Earthmovers September 2021

NUMBER ONE FOR ALL THE LATEST PLANT & MACHINERY NEWS
EARTHMOVERS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Wacker
SEPTEMBER 2021 £4.20
Neuson
zero-swing
5-tonner
punches
above its
weight EXCLUSIVE!
JCB UNVEIL
HYDROGEN
FUEL PLANS
PRODUCT LAUNCH
LATEST CAT
MACHINERY
DOZER
MARKET GUIDE
High-tech Liebherr JCB 245XD revealed PC8000’s Demag DNA

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WELCOME
NUMBER ONE FOR ALL THE LATEST PLANT & MACHINERY NEWS
September 2021
Issue 209
EARTHMOVERS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Wacker
SEPTEMBER 2021 £4.20
Neuson
zero-swing
Editor Graham Black PHOTO CREDIT: EOGHAN DALY 5-tonner
punches
Editor@EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk above its
weight EXCLUSIVE!
JCB UNVEIL
News Editor Kyle Molyneux HYDROGEN
FUEL PLANS
Sub Editor Paul Carter PRODUCT LAUNCH

LATEST CAT
Advertisement Sales MACHINERY
DOZER
Clive Coe +44 (0) 20 8639 4402 MARKET GUIDE
Tom Pickford +44 (0) 20 8639 4416

Sales & Marketing Manager Richard Cosgrove High-tech Liebherr JCB 245XD Revealed PC8000’s Demag DNA
OFully connected dozer OM62 motorway memories
Administrator Martin Attis
Publishing Director Paul Cosgrove
EARTHMOVERS is published by
Sundial Magazines Ltd, Sundial House,
17 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS.
+44 (0) 20 8639 4400
Fuel of the future
www.EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk
hen hydrogen is used as a fuel the waste product is water,
W
Info@EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk
Subscriptions
ideal for zero carbon emissions sites of the future. Although
Earthmovers subscriptions the hydrogen industry is developing rapidly, there are
Trinity House, Sculpins Lane, still two hurdles to overcome before it could be considered
Essex, CM7 4AY, England.
+44 (0) 1371 853 632
a practical and acceptable fuel.
earthmovers@escosubs.co.uk The first is how
Newstrade hydrogen is
If you have any difficulty obtaining Earthmovers manufactured,
from your newsagent please contact
Seymour Distribution, 5 East Poultry Avenue, which tends not to
London EC1A 9PT. be environmentally
+44 (0) 20 7429 4000 friendly. However,
Repro
there are technologies
Design & Printing Solutions Ltd, First Floor,
Unit 45C, Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, on the cusp of being
Whitstable, Kent CT5 3PS. deployed that will
Printing remedy this situation,
Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1,
Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ.
typically using solar
Copyright
farms to generate
Sundial Magazines Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. green electricity,
Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden which is used to
except with the written permission of the
publishers.
produce hydrogen
ISSN 1743-0372 Sundial Magazines Ltd. from water. The second issue is the current lack of a high-volume
Registered in England No 4134490. hydrogen distribution network, but as I say, this sector of the market
Conditions for advertising is rapidly changing.
All advertisements are accepted subject to the
publisher’s standard conditions of insertion. For There are a number of manufacturers developing hydrogen-fuelled
a copy of Advertising Terms & Conditions, please versions of their internal combustion engines, of which Cummins is
write to Paul Cosgrove at Sundial Magazines Ltd,
the latest to announce its intentions.
Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road, Beckenham,
Kent BR3 5JS. This announcement came a few days after JCB revealed more details
Australian subs sales agent about their hydrogen-fuelled backhoe loader, powered by a modified
Greg McNiece, Rally Badges, PO Box 9, Tatura, version of their diesel engine. I had the opportunity to have a look
Victoria 3616, Australia. +61 (0) 3 5824 1734
around this prototype 3CX and watch it at work, as well as witnessing
it being refuelled. It was all reassuringly familiar, its hydrogen-powered
www.twitter.com/ four-cylinder engine and high-pressure fuel tanks are reminiscent of
EarthmoversMag
an LPG-fuelled road vehicle.
The next issue of

Yours till next month
EARTHMOVERS magazine Graham Black, Editor
is available on 3 September
SEPTEMBER 2021 EARTHMOVERS 3

ISSUE
CONTENTS NUMBER 209
September
2021
UPFRONT FEATURES 51
7 TECHNOLOGY 47 RECYCLING
FUTURE ENGINES ACE LIFTAWAY
Revelations about the future of The fleet of waste processing machinery
hydrogen-fuelled construction at a large recycling centre at Romsey.
equipment.
51 SITE VISIT
13 NEWS RAVELRIG QUARRY
A round-up of the latest news Where Tarmac’s new Volvo 75-tonne
from the earthmoving and class EC750E excavator is on duty.
associated machinery industry.
21 FIRST IMPRESSIONS 57 MARKET GUIDE

WACKER MEDIUM DOZERS
Mainstream dozers in the 20- to
NEUSON EZ50 55-tonne operating weight category.
First zero-tailswing EZ50 compact
excavator to enter service in Ireland. 63 ATTACHMENTS
MINI FORKLIFT
27 PRODUCT LAUNCH An innovative forklift mast attachment
CATERPILLAR for small mini-excavators.
Details of the latest round of next
generation upgraded low-emission 65 YOUNG OPERATOR
products. SONNY BUZZING
The early achievements and the
33 FIRST IMPRESSIONS ambitions of a young machine operator.
JCB 245XR
EXCLUSI
REPORT
VE
Report from the cab of JCB’s 67 FLEET FOCUS
long-awaited, reduced radius,
25-tonne excavator.
INMOTIONUK
Fleet of equipment run by a demolition,
piling and groundworks firm.
39 OWNER-OPERATOR
RICHARD BAKER 70 FLEET FOCUS
Sub-contractor’s well-specified, CLYDE COAST
reduced-radius Liebherr R920 Feedback on the Scottish firm’s new
excavator. fleet of JCB compact equipment.
43 NEW PRODUCT 75 USED MACHINE

KOMATSU D71I-24 KUBOTA KX019-4
The latest 23-tonne class dozer with At the controls of a rare pre-owned
integrated GPS machine control. 1.9-tonne Kubota mini-excavator.
43 47 67
4 EARTHMOVERS SEPTEMBER 2021

27 57
TAIL END
SUBS 79 INTERVIEW
TAKE& SACVRIBE DI ERNIE LOCKE
The man in charge of the new
O
’T ME!
– DON UT AN AN
NUA
TO £8 ISS AN IS L SUBSCR
Agricultural Construction Equipment
(ACE) unit.
.20 IN SUE A IPTIO
N
SEE PTO THE BARDGASAVE UPN
AGE78
IN!
80 CLASSIC PLANT
M62 PENNINE SECTION
A look back to the 1960s when the
M62 was built across the Pennines.
87 EXTREME MACHINES
KOMATSU PC8000
Signs of German Demag DNA in
today’s Komatsu PC8000 face shovel.
92 TRANSPORT
IVECO DAILY
Driving the latest 4x4 derivative of these
popular light commercial vehicles.
94 WORKING EVENT
LINK CAT CLUB
Report from Avalanche Adventure, venue
for the 2021 classic working event.
96 PLANTMOBILIA
CAT 794AC
The first of two 1:50-scale Cat mining
truck releases planned for this year
from Diecast Masters.
98 NEXT MONTH
Here’s a taster of just some of the exciting
features planned for the next issue.
102 PICTURE POST

Got any interesting or unusual pictures
of earthmoving men or machinery?
WIN £20 for our ‘Pic of the Month’.
70 75 80

WORLD
CLASS
EQUIPMENT
DESERVES WORLD CLASS LUBRICATION

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The MultiLine kit is ready to install by
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TECHNOLOGY // FUTURE ENGINES
THE FUTURE
IS HYDROGEN,
BUT NOT AS
WE KNOW IT
Graham Black reports on JCB’s unexpected revelations about the future of hydrogen-
fuelled construction equipment
rototype No. 2 of JCB’s hydrogen This significant R&D investment by JCB ENGINEERING MARVEL
P fuel cell-powered 22-tonne

excavator is a marvel of British
engineering, the only emissions
seems to have paid off in a most unusual way:
the early realisation that a hydrogen fuel
cell, as the technology and price stands
Before reviewing these near future
developments, Prototype No. 2 is worth
looking at in a little bit more detail, as
from its exhaust pipe being barely-visible today, is an impractical method of powering technology and prices change over time,
steam. The fuel cell generates electricity mainstream construction equipment! it is unknown what the future may bring.
to power its hydraulic functions, this However, the project has obviously In any case, this is the world’s most advanced
zero-carbon emissions excavator can deliver convinced the team that hydrogen is hydrogen fuel cell-powered excavator.
the same performance as a conventional rapidly going to become a key fuel of the
Left and inset: JCB has
diesel-engine counterpart. The previous future. As a result, JCB is considering the provided an update on its
prototype proved the basic engineering possibility of going into production of use of fuel cell
technology in a
concepts, but this machine is far closer to hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion 22-tonne
a global retail spec, able to work in a wide engines, perhaps as early as the end of excavator,
range of climatic conditions. next year. together with a
first glimpse of
a hydrogen-
fuelled
“A HYDROGEN FUEL CELL, backhoe
loader.
AS THE TECHNOLOGY AND
PRICE STANDS TODAY, IS
AN IMPRACTICAL
METHOD TO POWER
CONSTRUCTION
EQUIPMENT”

