Products & Materials : Plant & Machinery News
Exyn Technologies and Trimble collaborate on a proof of concept for a fully autonomous surveying solution for construction

Exyn Technologies and Trimble collaborate on a proof of concept for a fully autonomous surveying solution for construction

Together Exyn and Trimble Demonstrate a Groundbreaking Solution to Increase Efficiency and Safety Across Complex GNSS-Denied Construction Environments Trimble and Exyn Technologies, a pioneer in multi-platform robotic autonomy for complex, GPS-denied environments, announced today a strategic collaboration to explore the use of autonomous construction surveying technology. The solution will integrate

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Bobcat E10e Excels in Inner City Work in the Netherlands

Bobcat E10e excels in inner city work in the Netherlands

Willemsen Infra BV, a civil engineering company from Utrecht in the Netherlands, purchased a new Bobcat E10e electric mini-excavator earlier in 2022. It is now one of the many electric vehicles and machines that WiIlemsen Infra uses on its projects. According to Justin Willemsen, Director at Willemsen Infra, the company’s

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AutoBoost: what is it?  And why do you need it?

Performance boosting feature wins another Archie for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks at this year’s Awards for Excellence When the Awards jury met to select the winners for this year’s Archies – the UKMHA’s Awards for Excellence – one particular feature intrigued them. It was AutoBoost on the Mitsubishi EDiA XL 4-5

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FINROCK returns with industry experts leading live sessions

Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns

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First LGMG lithium rough terrain booms in Europe go to Briggs

The first lithium rough terrain LGMG telescopic booms to be delivered into the European market will be supplied by Access Platform Sales to Briggs Equipment Ireland Ltd. Briggs Equipment is taking platforms across the new all-electric telescopic boom lift range to assess their capabilities and performance against current equivalent diesel

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Doosan ‘Transparent Bucket’ Wins Major Award in France

The industry’s first ‘Transparent Bucket’ system launched by Doosan Infracore Europe, has won another major award in Europe. The latest honour is the ‘Coup de Coeur’ – Jury’s favourite – Award from the Jury of the 4th edition of the Grands Prix Matériels Chantiers de France and DLR, which took

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Products & Materials : Plant & Machinery News

Exyn Technologies and Trimble collaborate on a proof of concept for a fully autonomous surveying solution for construction

Exyn Technologies and Trimble collaborate on a proof of concept for a fully autonomous surveying solution for construction

Together Exyn and Trimble Demonstrate a Groundbreaking Solution to Increase Efficiency and Safety Across Complex GNSS-Denied Construction Environments Trimble and Exyn Technologies, a pioneer in multi-platform robotic autonomy for complex, GPS-denied environments, announced today a strategic collaboration to explore the use of autonomous construction surveying technology. The solution will integrate Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robot, the ExynPak™ powered by ExynAI™ and the Trimble® X7 total station. It will enable fully autonomous missions inside complex and dynamic construction environments, which can result in consistent and precise reality capture for production and quality control workflows. “The integration of autonomous surveying technology into a construction workflow has groundbreaking potential,” said Aviad Almagor, vice president of Technology Innovation, Trimble. “It can improve operational efficiency and transparency throughout the build lifecycle while also transforming worker safety for potentially hazardous data collection.” Autonomous robots powered by ExynAI, can sense and avoid obstacles, dynamically adapting to the ever-changing complexity of construction environments. To ensure the utmost safety and efficiency, the ExynPak mounts and integrates with a robot, supporting level 4 of autonomous exploration missions without requiring the robot to “learn” about its environment beforehand. A surveyor simply defines a 3D volume for a mission and the integrated robotic solution handles the complexities of self-navigation without needing a map, GPS or wireless infrastructure. The integration of the Trimble X7 provides high-speed, high-accuracy 3D laser scanning to capture the state of the environment. The captured data can be uploaded to the Trimble Connect® collaboration platform and shared with project stakeholders for further analysis, including a comparison to Building Information Models (BIM) and previous scans to monitor quality and progress. The end result is a map of unprecedented detail and accuracy collected with minimal human intervention and risk. “Industry has been waiting for reliable and robust autonomous technology to transform difficult and dangerous activities. Exyn’s technology is helping to enable a new front in human-robot collaboration. By working with preeminent leaders such as Trimble, we aim to create adaptable, state-of-the-art systems to tackle the complexities across construction and industrial environments,” said Nader Elm, CEO of Exyn Technologies. Exyn and Trimble will be demonstrating this technology at the Trimble Dimensions+ Conference November 7-9 in Las Vegas. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bobcat E10e Excels in Inner City Work in the Netherlands

