New Model in Award-winning DL-7 Series Features Fuel-Saving CVT System As part of the company’s award-winning DL-7 series, Doosan has launched the new DL420CVT-7 Stage V compliant wheel loader equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 m3, the Doosan DL420CVT-7 wheel loader is
On October 21 2021, Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, will be hosting a free-of-charge virtual event for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts. FINROCK21 will be a live, interactive virtual exhibition open to both existing customers and people that are new to Finning and
Buying a generator set outright is only feasible if a business has the funds to afford the initial investment and is working on a long-term project that requires stable off-grid power. Because in most businesses this is not the case, rental is a compelling option. But not all rental options
Following the global success of its MDX range and the recent launch of its 3.5-tonne variant, the 3.5MDX, which has set new standards in terms of safety, comfort, and performance, Mecalac has announced a series of major evolutions to its site dumper portfolio. The first will see all new six-tonne
The undercarriage is one of the most important components of any piece of heavy equipment. It might not seem so at first, since the undercarriage only accounts for a small portion of the machine’s upfront cost. However, the undercarriage represents an average of 50 per cent of your machine’s ongoing
If you’ve never rented heavy equipment like cranes before, you might not know what to expect. Renting a crane is essential in large-scale projects as it increases productivity, especially if there’s too much heavy lifting. Without cranes, it’s impossible to move around heavy materials. If you don’t have a budget
Cranes are some of the most popular machines in the construction, transport, and material handling industries due to their ability to lift, lower, and move large loads with ease. There are a range of different types of cranes on the market, manufactured by different brands, each with their own distinct
Cat® 637K scrapers with push/pull attachment purchased as part of new equipment investment Earthmoving professionals Collins Earthworks has invested in several new Caterpillar machines, including four new Cat® 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers with push/pull systems. Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat products, dispatched the new additions to the fleet,
Finning UK & Ireland receives RoSPA Engineering Services Sector Award for health and safety achievements Finning UK & Ireland, the exclusive distributor for Caterpillar® products, is celebrating after landing an internationally recognised award for demonstrating high health and safety standards. The company is now in the running for the highest
No matter how long ago you took your test, there are three little words that probably still influence your driving to this very day: mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Short and sweet, they provide a helpful way of remembering what you need to do to keep yourself (and others) safe on the road. When
New Model in Award-winning DL-7 Series Features Fuel-Saving CVT System As part of the company’s award-winning DL-7 series, Doosan has launched the new DL420CVT-7 Stage V compliant wheel loader equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 m3, the Doosan DL420CVT-7 wheel loader is intended to meet a wide range of material-handling needs from loading and transporting granular material (such as sand or gravel) to quarrying, mining, construction, demolition, industrial, waste and recycling applications. A CVT transmission is the result of a permanent combination of a hydraulic technology and a mechanical technology which provides a smooth and continuous speed variation. The CVT design combines the benefits of a hydraulic mechanical transmission and a hydrostatic transmission in the same machine. It allows the DL420CVT-7 to automatically transition from hydrostatic power at low speed to the mechanical system to operate at higher speeds. By combining the two types of transmission, the CVT technology ensures high loads can be carried at low engine speeds with high dynamics for an optimum wheel loader operating cycle. The DL420CVT-7 therefore provides an increase in machine performance for operators working in digging, loading and lifting applications. For most tasks, operators will utilise the hydrostatic part of the transmission, which offers greater fuel efficiency in low-speed applications. The combination of the two transmissions is automatic and fully transparent for the operator. Up to 15% Additional Fuel Savings The complete driving range, forwards and in reverse, is controlled by the CVT system. Low engine speeds ensure a high efficiency and the highest driving comfort irrespective of the traction speed. The power splitting continuously variable technology facilitates moving off softly and hydraulically. Furthermore, with the CVT, a fuel saving of up to 15% can be achieved. With an output of 240 kW (326 HP) of power at 1800 RPM, the