News

Wacker Neuson’s preliminary results make promising reading, with group revenue rising by 6% in 2013 to €1,160 million. Since 2009, revenue has almost doubled, rising from €597m. Speaking at Conexpo, CEO Cem Peksaglam stated the group’s intent to grow its business outside Europe: “Over 70% of our revenues are in Europe, but that proportion has been falling for the past two years, which is strategically important,” he said, “because in the long-term, we believe that the European share will fall to 50-55% and

A brave new business model which promises to deliver Chinese construction equipment with US-style customer support and after-sales service to the North American market was launched at Conexpo on Wednesday. Customers can buy machines online at between 30 and 45% less than competitor products, according to new company International Construction Products (IPC) Direct.

New Volvo Construction Equipment president Martin Weissburg has revealed a new emphasis for the company’s future R&D strategy – and stressed ongoing work to boost profitability. Speaking during the Swedish manufacturer’s Conexpo 2014 press conference, Weissburg, who assumed his role in January 2014, said, “There will be greater allocation of our R&D dollars towards innovations that reduce product cost. This will not be at the expense of quality or durability.”

“The theme of the Conexpo booth this year is to introduce LiuGong as a full line OEM Supplier to the North American market. We’ve also introduced our Tier 4 engines on our dozer range, as well as our skid steers and we’ve also announced our entry into the 50tonne excavator market with the 950A,” said Marc Dowdell, president LiuGong Construction Machinery, North America. “The North American market is relatively stable or flat compared to last year, which saw an artificial blip due to the build-up from contra

Yanmar has added two new models of compact loader to its range that meet Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. The T210-1 compact tracked loader and S270V-1 skid steer loader share a 52kW 4TNV98CT engine that meets Tier 4 Final emissions using a diesel particulate filter combined with common rail fuel injection and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). With an operating weight of 3.69tonnes and a rated operating capacity of 1.22tonnes, the S270V-1 skid steer loader offers a 19.2km/h travel speed with the

Zoomlion has ambitious plans to introduce dry-mix mortar production equipment to China and South East Asia following the firm’s recent acquisition of M-TEC – the German-based market leader. Speaking at Conexpo 2014, Patrick Hei, Zoomlion’s sales director of concrete machinery, said, “Dry-mix mortar in western countries is a common product for industry. However, in China and South East Asia, and some developing countries, this is a new product for industry. “Zoomlion believes that with its technology and s

IROCK Crushers, launching two brand new tracked crushers, has said that it intends to launch a major exports initiative from 2015. Bob Nelson, general manager of IROCK, which has specialised in wheeled crushers, said: “We will never lose our wheeled route. But it became evident that we needed to have tracked products as well because it is difficult to use wheeled plant in tight sites.” The new tracked IROCK TJ-20 impact crusher and TJ-3046 jaw crusher now join the company’s portfolio. “This means IROCK i

Doosan Infracore’s engine business group used Conexpo to launch a new range of compact diesel engines that meet Tier 4 Final emissions legislation and avoid using a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Called the D18, D24 and D34, the three-model range spans an output range of 20-90kW and offers engine capacities of 1.8, 2.4 and 3.4litres as it targets OEM skid steer loader, compact excavator, air compressor and generator businesses. The non-DPF solution means the two smaller models need only a diesel oxidati

Donaldson has redesigned its bulk fuel filtration system to create the i12 – an inline fuel manifold that is capable of holding 12 fuel filter cartridges. Capable of handling high flow rates and pressures – typically 150psi and in excess of 600gallons/minute – the i12 is part of Donaldson’s clean, protect and polish process, to improve fuel hygiene. With flanges on each end, the inline manifold design has been engineered to simplify installation where space is restricted around bulk tank inlets. The i12 al

Everyone talks about the crumbling US infrastructure. Case Construction is doing something about it. On Thursday, the company held a forum on “Dire States: The Drive to Revive America’s Ailing Infrastructure.” The Dire States program is a combination of efforts by Case and other partners to create a long-term solution to the nation’s infrastructure challenges. The need for improvements is not in question. Dan McNichol, a panellist and author, travelled the US and discussed infrastructure everywhere he wen

Topcon Positioning Group has released a new workflow management system designed to connect all of a contractor’s sites, data, crews and equipment. Unveiled at Conexpo 2014 this week, Topcon Enterprise Solutions offers constant communication, data sharing, scheduling, updating, support activities and accurate productivity data in real-time, no matter where the job or office is located.

Finland-based steel specialist Ruukki, recently launched in the North American steel market, is now showcasing its energy-efficient specialised steels and winning new business. For instance, Link-Belt Construction Equipment is now using Ruukki’s Optim brand of ultra-high-strength steel to manufacture its next-generation of telescopic crane booms.

Cummins said that Conexpo 2014 represents the biggest ever presence by the company at a construction equipment show, with over 29,828kW installed in more than 180 machines at the show. Its Tier 4 line-up on show extends from some of the smallest – the 55kW QSF2.8 installed in a carry crane from Manitex – up to the most powerful Tier 4i kit, that of a 738kW cold milling machine from Wirtgen which uses a twin-engine installation comprising QSL9 and QSX15 engines.

Trimble released a mobile business management app designed for small site and utility contractors: Trimble Contractor, on stand N11766 at Conexpo. Trimble Contractor brings the office to the field, giving contractors an affordable and easy way to manage common office tasks on a smartphone or tablet.