Productivity is the key to success on the job site, and the faster a crew can reach maximum productivity, the better. As part of Komatsu’s suite of Smart Construction products, services, and digital solutions, the company’s intelligent Machine Control 2.0 (iMC 2.0) gives contractors the opportunity to take advantage of sophisticated, productivity-enhancing automation.

“Aimed to quickly lessen the skill gap between new and experienced operators—and improve the bottom line for contractors—our excavators with iMC 2.0 technology can help contractors transform their construction job sites into highly efficient, highly productive operations,”

said Andrew Earing, senior product manager, tracked products, Komatsu.

Built on Komatsu’s intelligent machine control platform, and developed with input from leading construction companies, iMC 2.0 offers additional new features on the company’s mid-to large-size construction excavators: the PC290LCi-11, PC360LCi-11, and the PC390LCi-11. An excellent match for footing excavation, trenching and slope work, these excavators with updated, factory-integrated systems, help to minimize over-excavation and empower operators to dig straight to grade quickly and accurately.

Auto tilt bucket control

With integrated machine control, auto tilt bucket control assists operators by aligning the bucket parallel with the slope, so that finish grading can be accomplished without needing to align the machine with the target surface.

Perform finish grading using only arm input

The new bucket angle hold control helps operators reach finish grade quickly and accurately. It automatically holds the bucket angle to the design surface during arm operation, enabling operators to perform finish grading using only arm input.

The post Komatsu’s Proprietary Intelligent Machine Control 2.0 Promotes Significant Productivity Gains for Excavators appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

These solutions are engineered to provide high load capacities with high output torques, quiet operation, and long service life. NORD’s modular design also makes these products versatile and highly configurable, meeting your exact requirements to achieve optimal system efficiency. Learn about all of NORD’s grain industry solutions first-hand from our experts at GEAPS Exchange 2021 in Columbus, Ohio from August 6th – 9th at Booth 1309. As the annual conference of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), the Exchange is the premier event for grain handling and processing and allows an opportunity to learn from and network with other industry professionals.

NORD will be showcasing these specialized products at this year’s show:

MAXXDRIVE & MAXXDRIVE XT Industrial Gear Units: MAXXDRIVE Industrial Gear Units are used wherever high torques are required. These units have high power density and torque, rugged UNICASE housings, and offer high axial and radial load capacities.

This makes MAXXDRIVE the ideal solution for the grain industry as it can easily withstand the harsh conditions of conveyor belt use. MAXXDRIVE units are also built for long service life, offer several mounting positions, and cater to the needs of various installation requirements. With their high performance and flexibility, they are perfect for use in heavy-duty applications, such as bucket elevators, agitators, conveyor belt drives, mixers, mills, drums, or crushers.

Also available with our MAXXDRIVE units is the Grain Endurance Package. This package combines several additional protective measures that further ensure a long life for the units. Features include a drying agent filter, oil inspection glass, oil sample point, quick fit filter trolley connection, and oil drain cock.

Key Advantages:

• High output torque up to 2,495,900 lb-in
• 11 case sizes
• Available as parallel shaft, helical bevel, or right-angle units
• All bearings and sealing surfaces are machined in a single process; no separating joints in the housing
• Reduced spare parts costs and downtime

Screw Conveyor Package – The NORD Screw Conveyor Package (SCP) is designed with the grain industry in mind and offers a compact, cost-effective alternative to traditional screw conveyor drives. Closely stepped speed reduction ratios combined with a directly coupled gear motor or NEMA C-face input design eliminate the need for top motor mounts, pulleys, belts, or guards. This minimizes parts inventory and eliminates belted input systems for easier system maintenance, increased reliability, and superior drive performance.

Key Advantages:

• Long service life and low maintenance
• Parallel and right-angle gear units
• No belts or external rotating components
• High efficiency

Electric Motors

NORD electric motors are highly efficient, extremely robust, and can be combined with gear units to provide maximum application flexibility and performance. These motors operate reliably over many years with very high efficiency of up to 95%, reducing operating costs and environmental impact. NORD produces all motors in-house according to stringent standards and can quickly deliver them worldwide.

In certain applications, standard motors cannot be used because the ambient conditions are too harsh, extremely heavy loads must be moved, or there is an explosion hazard. For these cases, NORD also provides explosion-protected motors with a power range from 0.16 to 40 HP. These explosion-protected versions are available as options for use in dust and gas atmospheres and are certified according to ATEX, IECEx, and HazLoc.

Key Advantages:

• High power with lower energy consumption
• Asynchronous, synchronous, and explosion-proof motors available (dust/gas)
• Identical motor dimensions allow for change from one efficiency class to the next without having to make mechanical modifications

The post NORD’s Grain Industry Solutions on Display at GEAPS Exchange 2021 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Seven models of the new Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders, with standard bucket capacities between 3.7 and 7.6 cubic yards, are available now. Five additional Doosan models with bucket capacities between 2.6 and 3.3 cubic yards are planned to launch in early 2022. Wheel loaders launching in 2022 will include the popular tool carrier iterations for two models.