Scania DC09 engine in the DL420CVT-7 provides generous torque at low RPM and meets Stage V emission regulations without the need for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), through the use of selective catalyst reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter (DPF) after-treatment technologies. The soot cleaning cycle on the DPF has been improved to over 6000 h and the operator is fully informed about the status of the DPF via a soot level indicator on the new touchscreen display in the cab. New Award-Winning Design The new DL420CVT-7 features the same award-winning external design common to all models in the DL-7 series, creating a three-dimensional effect with an innovative cover shape and a vibrant, dynamic image for the range. It has already received great acclaim globally, winning Germany’s 2020 iF Design Award, one of the world’s top three design awards and the ‘Best of the Best’ category in the Korean PIN UP Design Awards. Increased Productivity and Versatility The Z-kinematic lift arm on the DL420CVT-7 delivers high breakout forces and lifting capacities, especially for heavy materials, and a large dump angle for efficiently unloading sticky materials. An optional high lift arm is available where higher dump heights and increased versatility are required. Doosan is also offering a wider choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output. Like all DL-7 wheel loaders, the DL420CVT-7 loader has smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections. It is equipped as standard with a 3rd spool valve with settable flow and detent function, providing a constant flow for hydraulically driven attachments. Operators can easily and comfortably control hydraulic attachments via the proportional switch on the joystick. Various bias and radial tyre options are also available from leading global manufacturers, to cover the widest possible range of conditions and applications. In addition, the new wheel loader can be ordered with a heavier optional counterweight, depending on the application. Excellent Operator Visibility The new cab on the DL420CVT-7 offers a greatly improved field of vision for the operator, with blind spots around the cab minimized and a 14% larger glass window area compared to the previous DL-5 model. The DL420CVT-7 wheel loader also offers the option of electrically adjustable rear view mirrors for added safety. Full LED working lights are installed on the cab (four on both the front and rear as standard, with the option of six each at the front and rear). For higher pedestrian safety, the LED lights on the rear bonnet have an automatic strobe function to indicate when the wheel loader is reversing. An air compressor with air blower is available as an option – fitted in the cab for easy access, this is a powerful tool that can be used to clean the cab whenever necessary. New Spacious Ergonomic Cab Design Inside the cab, the DL420CVT-7 provides significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Doosan Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. The control panel also includes two USB sockets. The new cab has a Grammer Actimo XXL seat with fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings, a pneumatic lumbar function and seat heating as standard. There is a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons on the new Doosan Smart Touch 8 inch touchscreen monitor and on the gauge panel, which features a new layout and anti-reflective glass. The new EMCV (Electric Main Control Valve) joystick fully integrated in the armrest is another standard feature in the cab, providing the operator with smoother and precise controllability of the lift arm and attachments on the wheel loader. Features available via the EMCV system include Automatic Return-to-Dig, Bucket Tilt Kick-out and the Bucket crowd stop position and shock prevention for higher operator comfort. Designed to give the operator more precise control with a shorter lever stroke, resulting in less fatigue, the sensitivity of the ergonomic joystick control can be set and altered
On October 21 2021, Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat® products, will be hosting a free-of-charge virtual event for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts. FINROCK21 will be a live, interactive virtual exhibition open to both existing customers and people that are new to Finning and Caterpillar®, giving them exclusive access to networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and more. Located on the fictional Finning Island, visitors of FINROCK21 will be greeted with a virtual lobby where they can choose from a series of zones, each offering something unique. These include an equipment showroom, where attendees can get hands-on experience with different machinery and 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 get their projects on track. FINROCK21 will include a series of technology demonstrations throughout the day, as well as panel discussions on topics ranging from engine rebuilds to machine productivity. The Tech and Innovation zone will also include sneak peeks of products that Finning