BLUE & GREEN
HYDROGEN
Hydrogen is the most common chemical
substance in the entire universe. On Earth most of
it is to be found in water and carbon-based
organic compounds, including crude oil. Vast
quantities of hydrogen are manufactured each
year around the world, mainly to produce fertiliser
and to help refine petrol from crude oil.
The trouble is, traditional ways to manufacture
useable hydrogen are hardly environmentally
friendly, resulting in significant carbon emissions.
Two technologies are being developed to allow
hydrogen to be produced with zero carbon
emissions, so-called Blue and Green versions.
The term Blue Hydrogen refers to a
manufacturing process where carbon by-
products from the hydrogen manufacturing
process are prevented from entering the
atmosphere and are stored in a suitable space,
commonly referred to as carbon capture and
storage (CCS). The UK’s first such scheme is
currently under development, using the former
gas and oil fields off the Aberdeen coast.
However, perhaps the key to the widespread
global use of hydrogen is the development Green
versions of the fuel, which do not generate any Right, far right, inset
carbon emissions during the manufacturing and below: The only
external difference to
process. It uses sun- or wind-generated the backhoe
electricity to fracture water molecules, stripping prototype is that
out the hydrogen atoms. We are most likely to see hydrogen tanks
replace the diesel
such developments in countries with exceptional tank under the
sunshine, with huge solar farms located on offside steps.
otherwise huge expanses of barren level ground,
for example Australia and the Middle East.
The most obvious external feature of impracticable alternative to its current
the excavator, apart from its striking white ultra-low emissions diesel-powered
paint scheme, is the oversized cooling equivalent.
pack. A fuel cell generates electricity by In addition, as the hours have been racked
a chemical reaction between hydrogen and up on prototype No.2, attention has turned
air – which consists of nitrogen and oxygen to real world service schedules. As a plus
– the by-product of which is water (H2O). point, there would be very little in the way
This process generates significant heat, of routine on-site user maintenance
far more than a diesel engine, hence the required, the conventional hydraulic
huge radiator. system being the exception.
A practical issue is that this main fuel The downside is the life between rebuilds,
cell cooling system must be filled with an or at least a full clean-room service, of the fuel
extremely specialised fluid, reputed to cost cell itself. The issue is a membrane in the
£20 per litre. Smaller cooling packs are centre of the suitcase-sized component,
located elsewhere around the upper- which helps to control all the chemical magic
structure, to manage the temperatures of happening inside, but deteriorates over time.
critical components in the 400V system, Taking into consideration the typical high
including its cutting-edge battery pack. workload of a 22-tonne excavator, together
Then we come to the hydrogen fuel cell with erring very much on the side of caution,
itself, which is an eye-wateringly expensive this could mean an annual service exchange
component. Without breaking commercial for the fuel cell. On the basis of cost alone,
confidentiality, think of the price of an old this is also impracticable.
terraced house in a post-industrial northern Putting all that to one side, prototype No. 2
English town. My take on the matter is that is a stunning machine, with a huge amount of
a production version of prototype No. 2 cutting-edge technology neatly packaged
would cost at least double the build price of within its rear upper-structure. Looking
a new 220X excavator. That makes it a totally production-ready, it is the world’s most

different conclusions, particularly for more re-engineering a conventional

specialised applications. compression diesel engine to run on
However, towards the end of last year, hydrogen as a fuel. The most obvious is
clearly alarm bells a new cylinder head,
began to ring in the complete with coil
upper-echelons of JCB. “ONE OBJECTIVE WAS TO packs and high-tech
Prototype testing had OFFER SHORT DURATION/ spark plugs, more akin
raised serious concerns to a petrol engine.
about the practicality of LONG INTERVAL However, the design
using hydrogen fuel REFUELLING IN A SAFE of the new top end of
cells in mass-market the engine is
machines, many of AND EASY MANNER” dependent on
which are destined for understanding how
the hire sector. hydrogen and air swirl and mix within the
In December 2020, JCB chairman Lord cylinders, which are rapidly diminishing in
Bamford set a challenge to his teams. They length during the compression stroke.
advanced hydrogen fuel cell-powered were to develop a hydrogen-powered version JCB’s engine engineering team received a
excavator. It’s a truly great example of R&D of their in-house diesel engine, then fit it world-class education in such dynamics
engineering, which matches the vision of many into a standard backhoe-loader, all in an from Europe’s leading authority on the
in the industry as to the excavator of the future. incredibly short timescale. subject: the same JCB team that helped to
The trouble is, very few would actually buy There are two key issues to resolve when develop the world’s fastest diesel-
it, or even want to run it.
SIMPLE ALTERNATIVE
In the not-too-distant future, hydrogen fuel
cells will without doubt play an important
role in many aspects of our everyday life.
Some machinery manufacturers, using
alternative technologies, may well come to
The hydrogen fuel cell-powered 22-tonne

excavator is a marvel of British engineering,
the most advanced machine of its type in
the world.

Below and inset: The technology is strangely
familiar, as an LPG car-like refuelling process and
the new engine take-up the same space under
REFUELLING
the bonnet as its diesel counterpart.
ON SITE
While the fast-paced engineering effort was
continuing, other JCB teams began to look at the
whole issue of hydrogen storage and refuelling.
One objective was to offer short duration/long
interval refuelling, in a safe and easy manner.
The result will be familiar to those that have
run LPG-fuelled road vehicles. In place of the
diesel tank, under the offside steps
there is a cluster of high-
pressure tanks. The
connection between
refuelling hose and
machine are
industry standard
sizes, the same
that is fitted on
some hydrogen-
powered cars.
powered vehicle, and the Garage forecourt
world’s fastest tractor. LPG pumps are
With these challenges supplied from an above-
overcome, the next task was to ground tank, to manage
package the engine in the same the pressure of the fuel, and
envelope as a conventional the same general principle applies
diesel-fuelled power pack, to hydrogen. Critically in this application, such
to avoid changing the panels components need to be ruggedised and easily
or the structure of the recently- transportable to and over a construction site.
launched conventional 3CX Were it not for the green and white paintjob,
model. However, this also at a distance JCB’s new hydrogen refuelling
offered the possibility of station, complete with an internal cooling system,
repowering machines in the could easily be mistaken for a large diesel
future, giving them a second generator. It looked like it could be transported on
life, but using a different fuel. As I am a bit of machinery geek, prototype the back of a 7.5t light commercial vehicle, such
No. 2 excavator was obviously of great as the new Iveco Daily 4x4 range featured
CONCLUSION interest. However, with 400V warning elsewhere in this issue.
Lord Bamford made it clear that one of his stickers on the panels, together with some This refuelling station stores the hydrogen at
main concerns, as the UK economy shifts of the world’s most aggressive batteries on a pressure of 450bar and provides the backhoe
towards zero carbon board to cope with the operator with a garage forecourt-like experience,
emissions, was to avoid “THE PRODUCTION COST output of its hydrogen similar to refuelling an LPG car in terms of
significant price fuel cell, I resisted the simplicity, duration and time between visits.
inflation of future JCB DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A temptation to have As an indication of the rapidly-growing hydrogen
products. DIESEL- AND HYDROGEN- aexposed prod at the few infrastructure industry, apparently all the
There is a significant components. specialised tanks and refuelling pressure
difference in the price FUELED ENGINE SHOULD If the prototype management components were readily available.
of JCB’s newly-
launched range of
BE RELATIVELY MODEST, backhoe loader were
painted in standard
The elephant in the room is the lack of an
appropriate hydrogen supply chain at the
battery-powered SAY A 10% PREMIUM” yellow, it would be moment. At the basic level, hydrogen is supplied
compact equipment extremely difficult to in a similar fashion to welding gases, in tall and
and their diesel-powered equivalents. tell this hydrogen-powered machine apart thin steel tanks – the equivalent of filling up
But it is not in the same league as the from a current production model. Lifting a fleet of machines from a pile of jerrycans. Even
cost of hydrogen fuel cell technology up its bonnet, if I didn’t know this JCB bulk supplies to site will probably be made with
on a 22-tonner. four-cylinder engine was fuelled by legacy steel tanks. The next generation of tanks
The production cost difference between hydrogen, at first glance it would be hard made from composite materials, able to take
diesel- and hydrogen-fuelled internal to tell. In operation, it sounded more like a higher pressure and therefore carry more gas,
combustion engines should be relatively a car than a truck; for the operator, refuelling have yet to make a widespread appearance in
modest, say a 10% premium. In a few years seemed quick, simple and infrequent. the UK. However, this is a rapidly developing
time, this will look like a good deal, If this prototype turns out to be the market, which should not hold back the further
allowing JCB’s customers to make the forerunner of the first generation of zero development of this machinery technology.
transition from Stage 5 emissions carbon emissions JCB 3CX backhoe loaders,
compliance to zero carbon emissions. the future is familiar and not that expensive.

A LONG WAY
TOGETHER
EARTHMAX SR 41
No matter how challenging your needs, EARTHMAX SR 41 is your best ally when it comes
to operations that require extraordinary traction. Thanks to its All Steel radial structure and
the special block pattern, EARTHMAX SR 41 provides excellent resistance against punctures
and an extended service life. In addition to long working hours without downtime, the tyre
ensures extraordinary comfort.
EARTHMAX SR 41 is BKT’s response to withstand the toughest operating conditions in
haulage, loading and dozing applications.
IMPORTER FOR THE UK

Tel: +44 0151 728 4171
bkt_enquiries@kirkbytyres.co.uk
www.kirkbytyres.co.uk
LOW GROUND PRESSURE. LOW CAB ENTRY. MEETS ISO 5006 VISIBILTY STANDARD.
LOW CENTRE OF GRAVITY. HYDROSTATIC DRIVE. MULTITIP AS STANDARD. T 5 ENGINE. 7T PAYLOAD.
The Hydrema 707G Articulated Dump Truck.

Safe – Stable – efficient Earthmoving by Hydrema.
HYDREMA UK LTD
Tel: 01765 641940
www.hydrema.co.uk
WHO IS UK POWER NETWORKS?

UK Power Networks is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, making
sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses
across London, the South East and East of England.
The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.
Underground electricity cables carry a powerful electrical charge which can
be conducted through machinery and equipment with fatal consequences.
TOP TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE

Contact UK Power Networks or Line Search Before U Dig (www.lsbud.co.uk) in
advance of works to obtain relevant cable plans or to request disconnections. The
cable plans will only show the indicative route and not the route into the property
Ensure cable plans are shown to and understood by those on site BEFORE starting
works
Confirm the cable location by using a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) before digging
commences. Once found, mark cable positions with spray paint or similar
Use spades and shovels with insulated handles in preference to forks and picks
Look around for anything in the vicinity that would have an electrical service such
as street lights, CCTV cameras, or meter boxes and identity where the cables are
Contact UK Power Networks to agree a safe method of work if there is a cable
encased in concrete – DO NOT BREAK OPEN
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
If a mains electricity cable is damaged:
STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY
Notify UK Power Networks: Dial 105
If you damage a cable, stay calm, keep clear, and call for help
HAVE YOU SCAN THE QR
Call the emergency services if anyone is injured or there is a fire. Anyone who
SEEN OUR CODE WITH
has received an electric shock should go to hospital as damage may have
occurred to the heart EXCAVATION YOUR PHONE
Always treat the cable(s) as live even if they are not sparking ANIMATION? CAMERA
Never remove anything that is stuck or in contact with the cable
Stay clear – keep everyone away until assistance arrives

NEWS
NEWS
A round-up of news
ant
stories in the plant
and machinery
construction
industry
HUGE VOLVO ORDER

Cumbria-based Stevens Equipment Rental has placed an order for 37 additional
C Volvo Stage 5 emissions-compliant machines. Ordered through distributor

SMT GB as part of a fleet renewal and expansion programme, the
order consists of 19 articulated dump trucks, 12 A30Gs and seven
A45Gs, together with 19 wheel loaders ranging from the L90H to
L260H models.
UPGRADED HITACHI
16- & 18-TONNERS
Hitachi has introduced the Stage 5 emissions-compliant
SANY IN SCOTLAND
conventional ZX160-7 and reduced radius ZX180-7 excavators.
Both models are available with either a mono or a two-piece hinese machinery manufacturer Sany has opened its first
boom, and the ZX180-7 is shod with either a traditional long
carriage (LC) or a long narrow carriage (LCN) for ease of transport.
The redesigned cab on these Dash 6 models is said to significantly
C depot in the UK, located in Coatbridge near Glasgow. The
11,000sq.ft building, complete with large storage yard and
parts warehouse, will primarily be used to support Sany’s
reduce the level of vibrations felt by the operator. The cab contains a direct sales operation to Scottish customers. However, it will also serve
new 8in monitor, complete with an Eco gauge, while the operator as the HQ for Sany’s growing operation in the UK and Ireland,
also benefits from a multi-camera system on the machine, providing supporting the dealer network with parts, technical support and
a 270-degree bird’s-eye view round the excavators. product development specialists.
Hitachi’s telematics system includes a unique feature, as sensors One of the latest sales of Sany products is to Falkirk-based Your
measure the quality of the machine’s hydraulic and engine oil. Equipment Solutions, better known as YES Hire, for an SY18C
conventional mini and two short-tailswing SY26U models.

