Heavy Equipment Guide

Caterpillar’s new Fusion Wheel

2009-02-25T22:16:00.000-08:00

Caterpillar’s new Fusion Wheel Loader Coupler System brings the load closer to the loader for high performance and greater versatility

The Cat Fusion Wheel Loader Coupler System pulls the coupler and work tool closer to the wheel loader for machine performance comparable to pin-on, yet with all the versatility and flexibility of a coupler. The patented design moves the centre of gravity closer to the machine, yet the coupler enables the loader to conveniently pick up and use a wide range of work tools.

Fusion is designed for Caterpillar wheel loader models ranging from the 924 to the 972, including the IT38 and IT62. The unique, single interface allows many machines to share the same work tools – a cost reducing system for multi-loader fleets.

Fusion also gives the operator excellent sight lines to the work tool, load and target location. The new, open coupler frame design makes it easier than ever before to engage and disengage attachments. Offset tines and other design attributes of Fusion Pallet Forks work in conjunction with the Fusion Coupler to increase visibility of the tines at ground and truck-bed height for confident and efficient handling of pal-letized loads.

The Fusion Coupler System ensures a tight, rattle-free fit for solid work tool control and high productivity. Eliminating play also delivers maximum durability and reliability by reducing wear on the coupler/tool bearing surfaces. The design uses wedges to pull the attachment tight to the machine in two directions. Constant hydraulic pressure on the coupler wedges compensates for any wear.

Restoration Environmental Contractors

2009-02-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

Restoration Environmental Contractors

Since Restoration Environmental Contractors (REC) introduced its Demolition Division in 2004 to augment its existing Environmental Abatement and Remediation services, SMS Rents has been there as a dependable partner to meet the company’s heavy equipment and attachment rental needs. It’s a partnership that has allowed REC to complete shorter-term jobs on schedule and within budget. “We’re a total turn-key, full-service contractor that can offer clients everything from demolition to environmental remedi-ation, asbestos removal, lead abatement and mould remediation,” said Don Bremner, President of REC Demolition. “When we get a number of projects going simultaneously and need additional equipment, it’s more cost efficient for us to rent the necessary equipment for the smaller 30- to 60-day projects. SMS Rents offers short-term solutions by filling the void for us and allowing us to meet schedules and finish projects on time,” said Bremner. “They also have the necessary attachments to do the job. They supply more than just the right excavator. SMS Rents has the tools to go with the job.” Indicative of the type of short-term project is the Old Pines Retirement Home project in the District of Muskoka, Ontario. The job involved the demolition and site remediation of the outdated Muskoka facility, which was replaced by a larger, newer retirement home. According to Ron Kepic, Onsite Manager at the Old Pines project, the availability of Job Ready heavy equipment and attachments from SMS Rents Heavy Equipment Centre in Brampton has made planning demolition projects like Pines a lot easier. “SMS Rents was able to provide us with everything we needed for the Pines Retirement Home project,” said Kepic. “They’re dependable and their sales and service people are right there when you need them, with numerous locations to serve you, including one right here in Bracebridge.” For the Old Pines project, REC rented two Komatsu PC200s and one Komatsu PC300. The PC300 was fitted with a Quick Attach converter with a grapple and bucket. One of the PC200s was also fitted with a Quick Attach converter with a grapple and bucket, while the other was fitted with a concrete breaker. REC booked the equipment with SMS Rents about four weeks in advance of the start date. Both REC and SMS Rents are businesses that are run on their track records and relationships with their customers, something Doug Sexsmith, Branch Manager of SMS Rents Brampton Heavy Equipment Centre is quick to acknowledge. “We work alongside our customers as partners in business so that we can produce a good end-result for them as we go forward together,” said Sexsmith.

Don Bremner at REC concurred. “In this industry, you’re only as good as your last job. We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with SMS Rents, so every job is as important as the last.”

diesel forklifts

2009-02-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Escorts set to make backhoe loaders, diesel forklifts

Escorts Construction Equipment is planning to expand its product line by launching backhoe loaders, diesel engine forklifts and high capacity cranes.

Currently, the Rs.6.5 billion (Rs.650 crore) earthmoving and construction equipment major makes machines like pick and carry cranes, front-end loaders, vibratory compactors, forklifts, tower cranes and road pavers.

"The prototype of our 76 horse power (hp) backhoe loader will be ready this July and the commercial launch will be at the year-end. We have invested around Rs.200 million (Rs.20 crore) for developing the product, the design of which is being validated by an American company," Escorts managing director Kamal Bali told IANS on phone from Faridabad.

For the Escorts group, it is the second coming into the domestic backhoe loader market as the non-compete agreement it had signed with the Britain-based JC Bamford Ltd (JCB) had expired in January 2008.

Escorts had a 40:60 joint venture with JCB that sold JCB Escorts backhoe loaders. The British company bought out Escorts' holding in 2003 and is now selling under its own brand JCB.

Agreeing that competition in the sector would be tough, Bali said: "Our brand equity is still high in the market. The important aspect in this business is having a wide sales and service network so that the downtime of the backhoe loaders is minimal."

However, he added that the domestic market for backhoe loaders was down in the last six months.

"The industry had earlier predicted 20,000 units for 2008, but it went down to 13,000 units. Our expectation is that the market will grow to 16,000 to 20,000 units over the next three years," Bali said.

Escorts is also planning to launch diesel engine-powered forklifts this April in technical collaboration with China's Heli.

"We will make around 2,000 units in three years. The outlay for this project is Rs.50 million," Bali said.

Escorts will also launch 23-tonne pick and carry cranes that are required in big project areas like power plants and refineries.

The new products will be rolled out of its Rs.1-billion plant at Ballabhgarh in Haryana, commissioned last October.

Asked about the possible impact of the economic slowdown on sales, Bali said: "We don't see the markets for our products slowing down in medium to long term" though some verticals may face temporary problems due to global financial crisis, liquidity crunch and the higher interest rate regime.

Escorts hopes to sell 5,000 units of different products this fiscal, logging an increase of 500 units from last year.

"We command more than 52 percent market share in the hydraulic mobile crane segment and over 25 percent in vibratory compactors (rollers) segment. We are either significant or niche players in each of the other product categories of tower cranes and forklift trucks," he claimed.