and Caterpillar are still developing. “By launching FINROCK21, we are breaking the mould and offering a brand-new interactive experience for operators, engineers and other heavy equipment enthusiasts who have been unable to attend events over the last 18 months,” explained Peter Seaman, Customer Experience and Marketing Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “The new expo promises to be a memorable one, where we can meet attendees virtually, introduce them to new equipment and technology and inspire them in a way that we haven’t been able to over the last few months. “We will also be offering behind the scenes tours of our operations and regional sites, giving visitors an exclusive insight into how we operate as a business. Alongside the virtual expo, we will be broadcasting FINROCK TV live from our very own studio, with a range of presentations and entertainment throughout the day — another new step for us.” As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees. They can also benefit from a range of special “show only” deals and offers, including competitions with prizes such as a VIP trip to Malaga for two. Want to register your place at FINROCK21? Sign up for free here https://finrock.cventevents.com/event/39ada080-9e6d-42ab-b4df-fb45eca51965/summary
Buying a generator set outright is only feasible if a business has the funds to afford the initial investment and is working on a long-term project that requires stable off-grid power. Because in most businesses this is not the case, rental is a compelling option. But not all rental options were made equal. Here Dean Harris, Sales Engineer at Energyst UK & Ireland, explains the difference between short and long-term genset rental. Renting a genset allows businesses to avoid paying out a large initial sum. One example is a recycling plant, which recently took out a five-year contract because it does not have access to a mains power supply for the foreseeable future. The customer did not want to spend three quarters of a million pounds on the three gensets that it required, so opted for rental to bridge the power gap. Rental also gives businesses the opportunity to have a genset on site in a matter of days, rather than waiting 16 to 20 weeks for a purchased system to be custom built and installed. Rental customers can also pass the maintenance costs and challenges that come with purchasing onto their supplier. If a business decides to rent, there are two main options — short-term and long-term rental. Short-term rental can be from a few days to just under a month and long-term rental typically is anywhere up to two years, but some businesses opt for even longer periods of up to ten years. Short-term rental Businesses can quickly get their project’s power requirements met by opting for a short-term rental. A rental genset can be quickly introduced to prevent downtime when an existing embedded generator is faulty and needs maintenance work or for projects that only last a few days or weeks. Consider this example. A company performs five major services each year to check its systems can run up to 2000 kVA, during which the gensets powering the operation must be taken offline. The business could not justify spending half a million pounds on a supplementary genset, only to use it for five or six weeks of the year. Instead, it chose to rent a genset during testing, saving footprint space, the large initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Long-term rental In addition to the financial benefits of renting a genset, customers can also pass on the operational costs to the rental supplier when renting long-term. The rental supplier can monitor the performance, load and operating hours to see when the genset needs maintenance work, rather than the business carrying this out themselves, providing peace of mind. The renter can also hand over fuel management to the supplier, as well as negotiate a cheaper price per litre when buying in bulk. Long-term rental can be suitable for standby applications for critical facilities, such as hospitals, airports or data centres. Critical facilities have stringent testing requirements to ensure the equipment kicks in when needed, so leaving this in the hands of experts can save time, money and hassle. In addition, long-term rental provides flexibility to businesses during times of changing demand. If a manufacturing business wants to extend its production line and increase the power supplied, it can easily swap out the current rental genset for a bigger one or rent an additional system, without investing large sums of money for the expansion. Ultimately, the value of the rental agreement depends on the project length and the specific requirements of each business. Renting for a longer period will reduce the daily rental rate, but short-term rentals provide more flexibility for businesses who may want a genset for a week. Fully understanding the power requirements of each project before renting a genset will help businesses make an informed decision. Visit the Energyst website to learn more about our genset rental options https://www.finning.com/Energyst.