Bobcat E10e excels in inner city work in the Netherlands

Willemsen Infra BV, a civil engineering company from Utrecht in the Netherlands, purchased a new Bobcat E10e electric mini-excavator earlier in 2022. It is now one of the many electric vehicles and machines that WiIlemsen Infra uses on its projects. According to Justin Willemsen, Director at Willemsen Infra, the company’s choice of electric machines is mainly motivated by the stricter emission requirements in many city centres and by the advantage that having such equipment in the fleet offers when tendering for government contracts. Willemsen Infra offers a broad portfolio, covering earthmoving, road works and hydraulic engineering and is mainly active in the Utrecht region. It is a family business that was founded in 2008 and employs about 65 people. The company works mainly in the repair, maintenance and construction of sewerage systems, paving and soil remediation. Willemsen Infra also has a number of push boats with pontoons, with which work can be carried out on and along the canals of Utrecht. Modern Machinery Fleet Willemsen has a state-of-the-art fleet of machinery and vehicles. The company formed the fleet with the focus on reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as most of the work it carries out is in urban areas. It also why several of the machines have a limited axle load of a maximum of two tonne and are equipped with tracking systems, with which the journeys and fuel consumption can be tracked. Justin Willemsen is a strong supporter of the use of electric equipment and tools. The company already has 14 electric vans in operation and recently an electric truck with a spray suction installation system for sewer work was added to the fleet. In addition, the company is gradually switching to electric power tools; including heavier kit such as band saws and vibratory plates. “We believe that we should actively contribute to making construction more sustainable,” says Justin Willemsen, “but the use of electric equipment also provides commercial benefits. When registering for the tendering of government projects, you have a significant advantage if you can carry out the work with electric equipment. We have already won several contracts where fully electrical work was a precondition. And the requirements for the use of construction equipment and vehicles in urban areas are only getting stricter.” Utrecht Precursor to Emission-Free The municipality of Utrecht, where Willemsen Infra works much of the time, is one of the trailblazers in the Netherlands when it comes to environmental and emissions policy. An environmental zone has now been set up in Utrecht, in which diesel vehicles are prohibited. This zone is likely to be expanded in 2023. By 2025, the power supply to the city centre is also required to be completely emission-free. These measures have been introduced to limit noise pollution and harmful emissions, but also to prevent vibrations that can damage the historic buildings. The municipality of Utrecht wants to achieve a completely emission-free city centre by 2030 at the latest. The municipality has also examined the role of construction machinery and mobile equipment. The engineering company, Royal HaskoningDHV, was commissioned by the municipality to carry out research into the causes of air pollution in the city, and this showed that mobile equipment is in second place. Forty per cent of the excavators and wheel loaders used in the city centre fall into the Stage IIIa and IIIb emission classes; so there are still many gains to be made. The municipality realizes that construction companies cannot simply replace older equipment; all the more so as zero-emission machines are considerably more expensive than traditional diesel-powered machines. According to Justin Willemsen, a solution could be for the municipality to work with contractors for longer periods of time, so that they have time to recoup their investments in replacing ‘old’ equipment with zero-emission machines. Depreciation and Residual Value Justin Willemsen is convinced that Willemsen Infra’s investments in electric equipment will bear fruit. “If you have a zero-emission fleet, you are at the front of the queue as a supplier. You can win tenders for sustainability, because KPIs have been defined for this and governments are prepared to pay more for this. And you really can’t secretly use a diesel machine for work, because there are strict controls. The fines can be up to 1500 euros per violation. “To be honest, we don’t have a complete picture of the exact operating costs of electric machines yet,” says Justin Willemsen, “because we can’t say much about depreciation and residual value yet. Of course we save on fuel costs and oil, but I think that mainly the limited maintenance of electric machines will be the deciding factor. We don’t know for sure yet, but as an entrepreneur you also have to be prepared to stick your neck out.” The Bobcat E10e Electric Mini-Excavator In any event, the Bobcat E10e has been very well received; both by the employees of Willemsen Infra and the residents of Utrecht, who often react with surprise to the fact that the excavator makes virtually no noise. Willemsen Infra’s employees are particularly satisfied with the hydraulic joystick control, which is placed on an adjustable console on the side of the driver’s seat. The position of the joysticks can be adjusted as the driver wishes. There is also plenty of foot space in the operator’s position. Because the machine is so quiet, communication between the operator and the rest of the work crew is also very easy. As the E10e mini-excavator weighs only one tonne, is only 72 cm wide (which can be increased to 110 cm using the extendable tracks) and has an integrated, foldable Tip Over Protective Structure, it is not only easy to transport, but also very suitable for working inside buildings, on difficult terrain, in inaccessible places and in narrow streets. Thanks to the zero tail swing, the E10e also causes almost no traffic problems. The machine has a number of other advantages, which are specific to an electric excavator: a patented electro-hydraulic drive system that makes full use of

