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Cat has added three new models of wheeled loader to its range, badged 924K, 930K and 938K. All share the same basic architecture, differing in wheelbase, axles, machine width and bucket capacities – the latter extend from 1.9-5.0 cubic metres. The biggest change over the H-series models they replace is an all-new cab, offering a massive improvement in ergonomics and comfort. A wider, deeper front windscreen, climate control, seat-mounted joysticks and an ultra-low in-cab noise level of 66dB(a) are among i

The authorities in Costa Rica are transferring the concession for the San Hose-San Ramon highway. The Brazilian firm OAS is taking over the contract from Autopistas del Valle. The National Concessions Agency (CNC) has said that the contract will be similar to the original deal, although some additional works may be added. Extra projects are likely to include a four lane highway between Belen-Santa Ana as well as a new bridge over the Virilla River. In the 2006-2012 period, the cost of the project soared fro

The Brussels capital region of Belgium has laid out a series of proposals to develop its transport networks over the next 15 years. The new plans will respect the aims of the Iris 2 plan concerning movement within the region. Pathways for pedestrians and cyclists will be improved and the city of Brussels will support the STIB public transport services to increase public transport links out of the capital. Other projects include a car park off the A12 in Heysel, alterations to the flow of traffic in t

American rock drilling tool maker, Rockmore International, has opened its first manufacturing plant in Europe to serve customers in the emerging Africa and Asia markets. The new plant, based in Judenburg, Austria, represents an investment of $12million. With Rockmore’s existing plant in the USA, it effectively doubles the company’s production capacity.

Cost cutting in sign design can lead to confusion: Image provided courtesy of World Highways reader Helen Marais

JLG has launched the 10MSP, a stock picker with a platform height of 3.05m and an overall width of just 0.83m. The platform capacity is 159kg, with a material tray capacity of 113kg. The 10MSP uses a joystick to steer and drive, with turn-on-the-spot capability for ultimate manoeuvrability,

Italian technology company Outset has introduced two additional on-board weighing systems. The Lanx WL is a wireless control unit designed for use on road-going tipper trucks. It provides a real-time display of the net, gross, trailer and tractor axle weights, with an acoustic alarm to prevent overloading. The Lanx HD is intended for use in rigid dump trucks, and is directly installed in the cab. It displays the weight on board, allowing readings for each axle, and memorise round-trips for later download.

One company at INTERMAT probably deserves ‘ten stars’ for safer cost-effective construction machine operator training. Established in 2009, Swedish firm Tenstar Simulation (TS) offers simulator training programs for new operators of a wide spectrum of construction machines, including wheel and truck excavators, wheel loaders, and tower and lorry cranes.

French manufacturer Haulotte has reported sales of €89m in the first quarter of 2012, compared with €72.1m for the same period last year. Equipment sales were up 28.4% and represent 78.5% of total revenue, while service and rental revenues rose by 2% and 14.1% respectively. “Overall we see a pretty good market around the world in 2012,” said chief executive Alexandre Saubot. “I am still concerned by Europe, which will have the slowest growth this year. But overall we are confident that we will achieve doubl

Ihimer, the joint venture between Japanese company IHI and Italian firm Imer, has added two skid steer loaders to its growing range of compact equipment. The AS30 and AS34 have operating weights of 3,150kg and 3,500kg respectively, with rated working loads of 850kg and 1,020kg. Power comes from a 50kW Kubota engine in the smaller machine and a 61kW Yanmar motor in the AS34. The company already has a smaller AS12 model, and will launch AS18 and AS22 skid steers at next year’s Bauma show in Munich. IHI also b

Chemical company Evonik has formulated an additive pack that creates multi-grade hydraulic oil for excavators. It is said to deliver a significant improvement in fuel efficiency compared to traditional mono-grade hydraulic oils. It’s called Dynavis and the key, said Evonik, is a clever viscosity improver that prevents aeration, which can cause cavitation and a loss of performance in hydraulic pumps. Dynavis’ technology is a closely guarded secret - it is not available as a pour-in additive, but is sold in

Kobelco used INTERMAT for the European introduction of its G series CKE range of crawler cranes –displaying the CKE2500G and the CKE800G, with lifting capacities of 250tonnes and 80tonnes respectively. Both benefit from lower fuel consumption of up to 25% partly attributed to their Stage IIIB engines having an auto idle stop (which cuts the engine if it is idling and automatically re-starts it as soon as a control is touched) and the G Winch that retains its winching speed even if the engine revs are reduce

Shantui Construction Machinery intends to grow both organically and by acquisition, according to vice president Li Dianhe. The company has relied heavily on its bulldozer line in the past but is developing a wider product range. It has bought Chinese firms making concrete equipment and road machines and is actively looking at further potential acquisitions. Dianhe said, “We are still negotiating.” Although it is very strong in China, and particularly with its bulldozers, exports are an important part of