Following the global success of its MDX range and the recent launch of its 3.5-tonne variant, the 3.5MDX, which has set new standards in terms of safety, comfort, and performance, Mecalac has announced a series of major evolutions to its site dumper portfolio. The first will see all new six-tonne 6MDX and nine-tonne 9MDX models fitted with optional state-of-the-art hydrostatic transmission. The second evolution concerns the availability of a ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) foldable roll bar, making the cabin effectively optional. Hydrostatic transmission for improved comfort and safety Widely used across the construction equipment industry, the adoption of hydrostatic transmission replaces mechanical transmission with fixed gear ratios. This ensures easier operation without the need to shift gear, as well as providing the added benefit of responsive dynamic braking. This makes operation easier and safer for both experienced and new operators, meaning the new hydrostatic 6MDX and 9MDX are perfect for both rental fleets and operators that frequently change their equipment. The addition of hydrostatic transmission also guarantees improved operator comfort, thanks to smooth and controllable acceleration. Removing the gear stick allows for a more spacious operator environment, while fewer parts mean less maintenance and overall less wear, directly resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. Both the 6MDX and 9MDX deliver outstanding performance, torque and traction, particularly on steep inclines where gear changes can often result in loss of drive. Enclosed cab or ROPS foldable roll bar Alongside featuring the option of hydrostatic transmission, both new models will be available with the option of either an integrated cab or all-new ROPS foldable roll bar. Setting the standards in site safety and featuring a stylish ground-up design, the all-new ROPS models are easy to transport between job sites and allow operators to work in low height areas with ease. The structure is easily foldable, thanks to a handle and gas strut, which means folding and unfolding the ROPS is safe and requires minimal manual effort. Because the ROPS roll bar has significantly fewer components than a cab, it is an economical choice, but still offers superior operator protection. For additional safety and comfort, the 6MDX and 9MDX can be fitted with the unique isolated MDX cab to minimise vibration and noise, while optional air-conditioning provides outstanding operator comfort in all weather conditions. In order to ensure a higher level of operator protection in any situation, the certified ROPS/FOPS MDX cab has been additionally designed and tested by Mecalac to withstand impacts while loading the dumper skip. The Mecalac MDX cab impact test video is available by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/Oy8z2CLgFgQ For more information about Mecalac’s industry-leading MDX range, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mecalac.com/en.
The undercarriage is one of the most important components of any piece of heavy equipment. It might not seem so at first, since the undercarriage only accounts for a small portion of the machine’s upfront cost. However, the undercarriage represents an average of 50 per cent of your machine’s ongoing operating and repair costs, so regular maintenance is vital if you want to avoid a hefty repair bill. Here are our top tips for extending the life of your undercarriage. 1. Wear and tear The undercarriage carries the weight of a machine, so it’s natural for its moving components to wear over time as the machine completes work. However, you can extend the service life of your undercarriage components by dedicating a bit of time to proper maintenance and using the machine in the best possible way. Poor maintenance and rough operation will impact wear rates and increase the need for repairs. Operators will start to see visible changes on the machine, such as sprockets wearing down from flat wedges to a point. As track pads wear down, they will become flatter, increasing the likelihood of slipping during operation. At this point, operators will be forced to stop work and have the undercarriage repaired, leading to costly downtime on site. So, how can operators prevent unnecessary wear? 2. Best practice Firstly, operators can make informed decisions when selecting and operating equipment, which will result in slower wear rates. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to undercarriages, so choosing the right undercarriage and track width for the environment can impact operations. For example, standard tracks are the best fit for firm ground conditions with minimal slopes. On the other hand, low ground pressure tracks are wider and therefore better suited for softer, wetter ground conditions. Awareness of operating methods and site conditions can also influence the lifespan of tracks and undercarriage components. When operating machinery, reducing any unnecessary tracking and avoiding abrasive material, such as rocky areas on site, can slow track wear. Operators should also take extra care in areas where a lot of material can get into the undercarriage. For example, when operating in a muddy environment or on a landfill site, they may need to clear out debris regularly throughout the day. It is also best practice to consider the speed of the machine, for example increasing speed when pushing heavy loads can cause slippage and excessive wear. Working on banks for long periods of time will cause one side of the undercarriage to wear, so keeping the machine on level ground as much as possible can prevent uneven wear later on. 3. Daily checks During the day, excavators and other heavy machinery will churn up the ground, resulting in mud, debris and other material building up in the tracks. Leaving this in the undercarriage will add weight to it, reducing fuel economy as well as accelerating wear. Cleaning out the undercarriage at the start of each workday