Construction Equipment News

John Deere is rolling out their next generation of construction simulators, bringing avid learners more advanced, hands-on training. The modular update outfits the new simulators to one of six machine types: the backhoe, crawler dozer, excavator, wheel loader, joystick-controlled motor grader, and fingertip control motor grader. Based on actual John Deere equipment, the updated simulators feature swappable controls that allow for quick interchange of joysticks and foot pedals to multiple machine types.

Volvo Construction Equipment announced recently that they are expanding their warranty program to include P7110B and P7170B asphalt pavers. The pavers will receive an expanded extended warranty, as well as the Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty. This additional uptime assurance will give road customers some peace of mind, coming standard on all machines delivered on or after the first of January, 2019.

Komatsu America Corp. introduced the newest motor grader to their lineup earlier this month. The GD655-7 offers new, low-effort control levers, a larger, more comfortable cab, and comes equipped with an EPA Tier 4 Final certified emissions regulations-compliant engine. Meant to be sold concurrently with the GD655-6 model, this excavator gives the leading global heavy equipment manufacturer's customers additional choices to meet their needs.

Volvo Construction Equipment’s new high-reach excavator is their largest in North America, reaching up to 118 feet high. The EC750E HR is a versatile and powerful demolition excavator. Easily reconfigured using extensions and different boom sets, this multi-use excavator is capable of handling up to 8,000 pound tools.

Hitachi introduced their brand new Hitachi Grade Guidance system. Factory-integrated and developed in cooperation with Topcon, this guidance system leverages the latest tech and components to create a “one-stop-shop” for efficient precision excavation.

A division of Liebherr is celebrating their 50-year anniversary this February 22nd! On this day in 1969, Hans Liebherr founded Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, a divisional controlling company for mobile cranes. Fast forward to today, and the company has approximately 3,600 employees producing around 1,800 machines every year.

Case IH is enhancing two-way data sharing by teaming up with six initial partners to further promote seamless data transfer capabilities between their AFS Connect farm management system and their growing list of third party service providers. With this partnership, producers can seamlessly share in-depth, agronomic data through AFS Connect, which is Case IH’s Advanced Farming Systems precision farming suite. This data sharing will ultimately optimize productivity and in-field efficiency.

Cat has recently made a 2019 update to their M Series Medium Wheel Loaders, including the 950M through the 982M. This product update package includes technology that will feature emissions control strategies to meet EU Stage V standards (EU only), expanded productivity measurement tools, remote software update capabilities, and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems, as well as contributing to lower operating costs via extended service intervals. Cat regularly provides periodic updates in order to provide new and improved features for their customers on a quicker, more frequent scale than would be possible for New Product Introduction (NPI) cycles. The update will also enhance the operator experience with new seats and suspensions.

Caterpillar has made a new addition to the Locator series of their Cat Product Link hardware line with the introduction of the PL161 attachment locator. This new device is the most advanced OEM integrated technology solution for attachment tracking, giving users the ability to track both an attachment’s location and its utilization status. The PL 161 aims to help workers keep track of attachments across all worksites, plan for maintenance and replacement of attachments, and minimize lost attachments.

Liebherr is showcasing their comprehensive package of multiple intelligent assistance systems for their XPower large wheel loaders to construction industry professionals for the first time at this year’s upcoming Bauma Expo in Munich. These systems will include their active rear person recognition, a sensor-supported, integrated tyre pressure monitoring system, and a new intuitive steering system that will be available for all mid and large series models from Bauma 2019 onwards. All of Liebherr’s assistance systems are developed by Liebherr themselves, meaning that the technology is fully integrated into the machine controls, fully optimizing safety and comfort in their daily wheel loader operations.

Bobcat Company is releasing a line of six new nitrogen breaker attachments. These new additions, featuring a simpler design for easier maintenance, will cover all Bobcat compact excavators, skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, and mini track loaders. The powerful breakers will provide industry-leading impact energy while living up to the highest quality standards that are expected of the Bobcat brand.

Liebherr is set to debut four new cranes from their Mobile Cranes Product Division at the Bauma expo this year. These cranes, listed below, will feature enhanced performance, resource management, and flexibility, thanks to the company’s dedication to consistently seeking out the newest and most advanced development of successful technologies.

Liebherr is debuting their latest EC-B Flat-Top crane series at the upcoming Bauma 2019 expo in Munich, featuring eight units total, all the largest in their class, and all with increased operator comfort in the new LiCAB cabin with intuitive user interfaces. Excitingly enough, three of the cranes will utilize fibre rope, which has a four times longer service life than traditional steel rope and enables cranes to work with higher load capacities while being easier to handle. All of the new cranes can be expected to available in April of this year.

Liebherr will be attending Buama 2019 this year, and the presentation they have prepared is sure to be an earth-shattering event. Not only will they be hosting daily shows and an innovation lab where attendees can stop by to see their latest future-focused technologies, but Liebherr will also be showcasing INTUSI, their adaptive and intuitive new solution for machine communications. Specialists will also be able preview a package of multiple intelligent assistance systems for XPower wheel loaders, in addition to a new generation of mobile and crawler excavators, like the R 934 and the A 913 Compact Litronic.

Bobcat Company has recently introduced the brand new Bobcat Bob-Dock system. This cutting-edge, hydraulic attachment mounting system allows the operator to work hands free, without having to leave the Bobcat compact loader cab. The attachment is optimized for strong, easy, and repeatable hydraulic connections, while minimizing downtime and common operator mistakes.

Liebherr has been hard at work in 2019 producing their latest generation of crawler excavators, the “Generation 8”. These powerhouses, produced in Colmar, France, feature increased operator comfort and higher productivity than previous models. The new R 934, based on the original R 934 and R 938 models, will be presented at the upcoming Bauma 2019 expo in Germany alongside an engine meeting Stage V emission standards. This model includes numerous improvements including simplified, safe maintenance work, and increased power.

Liebherr will be one of the many companies attending this year’s Bauma 2019 in April, and they will be presenting their brand new 125 K fast-erecting crane. Featuring a maximum hook height of 65.5 meters and a radius of 55 meters, this will be the fastest erecting crane on the market to date. The 125 K will be available for purchase worldwide beginning in March, preceding its appearance at the expo.

John Deere Construction & Forestry has recently added the European distributor, the Wirtgen Group, to their network in Germany and France. This addition makes way for the introduction of two popular G-Series motor graders, the 622GP and the 672GP, to the two countries as of early this year.

Kubota Tractor Corporation introduced their lightest and most maneuverable compact track loader to date, the SVL65-2. As a further diversification of their lineup, the new model is in a lighter ROC weight class that its heavier counterparts, the SVL75-2 and the SVL95-2s. Available as of April 2019, this new track loader will feature the line’s signature slide-up overhead front door and on/off self-leveling capabilities, in addition to an advanced hydraulic multi-function valve that helps to provide smooth operations and increased productivity.

Volvo Construction Equipment is expanding their lineup of E-Series compact excavators with the addition of the ECR18E and the EC20E. The ECR18E is a completely new addition to the lineup featuring a shorter swing radius. The EC20E is a higher performance replacement for its previous D Series model.