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Caterpillar: 988K
Caterpillar's 988K wheel loader features redesigned loader linkage, drivetrain modifications, a redesigned cab and enhancements in safety and serviceability. A Cat C18 ACERT engine powers the 988K and is available as a Tier 4 Final version. Electronic fuel control ensures optimum performance and throttle response, delivering up to 20 percent greater fuel efficiency compared with the 988H, Cat says. Optimized Z-bar loader linkage replaces the 988H mono-boom design and expands the 988K's versatility in small quarries and underground applications. The new design, using steel lift arms in either a standard or high-lift configuration, reduces machine height at maximum lift, yet increases dump clearance. The design also shortens machine length for greater maneuverability, Cat says. www.cat.com Photo: Caterpillar Keep Reading
Hitachi: ZX870LC-5
The ZX870LC-5 is the largest of Hitachi's Dash-5 excavators, featuring greater horsepower and optimized hydraulics for bigger arm- and bucket-digging forces. According to Hitachi, the ZX870LC-5 was designed with maximum uptime in mind. Its Tier 4 Interim engine operates quietly, giving users the ability to work anywhere. A significant improvement over the Dash-3 model is operator comfort, the company says. The cab features a wider door with more glass, more side-to-side foot room, a heated air-suspension seat for more comfort and an easy-to-read and easy-to-operate multifunction monitor. A rearview camera further enhances operator convenience and confidence. www.hitachiconstruction.com Photo: Hitachi Keep Reading
John Deere: 644K Hybrid
The new 644K Hybrid wheel loader from John Deere utilizes diesel and electric energy. The hybrid loader captures regenerated energy as it's being created and uses it to power the machine. The 644K Hybrid is equipped with 6.8-liter Tier 4 Interim engine that runs at an operator-selected constant speed ranging from 900 to 1,800 rpm. The machine's hybrid technology delivers performance that is equal to or better than the conventional 644K Hybrid depending on the application, John Deere says. In addition, the engine's constant operating speed maintains continuous hydraulic flow at all times, delivering hydraulic responsiveness and reducing cycle times. The electric motor smoothly delivers torque, resulting in fluid operation and a smoother ride. www.johndeere.com Photo: John Deere Keep Reading
GreyStone, Inc.: Conveyor systems
GreyStone Inc.'s conveyor systems range in length from 50 to 200 ft. The company's conveyor line includes standard- and heavy-duty portable conveyors, radial stackers and tower radial stackers that deliver material flow capacities between 300 and 1,300 tph. Conveyor belt widths range from 24 to 54 in., depending on model. In addition, GreyStone manufactures overland conveyors that come in lengths up to 2,500 ft. with belt widths up to 72 in. They deliver a maximum material flow capacity of 3,700 tph, the company says. All GreyStone conveyor systems have standard CEMA idlers and a lagged-head pulley design with a rubber-coated gripping surface that ensures a tighter hold on conveyor belts to minimize slippage. A self-cleaning, wing-type tail pulley eliminates debris buildup and allows the belt to run, reducing belt damage. www.greystoneinc.com Keep Reading
Cat: 303.5E CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator
For greater efficiency, the redesigned Cat 303.5E CR Mini Hydraulic Excavator is equipped with a Compact Radius Design that lets you work in confined areas. The radius of the upper body stays within 4 in. of the undercarriage, and the 31.6-hp engine offers the power to support any application. It also features a COMPASS control panel, adjustable auxiliary hydraulic flows, increased digging force and load sensing hydraulics. CatResourceCenter.com Photo: Cat Resource Center Keep Reading
Seriousness of potential injury
In Secretary [of Labor] v. S&S Dredging Company, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission overturned an administrative law judge who concluded a violation was not “significant and substantial,” as MSHA employs that term for elevated enforcement. The judge had vacated an unwarrantable failure citation because an unwarrantable citation can only be issued if the violation was “S&S.” In reversing the judge’s decision, the commission held this: “The judge erred by limiting S&S violations to those that are reasonably likely to result in injuries that require hospitalization, surgery or require a long period of recuperation.” What the judge considered S&S Dredging was cited for failure to correct a defect on a wheel loader. It had a mounting step that “hung loosely from chains and was unstable.” The next step higher on the loader was stable, but it was “three feet high, bent and caved inward.” The steps had been in this condition for two years according to the company – hence the inspector found “unwarrantable failure.” (There was no indication… Keep Reading
A case for SCR
As the industry shifts from Tier 4 Interim to Tier 4 Final, producers have decisions to make between SCR and EGR machines. Tier 4 mandates are a hot topic of conversation everywhere, from equipment dealer halls to quarries and loading yards. There’s a lot of information to digest, but it’s important to know that, based on equipment type and style, there are different Tier 4 solutions for different machines. Most construction equipment manufacturers have focused on two options for Tier 4 Final solutions on heavy equipment. Both involve an exhaust treatment system. One is selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The other is cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Both reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in keeping with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates. NOx is produced when the engine is at its hottest. Particulate matter is created when fuel is not burned during combustion – usually when the engine is cooler. SCR reduces the formation of particulate matter in the combustion chamber and treats exhaust gases with diesel exhaust fluid… Keep Reading
Immersive Technologies: VirtualGround 3.0
Immersive Technologies has released VirtualGround 3.0 as part of the launch of its Cat 7495 Rope Shovel simulator, which the company says takes digging and other shovel related tasks to the highest available level of fidelity. It is designed to provide realistic material response, digging resistance and visual appearance, which are crucial details in support of the effective training, up-skilling and assessment of shovel operators. VirtualGround 3.0 represents the product of working closely with major mining companies and major equipment manufacturers. Additionally VirtualGround 3.0 takes advantage of recent advancements in computer science. www.immersivetechnologies.com Keep Reading
Volvo Construction Equipment: L250G
The L250G from Volvo Construction Equipment is a 39-ton wheel loader that's equipped with a 9.0-cu.-yd. re-handling bucket. The bucket is capable of loading a truck in two passes, Volvo says. The L250G has a new engine and driveline system for improved productivity, and it features Z-Bar loader linkage that allows for high breakout force for digging in hard materials. Its linkage, lift arms and cylinders also offer high-lift capacity and rapid hydraulic reaction, according to the company. In addition, the unit is fitted with a Tier 4 Interim engine that's married to drivetrain, hydraulics and lifting systems. A 13-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology diesel engine features cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter with active regeneration. The active-type diesel particulate filter temporarily holds the particulate matter and then incinerates it, further reducing emissions. www.volvoce.com Keep Reading