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AutoBoost: what is it?  And why do you need it?

Performance boosting feature wins another Archie for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks at this year’s Awards for Excellence When the Awards jury met to select the winners for this year’s Archies – the UKMHA’s Awards for Excellence – one particular feature intrigued them. It was AutoBoost on the Mitsubishi EDiA XL 4-5 tonne electric counterbalance truck.   So, what is it and what does it do? It’s one of a clutch of patent-pending design innovations that singled out the electric EDiA XL from its rivals and helped it scoop a deserved Archie. Put simply, AutoBoost senses when truck speed on an incline drops by more than 1.5km/hr. Then it automatically and seamlessly delivers the additional torque and acceleration to maintain normal progress. There’s no pause and no loss of momentum. In doing so, AutoBoost eliminates a common failing among competitor electric trucks: power drop-off on ramps and long inclines. It also overcomes one of the reasons why some sectors have been reluctant to make the switch from diesel. “In every demo, it is AutoBoost that seals the deal,” explains Ben Haseley, Managing Director of RDD, the sole UK distributor for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks. “As soon as it comes to a ramp, rivals start to slow right down but the EDiA XL just powers up. It’s been a key factor in the decision-making process across a broad sweep of industries previously committed to diesel including transport, logistics, drinks, timber, brick and block. “Customers who are looking for the ultimate performance also love the fact that AutoBoost can be programmed to instantly deliver maximum acceleration from the moment the accelerator pedal is depressed.”  Game-changing traction and greater storage density But that’s not the only reason the 4-5 tonne Mitsubishi EDiA XL stormed its way to an Archie. It’s just one in a series of features that make this truck the smoothest, strongest and quietest electric on the market. Developed for genuine indoor-outdoor performance in every conceivable application the EDiA XL features four-wheel steering along with another unique innovation: an electric differential lock. Together they deliver sure-footed traction and control, even in the most hostile environments. At the rear of the truck the wheels turn through a massive 100-degree lock to help deliver the smallest turning circle on the market – typically 500mm less than diesel models – to generate greater storage density. The most energy-efficient electric counterbalance in its 4-5 tonne class, EDiA XL works exceptionally long shifts. Available with a choice of battery types, when specified with lithium-ion batteries, it will work multi-shift operations, making it a genuine rival to diesel in terms on non-stop availability. Equipped with state-of-the art software to match performance characteristics to the operating conditions as well the individual operator, EDiA XL has been designed to inspire confidence, optimise safety and maximise throughput. “Every now and then a product comes along that stands head and shoulders above the rest,” says Ben Haseley. “That supremacy may only last a few years, but during that time, it’s the benchmark against which all others are judged. The Mitsubishi EDiA XL is that truck.” In selecting the EDiA XL as winner of the Environmental Product Award 2022, the jury was impressed by new technologies developed by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks that allow an electric truck to offer a green alternative to IC engine trucks in more demanding environments than ever before. For further information about EDiA XL, or to find out more about any product in the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, visit www.mitforklift.com or call the Mitsubishi Greenline on 0845 3713048

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Land & Water becomes first UK company to invest in hybrid long reach excavators

