Maintenance

Kobelco Construction Machinery Group is expecting strong sales in North America and Europe in the 2014 financial year after recently re-entering both key markets after a decade-long absence. Consolidated net domestic sales in Japan in 2013 financial year (April 2013-March 2014) were up 29.2% year-on-year to US$1.362 billion (138.3 billion yen), with overseas sales at $1.771 billion (179.9 billion yen), a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. The ratio of overseas sales to consolidated net sales decreased slightl

Bobcat’s new T40180 18m telehandler is the Doosan brand’s largest rigid frame telescopic handler, and, like Bobcat’s T40140 14m model, has increased maximum lifting height based on a new easy-to-use design said to provide class-leading efficiency and productivity backed by state-of-the-art safety systems. The T40180 has a 4tonne maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 17.52m. The lift capacity at top lift height is 2.5tonnes, while at maximum reach of 13.7m, lift capacity is 560kg. Unloaded

Around 7,000 extra potholes are to be repaired across Staffordshire as part of a €2.5 million (£2.1 million) package of investment in the English county’s roads. Staffordshire County Council is also drafting in two extra pothole-blitzing machines – in addition to the two already out tackling potholes and improving road surfaces in the county. The two extra machines use high velocity patching and can tackle stretches of defects and are particularly effective on more rural, less constructed roads.

Chicago Pneumatic has added production capacity for the brand’s portable diesel compressor range at its Antwerp manufacturing facility in Belgium. The firm says the new production strategy aims to meet Europe’s increasing demand as well as Chicago Pneumatic’s (CP) ambition to offer market-leading customer service and delivery times. The decision to expand production capacity in mainland Europe saw CP manufacture its entire portable diesel compressor range for the European market from Antwerp in Q4 2013.

Komatsu’s utility equipment operation in Italy recently held its 50th anniversary celebration, as well as highlighting new product developments. The current plant was established by the Italian firm FAI in the town of Este around 30 years ago, close to the city of Venice. When rules on importation of machine into Europe were established in the late 1980s, Komatsu discussed a partnership with FAI. This was established in 1988, later buying out the majority share in the plant held the Italian founder in the e

Caterpillar Work Tools has introduced its new generation of Multi-Processors for Cat hydraulic excavators. Caterpillar's Multi-Processor MP300 Series (MP318 and MP324) is said to be able to handle virtually any demolition job by using the basic housing together with a choice of up to six available jaw sets. Other models will be added to the standard offering at a later stage. "We are applying technologies which reduce our customers' owning and operating costs to ensure they make more money when they choo

Doosan has launched two new generation 6 tonne compact excavators, the new DX62R-3 reduced tail swing (RTS) and DX63-3 conventional tail swing models. Designed as replacements for the existing DX60R and DX55E machines, the new models are said to benefit from a significant improvement in hydraulic performance, through a 33% increase in maximum flow rate to 132l/min. The hydraulic system now also incorporates a load sensing system said to guarantee high hydraulic performance and smooth and efficient combined

A group has united with a common aim, that roads must be maintained to save lives and money. The European Commission and national governments are being called upon to step‐up road maintenance standards by organisations, which represent consumers, road and vehicle industries, and safety bodies. The group comprises the Féderation International de l'Automobile (FIA), the European Road Federation (ERF), the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a

Compact equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson reports an upturn in its business in the third quarter of 2013. This comes despite the difficult economic climate. The firm’s revenue for the third quarter of 2013 was 8.6% higher than the same period in 2012 and reached €276.3 million, compared €254.5 million in the previous year. Taking into account currency fluctuations, this represents an increase of 13% according to the firm. “When viewed against negative trends in certain markets, we can be satisfied with t

SDLG and Volvo CE are adopting a dual brand approach – Mike Woof writes. Chinese firm SDLG and its European partner Volvo CE are working on a novel arrangement that will see the two companies use a dual brand marketing strategy. While the sales channels in these markets will remain distinct, some back office services and parts logistics will be shared, affording SDLG much greater customer support than offered by other Chinese exporters