NEWS
HIGH-TECH DOOSAN DX225

oosan has upgraded its 23-tonne crawler
D excavator. The new DX225-7 model is powered

by a Stage 5 emissions-compliant, six-cylinder
in-house engine rated at 174hp at 1800rpm. It is
mated to a high-tech hydraulic system that includes a new
main valve and the latest generation smart control system.
Doosan’s innovative D-EcoPower system uses an
electronically pressure-controlled pump within a closed
centre hydraulic system. This combination will result in
improved fuel economy and superior hydraulic
performance.
Doosan claims the result is a significant increase in the
acceleration and deceleration of the working equipment,
together with improved feedback through the joysticks.
There’s a new tilt-rotator mode, which optimises hydraulic
flow to maximise the accuracy of tilt-rotator work by
eliminating back pressure.
The cab features a new seat plus an 8in touch-screen
monitor, a keyless start system and improved air flow for
defrosting and air conditioning. Other advances over its
predecessor include a 14% heavier, 4.9-tonne standard
counterweight, and there is also a five-tonne rated capacity
lifting eye on the bucket link.
GO ANYWHERE
MAX UP
WITH A MICRO
NEWS
obelco’s next generation SK50SRX-7 and SK58SRX-7
K mini-excavators, weighing 4.66 and 5.1 tonnes respectively,

have been launched. They replace the previous Dash 6E
versions of the SK45SRX and SK55SRX models.
Both newcomers are powered by 29.1kW Stage 5 engines and
benefit from improved hydraulic performance. Kobelco claims that
the new hydraulic system shortens the digging cycle time by up to
11%, and this performance is maintained without reducing speed,
even with a heavy load or when travelling up a slope. In addition,
upgraded travel motors have significantly improved tracking and hill
climbing speeds.
Other claimed benefits of the new hydraulic system include
smoother operation and improved levelling performance. The
integrated flow pump system enables operators to harness extra
output from the third pump, which otherwise powers the swing and
dozer circuit. This additional output is directed to the arm and
boom for added power when digging, resulting in a fast and smooth
raising operation, again even with heavy loads.
A Grammer suspension and reclining seat takes care of shock
absorption and comfort in the cab, while improved ergonomics
enable the operator to move the control levers horizontally without
NEXT GENERATION twisting their wrist. Enlarged wrist rests keep the operator’s forearms
in position, reducing fatigue and allowing stable operation.
KOBELCO FIVE-TONNERS
E DO ANYTHING
NEW K008-5/U10-5 Scan the QR code
to find out more on
Go anywhere or do anything with the UK’s best-selling micro excavators
the Micro Range.
from Kubota. These small but powerful machines are about to get a
whole lot better, with a host of brand new innovative features as
standard, designed to make your working day easier.
Contact your local dealer to find out more. www.kubota.co.uk
NEWS
NEW COMPACT
WHEEL LOADER
anmar has unveiled its 2000rpm and delivering 410Nm of
Y next-generation, seven-tonne
V120 compact wheel loader,
torque at 1600rpm, enabling the V120
to reach a maximum speed of 36kph. ANOTHER JCB
complete with hydrostatic
transmission, permanent all-wheel drive
and automatic self-locking differentials.
The hydraulic system features a variable
displacement pump, providing
a working pressure of 250bar and
JOBS DRIVE
It is powered by a Stage 5 emissions- a flow rate of 81lit/min.
compliant The V120’s parallel linkage provides s demand for JCB equipment
3.6-litre
engine
rated at
a maximum lift height of 3365mm and
a maximum dumping height of
2680mm. Its static tipping load
A continues to rise, the firm is
looking for an additional 500
shop floor workers. The firm
101hp at capacities are 5000kg straight on, or is also offering permanent jobs to an
4400kg at full turn. The rear additional 300 agency staff, bringing the
oscillating axle creates additional total number of agency staff offered JCB
stability on uneven terrain, employment contracts this year to 1000.
while the articulated joint Pay for JCB shop floor roles has also risen
gives 40 degrees of to £11.35 an hour.
steering, providing
a turning radius of
just 2155mm.
CAT MATERIALS HANDLERS

aterpillar has launched its new MH3022, MH3024 and MH3040 materials
C handlers, all powered by Stage 5 emissions-compliant engines. The 38.5-tonne,

15.5m-reach MH3040 is powered by a 202hp Cat C7.1 engine and boasts a 12%
faster swing speed than its predecessor. It features a larger, higher-spec cab with
more sound suppression.
The 24.5t MH3022 and 26.8t MH3024 models feature an advanced electro-hydraulic
system, which is said to optimise the balance of power and efficiency and improve cycle times.
The MH3022 provides a maximum reach of 10.3m and an 11.7m maximum height, and the
working envelope for the MH3024 is 12.0m and 13.0m. Both materials handlers are powered
by a Cat C4.4 engine, capable of
STEELWRIST
operating on B20 biodiesel. COUPLERS FOR
SANDVIK
A 12% wider, stabilised
footprint increases the Cat
MH3022’s operating stability
for improved performance
when lifting at extended reach,
while the MH3024 offers up to Sandvik’s Rammer range of hydraulic
7% greater swing torque to hammers will be available with Steelwrist’s
move more material faster. fully automatic SQ-type couplers that, in
Both models offer a maximum addition to the physical coupling of the
cab height of 5750mm to attachment, also automatically connect and
improve loading and materials disconnect the hydraulic service supply.
handling visibility.

NEWS
RADIAL, NON-
DIRECTIONAL TYRE
itas, part of the Trelleborg Group,
M has launched a newly developed

EX-01 tyre, claimed to be the
first radial tyre for wheeled
excavators that features their non-
directional EX-01 tread pattern, together
with reinforced sidewalls specifically
DOZEN KUBOTAS designed for use on dual-wheel applications.
The shaped shoulder of the new EX-01
FOR SOUTHERN tread ensures an effective grip on soft
surfaces, while the thicker central tread
improves stability and ensures smooth
Southern Plant, a family-run plant and tool
running on hard surfaces. This tyre is
hire firm based at Henley-on-Thames, has
designed for use on paved roads, crushed
bought 12 Kubota mini-excavators to stock its
stone and gravel terrains. Its all-steel radial
new site at Brackley. Supplied through dealer
construction, used for the first time on Mitas
Boss Plant Sales, the order comprises four
excavator tyres, is said to increase the tyre’s
K008-3 micro-excavators, together with four
lifespan. The EX-01 is currently available in the
e
U17-3a and four U27-4 mini-excavators.
315/80R22.5 size.
KOMATSU EASY TEREX ACQUIRES MDS
T
Terex Materials Processing has
purchased MDS International
BOOM CHANGE based in County Monaghan,

a manufacturer of heavy-duty
and recycling trommels, apron feeders and
conveyor systems. Heavy-duty MDS trommels
will enable expansion into areas of the
market that Terex does not currently serve.
The 34,000sq.ft MDS factory will be the
first Terex location in the Republic of
Ireland. MDS will remain a standalone
brand within Terex Materials Processing’
crushing and screening machinery
manufacturing business, which includes
Powerscreen, Terex Finlay and EvoQuip.
NEW J MAC MINIS

olihull-based J Mac has added new
S models to its mini-excavator

range. The 2.5t zero-tailswing JME
25Z is powered by a Stage 5
Yanmar engine producing 14.7kW and is
configured with a dozer blade, servo controls
and a hydraulically operated quick-hitch. The
JME 28Z is a 2.8-tonne zero-tailswing mini
powered by a modern 15.2kW Yanmar engine
and boasts a higher flow hydraulic system
than its smaller sibling. Both machines also
omatsu has introduced a new boom change system for its PC490HRD-11 feature an offset boom.
K high reach demolition rig. Called the K100 system, this will allow operators
to easily and quickly change the working equipment, without leaving the
cab and without the need to manually handle hydraulic hoses, or to carry
The new J Mac machines come with a
three-year warranty package, the first year
covering parts and labour, and only parts
out any work at height. coverage in the second and third years.

19kW
THE EXPERT EXCAVATION
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS // WACKER NEUSON EZ50
“YOU’D ALMOST FORGET
IT’S ONLY A FIVE-TONNE
MACHINE, AS THE
HYDRAULICS REALLY DO
GIVE YOU PLENTY TO
WORK WITH”
Above and right: With a short dipper arm, this EZ50

provides a maximum digging depth of 3.46m, while
its ground level reach is just shy of 6.0m.
PUNCHING
ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
Eoghan Daly reports on the early operator experiences of the first zero-tailswing
Wacker Neuson EZ50 compact excavator to enter service in Ireland
onducting plant hire and mostly Kubota. We know the Kubotas very Having looked at the specification of the
C groundworks across a wide area

from its County Laois base,
Meaney Plant Hire and Civil
well, based on the number of them we have
been running over the years, and hold them
in very high regard.
new zero-tailswing EZ50 model, Kevin
believed it would have much to offer to his
operation. Earlier this year, he duly took
looks to derive maximum utilisation from its “However, when I went to the market for delivery of the first example to enter service
machines, which need to earn their place in a new five-tonner recently, I decided the time with an Irish contractor.
the firm’s mixed fleet. One class of machine was right to look at other options too. When
that always seems to be busy is five-tonne I purchased a Wacker Neuson site dumper KEY FEATURES
compact excavators, as they are small a few months earlier, I found Graham The EZ50’s first project was the
enough to work in restricted sites, but with Faughnan from supplier Ferrybridge very redevelopment of an overgrown old country
far more performance that a small mini. good to deal with. I knew I would go back cottage in County Kilkenny. Site access was
Kevin Meaney said, “We run a range of to this dealer again when it came to the first concern, as space was very much at
different mini- and midi-excavators, but purchasing the next five-tonne excavator.” a premium. However, with its compact

