News

BOMAG is introducing the first of its Series 5 articulated tandem rollers, which are designed for asphalt compaction. These new machines are in the 6-8tonne weight class and will be followed by other models in the Series 5 line-up towards the end of this year. The machines have been designed around a modular concept and share a number of components and are suited to work in small-medium size projects. They have also been designed so as to offer high manoeuvrability and good visibility for the operator, as w

Nikon-Trimble says that its latest Nikon NPL-322 Series of mechanical total stations offer more precise accuracy and performance. The range includes instruments with angular accuracy of 50.8mm and 127mm, with the former featuring dual-displays for productive angle measurement. Both NPL-322 total station models feature a reflectorless EDM with a range of 200m. High reliability is claimed and thee NPL-322 Series adds reflectorless measurement capabilities to the firm’s field-proven Nikon DTM-322 product line,

New roads are needed in Zimbabwe to help the country’s struggling economy. Zimbabwe's Department of Roads is prioritising work to the Harare-Beitbridge road. This 580km link is expected to cost in the region of US$600 million to turn into a multi-lane highway and the route will be tolled to fund its construction. Consultant Royal Haskoning is carrying out a feasibility study for the project. This will focus on engineering analysis, toll strategy, concept design and environmental-impact, in addition to traff

The latest official data from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) show an overall drop in road-related fatalities. There were 1,760 deaths in road accidents to the year ending in September 2012, a 7% drop from the previous year when there were 1,883 fatalities. A worrying trend however can be seen with regard to vulnerable road users, with an increase in fatalities. The number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in road crashes during this period increased by 4%, pedestrians by 6% and cyclists

Heavy investment is needed in Queensland, Australia to repair damage to roads caused by flooding as well as cyclone Oswald. Queensland’s Transport Ministry estimates that the combination of floods and ex-tropical cyclone Oswald has damaged 4,000-5,000km of roads and will cost billions of dollars to repair. A number of major road sections have been damaged and these include Bruce highway at Yeppen, the Neerkol Creek Bridge on the Capricorn Highway and Burnett Highway at Mount Morgan. In addition, the Don Tal

Topcon and Komatsu are gearing up their long running partnership to a new level, and which will be implemented on a global basis. Although the firms have been co-operating internationally for some years, this partnership has been particularly active in the European market for machine control technology. Under the terms of the deal, customers will be able to order Komatsu machines that are factory-fitted with Topcon technology. Sensors will be fitted in the hydraulic rams of bulldozers, graders and excavator

Marini’s new eTOWER asphalt plants are said to complete the firm’s Top Tower line-up. The existing Top Tower plants offer capacities of 280-400tonnes/hour and the eTOWER machines are designed with output of 150 and 180tonnes/hour. The units benefits from features used in the Top Tower range such as the drying/filtering tower system. This features as innovative location for the filter and under-filter hopper, above the dryer drum, which is said to help reduce energy consumption. This modular plant can be sup

The latest tack coat spraying equipment from French firm Fayat helps ensure adhesion of micro-surfacing products when carrying out road repairs. The latest NOVASEALER machine offers versatility as it can spray on a tack coat and micro-surfacing product at the same time, instead of having to use two separate machines.

New Holland Construction (NHC) is unveiling at bauma the new low profile cab and FleetForce telematics system in its F Series graders which, the Italian company claims, are the best-selling graders in Europe. The new cab reduces the grader’s maximum height by 180mm, taking it down to just 3.06m. This is said to remove all transport limitations for both F106.7 and F156.7 models, whether they are fitted with 50.8cm or 63.5cm tyres.