With an internal commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2030, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water has become the first company in the UK to invest in brand new Kobelco SK210 Hybrid 15m Long Reach Tracked Excavators. This specialist plant will add to the firms existing sustainable fleet which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the projects it undertakes. The new excavators use innovative hybrid technology alongside lithium-ion batteries to power the swing motor. This, coupled with the newest and cleanest engines, brings a fuel saving quality to the end user of up to 17% in comparison to conventional ICE excavators. Land & Water’s specialist long reach and amphibious marine equipment, which can be hired through its Plant division, has been carefully chosen to ensure it has environmental capabilities, including: Paddle designs on the track of amphibious excavators to reoxygenate the water The ability to use HVO fuel which is up to 90+% carbon neutral Machine features including eco mode and machine idle cut offs reducing emissions Clean engines (Stage five) Onboard telemetry that reports carbon saving and fuel usage Machine control to ensure task accuracy, avoiding over digging and revisiting, therefore reducing the use of the machine Dan Jackson, Strategic Account Manager at Land & Water Plant Hire, said: “We are extremely excited to receive these machines and lead the way when it comes to implementing sustainable solutions. At Land & Water, we strive to offer our clients a range of excellent services that keep cost and environmental protection at the forefront of our minds. “Being the first company in the UK to invest in this new machinery is extremely poignant and we urge our industry to follow and consider ways in which it can meet the current net zero target.” The construction and civil engineering industry makes up almost 40% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Land & Water is committed towards reducing its carbon footprint and becoming Carbon Net Zero by 2030, this is making them one of the industries key pioneers. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FINROCK returns with industry experts leading live sessions

Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns to screens on November 24th (2pm – 8pm) and builds on the success of last year’s live interactive event which attracted an audience of 1,000 Finning customers and industry colleagues from the construction, aggregates, and waste sectors from across the UK and Ireland.  In line with feedback from visitors to the event last year, Finning has expanded the live interviews and debates taking place on FINROCK TV, which will address the most topical issues and challenges customers face today. This includes sessions on getting the most out of machine assets through condition monitoring and tailored servicing – with customers joining the team of Finning and Caterpillar experts to share their knowledge and experiences leading to business success.  Promising to be bigger and better, FINROCK22 also gives customers an exclusive opportunity to ask a panel of industry experts about the issues and challenges they are facing today. The live chat will be focused on key topics such as fuel efficiency, safety, and operator training.  FINROCK22 also includes two new customer zones. The first, a ‘sustainability zone’ will give customers from across all industries an insight into the many systems, approaches, and products that are available to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental performance of their operations. These include what’s involved in switching to renewable fuels through to commissioning a rebuild to extend the operational lifespan of a machine.  The second new zone will provide an in-depth look at the aftermarket expertise, products and services Finning provides to customers. It includes a spotlight on the engineering expertise that is embedded throughout the company, as well as a look at the crucial role asset conditioning monitoring plays in keeping machines fully operational, so sites are productive and profitable.   “Over the last few years, we, alongside many other firms, have developed new and exciting ways to interact with customers,” explains Peter Seaman, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at Finning. “FINROCK is a prime example of this and gives us a unique and innovative way to get closer to our customers so we can understand the issues that are important to their business success as well as their needs and challenges. We can then, as a supplier and partner, tailor the right level of expertise and support they need. “We’ve spoken to customers who took part last year and what they valued most was the opportunity to hear from experts across the industries they work in. One of the biggest talking points last year was around the ‘demolition debate’ that brought together the biggest names – and characters – from the sector to discuss issues pertinent to both contractors and operators such as the transformation to deconstruction and in driving more sustainable practices in the sector.  “So, this year, we’ve extended the live TV sessions and widened out the discussions on other hot industry topics, such as the role of technology in digitising construction and waste industries, and how we’re working closely with our customers to support them in meeting their own sustainability ambitions.”  The equipment showroom also returns, giving visitors hands-on experience with different machines so they can get a feel for how technologies can benefit their sites and businesses. Visitors can also consult Finning experts for machine, business, and financial advice, ensuring that they have everything they need to keep sites running, and business a success. As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees.  Registration for FINROCK22 is completely free. Sign up today, for an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest machines, technology and the people making the biggest impact in the construction, aggregates, and waste industries.  You can register your place at FINROCK22 here: Finrock.live

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First LGMG lithium rough terrain booms in Europe go to Briggs