WALK-AROUND
This may be a base spec machine but the
Wacker Neuson comes surprisingly well
equipped as standard, for example guards on
all the hydraulic cylinders. Uniquely, there is also
a strip of red LED lights running round the top of
the rear engine cover. Activated when the hydraulic
controls are live, it serves as an additional safety
feature for those working close to the machine on
the ground – a simple, but extremely effective,
design detail. The EZ50 also comes with a
comprehensive LED work light package.
Away from the cab and the other Wacker
Neuson signature features, the EZ50 looks
structurally strong and has been designed to
provide easy service access, particularly within
its rear engine compartment. As most
competitors feature a top-hinged panel door,
it makes a pleasant change to see a side-hinged
design on the EZ50. Hinged to the left, it opens
well clear and is held in place by a traditional
strut, revealing the entire engine bay without
limiting access or headroom.
The curved, sculptured counterweight
dominates the rear end of the EZ50. However,
instead of the engine being mounted low-down
within its concave inner reaches, the three-
cylinder Perkins is mid-mounted within the
compartment. The physically small engine
located in an elevated position allows for great
all-round access, while allowing space in the
engine compartment for the after-treatment pack
and the air filter. The hydraulic pump is located in form and running on rubber tracks, Stage 5 engine, even with its integrated
the lower left of this space. unloading was easy and no marks were diesel particulate filter, occupies relatively
The main fuel filter is conveniently located at the left on the paved surface. little space, allowing for good service access.
top right of the compartment. To the right of this The new mini’s first task was to clear the With higher power reserves, the engine is
there is a small vertical recess on the side of the site, to provide access into and around the mapped to deliver the required torque at
cooling pack, which s home to the refuelling hose, working area. It will then go on to excavate the lower revs for good fuel economy.
but with enough space to store a grease gun. foundations for an extension to the original At the heart of the hydraulics on the EZ50
Moving to the offside of the machine, the entire structure, before completing a full range of is an axial piston pump with a maximum
gull-wing side panel elevates to provide good groundworks – a classic example of just how flow rating of 126lit/min, which is used to
access to the face of the cooling pack and to the versatile a compact five-tonner can be. best effect by the downstream load-sensing,
hydraulic tank, complete with a traditional sight The track footprint of the EZ50 is a flow-sharing system.
gauge, in the mid position. The diesel tank is fraction over 2.5m long and just under 2.0m
located towards the front of the offside wide when shod with 400mm rubber tracks. OPERATOR FEEDBACK
compartment, its contoured form moulded from The machine’s zero-tailswing design and the Experienced operator, Mark O’Donoghue,
an almost transparent white material, while its 55/70-degree offset boom allow it to safely admits to being pleasantly surprised by the
curved outer surface helps to improve visibility work in confined areas. working capabilities of the EZ50 and said,
from the seat. This compact excavator is also expected “I have used some of the smaller, older
to undertake serious groundworks, generation mini-excavators from Neuson
sometimes in tough ground conditions. and didn’t rate them that highly, but this new
It was specified with a short dipper arm for five-tonne model is in a completely different
“THE TRACK FOOTPRINT greater breakout forces, which provides league. It’s a great machine to operate, since
OF THE EZ50 IS A a maximum digging depth of 3.46m, while it has plenty of power and is well balanced,
its ground level reach is just shy of 6.0m. and the controls are very smooth and precise
FRACTION OVER 2.5M The design of the working equipment is to use. It has a comfortable cab and is well
LONG, AND JUST UNDER claimed to contribute to superior digging laid out. To be honest, there isn’t anything
performance. This ambition is bolstered by I could fault with it.
2.0M WIDE WHEN SHOD its powerful engine, a turbocharged Perkins “It seems the EZ50 is under no pressure,
unit rated at 34.3kW at 2200rpm, whereas despite delivering plenty of digging power.
WITH 400MM RUBBER this class of mini would normally have This is shown by the way it uses the engine
TRACKS” a power-pack from 25kW to 30kW. This power so well, to get the most from the
modern three-cylinder, ultra-low emissions hydraulics. It has digging power far beyond

Inset left, left and right: The

EZ50’s zero-tailswing design and
offset boom assist in safe and
efficient working.
Right: The underlying structure of the Wacker Neuson

compact mini seems reassuringly solidly built.
what you’d expect from a five-tonne
excavator. To the extent that when using
it you’d almost forget it’s only a five-tonne
machine, as the hydraulics really do give
you plenty to work with.
“It’s also very smooth to use and is not
just all about digging power, which makes
it a brilliant all-rounder. The view from the
cab and the amount of space inside for
a small zero-swing machine make it very
impressive. All the controls are just exactly
where you’d want them to be.”
IN THE CAB
The shift-long practicality of such a reduced
radius compact excavator largely depends Below: The mid-mounted,
on having an adequately-sized cab, on physically small engine
results in great service
a design where space is very much at access. Note the almost
a premium. As Mark stated, Wacker Neuson transparent fuel tank at
the front of the offside
seems to have made particularly good use compartment.
of the available space on the EZ50. There
is a bright and airy feel to the cab that sets
a very positive initial impression, as does the
wide cab door, which provides unrestricted
entry and egress.
Once seated, a sense of space becomes
apparent, as does the position of the
controls, all of which fall easily to hand,
something that is not always achieved

For such a compact

upper-structure, the
cab is surprisingly
spacious and airy, and
the minimalistic
controls all laid out in
sensible locations. “WE COULDN’T FAULT THE
PERFORMANCE FROM THE
EZ50. IT’S AN EXCELLENT
MACHINE”
settings. This modern mini is fitted
with Wacker Neuson’s Equip Care
telematics system, which offers
performance, maintenance and security
features through an office PC or a smart
phone.
Positioned immediately below the screen
are the control dials for the air-conditioning
system, which feeds through to a series of
sensibly positioned vents. Natural ventilation
is taken care of by an opening side window,
when space is tight. Perhaps the best Conveniently positioned between armrest while both the kick-out glass and front screen
example of this is the location of the dozer and joystick is the main system control can be stowed in the cab roof.
blade control. Often positioned in far from panel, which the operator uses to navigate
ideal locations on such compact excavators, through the various options and data screen CONCLUSION
Wacker Neuson has placed it on the main on the monitor. It is said to be particularly The cab interior on this compact five-tonner
right-hand control panel, adjacent to the intuitive to use. is uncluttered, without an array of switches,
joystick. This prominent, natural position This particular example of the EZ50 is controls and a tablet-like control screen to
for the blade control, which has a tracking a base spec machine, without multiple contend with. It combines a small physical
speed button on top, allows the operator to auxiliary hydraulic services. Buyers of more and environmental footprint with genuinely
exercise better control over the blade, specialised variants will probably go for the impressive digging abilities.
deriving more benefit from it. much larger and more sophisticated The machine has now in service for over
The radio is positioned within easy reach optional 7in control screen. However, the four months and owner Kevin Meaney
at the rear of the small and minimalist standard spec is more than adequate for the concluded: “We couldn’t fault the
right-hand control panel, together with an type of work this example will undertake. performance from the EZ50. It’s an
adjacent power socket. Forward of this and The small monitor displays all the usual excellent machine and has proved popular
immediately beside the fixed armrest key machine data and warning symbols, with all the operators that have used it so far.
support are conventional switches for the while allowing the operator to easily Which is good, since they’re experienced
quick-hitch and the windscreen washer. change working modes and hydraulic on a range of manufacturers’ machines.”

NEW GENERATION SKID STEER LOADER
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I S N O T J U S T A N I D E A W E L I V E B Y T H I S D E F I N I T I O N
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E M I S S I O N S
Excavator Services Ltd

Unit 315 Fauld Ind. Est. Web: www.abiljo.ltd.uk
Tel: 01283 815544 Nr Tutbury, Burton on Trent Email: sales@abiljo.ltd.uk
Fax: 01283 812961 Staffordshire, DE13 9HS @Abiljo_buckets
Peatland
ACTION nature.scot/PeatlandACTION
PRODUCT LAUNCH // CATERPILLAR
MORE NEXT
GENERATION CATS
Kyle Molyneux reports on Caterpillar’s new wheeled excavators, compact radius
mini- and midi-excavators, together with tracked loaders
he latest round of upgraded console to ease entry. Viscous mounts reduce
CAT M319/M320 T Caterpillar products includes new

20-tonne class wheeled excavators,
the compact radius M319 and the
noise and vibration levels in the cab, while an
optional 360-degree camera system boosts
safety on the jobsite; rear- and offside-view
KEY STATS conventional M320 models. Both machines
are powered by a Stage 5, ultra-low emissions
cameras come as standard. Deluxe spec cabs
have a heated and air-adjustable seat, while
version of Cat’s 4.4-litre engine rated at 174hp, the Premium spec offers a seat that is heated,
M319 M320 and are capable of a maximum road speed of ventilated and automatically adjusts.
Model type
Compact Conventional 35kph. Cat claims up to a 5% improvement in In addition to standard booms with 2.5m
Operating fuel economy compared to the equivalent F dipper sticks (see panel), the compact radius
19,000kg 18,800kg Series models they replace. In addition, the M319 can be equipped with a 5200mm variable
weight (min)
M319 is said to deliver up to 15% more swing adjustable boom, plus 2.2m, 2.5m or 2.9m
Operating
21,050kg 21,200kg torque, while the M320 offers 9% more than sticks. The M320 can be specified with a long
weight (max)
its predecessor. 5650mm one-piece boom or 5260mm variably
Hydraulic flow 254lit/min 306lit/min
To increase the excavator’s flexibility, adjustable boom, and a 2.5 or 2.9 dipper.
Tailswing radius 1900mm 2600mm auxiliary hydraulic options include high-
Standard boom 5200mm 5260mm and medium-pressure circuits with one/two-
Standard dipper 2500mm 2500mm
way pressure flow, allowing the use of a wide “ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS
variety of attachments. Joystick options
Standard bucket 0.91cu.m 0.98cu.m include two, as opposed to the standard one
OF THE NEW MODELS IS
Digging depth 5750mm 6030mm proportional thumb slide controls. THE USE OF CAT’S NEXT
One of the highlights of the new models is
Ground level
9210mm 9290mm the use of Cat’s next generation excavator
GENERATION CAB,
reach
Loading height 7790mm 6960mm
cab, complete with a 10in COMPLETE WITH A 10IN
touch-screen linked to
a jog dial control,
TOUCH-SCREEN”
plus tilt-up
Below and inset: Caterpillar has
introduced ultra-low emissions
versions of its 20-tonne class
wheeled excavators, the compact
radius M319 and the conventional
M320 models.

