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The new 130tonne class hydraulic excavator from XCMG offers key innovations for the market, as well as high quality construction. This new XE1300C unit from XCMG is suitable for operating at the face in a large quarry for example, with a heavy duty rock bucket fitted with long life imported teeth and wear material. Power comes from a Cummins diesel, it has a slew speed of 4.8rpm and the machine offers a digging depth of 8.7m. The structure of the machine is heavily reinforced so as to be able to cope with t

Engine manufacturer Deutz showed its Tier 4 exhaust emissions standard TCD 3.6 L4 engine to the Chinese market for the first time. Described by Deutz as ultra-compact, this water-cooled four-cylinder engine covers the 55.4-97kW power output range and is claimed to generate a power output comparable with that of a 4.5litre, turbocharged Tier 3 engine. Deutz went on to say that rigorous engine downsizing now provides its customers with additional installation space for exhaust after treatment components. The

From Doosan comes a new hybrid excavator that has been developed with Chinese customers in mind. High fuel costs in China mean that the country’s contractors are keen to reduce running costs by improving fuel economy. The new Doosan excavator, aimed at the 21tonne class, is designed just for that application and features a hybrid system to cut consumption levels. The hybrid system offers best economy when operating in truck loading cycles. Performance is not restricted by the hybrid drive however and this m

The World Bank is offering the Kenyan Government a loan worth nearly US$300 million to fund road projects. The lion’s share of the money will be used to construct a double decker road link in Kenyan capital Nairobi. The 30-year repayment loan will also feature a grace period of 10 years. The Kenyan Government will contribute a small sum to the project and will also be in charge of the tender process.

Plans for a new highway connecting Saudi Arabia and Egypt are now commencing. The US$3 billion highway will improve transport connections between the two countries. This 32km link will run between Nassrani in Egypt and Ras Hamid in Saudi Arabia, passing the Tiran Strait. A technical committee is holding discussions on the project shortly.

In Malaysia the government is setting aside a budget for a major package of road construction works in Sabah. The three new road upgrades will help ease traffic congestion at peak periods and the Works Ministry plans to open the tender process shortly. Some US$196.5 million will be spent on improving the 42km road that connects Jalan Dongongon and Simpang Papar. A budget of $140.8 million has been set for upgrades to the 81.5km road connecting Tawau and Semporna. For the project to improve and widen the roa

China is reported to be willing to fund the construction of the Limon road in Costa Rica, on the condition that a Chinese company is responsible for the key infrastructure project. It is understood that China would grant a 20-year loan of US$400 million, with a low interest rate, if their condition is met. The Congress of Costa Rica is expected to decide on the matter in November 2012. The Limon road project involves the expansion from two to four lanes of the 70km road from Rio Frio to Limon, and the devel

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has announced the winners of its annual student video contest. A group of 18 high school students from North Carolina and three graduate and post-graduate students from New England were named winners. Sponsored by ARTBA’s Research and Education Division (RED), the contest challenges grade school and post-secondary students to develop a brief video that explores issues relating to America’s transportation network. Students were asked to addres

Wirtgen is now offering two compact milling machines that are configured for Chinese customers. Built in China at the firm’s plant in Langfang, the W100H and W130H share several features such as a similar chassis design and the 153kW power unit. However the W100H is equipped with a 1m wide drum while the W130H has a 1.3m wide drum. Both machines offer cutting depths from 0-180mm.

According to Terex its new Powerlift 1000 crawler crane features a compact design and claimed best-in-class reach and lifting capacity. It is built in Terex’s Jinan factory and is aimed at lifting contractors throughout China, Russia and India. The Powerlift 1000 has a maximum 55tonne lifting capacity and 203.5mt load moment, combined with a 55m main boom and a maximum 61m system length. It can be fitted with 6, 9, 12 or 15m fixed jibs.

Metso announced two initiatives aimed at increasing its share of the fast-growing Chinese crusher market: A joint venture with LiuGong Group, and the acquisition of 75% of Shaorui Heavy Industries. Metso and LiuGong will form a 50%-50% joint venture aimed at developing the track-mounted crushing and screening business in China. The joint venture will combine Metso's know-how in track-mounted crushing and screening business and technology with LiuGong's distribution resources and manufacturing capabilities i

XCMG’s TZ3 tunnelling jumbo represents another sign of the firm’s diversifying product line. This three boom jumbo drill is intended for duties in large tunnelling excavation projects. It features a ROPS-protected canopy and is a notable development for the firm as it is a sign of the company’s strategy to become a full line supplier, including underground excavation machinery. Its development highlights the firm’s widening machine portfolio, which has expanded well beyond its previous line-up.