The first lithium rough terrain LGMG telescopic booms to be delivered into the European market will be supplied by Access Platform Sales to Briggs Equipment Ireland Ltd. Briggs Equipment is taking platforms across the new all-electric telescopic boom lift range to assess their capabilities and performance against current equivalent diesel machines, with the strong expectation of placing further orders. APS, the UK and Ireland distributor for LGMG, is due to deliver the platforms, launched in July 2022, in the autumn. Briggs Equipment is an engineering and equipment provider with operations in Ireland and the UK. Its powered access rental operation has a combined fleet of more than 2,500 platforms. Martin Masterson, Short Term Hire Manager at the company, said: “At Briggs Equipment, we’re committed to transitioning to more sustainable options in powered access. “Our experience is that our customers want to join us on this journey, and we want to work with partners that are better positioned help us make it a success. “LGMG is the only supplier that can provide us with lithium RT booms we require for our fleet. Thanks our existing relationship with APS, the collaborative support it provides, and the success we’ve had with the LGMG platforms we already operate, we’ve decided to make this further investment in their lithium product range.” Briggs Equipment has selected three out of four of the new lithium telescopic boom models, with eight platforms ordered in the first tranche. They are the: LGMG T20JE – working height 21.8m, outreach 16.6m; LGMG T22JE – working height 23.8m, outreach 17m; LGMG T28JE – working height 29.8m, outreach 22.5m. The fourth platform in the range is the LGMG T26JE, with a working height of 27.9m and an outreach of 22.3m. Briggs Equipment has also placed orders for LGMG A14JE electric articulating boom lifts, which have a working height of 15.8m and an outreach of 7.81m. APS Northern Sales Director Shane Paver said: “We’re excited to supply the first of these platforms in Europe to Briggs Equipment. They represent the future or powered access for LGMG and for our industry. “Clearly, forward-thinking rental companies like Briggs Equipment, and their customers, are eager to embrace new technology, and current conditions in terms of high fuel costs, are reinforcing that thinking. “Being strongly placed to support innovative and sustainable choices in the access rental market is central to LGMG’s business strategy, which is why APS can fulfil these orders in a timely way.” A key reason Briggs Equipment has selected the LGMG boom lifts is the way they fill important niches in working height levels that complement standard industry working heights, creating more flexible rental options. However, it is the switch from thermal engine to electric power that is the key consideration, said Martin Masterson. “Being able to offer lithium powered rough terrain boom lifts allows our customers to streamline their onsite fleets and increase utilisation rates by using the same platforms for internal and external work,” he added. “We’ll be able to give our customers more innovative choices as they implement their own strategies to become more sustainable, low carbon businesses, at a time when ever stricter environmental regulations are becoming the norm. “Also, with increasing diesel fuel prices, the rental costs of diesel and electric platforms for our customers are beginning to equalise, which is bringing down barriers to moving to using electric MEWPs.” The new LGMG boom lifts are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that allows the platforms to operate for two to three days at typical usage rates between charges. Each has a variety of standard charging modes that allows regular and fast charging. All models are dual capacity – 300kg unrestricted and 450kg with restricted outreach – with 3600 platform slewing. The boom lifts have 2.4m wide, triple entry baskets, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, with one touch wheel alignment, and oscillating axles. Platform weights range from 12 tonnes for the LGMG T20JE to 18.7 tonnes for the LGMG T28JE. www.accessplatforms.co.uk

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SITECH EXPERT TECHNOLOGY TRAINING AT STORY PLANT INCREASES OPERATOR EFFICIENCY

Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship of using SITECH machine control systems spanning over 15 years, so when an influx of new operators and a transition from the Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks meant they needed training support they approached the team at SITECH. Story Plant carry out works with multiple clients across the UK, and they are now growing their customer base within the Midlands which has led to an increase in their fleet and number of operators.  Mark Bruce, head of technical development at Story Plant, said: “We rely heavily on our machines and the Trimble system to get things right and we currently have six dozer machines configured with the tech. “We found that different clients want to use different configurations of the Trimble system, often our operators would only use one system for a period of time and would then require a refresher when they needed to switch to a different configuration. “Solving that skill fade was important because we need our teams to have confidence in the system they’re using. Working within the rail industry you must get the work done right first time, because timescales are tight and as there’s a closure on the rail network there are severe consequences for delays.  “As well as meeting tight timescales, we place significant importance on carrying out our work safely. This involves working in areas with restricted space, such as tunnels and viaducts, so having confidence in the systems they are using allows our teams to focus on safe delivery.”  “We’re also in the process of transitioning from the old Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks, so we approached SITECH to see if they could create a series of quick reference videos as refreshers for our operators on things like setting up the system and simple fault fixes, which they can watch on their tablet or mobile phone.  “The training videos are just one example of our good relationship with the team at SITECH, as they also supported us earlier this year when we bought a Caterpillar D6K2 dozer, the largest dozer on the UK rail infrastructure. Because of the restricted space it operates in, it has a unique folding blade fitted which the SITECH team analysed to ensure the mast is located   in exactly the right position when the Trimble system is in use.” To find out more about the construction technology, software and services SITECH UK & Ireland offers, visit the website https://www.sitechukandireland.com.

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M&J Evans invests in leading Cat® compaction technology with Finning  

M&J Evans, a groundworks and civil engineering contractor headquartered  in the West Midlands, has invested over £4.5m in 52 Cat machines from Finning, exclusive UK & Ireland dealer, and is the first groundworks company to take delivery of the recently launched Cat CS12 GC vibratory soil compactor.  The deal included the purchase of 49 Cat 313 GC excavators, a staple for any groundworks company, offering up to 5% more fuel efficiency than competitor machines of equivalent class, and 20% less maintenance costs. M&J Evans has also bought three Cat CS12 GC vibratory soil compactors as part of the deal – two of which have now been delivered and being put through their paces on the company’s construction sites.  M&J Evans plant and transport manager Philip McEvilly, a qualified machine operator, saw the compaction technology in action at a Finning roadshow and immediately recognised how the technology would significantly impact on-site productivity and increase fuel efficiency.  “The technology enables the operator to input in the required level and parameters needed into the on-board computer, and then instead of the operator having to go over the area again and again until it’s compacted to the correct level, the machine does it perfectly, the first time,” he said.  M&J Evans is one of the largest groundworks businesses in the UK and runs a varied fleet of over 1500 items including excavators, dumpers and rollers used on over  200 housing sites across the Midlands, Yorkshire, Northwest, South  and Southwest following the opening of a Swindon headquarters.  Phil added: “We decided to purchase the Cat machines from Finning because they offer a fully comprehensive warranty scheme and have excellent coverage across the UK which is important so we can ensure all our fleet of machines are serviced and maintained to keep them operational. We’re also using the company’s CUBIQ™ dealer services platform which enables us to have access to real-time data on machine use and performance which is critical to our business.   “Rising diesel costs and fewer people mean idling time and wear and tear on our machines must be kept to a minimum so we’re getting the maximum utilisation from them. We also like to demonstrate to our customers that we’re being proactive in managing their costs.  “Although availability of some new machines is a challenge, we’re delighted that Finning has been able to supply the Cat 313 GC excavators and the rollers within the timeframe we need.”  Georgia Key, Territory Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “We’re excited to see the first Cat CS12 GC with Machine Drive Power (MDP) going into groundworks in the UK. This is a state-of-the-art machine with soil compaction measurement technology which helps operators accurately determine the load bearing strength of the soil they are compacting.   “The machine ensures customers have complete confidence that their work meets specification, allowing them to move on to the next area increasing productivity and saving time, fuel, and wear and tear on the machine.   “As part of the deal, M&J has taken out a full three-year, 3000-hour warranty with Finning which provides customers with assurance and peace of mind that the machines run as productively and efficiency as possible during their lifetime.   “The warranty package ensures all component machine parts are dispatched to site (wherever in the UK the machine is) in line with its scheduled maintenance and servicing plan. The customer also benefits from a full remote condition monitoring and industry-leading fluid analysis service, which enables the Finning service experts to identify any potential problems with the machines before they occur and act on it – reducing the risk of critical failure and minimising downtime.   “Through the CUBIQ™ dealer services portal M&J also have instant access to invaluable machine performance information including running time, fuel usage bringing the customer closer to critical information about their assets which means they have the data to make the best possible decisions.” 