Above and right: A fixed-boom variant of
Cat’s eight-tonne class compact radius
midi-excavator is now available.
FIXED-BOOM MIDI providing a maximum flow of 167lit/min,

Cat has expanded its next generation of together with a top speed of 4.9kph. Its
compact radius midi-excavators with a next generation cab boasts in-cab sound
fixed-boom version of the 308CR model. levels of just 72dB(A), plus joystick
Compared to its slewing-boom sister, this steering as standard.
version is said to provide a 20% increase in Cat’s options list for this model includes
vertical wall digging depth, improved their TRS8 tilt-rotator. As standard, the
dump height and superior lifting 308CR comes with a 2300mm-wide dozer
performance when working close blade, while a 2450mm variant is available
to the machine. as an option, which is 407mm deep and
The 308CR platform is powered by 370mm tall.
a modern Cat 3.3-litre engine rated at The optional long dipper stick, 2210mm
51.8kW. It powers an enhanced load- versus 1670mm, provides a dig depth of
sensing, electro-hydraulic system, 4690mm (see panel) and increases its
Left: The new wheeled excavators feature Cat’s next ground level reach from 6390mm to
generation cab with integrated camera displays. 6900mm.
Left and right:

The 302.7CR
model is supplied
with either a
fixed-width
1500mm
undercarriage, or
with expanding
tracks, providing
a minimum
machine width of
just 1355mm.

Below: The 303CR model is powered by
a 17.6kW C1.1 engine, which provides
a peak hydraulic oil flow of 100lit/min
and sits on a fixed undercarriage that
is 1.5m wide.
“CAT HAS UNWRAPPED

THREE NEW STAGE 5
ULTRA-LOW EMISSIONS,
2.7- TO 3.5-TONNE CLASS
COMPACT SWING RADIUS
MINI-EXCAVATORS”
SHORT-SWING MINIS undercarriage as standard, resulting in

Cat has unwrapped three new Stage 5 overall widths of 1500mm, 1550mm and
ultra-low emissions, 2.7- to 3.5-tonne class 1780mm. There is a variable width
compact swing radius mini-excavators, in undercarriage option for the smallest
the form of 302.7CR, 303CR and 303.5CR 302.7CR model, expanding from an
models. Available as both canopy and overall width of 1355mm to a working
full-cabbed variants, they are based on Cat’s width of 1780mm
next generation compact excavator All come complete with a standard dozer
platform, which includes innovative features blade, and an angled blade is available on
such as joystick steering as standard. The the largest 303.5CR model. Offered with
smaller 302.7CR and 303CR models are either standard and long dipper sticks,
powered by a Cat 1.1-litre engine, while the standard digging depths range from
303.5CR packs a C1.7 engine, all rated at 2450mm to 2810mm, while the long-stick
17.6kW and meeting the ultra-low Stage 5 configuration allows the machines to reach
emissions standard. down from 2650mm to 3110mm.
The load-sensing hydraulic system Counterweight packages comprise 100kg
features a variable displacement pump ‘light’ and 250kg ‘extra’ options.
to provide an impressive peak oil flow of The Cat mini-excavators are more
100lit/min. Cat says its new minis’ high secure than before thanks to passcode
hydraulic capacity generates superior and Bluetooth key entry options. The cab
digging and lifting forces, and they are can be upgraded with a touch-screen to
capable of more efficient use of complement the standard next generation
attachments. Meanwhile, the standard display.
auxiliary system offers the choice of
one-way, two-way or continuous flow, TRACKED LOADERS
and features quick-disconnect lines. Cat also previewed new 953 and 963
All three minis come with a fixed tracked loaders, powered by biodiesel-
For more complex

maintenance
tasks, the cab
NEW CAT REDUCED RADIUS
quickly tips
backwards,
shown here on
COMPACT EXCAVATORS
the 303.5CR
model.
Model 302.7CR 303CR 303.5CR 308CR
Engine C1.1 turbo C1.1 turbo Cat C1.7 C3.3B
Net power 17.6kW 17.6kW 17.6Kw 51.8kW
Min weight with cab 2670kg 3140kg 3620kg 7330kg
Max weight with cab 3040kg 3545kg 4190kg 8025kg
Dig depth (std stick) 2510mm 2650mm 2810mm 4145mm
Dig depth (long stick) 2710mm 2950mm 3110mm 4687mm

“VARIOUS BUCKET/
TOOTH, UNDERCARRIAGE
CAT M319/M320
AND TRACK SHOE KEY STATS
OPTIONS ADD FURTHER
Model 953 963
DEPTH TO THE MACHINES’
Engine C7.1 C7.1
CAPABILITIES” Power 160hp 202hp
Dig depth GP
n/a 138mm
bucket
Reach at full lift
1053mm 1373mm
height
Grading Angle n/a 63 degrees
Operating weights
Standard 15,958kg 20,358kg
Low ground
17,261kg 22,762kg
pressure
Waste handler 16,176kg 20,661kg
Bucket capacity
General-
1.8cu.m 2.5cu.m
purpose
Performance
2.1cu.m 2.8cu.m
series
Multi-purpose 1.6cu.m 2.0cu.m
Landfill 2.3cu.m 3.1cu.m
Wide flush 2.2cu.m 2.8cu.m
GP fusion 1.8cu.m 2.5cu.m
Slag 1.6cu.m n/a
compatible, Stage 5 Above, left and below: The new 953 and 963
emissions-compliant tracked loaders are powered by C7.1 engines rated
at 160hp and 202hp respectively and are available
C7.1 engines rated at in a wide variety of configurations.
160hp and 202hp
respectively. Built in Cat’s
Grenoble factory in France,
and available to order by the
time you read this, the new
tracked loaders are said to consume up
to 10% less fuel than their predecessors and
boast 15% greater torque
Cat also makes great claims for their
optional Performance Series of buckets,
which is said to increase productivity by
up to 20% over the general-purpose (GP)
bucket. The new Fusion Quick Coupler
option speeds up changes between the
range of attachments on offer, which
includes forks.
Various bucket/tooth, undercarriage
and track shoe options add further depth
to the standard machines’ capabilities. protection, while final drive guarding screen display linked to a rear-view camera.
However, both tracked loaders are prevents wrapping and damage. It also The latter also shows the output from Cat’s
available in a variety of specific features a cooling system designed for Slope Indicate system, which shows the
configurations, for example when working a high debris environment, complete with machine’s main fall and cross-slope
on waste handling or in a ship’s hold, a fold-out radiator and improved cab readings. The tracked loaders can be
together with a low ground pressure ventilation. equipped with either joystick or two-lever
(LGP) configuration suited to landfill sites. Inside the updated cab of the 953 and 963 attachment controls, while speed and
The waste handler spec includes extra there is a suspension seat with adjustable steering control choices include either
guarding, striker bars and seals for added armrests and controls, plus a 10in touch- a joystick or a V-lever and pedals.

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS // JCB 245XR
X-TREMELY COMPACT
25-TONNER
Nick Drew reports from the cab of JCB’s long-awaited,
reduced radius, 25-tonne class X-Series excavator
t is understood that the official We had the opportunity to take a closer
I launch of the Stage 5 emissions-

compliant, 25-tonne JCB 245XR
reduced swing radius excavator
look at one of these demonstration models,
run by dealer Holt JCB and on loan to Kyle
Gallagher. A well-known young owner-
will take place later this year. In the operator, Kyle is a big fan of JCB’s X-Series
meantime, an initial batch of 245XR models excavators, having taken delivery of his own
are beginning to appear in dealers’ yards 220X model late in 2019, as featured in SIZE MATTERS
throughout Europe, equipped with the Earthmovers Magazine at the time. We encountered the new 245XR on a housing
previous generation of JCB’s 173hp (129kW) That excavator is now rapidly heading development at Bude in north Cornwall.
4.8-litre EcoMax engine. towards the 3000-hour mark, as Kyle Having seen snaps of the new reduced radius
explained: “I’ve had the machine now for excavator from social media commentators
nearly two years. I love it like the first day throughout Europe, its compact upper-
“ITS COMPACT UPPER- it came off the lorry. It’s been a brilliant structure is even more striking in the metal.
machine for me, I can’t fault it really.” It is around 40% shorter than the conventional
STRUCTURE IS STRIKING Kyle is currently looking at his options for tailswing 220X model, while its overall width
IN THE METAL, AROUND a slightly heavier excavator than his current remains the same at 3090mm when fitted with
22-tonne conventional tailswing model, but 700mm-wide track pads.
40% SHORTER THAN not something so large that it would be out The key statistics are a rear swing radius
of place on a typical housing development. of just 1720mm and the minimum swing
THE CONVENTIONAL
TAILSWING 220X MODEL” Below and inset: There
would already appear to
be strong interest in
JCB’s new 25-tonne class
compact swing JCB
245XR excavator, which
is officially due to be
launched later this year.
E
EXCLUSIV
REPORT

Above, left and below: The new 3170mm on the conventional 22-tonner.
245XR was stable, powerful and This has somewhat restricted the natural
smooth, packaged in an
incredibly short upper-structure, view down the offside of the machine, which
which includes a full-size cab. is compensated by the standard fitment of
radius of the entire a second camera.
machine, with all front- The big news is that JCB has not
end equipment raised and compromised on the cab fitted to the short
folded, is an incredible 245XR model. It is still the full Command
2345mm. Plus version, which is fitted to the
To accommodate the conventional tailswing X-Series excavators.
engine and hydraulic This latest generation of JCB excavator cab
components in its small is well liked by operators, and the 245XR
rear end, the upper- features slightly revised functionality
structure has gained available through its 7in full-colour
height over the 220X. control monitor.
For example, the offside Unlike some compact radius excavators,
handrail is now 3537mm the use of a full-sized
off the ground, as cab on the
compared new
with

