpillar certainly has a great presence at the show. Two machines in particular, the new Cat 336E H excavator and 988K wheel loader, are drawing in crowds to the company’s massive equipment showcase.

The new Cat 336E H excavator centers on an innovative, fuel-saving “hydraulic hybrid” system that captures and reuses energy. Greater fuel efficiency is the net result — as much as 50 percent greater than the 336D. The benefits include lower fuel costs, reduced exhaust emissions and a smaller carbon footprint — all without any compromise in production, reliability, durability or operability in all applications.

The 336E H was unveiled in October 2012, and its order board opened this February with factory shipments beginning in March. According to Ken Gray, global product manager for large hydraulic excavators for Caterpillar's Excavation Division, customers have shown tremendous enthusiasm for the 336E H since the day it was unveiled. “Customer interest has been off the charts,” Gray said. “They’re not only reaching out to Cat dealers to learn more about the 336E H, they are placing orders. In fact, we received our first signed orders October 17th, the day after the reveal.”

The introduction of the seventh-generation Cat 988 wheel loader, the new 988K, marks the 50^th anniversary of the 988 delivering reliable, profitable performance for worldwide customers. Designed as an optimum loading tool for Cat construction and mining trucks, the 988K features redesigned loader linkage, worldwide engine configurations, drivetrain modifications, redesigned cab and enhancements in safety and serviceability. The 988K builds on the premium features of previous models to set new standards for customer value.

Although Caterpillar is displaying the new 988K at bauma, the loader will not be available commercially until August this year.

The Cat C18 ACERT engine powers the 988K and is available as a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV version (using selective catalytic reduction to control nitrogen-oxide emissions), and as a Tier 2/Stage II version for less regulated regions. Electronic fuel control ensures optimum performance and throttle response, delivering up to 20 percent greater fuel efficiency, compared with the 988H.

Additional fuel savings accrue with the 988K ECO Mode (on-demand throttle), engine-idle shutdown system and engine-idle kickdown/auto-resume system. Greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions significantly reduce the carbon footprint.