reduces the risk of material build-up causing an issue. Incorrect track tension may lead to increased track wear, so it is important to check this prior to operating the machine. If tracks are too tight, it creates added load, accelerating component wear. If the track is too loose, it can become unstable and derail. Adjusting the sag to the measurement recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will prevent problems like this occurring. The more often operators inspect their machine, the sooner they can identify and rectify any issues. Operators can also get more support from their equipment supplier. Finning UK & Ireland’s Custom Track Service (CTS) includes regular visual inspections to provide operators with a detailed report of a machine’s undercarriage. The inspectors also use ultrasonic equipment to check for wear of the internal components of the undercarriage. This, combined with visual checks, can help estimate part lifespan, enabling owners and operators to accurately forecast repair costs. The undercarriage takes the weight of the machine and material on site and if it breaks down, the machine remains stationary, incurring costs from downtime and repairs. By choosing the correct type of undercarriage for the application, following best practice during operations and carrying out regular maintenance, operators can ensure that their repair costs will decrease and productivity will remain high. Finning can assist with preventative maintenance and inspections as part of its Customer Value Agreements. Find out more about choosing and maintaining your machine’s undercarriage on our website.
If you’ve never rented heavy equipment like cranes before, you might not know what to expect. Renting a crane is essential in large-scale projects as it increases productivity, especially if there’s too much heavy lifting. Without cranes, it’s impossible to move around heavy materials. If you don’t have a budget to buy a crane, you can rent one. Be smart with which crane rental company you’re going to choose before you sign on the dotted line. To ensure you get the right crane rental services for your project, here are some questions you need to ask a crane rental company before hiring them. 1. How Much Experience Do You Have? Normally, you should ask a crane rental company about their experience in providing rental services before you hire them. The crane rental company you’re going to hire should have years of experience in the relevant field so they can be considered for the job. Experience is important because there are many different types of cranes. The best company will help you choose the perfect type of crane that’s best suited for your building or construction project, which is what one Calgary crane company does for their clients. Upon your first meeting with the crane rental firm, be sure to start the conversation by asking them about their experience, as this is the most important thing you need to know about them. 2. What Types Of Cranes Do You Provide? You may not know this, but there are many different types of cranes. It can be quite challenging for someone who doesn’t know about cranes which one is best suited for their construction project. Here are some of the most common types of cranes rental companies offer: Loader cranes Overhead cranes Mobile cranes Rough terrain cranes Telescopic cranes Tower cranes The type of crane you’re going to choose all depends on what you’re looking for. It’s best if you go with a crane rental company that has a large selection of cranes available. They can walk you through different types of cranes, and help you choose the one best suited for your project needs. 3. Do You Provide Crane Operators? If So, Are They Licensed And Trained? Obviously, a crane won’t operate on its own. You’re going to need someone to operate it, which is why you need to ask a crane rental company if they provide operators. Fortunately, most rental companies understand the need for these workers. There are some companies that offer rental services wherein crane operators are already included in the package. You also need to make sure the crane operators are fully licensed and experienced. If mistakes are made in large construction projects, it can be extremely dangerous for everyone in the site. This is especially true when operating a crane. To guarantee that all health and safety guidelines are followed when operating a crane, be sure to hire operators that are fully trained and qualified. In this way, you can rest assured the job will be done on the right way, on time, and within the budget. 4. What Are Your Rental Rates? Cranes are very expensive, especially if you’re going to buy them outright. Not all construction companies or builders can afford a crane. As a result, they rely on rental companies so they can use one for their projects. Although renting a crane can save your business a lot of money, it’s still wise to check the cost of crane rentals beforehand, so you can find the best value for your money. Take some time to shop around and compare quotes when searching for a reliable and reputable crane rental service providers who’s willing to rent you heavy equipment within your budget. 5. Do You Provide Insurance? Keep in mind that if you’re going to simply rent a crane, you’re also responsible for the insurance. This is why it’s important to ask a crane rental company if they provide insurance for you, especially if you’re going to hire an operator from them. Final Thoughts By asking these questions before signing a contract, you can protect yourself from problems later. Another reason why you should ask these questions is because there are some crane rental companies that aren’t honest, especially when it comes to their services and reputation. Knowing what questions to ask before renting a crane will help you get the most out of the deal. It is always better to rent a crane from a reliable and reputable company who you can trust to give one that is in good working condition.