WALK-AROUND
The extremely compact upper-structure of the
245XR gives the impression that its
undercarriage is noticeably longer than on the
conventional 220X model, but this is an optical
illusion, as both measure 4.46m long. The
undercarriage design is the tried and tested
X-Frame type, with belly guarding and sloped
side members for ease of cleaning.
Each frame features two top carrier rollers
with dirt relief holes situated beneath them,
in theory allowing the dirt to drop through.
The track motors are well-proven units from
Bonfiglioli.
The compact but taller upper-structure
requires a series of five steep steps to reach the
engine bay level from the offside front corner.
However, safe and good access is helped by
well-positioned handrails and convenient grab
handles.
The AdBlue fill point is nicely designed,
located just to the right of the second step, with
plenty of space for those that refill from drums.
The fill point incorporates a drip tray around the
cap, preventing any spills of the blue stuff
damaging the paintwork.
The diesel filler cap is located some distance
away, on the top level of the upper-structure,
so no excuses for filling up the wrong tank with
the wrong fluid.
Back down at ground level, the large panel
door to the side of the steps opens to reveal the
main Japanese Kayaba valve block, and all the
various components are easily accessible for
any routine maintenance. The inside of this
panel door hosts the diesel refuelling hose,
with pump controls easily to hand. With no
toolbox provided on this compact radius
excavator, the front of this compartment will
just about take a grease gun and a handful of
cartridges, but not much more.
Taking the short walk round to the rear of
this machine, the 245XR features JCB’s
adjusted to suit the conditions. To cope with
Top, above and inset: A big plus point for compact radius distinctively contoured counterweight,
excavators, the 245XR features a full-size cab, as found
another aspect of a typical British summer,
on their conventional X-Series models. designed to minimise the effects of any
a front screen rain guard is fitted on this accidental impacts.
JCB means that the operator gets proper example, which I believe is an optional The offside rear corner compartment hosts
storage space behind the seat. Enough for extra. It features grooves, which act as another top-quality Japanese hydraulic
that all-important gutters to dispel the component in the form of the latest generation
lunch bag, while an water out to the sides,
in-built cool box in “THE CAB ON THE SHORT preventing wet feet of Kawasaki variable displacement hydraulic
pumps, which offer a combined maximum oil
the corner helps to 245XR MODEL IS STILL when opening the
flow of 456 litres per minute. This pump and
keep the operator front screen.
hydrated during long THE FULL COMMAND PLUS At the business end
valve block combination along with the larger
25mm-diameter pipework is the same as
summer days. VERSION, FITTED TO of this example are the
featured in the other models in the X-Series
Talking of summer standard mono boom
shifts, conveniently CONVENTIONAL X-SERIES and a 3.0m dipper. range, which have proved to be successful in
terms of feel on the controls, power and
placed sun visors are EXCAVATORS” A TAB boom option is
precision.
always a welcome available, as is a 2.4m
The nearside rear compartment hosts the
addition in a cab. dipper arm for those
cooling packs, air filter housing and the battery
I especially liked the one fitted to the offside who require more breakout force, or when
isolation switch.
window, which can be pulled down and running a tilt-rotator. In standard

configuration the 245XR has a maximum Nothing serious, I’m sure a few
ground level reach of 9784mm, a maximum tweaks of the hydraulic pressures
dig depth of 6627mm and a maximum could easily rectify it, and
dump height of 7951mm. The new reduced recognising that this is effectively
tailswing excavator tips the scales at around a pre-production example.
25,600kg, depending on specification. The stand-out element of the
new excavator’s performance was
IN THE CAB its slewing ability, which really is
I settled into what is a very comfortable seat. top drawer. It is extremely quick,
The operator’s environment is essentially the responsive and powerful, even
same as conventional X-Series excavators. when slewing uphill with a full Above, left and below: A Kayaba valve block and the
I ‘spragged’ the machine around and started bucket at full stretch! I have it on good latest generation of Kawasaki hydraulic pumps
combine to produce power and precision, with a good
to climb up the spoil heap. Being totally authority this is down to the over-sized feel through the joysticks.
honest, its tracking power felt a bit on the weak Kawasaki slew motor, the same component
side, something that Kyle also mentioned. that was fitted to JCB’s JS500 excavator. congested sites, the JCB 245XR is being
This machine is a beauty to operate; it is launched into an extremely buoyant market
silky smooth and precise in every movement, segment. With a full-sized cab and truly
making grading and slope work a pure joy. wonderful hydraulics, it ticked all the
Despite its counterweight being close to the right boxes for me.
cab, I found the 245XR to be well balanced,
and it never became unsettled, no matter
how I threw it around. “A BEAUTY TO OPERATE,
Full-size, reduced radius excavators tend IT IS SILKY SMOOTH AND
to be a bit of a ‘Marmite’ machine for some
operators, who either love them or hate PRECISE IN EVERY
them. The digging performance and MOVEMENT, MAKING
stability of such designs have significantly
improved over the years. Together with GRADING AND SLOPE
increasing demand for such safer compact WORK A PURE JOY”
tailswing radius machines, particularly on

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OWNER-OPERATOR // RICHARD BAKER
TRUE 20-TONNE CLASS

COMPACT RADIUS Paul Argent reports on an extremely well-specified,
reduced-radius Liebherr R920 excavator
taffordshire-based Baker machine, I was looking to make
S Groundworks mainly operates as

a dedicated sub-contractor to
Chasetown Civil Engineering
life easier for myself, as I want
to be able to complete a task
as quickly, safely and
on housing projects across the Midlands. economically as possible.
Typical undertakings are plot construction, While the Case was a very
drainage and road construction. Until good machine, it was just
recently the largest excavator on the fleet that little bit too small
was a tilt-rotator-equipped Case CX145D. for me, as I wanted
Happy, content and confident in this a 20-tonne machine with
long-term working relationship, owner- a compact tailswing.
operator Richard Baker recently made “When I looked into all
a significant investment in a new excavator manufacturers’ offerings, their compact
to provide an even more efficient service. machines started at 23/24 tonnes and went
He said, “We have had a long association upwards. It was only Liebherr and the R920
with Chasetown and have delivered Compact that is in the true 20-tonne range.
a number of successful projects for them and We had a good look at the Liebherr and
their clients. They are a great team to work found it to be well put together. You get
for and look after us very well. As I drive the a lot of machine for its size.”
This stable, compact tailswing

excavator has a large working
envelope, thanks to its two-piece
boom and a tilt-rotator fitted at
the end of the dipper.
“I WANTED THE MACHINE BOTH TO LOOK

THE PART AND BE CAPABLE OF INCREASING
OUR PRODUCTIVITY ON SITE”

LIEBHERR R920 COMPACT
The R920 Compact is powered by a four-
cylinder Liebherr engine rated at 150hp. It sits
on a long undercarriage fitted with 750mm-
wide track pads and configured with a rear Having left the factory Leica-ready, the
dozer blade. Together with its two-piece front R920 Compact was then fitted out with
end, in this configuration the compact a new Engcon EC219 tilt-rotator. It was
tailswing excavator weighs 21.9 tonnes. specified with top and bottom hitches,
A lockable storage chest has been fitted a removable GRD20 gripper unit, EC-Oil
to the slew turret, allowing Richard to keep automatic hydraulic connections, and with
lifting slings and chains safely stored away. the ePS module to allow full integration into
The 4.5-litre engine is hidden away his new Leica MC1 machine control system.
underneath a large gullwing-style panel, In addition to the huge array of buckets
on the offside of the machine, with the from his Case, Richard also ordered several
cooling pack mounted in front. All of the new EMA buckets, which are becoming
major components can be accessed from increasingly popular with UK tilt-rotator
ground level for routine servicing. operators. The Engcon DC2 control system
has allowed control of the dozer blade and
the two-piece boom to be integrated into
OPTIONS BOXES Richard continued, “I wanted the the upgraded joysticks.
With his mind made up that the reduced machine both to look the part and be As far as the cab is concerned, it is
radius 20-tonne class Liebherr was the right capable of increasing our productivity on equipped as standard to a high level,
machine for the job, Richard began ticking site. We have an Engcon tilt-rotator on the but Richard ticked the options list for
the options list. He jokes that his pen ran Case and it changes the way you can do jobs. a premium heated and cooled suspension
out of ink, “I spend so much time in it, You’re not reliant on anyone else, it makes seat, together with sun shades and foot rests.
I want it to be right.” you quicker and safer by not needing He explained, “When you can spend up to
And right it is. Finished at the Colmar anyone on the ground with you.” 10 hours a day in the cab, you want to be
factory in full Liebherr mining white Over the years Richard has kept a close comfortable.”
paintwork, the R920 Compact has been eye on how a tilt-rotator and the use of Leica The two-piece boom and 2.45m dipper
detailed to a high standard. From the tinted machine guidance systems have affected his allow a maximum dig depth of nearly 6.5m.
cab windows to the masses of additional business. He conservatively estimates that his The addition of the Engcon allows all but
LED work and warning lights, all the way to labour requirements have reduced by almost the deepest of drain runs on the site to be
the two-piece boom, the Engcon tilt-rotator 45%, while the need to use other machines undertaken, as Richard commented,
and a full Leica 3D GPS machine guidance has been slashed by 65%, resulting in a 25% “The combination of two-piece boom and
and control system. improvement in gross margins. tilt-rotator gives us masses of versatility.”

OWNER-OPERATOR // RICHARD BAKER
“I CAN ALMOST BE A ONE-MAN-

BAND AND ACHIEVE THE SAME
RESULTS WITH AS MUCH
ACCURACY AND MORE SAFELY.”
Left, top left, and below left inset: The hard
Staffordshire sandstone was no match for a modern
20-tonne class Liebherr excavator, configured with an
aggressive trenching bucket.
Above and right: The fully-loaded excavator will

increase Richard Baker’s productivity, in addition to
further improving the site’s efficiency and safety.
SITE VISIT
The versatility of the working equipment
and tilt-rotator was being demonstrated
when we visited Richard on site, as he was
loading soil into an ADT over a Heras fence.
Despite the excavator being a couple of
metres away from the fence, the ability to
put the boom almost straight allowed him to
load the truck with ease. What is noticeable
is that, even at full stretch and with the
Scandinavian-style bucket full of damp
material, the Liebherr remains rock solid
on its tracks. “It’s a very stable machine.”
Richard comments. “I’ve not had any issues
with its balance yet.”
Tracking away from the soil heap, Richard
quickly replaces the general-purpose bucket
for a narrow EMA trenching bucket. This
bucket is, rather surprisingly, configured with
a set of aggressive, twin-tipped teeth, a rare bucket to excavate more of the swale drain During our relatively short visit to this
set-up on this side of the Atlantic. The reason through the site. There were no posts, no busy housing site, Richard used the working
for Richard’s unusual choice of bucket teeth profiles and no one on the ground directing envelope of his new compact tailswing,
became apparent as he excavated the trench the dig, just Richard in the seat of the 20-tonne class excavator to full advantage.
deeper into the Staffordshire sandstone, Leica-equipped Liebherr forming the He then excavated a trench in the hard
which became increasingly harder the deeper meandering ditch exactly to plan. ground conditions, before sculpturing
he went. With smoke coming off the teeth, He concluded, “I know many say that GPS a precise surface drain. The new fully-equipped
the Liebherr ploughed its way through the can be an expensive addition to a machine. Liebherr R920 Compact is allowing him to
tough sandstone with barely a growl from But I can almost be a one-man-band and be more productive and profitable. More
its engine. achieve the same results with as much importantly, it’s providing his client with
With the trench finished, it was a quick accuracy and more safely this way. It just all the advantages of cutting-edge
change back to the Scandinavian-style makes sense.” earthmoving technology on their site.

