Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the availability of the U50-5, to complete its new series of 5-tonne machines. The U50-5 will join the KX060- 5 and U56-5, which were recently made available. With construction output set to drop by 25 per cent because of COVID-19, the industry needs machines that offer value for money and meet the demands of the job. The U50-5 has been built for the hire market and designed as an entry-level machine. The size of the excavator means it is well suited to working in smaller spaces and will have excellent site access. The U50-5 comes fitted with the following features: Developed with sustainability in mind: As sustainability becomes a key focus across the globe, new machinery needs to reflect this. The U50-5 comes fitted with a Kubota Original Direct Injection Engine with CRS and DPF Muffler and a fully Stage-V compliant engine. Easy access to information: With a full-color, high-resolution 7” LCD screen and job dial navigation as standard, the operator has access to all information needed, from AUX flow adjustment to important maintenance information, as well as detailed alerts. Improved comfort and safety: Double adjustment air suspension has been included on L models to maximise on comfort and to allow for easy height adjustment via an air compressor. The new CAB structure is fitted with noise-cancelling technology, reducing noise by 5dB to ensure a more stress-free working environment for the operator. An orange high visibility seatbelt and alert functions have been fitted to encourage the operator to wear the belt and reduce the risk of serious injury. Better maintenance access: The machine is designed to provide easier access for both operators and service engineers, with accessible radiators and wide opening bonnets. The new and improved DPF reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals for the regeneration filter and ash cleaner. Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said: “We’re proud to be welcoming the U50-5 into our 5-tonne range. The U50-5 is a brilliant entry-level machine, it’s easy to operate and the new features ensure it’s safe to use. Our products are built to last, from sustainable engines to straight forward maintenance access. It is important for us here, at Kubota, that we’re providing machines that get the job done, but are also enjoyable and comfortable to use -which the U50-5 certainly is.”

Wheel loaders and hydraulic excavators have much improved industries.  Excavators and wheel loaders are mainly used to dig up the soil, heavy lifting and moving piles of debris. The big machines can perform in mining, construction, forestry and even landscaping. These heavy machines have certain advantages such as; There has always been a comparison of wheel loaders and the hydraulic excavators. Many of the times the hydraulic excavators are still better than the wheel loaders and International attachments is necessary to get the best deals.. Let us take a look at the reasons: Dump height The wheel loaders have a low dump height while the hydraulic excavators have a high dump height. The difference in dump height is an important feature to consider if you will be using the machine for dumping mainly. The low dump height in wheel loaders makes dumping less accurate as the operator cannot see well where he/she is dropping. High dump height of the hydraulic excavators makes the dumping by hydraulic excavators more reliable and more efficient. Breakout force One of the features that make the excavator more efficient than the wheel loaders is that it has a higher breakout force. The wheel loader in its design has less breakout force hence is usually less efficient. Maintenance costs It is estimated that 50% of the money used to maintain the wheel loaders is used for replacing the tear and wear of the wheels. Due to the nature of its work, the wheel loaders work in very rough surfaces. The excavator has the tracks, and even if they require to be repaired, they have less tear and wear hence are more economical. If you are looking for spare parts for excavators, check out your local dealership for terex spare parts in Australia. Flexibility and mobility The wheel loaders require more space to maneuver hence cannot work in smaller areas while the excavators can work without changing their location. It makes the excavators more flexible to work with and therefore, more efficient. The design that enables the excavators not to move lets it easy for the operator. Easy to work with As stated above the wheel loaders usually move about in the area; it is working. It makes it challenging to work with compared to the excavators which do not change their location. Their flexibility does not tire the operator and hence better to use. As illustrated above, working with excavators is more efficient, and it is way better than working with wheel loaders. The wheel loaders, however, do not lack its advantages of its own such as; Cheap The wheel loader design makes sure that it uses less steel to manufacture compared to the wheel excavator. It reduces its manufacture cost hence decreasing its price. Mobility The wheel loader is more mobile hence can work in places where the excavator cannot work, such as in sloppy areas. Easy to train One can efficiently train how to use a wheel loader. Excavators require a lot of training and hence increasing the labor costs of the excavator. If you want to save money, the wheel loader is your best option as it is cheap and requires cheaper labor. Getting Excavators and wheel loaders  International attachments can help you a great deal in getting hydraulic excavators and loaders. Foreign accessories are helpful in that they; Offer expert help The hydraulic attachments and wheel loader attachments companies are experts in their field; therefore, they offer expert help and help one get the best machine for what he wants. Offer a wide range of selection. The market generally offers a wide selection of products such as that you can select from a wide range of products. Reduced costs If you can get an excellent deal for your excavators and wheel loaders, then you will get free shipping services reducing your costs. Discount prices Getting an attachment for the hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders will give you discount prices for the machines. It will enable you to afford these machines. Bottom Line In this modern era, the excavators and wheel loaders will significantly improve our industries hence very important to be aware of how they operate. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and when deciding which to buy, you have to consider certain factors. It is, therefore, essential for you to seek expert help to help you choose the best option. International attachments can be of great help.