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SITECH expert training at Story plant helps operators meet tight timescales

Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship of using SITECH machine control systems spanning over 15 years, so when an influx of new operators and a transition from the Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks meant they needed training support they approached the team at SITECH. Story Plant carry out works with multiple clients across the UK, and they are now growing their customer base within the Midlands which has led to an increase in their fleet and number of operators.  Mark Bruce, head of technical development at Story Plant, said: “We rely heavily on our machines and the Trimble system to get things right and we currently have six dozer machines configured with the tech. “We found that different clients want to use different configurations of the Trimble system, often our operators would only use one system for a period of time and would then require a refresher when they needed to switch to a different configuration. “Solving that skill fade was important because we need our teams to have confidence in the system they’re using. Working within the rail industry you must get the work done right first time, because timescales are tight and as there’s a closure on the rail network there are severe consequences for delays.  “As well as meeting tight timescales, we place significant importance on carrying out our work safely. This involves working in areas with restricted space, such as tunnels and viaducts, so having confidence in the systems they are using allows our teams to focus on safe delivery.”  “We’re also in the process of transitioning from the old Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks, so we approached SITECH to see if they could create a series of quick reference videos as refreshers for our operators on things like setting up the system and simple fault fixes, which they can watch on their tablet or mobile phone.  “The training videos are just one example of our good relationship with the team at SITECH, as they also supported us earlier this year when we bought a Caterpillar D6K2 dozer, the largest dozer on the UK rail infrastructure. Because of the restricted space it operates in, it has a unique folding blade fitted which the SITECH team analysed to ensure the mast is located   in exactly the right position when the Trimble system is in use.” To find out more about the construction technology, software and services SITECH UK & Ireland offers, visit the website https://www.sitechukandireland.com.

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Doosan ‘Transparent Bucket’ Wins Major Award in France

The industry’s first ‘Transparent Bucket’ system launched by Doosan Infracore Europe, has won another major award in Europe. The latest honour is the ‘Coup de Coeur’ – Jury’s favourite – Award from the Jury of the 4th edition of the Grands Prix Matériels Chantiers de France and DLR, which took place in Nantes, France, on Friday, 1st April 2022, during the recent national DLR 2022 Congress. The Transparent Bucket is the first safety system of its type for wheel loaders. Due to the blind spots caused by buckets, the area in front of wheel loaders is considered a potential risk area. The new Transparent Bucket device records images at the front of the loader using cameras placed at the top and bottom of the machine. Using a curved projection method, the system displays combined images in real time on a monitor installed in the cab. With this monitor, the driver can check at any time on the screen what is happening in the blind spots in front of the bucket and thus avoid accidents. Another advantage of the Transparent Bucket system is the increased working efficiency that a full view of the front of the machine offers, which is ideal for fast loading/unloading operations or for transporting materials such as earth, sand, aggregates and in waste/recycling operations. After receiving the new award on behalf of Doosan, Gilles Bendaoud, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Doosan Infracore Europe, explained: “As safety standards for machines and job sites continue to tighten around the world, sophisticated safety systems have become a key factor in the selection of a machine. We plan to continue to develop safety systems that protect both operators and personnel working around the machines. We look forward to being at the forefront of promoting safer and accident-free work sites.” Patents filed in Korea, North America, Europe and China Doosan Infracore is the first company in the world to develop and apply a front loading function with a transparent bucket and a full vision system for construction machines. This innovation is protected by several patents in Korea, North America, Europe and China. Doosan has also developed other advanced safety systems for the machine lines in its portfolio, such as the All-round Vision Monitor (AVM) system, which displays the entire area surrounding the machine, and an obstacle detection system behind the machine using ultrasonic sensors. Both of these systems have already met with great success with customers. Grands Prix Matériels Created in 1965, the DLR is a leading French organization that brings together and federates companies in the sectors of distribution, rental, maintenance and services for equipment intended for construction and handling. Chantiers de France is one of the leading publications serving all aspects of the construction industry in France. DLR and Chantiers de France have been awarding the Grands Prix Matériels awards every year for the past four years. These awards distinguish remarkable innovations in the field of construction equipment in six different categories: Light range, Heavy range, Small equipment and site tools, Services, Jury’s favorite and Personality of the year. Picture caption – Gilles Bendaoud (centre), Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Doosan Infracore Europe, receiving the Jury’s Favourite Award for the Transparent Bucket at the DLR 2022 Congress. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com

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