Web Exclusive: World of Concrete 2009 Recap
by Kimberly Jensen
February 10, 2009
Liebherr sponsored a precision challenge that allowed operators to get in the cab of a 924 excavator and use LIKUFIX, Liebherr’s quick-coupler that automatically connects hydraulic hoses.
This year’s World of Concrete was held Feb. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Although attendance was down roughly 23% from last year, a variety of new products and equipment were launched and exhibited at the show. Here is Site Prep’s exclusive roundup of highlights from World of Concrete 2009.
Bobcat announced new laser-guided grading receivers. Bobcat continued to team with Trimble to improve the new receivers, which allow operators to adjust the grade from the cab using Bobcat Selectable Joystick Controls and an easy-to-read cab display instead of getting out of the cab to raise and lower the transmitter.
Bobcat also introduced an all-steel undercarriage option for its compact track loaders. The steel option is being promoted for applications that can damage the undercarriage, such as demolition and forestry.
John Deere added the CT315 to its compact track loader line. The 45-hp unit meets interim Tier 4 emissions standards and is Deere’s first radial lift compact track loader, as well as its smallest, with a 12.6-inch-wide track and a narrow overall machine width of just over 60 inches. Deere also introduced a new K-Series wheel loader, the 2.75-yard 524K, a utility-sized unit.
Outside the convention center in the Gold Lot, Deere hosted the second stop on its “Prove It Tour” where attendees were invited to get behind the wheel of John Deere skid steers. Footage from the event will be posted soon to www.skidsteersmackdown.com.
Caterpillar Marketing Manager Todd Lynnes describes some of the features of the new C-series compact track loaders. |
Ocala Instruments released ExcaVision II and also promoted its recently released ExcaVision Mini. According to Kristjan Ingvarsson, president, these excavator grade control systems “pay for themselves very quickly.” ExcaVision II’s receivers are now on an international frequency so they can be used in any country. In addition, this system updates 5 times per second (the older version updates 2 times per second). Ingvarsson notes that this allows contractors to work faster—and increasing speed is the greatest benefit possible with this upgrade. ExcaVision Mini was created especially for compact excavators and backhoes.
Trimble announced the LR20 laser receivers for compact equipment. According to Tim Baker, product marketing manager, “Nobody was concentrating on this [compact] level.” The new LR20s are made to fit on compact machines and are attached with MiniMag mounts.
Trimble also promoted its Connected Community, which aggregates all data related to a project to a central server and allows contractors to access it through a Web portal for a subscription fee.
According to Alan Sharp, product marketing manager, the Connected Community allows users to “tie all information in,” including data collection, GPS base stations, grade control systems, onsite cameras, equipment usage, time sheets and more.
Topcon highlighted its Topcon Tierra solution for telematics. According to Mark Bittner, vice president of the Topcon Telematics Division, “A few of the deliverables from telematics are improved utilization and job cost and improved maintenance.” Outfitting a fleet with Topcon’s Tierra hardware and then linking to the Web-based server enables contractors to closely monitor equipment usage and set up geofences and curfews to protect machine location and usage hours.
Topcon also promoted its 3D-MC2 system for millimeter machine control, which was initially released last year at ConExpo. According to Topcon representatives, this technology allows for stability in grade-control applications--even in high-speed turns--and lets contractors get finish grade in third gear.
Liebherr demonstrated its LIKUFIX quick-coupler at the Liebherr Precision Challenge held in the Gold Lot outside the convention center. LIKUFIX allows the operator to change between different hydraulic tools without leaving the cab or requiring another worker to manually connect hydraulic hoses. Contractors competed in an excavator handling challenge that took an average of six minutes. According to Liebherr’s Tim Doucette, the emphasis was on precision—not speed. The challenge included using a Liebherr 924 excavator with three different attachments to perform tasks that included rolling giant dice and dropping a basketball through a hoop.
Caterpillar launched its new TH406 and TH407 telehandlers as tool carriers for industrial, waste, agriculture, landscaping and construction applications. The new telehandlers have a turning radius over tires of 12 feet 3 inches. The rated load capacity of these machines has also been increased to 8,100 pounds.
Cat also followed up its last summer launch of three new C-series compact track loaders with more information about the 279C, 289C and 299C. Todd Lynnes, marketing manager for Caterpillar, noted that the differentiators for the C-series CTLs include the rubber track with embedded steel bars and cables, the positive external drive system, and the 2-speed standard that goes up to 8.5 mph.
Case introduced the CX800B, the largest model in its CX series, to complete its line. According to Case representatives, the CX800B is 8% more fuel-efficient than the previous CX800 because of its regenerative hydraulic technology and different pump applications.
Terex held a press conference highlighting its ASV division. Del Carver, area director for Terex Construction’s North America Compact Equipment, spoke about the integration of ASV into Terex since its January 2008 acquisition. “ASV is happy to be part of the Terex family,” he said, adding that ASV has quickly switched over to the Terex standard of lean manufacturing. Carver pointed out that Terex now offers a complete line of compact equipment--including everything from compact track loaders to site dumpers--and the company is aggressively expanding distribution of this line in North America.
At the show, Terex launched its new TH19-55 compact telehandler with an operating weight of 9,800 lb and a maximum lift capacity of 5,500 lb. Terex also commemorated the 50th anniversary of its tractor loader backhoe line at the show by introducing the TX860B Elite tractor loader backhoe to the North American market.
Subaru introduced a line of conventional generators powered by its new EX engine. According to Subaru’s Pam Meyer, these new models are “more contractor-friendly” because of their heavy-duty steel construction. The RGX3000 is powered by Subaru’s 6-horsepower EX17 engine to deliver a maximum output of 3,000 watts (2,400-watt standard output rating) and offer 10.3 hours of continuous operation. Powered by the 7-horsepower EX21 engine, the RGX3800 delivers a maximum output of 3,800 watts (2,900-watt standard output rating) and can operate continuously for 9.5 hours.
Kimberly Jensen
jensenk@bnpmedia.com
Kimberly Jensen is editor of Site Prep.
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