NEW PRODUCT // KOMATSU D71i-24
BEST OF
ALL WORLDS
Peter Haddock reports on a new 23-tonne class dozer with integrated GPS machine
control, which has recently joined the fleet of the Tru7 Group
etails of the all-new Komatsu which we also have on our fleet, it’s a
D D71i-24 dozer, complete with an

updated, fully-integrated 3D
machine control system, were
well-built machine, with excellent visibility
and lots of space for the operator, which
is important.
announced at the Conexpo 2020 show. Guy “The difference with the D71 is the
Nicholls, MD of Tru7 Group, immediately added pushing power you get with
pre-ordered two units for his huge UK plant the larger sized machine and engine.
hire and contracting operation. This means it can do more around
Tru7’s operations director, Jake Nicholls, the worksite, as longer passes are
said, “As both a plant hirer and an possible for grading and material
earthworks contractor, we look carefully at management. This level of
every key fleet purchase. This is particularly increased productivity is what all
the case with dozers, as demand is incredibly our customers are looking for,
high at the moment, especially for especially if you can hire one
customers wanting 3D machine control machine, instead of two, as operator
capability on site. shortages are now a consideration.”
“As a hirer, we have to look at how we can
support this demand, while also buying OPERATOR FEEDBACK
equipment that can perform other general Tru7’s pair of 23-tonne class D71PXi-24
dozing tasks. It’s why the D71PXi is so dozers have proved popular since their
appealing, as it’s both a pushing and arrival in May, and the first example
a trimming dozer in one. Much like the D61, already has over 500 hours on its clock.
“THIS MACHINE IS THE BEST OF BOTH

WORLDS. IT CAN PUSH REALLY HARD,
WHILE BEING ABLE TO TRIM TO
MILLIMETRE ACCURACY”
The new 23-tonne class

Komatsu D71PXi-24 dozer has
a 240hp engine and is able to
undertake both fine trimming
and bulk earthmoving tasks.

“THIS LEVEL OF INCREASED
PRODUCTIVITY IS WHAT OUR
CUSTOMERS ARE LOOKING
FOR, AS OPERATOR SHORTAGES
ARE NOW A CONSIDERATION.”
D71PXI-24 WALK-ROUND
The new D71 follows the design features of
the futuristic-looking D61. The positioning
of the cooling pack at the rear of the machine
allows for a steeply-sloping nose, providing We encountered it on a housing nice features, like a Bluetooth radio, even
great visibility for the operator. development near Northampton. Operator a step to get to the roof and help with access to
The Dash 24 model is powered by an Timothy Harris said, “This machine is the the diesel filling point. The latter is hidden in
ultra-clean, Stage 5 emissions-compliant best of both worlds. It can push really hard the access point on the side of the machine,
engine rated at 240hp, mated to a hydrostatic with a full blade, while being able to trim to next to the fluids and battery servicing points.
transmission. This low ground pressure millimetre accuracy. It’s a bit of a penknife, “On the fuel front, it doesn’t drink a lot,
23-tonne class D71PXi-24 is the ‘wide’ really, capable of doing all sorts of tasks. and I am pushing it hard. It burns around
variant, with 915mm track pads and “When you sit in the cab you have the new 150 litres in an eight- to nine-hour shift,
a 4.295m blade, which exerts a ground nose design, which gives you great visibility so I get around two days on a full tank.”
pressure of just 0.40kg/sq.cm. and, on this dozer, it is not impeded by
There are no GPS receiver masts on the masts for the machine control. It’s like a big MACHINE CONTROL
blade, as two antennae are incorporated dozer in a little body and, being a Komatsu, Komatsu launched the original version of
within the roof structure out of harms way. is very comfortable and surprisingly quiet, its fully-integrated 3D GPS dozer guidance
The control tablet in the cab simply clicks out even when it is being pushed hard. When and control system back at the Bauma 2013
of its holder. As this is a Komatsu integrated you operate a machine of this size, you show. A world first, it incorporated the
machine control dozer, the blade’s cylinders expect it to maybe struggle in these wet various sensors and other components
feature stroke sensors, digitally informing the soil conditions, but it’s responsive. required within the basic design of the
iMC 2.0 system of the exact position of the “Putting the cooling pack at the back is machine, the dozer itself being equipped
front attachment at all times. a great move, as you don’t have to worry specifically to work with automated control
about cleaning it out so much compared to of its blade.
other models. They have also added some The second generation of Komatsu’s

NEW PRODUCT // KOMATSU D71i-24
Above left, above, below left and below: Operator

Timothy Harris reports the new dozer offers great
Left and above: When operating visibility, a comfortable cab, less routine maintenance
over rough ground, the new tilt and only burns 150 litres of fuel a day.
steering control function
automatically tilts the blade
to maintain straight travel.
to complete a job, saving both time and CONCLUSION

money. It’s a feature that is perhaps more As the iMC 2.0 system is used to help to
likely to be appreciated on the larger manage all stages of various dozer
23-tonne/240hp D71i model, which is also applications, not just to achieve an accurate
expected to undertake much heavier-duty final grade, there is scope to dramatically
tasks than trimming to final grade. improve productivity on site. In addition
This is emphasised by the dozer’s new to providing experienced operators with
‘tilt steering control’ sub-system, which a range of additional aids, it provides them
automatically tilts the blade to maintain with less time in the seat, thanks to the
straight travel, particularly designed for quick and accurate automated material
mass muck-shifting dozer applications. movement system.
It dramatically reduces the steering input The D71 PXi-24 is a powerful tool to
intelligent machine control system (iMC required by the operator during passes over have in a contractor’s fleet, apart from being
2.0) was introduced earlier this year on its rough ground, the passes themselves being available for hire through Tru7. Part of the
Dash 24 versions of the D51i and D61i controlled by the integrated GPS system. support package is providing users with
dozers, together with the long-awaited D71i. The iMC 2.0 system allows operators to access to MDig, a new division of dealer
As a baseline, this system allows operators, take advantage of the automated layer Marubeni Komatsu responsible for looking
including those at the beginning of their management feature before a final digital after machine control technologies.
career on dozers, to quickly reach the grade model is available or is needed. Using Jake Nicholls concluded by saying,
desired levels with millimetre accuracy, the in-cab control tablet, the dozer operator “With MDig, if we or our customers have
by fully automating blade movements. can quickly create a temporary 3D surface any problems, they can remotely log into
This updated dozer control system also model. This can be used for the automated the machine and help the operator or
provides the operator with assistance when stripping or spreading of the first layers of engineer. This integration means we have
it comes to moving muck across the site material, for example performing the initial the technical support to ensure models are
in a cut, strip or fill application, before site strip. uploaded and operators that might be new
reaching anywhere near the final grade. In a large-scale fill application, the to the Komatsu system can be supported.
According to Komatsu, the iMC 2.0 system operator can allow the new system to One of the biggest plus points for us is the
‘learns as it works’ to help the operator plan automatically control material movement factory-fitted machine control, as this
the next pass over this bit of ground, by through its ‘lift layer’ function. Not only enables us to deliver a machine to the
combining a terrain model of the just should this minimise the number of passes site without having to add on masts and
completed pass on to the 3D site plan. required to move the material, but will also receivers etc. Customers can turn on the
The objective of this feature is to help to result in more consistent layers of fill, which machine control if needed, or just perform
reduce the total number of passes required in turn helps the compaction team. general tasks around the jobsite.”

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For business purposes only. Finance available only for limited companies and corporate customers via intermediary Capital Equipment Finance Limited. Company registered in England
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RECYCLING // ACE LIFTWAY
CONSTANT REINVESTMENT
CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT
Paul Argent reports on the fleet of waste processing machinery run at
a large recycling centre at Romsey, to the north of Southampton
ounded in 1988 by current MD improve the flow of materials through the
F Phillip Ladell, initially working

from home with a single skip
truck, Ace Liftaway now runs a
site, and divert as much as possible from
landfill, the firm has invested in processing
machinery supplied by the Avonmouth-
large, modern fleet of skip trucks, tippers based dealer Molson Green.
and plant. Over 20 years of constant
reinvestment in the business have resulted SHREDDING
in a firm that recycles many thousands of Incoming streams of waste wood are
tonnes of waste a year. processed by a TDS820 slow-speed
We met operations manager Russell shredder, the smallest machine in the
Delves at the company’s huge recycling Terex Ecotec range. It features
centre near Romsey, to the hydrostatic drive and
north of Southampton. independent
This site is home to several “WE WILL gearboxes for each
processing areas handling RECYCLE 100% shaft. This allows ACE
general skip waste, along Liftaway to customise the
with construction and OF OUR WOOD shredding programme to
demolition (C&D) and WASTE ENTERING reduce potential wrapping
wood waste. of material on the shafts,
With a constant inward THE SITE.” thus maximising up-time and
flow of material from their production.
own fleet of skip wagons and independent The 7-7-4 shaft design in the TDS820
hauliers, processing the material and is claimed to be self-cleaning, as Russell Above and below: The self-cleaning 7-7-4 shaft of the
Terex Ecotec TDS820 slow-speed shredder results in
getting it back out of the door as quickly as commented, “We previously operated high availability of the machine, without needing to
possible is a key to success. To further a shredder from another manufacturer clear a jammed shaft.

“USING THE SHREDDER HAS
ENABLED US TO MASSIVELY
REDUCE THE WASTE WE
NEED TO SEND TO LANDFILL”
Above left, above and above

right: Incoming C&D waste
is fed into a new Terex Finlay
883+ Spaleck heavy-duty
REFUSE-DERIVED screener, its 3D punch plate top

deck allowing it to process
a wide range of materials.
FUEL
While the TDS820 is predominantly used for
and were constantly having issues with
the shaft jamming and breaking. This has
not been the issue with the Terex.” The
883+ Spaleck heavy-duty screen to ensure
even the most awkward material is
processed efficiently. The Spaleck screen
shredding wood, it is also currently used for material produced from the shredder is fed box has a unique, stepped, 3D punch plate
reducing oversize general waste down to a on to a Terex Finlay 883+ inclined screen top deck. Combined with flip-flow bottom
refuse-derived fuel (RDF) specification, as with an 80mm top deck and 10mm bottom deck technology it allows the machine
Russell commented, “Using the shredder for deck. Any oversize material is recirculated a great deal of flexibility to work in a range
this application has enabled us to massively back into the shredder via a large tracked of difficult materials. The vibrating screen
reduce the waste we need to send to landfill. conveyor. is almost blockage- and maintenance-free
The use of the shredder on general waste Russell continued, “The products we get and has a processing range between 1mm
allows us to recover more materials and has from the wood recycling usually go into the and 120mm.
ultimately made a massive impact on our manufacture of Stirling board and Powered by a 4.4-litre Cat engine, the
expenditure when it comes to sending chipboard. We will recycle 100% of our 883+ screener is very quiet in operation,
material to landfill. It has come to a point wood waste entering the site.” ideal for noise sensitive sites. The
where we are now looking at adding another 30.5-tonne screener boasts three
unit just for this purpose and ultimately saving C&D WASTE hydraulically adjustable discharge
us money and reducing the impact on the Incoming C&D waste streams are quickly conveyors. The folding side conveyors
environment.” dealt with by a pair of Terex Finlay extend over 4m away from the machine,
machines, the star of the show being a new allowing a large amount of material to be

RECYCLING // ACE LIFTWAY
processed before it needs to be removed.