Cranes are some of the most popular machines in the construction, transport, and material handling industries due to their ability to lift, lower, and move large loads with ease. There are a range of different types of cranes on the market, manufactured by different brands, each with their own distinct benefits. Over the course of 2020 and the online frenzy that COVID-19 brought about, the top Crane brands fluctuated dramatically. This could be attributed to the low stock levels COVID-19 caused, with many would-be machinery buyers turning instead to hiring cranes. This year, there’s a clear definitive list of the brands most searched by people looking for cranes. Here are the top five most in-demand crane brands for 2021 so far, according to machinery marketplace, Machines4U: Franna Liebherr Terex Maeda Kobelco This data is based on Machines4U search traffic volumes and brand search data for cranes from January 1st, 2021 until June 30th, 2021. Top 5 Brand Breakdown 1. Franna It’s no surprise to see Franna in the top position for most in-demand crane brands; it has dominated the Australian market for more than 40 years. Franna is a market leader in pick and carry cranes, and it’s a subsidiary of Terex Corporation which also made the list. Franna is well-known for designing and manufacturing strong and easy-to-operate machines that have the ability to pick up heavy loads and move within tight spaces. So far this year, 15.1% of searches for cranes on Machines4U can be attributed to Franna. This is a big jump from the same period in 2020, with only 9.9% of searches for Franna from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. An increase in buyer demand for this brand could be due to availability and stock levels within Australia. 2. Liebherr Liebherr is another popular brand for cranes, with 13.4% of all searches attributed to the brand so far this year. In 2020, Liebherr had the top spot for crane brand searches with 13.8% of searches from January 2020 until June 30, 2020 attributed to the brand. The German brand has a long history dating back to 1949 when the first tower crane was invented. Since its inception, Liebherr has grown to become one of the most renowned brands in the crane sector. It’s most known for its large range of tower cranes, mobile cranes, and crawler cranes. With the range extending from 35 tonnes through to a massive 1,200 tonnes load capacity, Liebherr manufactures some of the biggest machines in the sector. 3. Terex / Terex Franna Terex is an American manufacturer of cranes which are used across a range of industries. It also has subsidiary companies, including Franna cranes. Terex has a wide range of tower and rough terrain cranes, as well as pick-and-carry cranes. Terex cranes are built tough and are very reliable and efficient machines. In terms of search traffic, Terex Franna received 11.1% of searches, and Terex received 5.2% of all searches. For the same search period in 2020, the brand also received high search volume with 7.8% of searches for Terex and 5.1% of searches for Terex Franna. With many searches for the brand and its subsidiary, it’s clear that buyers trust Terex to manufacture quality cranes. 4. Maeda Maeda is a Japanese manufacturer of spider and crawler cranes. It pioneered the spider crane, and its range of mini crawler cranes is very popular in Australia. Maeda’s spider and crawler cranes are ideal for using indoors or in compact areas. They have compact bodies, a small tail swing, and are generally equipped with electric motors to remove greenhouse gas emissions. Due to the specialised machines it manufactures, Maeda does well to carve out its part of the market with mini cranes, spider cranes, and crawler cranes. Maeda cranes have been in the Australian market for around 27 years, and they received 5.1% of all searches for cranes so far in 2021. For the same period in 2020, Maeda received 5.8% of all search traffic for crane brands. Despite fewer searches for the brand, it has moved up on the list of most in-demand crane brands. 