“While we have made enhancements to our wheel loaders during the past 15 years, this is a significant milestone in the Doosan product. The new -7 Series wheel loaders represent more than a decade of research and development, as well as incorporating feedback from our customers. The next generation of Doosan wheel loaders easily competes with any machine available today,”

says Aaron Kleingartner, dealer and product marketing manager.

New Look and New Cabs

A new, award-winning exterior design is likely the first feature customers will notice about the Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders. The completely redesigned, more comfortable cab is a close second.

• The new wheel loader cab layout has relocated important and frequently used controls for easier, more intuitive use. All Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders have the same control setup, so operators won’t miss a beat when moving from machine to machine.
• For improved visibility from the cab, the total glass area is 14% larger than prior models and a full glass door improves visibility on the left side. Large mirrors extend the operator’s view to the side and rear of the machine. A standard rearview camera provides an additional view of the machine’s surroundings and appears on the 8-inch Doosan Smart Touch display. Operators can raise or lower the display to a comfortable height without tools.
• The heating and cooling system is redesigned from previous Doosan wheel loader generations, with new outlet locations to optimize airflow in the cab. Legroom is increased from prior generations, and additional in-cab storage has been added near the USB charging port.
• The electric steering is available as an option for select -7 Series models. In models with this feature, the electronic joystick, which operators can customize to their sensitivity preference, is comfortably integrated into the left armrest.

“Its become increasingly difficult for our customers to hire heavy equipment operators. Our investments in operator comfort provide an exceptional cab that makes it a pleasant experience for long days in the cab. We’re convinced that cabs today are among the most comfortable operating stations, which we hope will help our customers retain their operators,”

Kleingartner says.

Increased Bucket Capacities and New Features To Protect Machine Uptime

Bucket capacities for select models are 7% greater than prior models. These select Doosan models include the DL320-7, DL380-7, DL480-7, and DL580-7. The increased capacity can provide faster, easier loading in fewer passes.

• To enable these greater capacities, these beefed-up models feature stronger, larger axles and a strengthened box frame. Large center bearings and self-centering, double-tapered roller bearings distribute vertical and horizontal loads over a larger area. The bearings have dust seals and covers and are vented to prevent grease overfill.
• The new axles offer better braking capacity to extend the lifetime of the brake discs. Other improvements that enhance durability include a new radiator with fin spacing that is 40% wider than previous generations. This wider spacing makes the radiator less prone to clogging and easier to clear of dirt, dust, and other large debris.
• A standard reversible fan, adjustable from the Doosan Smart Touch screen, further improves cooling system performance. The fan is hydraulically driven with variable speeds that are proportional to the operating temperature. It easily folds out of the way for cleaning the radiator. This can be particularly useful in applications like agriculture and forestry.
• An automatic lubrication system is a new factory option for Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders, and it includes full warranty coverage. The system delivers grease at the middle of the pins and bushings for better distribution.

Loaded With Smart Technologies

Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders are designed with standard technology features that owners and operators can use to make meaningful improvements to the productivity of their operations. Technologies standard on Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders include:

• DoosanCONNECT telematics makes it easy for owners to monitor their Doosan fleet and manage maintenance to reduce operating costs. Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, owners can check machine location, operating hours, fuel usage, engine idle versus work time, error codes, engine and hydraulic oil temperature, and various other data points.
• Situation Awareness Technology automatically monitors the machine’s activity and adjusts the wheel loader engine’s output to match real-time requirements of the hydraulic system and drivetrain.
• The Doosan Smart Guidance System analyzes operator driving habits and provides tips during operation on the Doosan Smart Touch display to improve their efficiency.
• An improved Load Isolation System improves wheel loader stability while moving, which can reduce cycle times, increase productivity and boost fuel efficiency.
• The new Doosan Smart Load weighing system tells the operator the weight of material in the bucket. All menus and settings are integrated into the Doosan Smart Touch screen.
• The Doosan Smart Key is a key fob that can unlock the cab and allows the push-button engine to start.

“We offer a wide range of wheel loader models to meet our customers’ needs. Our 12-model lineup provides customers a variety of horsepower and capacity offerings to best match their applications. Customers operate Doosan wheel loaders in agriculture, construction, recycling, mining, snow removal, and forestry applications. Across these applications, customers can expect Doosan wheel loaders to be productive and durable,”

Kleingartner says.

The post Doosan Introduces Next-Generation Wheel Loaders appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Aimed to quickly lessen the skill gap between new and experienced operators, and improve the bottom line for contractors, Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) is part of the company’s suite of Smart Construction products, services, and digital solutions that incorporate a host of advanced, proprietary machine technology. Developed with input from leading construction companies, iMC gives contractors sophisticated, productivity-enhancing automation along with cutting-edge job site design.

The newest entrant to Komatsu’s iMC 2.0 line-up is the 165 HP (123kW), the PC210LCi-11 excavator. A smart choice for contractors who need a versatile solution that still offers excellent range, the PC210LCi-11 is Komatsu’s smallest machine control excavator.  Weighing 51,397-53,882 lbs. (23,313 – 24,440 kg), this intelligent excavator excels at digging precise footings, retention ponds, and utility work. Its updated, factory-integrated system minimizes over-excavation and empowers operators to dig straight to grade quickly and accurately.