As work resumes on many shut-down construction sites, an engineering expert is urging plant hire companies and site managers to check that their onsite machinery’s health and safety certifications are up-to-date and valid.   In his address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged construction workers to go back to work from today (Monday). Keith Short, machinery inspection engineer at UK Risk Management & Engineering Services (UKRMES), is issuing a warning that certificates on lifting machinery may have expired on many sites during the lockdown. Although emergency extensions have been granted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as MOTs and first aid certificates, the law for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) requirements remains in place.  Keith said that engineering inspections should remain a top priority for fully operational, reopening and closed sites.   “The construction industry is essential for both growing the economy and catering for the country’s growing population but, like other industries, it has been forced to pause many projects due the pandemic,” he said.     “Whilst some sites have stayed opened during the coronavirus shutdown, many are just starting to resume operations, and many more will follow, after the Prime Minister’s address.    “During this period of readjustment, it can be difficult to grasp what is ‘essential’ and what is ‘non-essential’ but when it comes to thorough examination and testing (TE&T) of plant and equipment, the law is clear.   “In order for sites to hit the ground running when they reopen, dutyholders need to have met their statutory obligation to ensure that work plant and equipment is maintained and is safe to use.  “TE&T is critical to ensure the safe operation of equipment and continues to be a fundamental part of the management process. Failure of machinery through deterioration can create dangerous situations, physical harm and business disruption – which is the last thing that businesses want or need when they are trying to get back on their feet.” PUWER and LOLER regulations require equipment used at work to be suitable and safe for use, correctly installed, maintained and used, and to have suitable health and safety controls and markings. PUWER applies to all machinery, whilst LOLER only applies to lifting equipment, including 360 excavators, backhoe loaders, foreloaders, fork-lift trucks and telescopic handlers to hoists, cranes on machines, and lifting attachments. With LOLER, some extra requirements apply. Dutyholders must have PUWER and LOLER inspections on machinery and equipment to comply with HSE Regulations, which are legal requirements. If through an inspection or incident investigation, HSE finds that the regulations were breached or there was negligence, the dutyholder faces prosecution or significant fines.   PUWER and LOLER inspections should be undertaken by an inspector with the relevant engineering experience and knowledge.   “Construction is Britain’s second most dangerous industry to work in, with 30 people killed in 2018/19 – taking unnecessary risks is simply not an option,” said Keith.   “During the period of lockdown, HSE has said that dutyholders should ensure inspectors have access to equipment in a timely manner, that they should consider allowing inspectors access to closed sites so that equipment is ready for when the business reopens, and to make reasonable attempts to source engineers from another provider if their usual provider cannot provide the service.      “HSE also said that dutyholders must be able to demonstrate that they have made all reasonable attempts to have the thorough examination and testing (TE&T) carried out within the required timescales.  “However, if equipment is to continue in use without TE&T, then dutyholders must assess the increased risk and take appropriate action to manage it. “Construction workers face potentially fatal risks on a daily basis, and that is only magnified during times of upheaval, such as this. Now is certainly not the time for complacency and protecting employee safety should remain top priority.”         Keith highlighted that social distancing measures should not be a barrier to inspectors visiting sites and carrying out examinations.   “In this climate, it is understandable that other health and safety concerns are at the forefront of dutyholders’ and site managers’ minds and that they are reluctant to welcome visitors onsite,” said Keith.    “But our engineers remain committed to their duties and will be taking every care and precaution so that they can continue to carry these out.   “The health and safety of our engineers and our clients is paramount and enhanced protective measures will be taken during inspections, including the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), robust cleaning procedures and social distancing.   “Managing risk is an integral part of this industry and keeping construction workers safe during this pandemic is our prime concern.”

Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has announced the launch of the KX042-4α excavator, an update to the existing KX042-4 model. The machine has been designed to be more sustainable and is now the most environmentally friendly excavator in its class. The launch of the updated excavator comes at a time when the construction sector is under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, with statistics showing that approximately 39% of the world’s carbon emissions are a result of building and construction.  The machine comes fully Stage-V compliant and incorporates an updated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which incorporates both the Particulate Filter and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and now enables increased intervals between regeneration and longer service life. The improved DPF system also ensures clean exhaust emissions and reduces maintenance by increasing the service intervals for both the regeneration filter and ash cleaner. Using an auto idling system, the KX042-4α helps the users save fuel. When the control levers are in neutral for more than 4 seconds, the engine RPM automatically idles. When any control lever is moved, the engine RPM immediately returns. This innovative feature reduces noise and exhaust emissions while reducing operating costs, making the updated machine an ideal choice for jobs in built-up urban environments.  The KX042-4α also has the power and versatility to handle the toughest jobs with ease and efficiency, thanks to digging and lifting performance, AUX oil flow with proportional flow control, auto-shift and float position – making ground-finishing work fast and easy. Other enhancements include a deluxe suspension seat, designed and engineered to fit better and keep users working for longer comfortably and reducing strain. It also comes with a spacious cab and wide entrance, developed again to optimise operator comfort and give generous legroom to minimise fatigue. Those using the excavator are also able to leave the machine with ease.  Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager for Construction at Kubota UK, said: “Our focus at Kubota is to help our customers overcome many of the barriers they face in today’s complicated industry. The KX042-4α will do just this, with a powerful and reliable engine and the versatility you need for every job on the worksite. What’s more, the Stage-V compliant engine and improved DPF will reduce emissions and increase the overall sustainability of the machine, which is a key priority across the industry.”