5. Kobelco Kobelco is a well-known Japanese brand of construction equipment, including cranes and excavators. The company began in 1930 with the first release of an electric shovel in Japan. In 1964, it released its first series of crawler cranes and truck cranes. Since then, the company has continued to offer a wide range of cranes across the globe. Kobelco cranes are well-known for their design and engineering of heavy-duty crawlers, lattice booms, and telescopic booms. Kobelco received 4.4% of all searches for cranes from January 1, 2021 until June 30, 2021. This is a decrease from the same period in 2020 when Kobelco received 5.9% of all searches for crane brands. With the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, it seems people with the intent to buy and/or hire cranes for their projects tend to be searching for well-known brands that are more likely to have stock already on Australian shores, without having to wait for the next shipment. It’ll be interesting to see whether this search traffic stabilises or continues to fluctuate as time goes on.
Cat® 637K scrapers with push/pull attachment purchased as part of new equipment investment Earthmoving professionals Collins Earthworks has invested in several new Caterpillar machines, including four new Cat® 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers with push/pull systems. Finning UK & Ireland, exclusive distributor of Cat products, dispatched the new additions to the fleet, including a Cat D7, D9 and several D6 XEs to the company, to support the earthmover’s work around the Midlands. Collins Earthworks, based in Ripley, Derbyshire, has been managing earthworks projects for 20 years, developing a strong working relationship with Finning for the last 10–15. Due to this, Collins came to Finning with a need for machines to support its project on the Northampton Gateway and opted for the Cat 637 scrapers — machines rarely seen in the UK. Adding to the uncommon nature of these machines, Collins has also opted for push/pull systems, negating the use of trucks and excavators. The push/pull system concentrates the combined horsepower of the tractor and scraper onto one cutting edge, allowing two individual scrapers to act as a self-loading system — typically loading both machines in less than a minute, one after the other. “As we are continuing to work on various projects — big and small — throughout the UK, having the 637K scrapers in our fleet gives us the flexibility to fulfil any project efficiently” said David Collins, Managing Director of Collins Earthworks. “Earthmoving work comes in all shapes and sizes, and there is no “one fix for all” solution. Having a mixed fleet including the 637Ks, excavators and articulated dump trucks (ADTs) means that we have the versatility to complete any job, setting us apart from our competitors.” “It is amazing to see an investment into Cat 637Ks here in the UK — scrapers fill a niche in earthmoving that no other machine can compete with, and we haven’t seen these kinds of machines in the UK for a number of years” said Jake Wright, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “A good fleet of scrapers can make it much cheaper than the number of excavators and trucks that would need to be used to move the same amount of dirt. “Convenience is also key here. An efficient groundworks operation with excavators and trucks will often take several people, whereas at a moment’s notice, one operator can get on the scraper and do the same job. For short distance bulk earthmoving they are lower cost and faster than any other haulage unit. I don’t think any other setup can compete with a push/pull tandem scraper setup in sand, gravel, clay or topsoil.” To get the most out of the new investment, Finning will also be providing Collins with machine familiarisation training on the wheeled-tractor scrapers, as well as operator efficiency training during a revisit in the next six months. The machines also benefit from an extended warranty and a full preventative maintenance program, so that Collins is safe in the knowledge that Finning experts will be on hand at any time of the day. To find out more about the Cat 637K Coal Bowl Scrapers or how Finning can assist with operator training and preventative maintenance, visit the Finning UK & Ireland website.