Perform finish grading using only arm input

Operators can finish grade quickly and accurately with bucket angle hold control that automatically holds the bucket angle to the design surface during arm operation, enabling operators to perform finish grading using only arm input.

Auto tilt bucket control

With integrated machine control, the auto-tilt bucket control on the PC210LCi-11 assists the operator in aligning the bucket parallel with the slope, so that finish grading can be accomplished without having to align the machine with the target surface.

Just as technology has transformed global business, intelligent machine control can help quickly transform construction job sites into highly efficient, highly productive operations. 

The post Komatsu’s PC210LCi-11 Excavator Delivers Versatility in a Compact Size appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Engcon‘s strategy is to continually improve the excavators’ everyday lives with more efficient, flexible, and safer solutions. This means, among other things, providing access to smart solutions for everyone, by offering them as standard. The automatic quick coupler system, EC-Oil, has previously been added as an option at no extra charge. Further increasing safety, Engcon will offer the safe locking system QSC under the tiltrotator as standard.

The current system for controlling the bucket lock under the tiltrotator will be replaced with Engcon’s standardized locking panel, directing the driver’s actions by means of an alert system to ensure correct positioning. In this way, Engcon simplifies the handling of the bucket lock – the hitch control function is standardized, regardless of the make and model of the excavator. This minimizes the risks of dropped or swinging tools.

”We usually compare it to the fact that the gas and brake pedals would have different placements in a car depending on which car brand it is. In short, if a driver who changes from one excavator to another and can operate it in the same way, the risk of making mistakes with serious consequences is greatly minimized”,

says Martin Engström, Product Manager at Engcon.

Unique safety function that saves lives

In addition to the standardization of the locking procedure, it is also impossible to activate the bucket lock under the tiltrotator while the bucket is hanging in midair – a safety function that is unique to Engcon’s locking solution.

”This reduces the greatest risk that a bucket or a tool is accidentally dropped when up in the air. Which can prevent both injuries and deaths,”

says Martin Engström.

The locking system, QSC, together with Engcon’s quick coupler Q-Safe, also has an audiovisual warning system. The system warns with sound and light alarms if the bucket is connected incorrectly. As an accessory, you can also order a safety function that locks the excavator’s turning movements, which further increases safety.

“To sum up, we continue to standardize for maximum safety and to prevent unnecessary accidents due to mistakes, stress, or improper handling. And not only that, it costs nothing extra”,

Martin Engström concludes.

The post Engcon’s new standardization advances excavation safety appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

With the unique ability to pivot its bucket 90 degrees to either side, the AS1600 — and all models in the AS Swing Loader Series — represent a departure from traditional wheel loader design for superior performance on any jobsite. A rigid frame and 4-wheel steering provide industry-leading productivity and stability while driving, operating and unloading in virtually any condition or terrain. The AS1600 provides game-changing space management, requiring only half the space of conventional loaders for tasks such as loading trucks or discharging materials into trenches with a standard 2.1-cubic-yard (1.6-cubic-meter) bucket.

“Mecalac understands that on today’s crowded jobsites, space management is vital for safety, productivity and efficiency,”

said Peter Bigwood, general manager for Mecalac North America.

“Contractors are trying to fit all the equipment, vehicles and personnel they need into a very limited space, leading to congestion and sometimes dangerous conditions. Our engineers are always looking to optimize equipment utilization, providing the solutions that let operators do things that they cannot accomplish with other machines.”

The key to the 12-ton (10,920-kilogram) AS1600’s appeal, like all models in the AS Series, is its innovative design, giving it the ability to swivel its fully loaded bucket 90 degrees on either side. This opens up a number of opportunities to approach jobs differently – taking up just one lane of traffic, for example, on a road job, rather than the two necessary for operating traditional loaders — and transforms space management and logistics.

The equipment features three steering options — 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab — which offer further flexibility for congested jobsites. Operators can simultaneously drive, pivot and maneuver, increasing productivity and safety and making common tasks such as backfilling a trench easier and more efficient. After loading material, operators can simply back up, rotating the bucket in the process. Materials can then be discharged over the side while the machine reverses along the trench, streamlining operations and reducing unnecessary downtime, noise and environmental impact.

The AS1600 also provides increased stability over traditional articulated loaders. An automatically engaging rear axle allows operators to pivot the bucket up to 90 degrees in either direction without reducing overall stability. This is a significant improvement over traditional equipment that can become unstable with only a 45-degree turn. Stability combined with maneuverability results in a small turning radius — a 20% smaller footprint than regular loaders — to maximize mobility in even the most confined spaces.

“Every aspect of the AS1600’s design focuses on a real-world application to increase efficiency by reducing unnecessary movement and optimizing the use of space,”

Bigwood said.

“That is what sets Mecalac apart from our competitors. Each design starts with a question — how can we make this safer, faster or easier for the operators in the cab?”

Bucket capacities range from 2.1-3.3 cubic yards (1.6-2.5 cubic meters) to give contractors options for projects of all sizes.

Source: IRONCLAD mktg

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