Products

JCB has signalled its intention to become a major player in the US$8 billion powered access market. It is entering the sector for the first time with the launch of a brand new range that it has been developing and engineering in secret for the past two years. The company has taken the wraps off an initial nine all-new electric scissor models, and by the end of 2017 the newly-launched JCB Access business says will be offering a total of 27 new platforms, including scissors, articulated booms and teles

JCB has developed what it says is the world’s first dual technology transmission designed specifically for its Loadall telescopic handlers, combining the best characteristics of powershift and hydrostatic drives. The new Industrial DualTech VT variable transmission is at the heart of the 531-70 Industrial DualTech VT; 535-95 Industrial DualTech VT, and 541-70 Industrial DualTech VT Loadalls. A version for the American market will be on show, but at its recent unveiling in the UK, JCB pointed to the ad

Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles. New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to b

JCB says it is boosting the fuel efficiency, productivity and performance of its heavier crawler excavators with the installation of Tier 4 Final diesel engines. The six-cylinder, 7.7litre MTU 6R1000 engine, already proven in JCB’s largest wheeled loader, will be used in the JS300 and JS330, along with the JS370, which will be on display. The diesel engine is a turbo-charged and inter-cooled power plant delivering 180kW in the JS300 and 210kW for the JS330 and JS370 models. The machines incorporat

BOMAG is introducing its new BW 28 RH pneumatic roller. Key benefits include easily adjustable ballasting, an ergonomic cabin and high productivity. The front end of the BW 28 RH is designed to allow the operator a clear view of the wheel surface. This allows the operator to check whether the wheels are sufficiently moist so that no bitumen sticks to them. The clear view of the work area improves comfort for the operator and also boosts efficiency as it is possible to work more precisely to asphalt edges

Volvo Penta is launching two new diesel engines, the TWD1645GE and TWD1644GE, which it says extends its competitive range. The 16litre TWD1645GE has been designed to produce up to 10% more power compared to previous models, and its switchable rpm settings mean that it can be used anywhere in the world.

CDE Global’s latest innovation, the CDE M5500 wash plant that can produce up to 500tonnes/hour of washed materials on a single chassis, will be unveiled. A selection of Infinity screens, the company’s new development in screening technology, will also be launched on the North American market along with other technologies. Kevin Vallelly, head of product development at CDE, said: “This latest addition to the M-Series combines feeding, screening, washing and stockpiling onto one chassis, and packs an ex

Smiley Monroe is introducing its latest technology for endless conveyor belts and custom rubber parts to the North America market. The firm is keen to further develop its market presence in North America, where the company is growing its exports to OEM customers in the mobile equipment sector.

Police in South Carolina were called by a concerned woman who spotted a very young driver at the wheel of a vehicle early one morning. The toddler had decided to take his battery-operated toy car for a spin in the area around his home. Officers arrived on scene and tracked down the child after a short pursuit and then backtracked by following the wheel marks to his home. The parents were highly surprised at this turn of events, having put the child to bed rather earlier. They were advised by the police to s

Road users in one Chinese city had something of a fright when a giant inflatable, painted to look like the moon, blew away during high winds. The massive balloon rolled across busy multi-lane roads and junctions before it could be halted. Cyclists and motorcyclists dodged out of the way while many vehicle occupants looked on in surprise as the ‘moon’ rolled right over the top of them. The inflatable had been set up as part of a Chinese festival. Meanwhile in Scotland’s second city Glasgow, drivers and pedes

A car thief in the US has been the butt of many jokes after failing in his attempt to steal a DeLorean DMC-12 sports car. The vehicle was parked by the roadside and had attracted the interest of many passers-by when the thief intervened and forced the owner out of the car, then drove off at speed, but police were alerted quickly. A low speed chase ensued and after a short distance, the thief crashed the car into another vehicle. The DeLorean DMC-12 was made famous by the Back to the Future series of movies

Traffic in the UK’s second city Birmingham faced an unusual hazard when a sheep escaped. The perturbed animal, more used to country areas than a busy city, ran headlong into traffic in the city. A cyclist, a policeman, a motorcyclist and a number of pedestrians joined in the pursuit. The sheep ran across roads without waiting for traffic to pass by, resulting in several close calls. Eventually the terrified animal ran into a park, where it was cornered and captured by its curiously mixed posse of pursuers.

A man in the Chinese city of Guangdong has been charged for careless driving. He was seen driving his vehicle using one of his feet to steer while playing a game on his cellphone. Meanwhile in the city of Changsha, a man was seen cutting down a small tree and then loading it onto his scooter and departing at speed. He escaped and has not so far been traced, as police have yet to get to the root of the problem.

Taxi-hailing service Uber has offered an unusual option for travellers in Taiwan. Two specially-configured ‘singing cars’ were sent out on the streets of Taipei. One person could order the vehicle and take six friends along for the experience. The popularity of this option has not been revealed and at this stage, it is not clear if Uber plans to repeat the exercise in any other cities. However given the widespread appeal for karaoke in some countries, it could become a popular way to pass the time when stuc