Finning UK & Ireland receives RoSPA Engineering Services Sector Award for health and safety achievements Finning UK & Ireland, the exclusive distributor for Caterpillar® products, is celebrating after landing an internationally recognised award for demonstrating high health and safety standards. The company is now in the running for the highest possible accolade in the health and safety awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The Finning business revolves around extremely large and heavy equipment, from mining trucks that stand three stories high to hydraulic shovels that weigh in at hundreds of tons. Safety therefore is a central focus to ensure that staff, contractors and customers are free from significant risk of accidents. “Organisations receiving a RoSPA award are recognised as being world leaders in health and safety practices, so receiving the Engineering Services Sector Award is a fantastic achievement,” said Keith Oakes, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) at Finning. “I would like to extend my thanks to all employees for their ongoing commitment to health and safety. I would also like to recognise the work carried out by Martin Parker, Finning’s SHEQ Business Partner, who completes the substantial submission process every year by liaising with multiple departments to evidence our performance and achievements. “Everyone should feel incredibly proud of this accomplishment, which means we now go into the final evaluation process for the chance to be awarded the Sir George Earle Trophy. If we were to secure this prestigious accolade it would be the second time, following our win back in 2012.” Each year, applicants submit their entries to the internationally recognised health and safety awards for the chance to receive the highly coveted Sir George Earle Trophy — the highest occupational health and safety award in the world. Currently, around seven million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA awards but the scheme’s global influence is even wider, with over 2,000 organisations from 46 countries represented in 2021. “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide” said Julia Small, RoSPA Achievements Director. “RoSPA is very proud of the achievements of its entrants, and with this award we recognise the best of the best, those organisations that have gone the extra mile, raising the bar for the delivery of safety in the workplace. “Employees, wherever they are, should be able to go to work safe in the knowledge that they will return home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day. Our RoSPA award winners are central to achieving this goal. By entering they are driving up standards and setting new safety benchmarks for organisations across the world.” For more information about Finning’s commitment to safety and how it upholds its high standards, visit the Finning UK & Ireland website.
No matter how long ago you took your test, there are three little words that probably still influence your driving to this very day: mirror-signal-manoeuvre. Short and sweet, they provide a helpful way of remembering what you need to do to keep yourself (and others) safe on the road. When it comes to lifting and handling, safety is an equally major concern, and getting that right all starts with good planning. Selecting the right equipment, for example, is a crucial part of minimising your safety risk. At Alliance Tool Hire we’ve developed a quick three-point lifting checklist to help. It might not get etched into your memory quite like mirror-signal-manoeuvre, but we hope it’s a useful way of ensuring you get exactly what you need to get the job done safely. Capability It’s essential that the equipment you employ can comfortably cope with the load in question. With a range of products that stretches from 500kg hand chain blocks to 3 tonne electric chain hoists and large-scale 50-tonne modular lifting beams, Alliance can help you specify the right equipment for loads of practically every weight and type. Elevation Our most popular hire items are the SLA range of manual hoists, typically used for lifting support beams or ducting into place. But the precise model you need will depend not just on the load but also on the Height of Lift (HOL). The SLA10, for example, delivers a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 454kg and a lifting height of 3m, while the SLA25 offers a SWL of 295kg and a lifting height of 7.5m. Condition You need to be fully confident that the equipment you are using is not only fit for purpose, but in a fit and proper condition. At Alliance Tool Hire, all our lifting equipment – whether hire or sale – comes with a six-month Report Of Thorough Examination (ROTE) certificate to give you complete peace of mind. Get in touch with us today to find out more about the lifting and handling products available from Alliance Tool Hire, and how we can deliver the right mix of Capability-Elevation-Condition for your lifting application. Find your nearest Alliance Tool Hire branch and speak to our friendly and experienced team by clicking here. To view our full range of lifting and handling products, click here. Connect with us onLinkedIn and Facebook.