The oversize material coming off the
main conveyor of the 883+ screener is
CONCLUSION
Russell explained, “To keep pushing the
company forward and to aim to recycle as
MATERIAL
stockpiled on site, before being processed
through the site’s wash plant. Crushing is
much of the material entering our waste
stream as possible, we need to invest in
HANDLING FLEET
carried out by a Terex Finlay J1170 jaw reliable and productive kit. Most of the material handling duties
crusher. “While the kit plays a massive role in performed on site are undertaken by a fleet of
Russell said, “The Environment Agency is our operation, it is only as good as the JCB equipment, ranging from telehandlers to
very hot on contaminants, so we clean the back-up and service a manufacturer or wheel loaders, wheeled excavators and a
material before we crush it into a 6FS dealer can deliver. We have had issues with recently added 220X excavator.
product. The two machines work excellently certain manufacturers in the past, hence the A veteran JS220XD undertakes the majority
together and deal with all of our C&D waste move to Molson, where I have to say they are of the wood handling duties, steadily loading
very effectively. by far the best company we have dealt with. the TDS820 slow-speed shredder. While the
The 883 Spaleck has particularly “You can pick up the phone to them and excavator is configured as a backhoe and is
impressed us with its ability to screen the speak to someone knowledgeable and always not the ideal solution for loading the shredder,
difficult material we get through here on get an honest answer to any question we Russell and his team are happy to utilise it as it
occasions. It is also rare that we have to stop pose. As far as I’m concerned, Molson Green gives them the option to use it elsewhere on
if the material is damp too, as it handles the is the company to deal with in the recycling the site for different materials should it be
wet material well, something we were never sector. Our success depends on the reliability required. A further three JS220XD excavators
able to do in the past.” and quality of the equipment we run.” work inside the vast household recycling site.
A pair of Wastemaster spec wheel loaders
The shredded wood is fed on to a Terex ferry the material about the site. Moving
Finlay 883+ inclined screen with processed material to storage areas and incoming
an 80mm top deck and 10mm bottom
deck; any oversize material is material into the processing areas, the 436E and
recirculated back into the shredder. 437 models are both equipped with high-reach
arm arrangements, making them ideal for
stockpiling material and for loading tippers.
Incoming material to the C&D waste station
is pre-sorted by a JS145W duck carrying a
selector grab. Russell explained, “Pre-sorting
waste is a very important part of the recycling
process. It gives us the chance to segregate
materials that can potentially block and
damage the crushers, screeners or shredders
and gives us a cleaner, more usable material
at the end of the recycling process.”
The latest addition to the fleet is the new
220X excavator. Similar in specification to the
older JS220XD, the new model has been
delivered with cab guarding, dipper cylinder
protection and side impact protection
guarding. Russell commented, “We
occasionally undertake some small demolition
projects and the new excavator has been
spec’d up to undertake these projects for us.”
While in the yard, the 220X’s duties are
confined to loading the 883 Spaleck screen
and J1170 crusher, which it does comfortably.

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Scott Russell George Goodwin (UK Agri Sales) Chris Rankin
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SITE VISIT // RAVELRIG QUARRY
THE NEXT
GENERATION
David Wylie reports on
Tarmac’s new Volvo E
xcavator operator Tam
Cunningham started his career
with Tarmac, now part of the
operating the prime mover at the face.
Recalling his early days with Tarmac he
said, “I started out driving a Euclid R15 for
CRH global building materials a few years and progressed on to a bigger
75-tonne class EC750E group, in 1974, at their Craig Park Quarry at 22-tonne Terex R-22 haul truck at Craig
excavator, on duty at their Ratho near Edinburgh. His initial job was as Park Quarry. Then, when I transferred over
a fitters’ mate, working in all weathers on to Ravelrig Quarry, where they had even
Ravelrig Quarry near fixed and mobile plant – including RB-38 bigger trucks, I drove a 45-tonne Terex
Edinburgh excavators – around the vast site. R-45. I have fond memories of these old
He soon felt the desire to spend his trucks, but they were hard work to drive.
working days in the warmth of a cab, and The R-15 had no power-steering and not
Below and inset: After 47 years working as a
Tarmac quarry machinery operator, Tam spent the next 17 years on site at the wheel many creature comforts compared to the
Cunningham’s final mount is a new Volvo of various rigid haul trucks. They mainly new trucks we have now.”
EC750E excavator.
came from the Euclid factory, They are a far cry from the 70t capacity
located just 25 miles away at Cat 775E haul trucks that Tam fills today
Newhouse. In 1992, Tam from the seat of a 70-tonne-plus Volvo
moved across to Tarmac’s excavator, Ravelrig’s primary loader. He
nearby Ravelrig Quarry retires at the end of 2021, after 48 years’
and, over the service with Tarmac, and has a succession
decades, has plan in place. Andy Meiklem, currently the
become a key reserve operator and with many years of
member of experience, including on 300-tonne class
staff, mining shovels, will take the seat of the
Volvo.
Over the decades, Tam has seen
numerous generations of machines on site.
At the beginning of this year, Tarmac’s
latest investment in mobile plant at
Ravelrig started to kick in, while the two
775E haul trucks have already gone
through their mid-life certified
rebuild with Finning. In addition
“AFTER EIGHT YEARS AT THE FACE, THE

VOLVO EC700 HAS BEEN REPLACED BY
AN ULTRA-LOW EMISSIONS 75-TONNE
EC750E MODEL”

“WITH THE MASS-
EXCAVATOR BOOM AND
STICK, IT HAS PLENTY OF
DIGGING POWER TO LOAD
THE TRUCKS IN EIGHT
PASSES”
to improving the haul fleet’s availability, With man and machine perched in an planned to coincide with the lunch break.
such planned rebuilds should also result in ideally elevated loading position, Tam The EC750E, with its automatic two-speed
improved fuel economy and lower carbon clearly shows a lot of sympathy for the travel motors, was therefore tracked up the
emissions. equipment, as he quickly and carefully haul road to a designated safe area at the
In addition to a born-again haul fleet, places each extremely full bucketful deep top of the quarry.
after a reliable eight years at the face, Tam/ into the truck’s skip. It’s a skilled technique Tam commented, “The new EC750E is
Andy’s 70-tonne Volvo EC700 has been that the 775E’s operators and service slightly bigger, has more power and comfort
replaced by an ultra-low emissions 75-tonne technicians appreciate, inflicting much than the previous EC700. This machine,
EC750E model, in mass excavation reduced shock loading as the skip is filled with the mass-excavator boom and stick, has
configuration. It is subject to a full in quick and accurate passes. plenty of digging power to load the trucks
maintenance contract, as Volvo Between loading duties, Tam tidies up in just eight passes and in under three
construction dealer SMT’s local depot any small amount of overspill in the loading minutes.”
at Stirling is within easy reach. area and ensures that there is always an
effective rock-trap behind the excavator,
SITE VISIT at the bottom of the blasted face. He also
Since the late 1980s, Tarmac’s Ravelrig deals with any over-size material by
Quarry has been supplying high quality dropping them on to other large boulders,
aggregates for its own projects, processing splitting them into two or more fragments,
plants and to external customers in the helping to ensure that the crusher remains
Edinburgh area. The material being unblocked.
extracted is a hard-wearing stone with In the 48 hours prior to my visit, central
a polished surface value (PSV) of 55. At the Scotland had received a deluge of rain.
time of my visit, Tam and the big EC750E As the site’s pumps were doing a good job
excavator were working at the bottom of of managing water levels, the quarry floor
the quarry, sitting on top of the pile of was reasonably dry, with a few very shallow
freshly-blasted basalt rock and loading the puddles here and there, which did not
pair of Cat 775E haulers that take the impact operations. What did impact
material the short distance to the primary operations was a significant development
crusher. blast on the upper benches of the site,

Far left, inset and below: Its mass excavation working

equipment being equipped with a custom MST bucket,
the EC750E is loading a 70t capacity Cat 775E in
around three minutes, in eight quick passes.
EC750E
DRIVELINE
At the heart of the EC750E is a six-cylinder,
16-litre Volvo engine rated at 534hp and meeting
the ultra-low emissions Stage 5 standard. It
drives two variable displacement axial piston
pumps, each producing 450lit/min and
controlled by a new electro-hydraulic system
featuring a new main control valve. The
combination of boom, arm and swing priority
movement, along with boom, arm and bucket
regeneration is designed to provide quick cycle
times. The hydraulic regeneration system also
prevents cavitation and provides flow to other
movements during simultaneous operations.
Holding valves in the boom and arm prevent
the digging equipment from creeping under load
– useful in this application when the working
equipment is usually out to help spot the truck
into position.
This is one fewer pass than would be BENCHMARK SPEC

required with their old EC700, partly New machines for a Tarmac operation
thanks to the increased breakout force usually come fully loaded from a safety
available from the mass-excavation 6.6m perspective, and this new Volvo EC750E
boom and 2.9m dipper. The other reason is no exception. Its specification includes
is the special MST 4.8cu.m heavy-duty rock a dry powder and wet chemical fire
bucket fitted to the end of the dipper of the suppressing system from Chelmsford-based
new EC750. Its wide profile design achieves Fireward.
a far superior fill factor in this material than A key part of their safety culture is
the more traditional design of the providing operators and service technicians
nominally larger capacity attachment on with a high standard of ‘three points of
the EC700. contact’ for access and egress across fixed
Senior production manager, Colin Slater, and mobile plant. This new 75-tonne class
worked closely excavator is fitted with a clever ladder
with the outside of the cab, which hydraulically
mobile plant swings down from the stowed position,
team on the opening up to provide a wide set of steps
specification and handrails. At the top of these sloping
of the new steps is a wide, full-length service platform,
Volvo surrounded by bright orange hand/knee
excavator. rails. Access to the engine bay is via steps
He said, hidden behind a panel immediately to the
Multiple camera views “As well as rear of the cab, or by a three-rung ladder
and protection from an
extremely robust FOPS agreeing located further back along the service
cage make the big Volvo on an platform, for direct access to the top of the
a comfortable place improved machine.
for a long and
productive shift. bucket Naturally, a full ‘boxing ring’ of handrails
design, we wrap round the top of the upper-structure.
also asked for Rather than being the standard service
narrower track pads to be route, the bright orange handrails on the
fitted to improve service life offside of the machine mark the emergency
and reliability in this hard egress route, terminating with a manually-
rock quarry application, operated ladder that swings down to the
moving from 750mm to front right corner of the excavator.
650mm-wide double Volvo’s optional four-camera system is
grouser track pads.” used to stitch together a full 360-degree
view around the excavator, which is
displayed on a separate large screen in the
cab. In addition, the operator can choose
to display the output from one or two

“CYCLE TIMES HAVE ALSO

IMPROVED TO AROUND
THREE MINUTES, SAVING
NEARLY A FULL MINUTE OVER
THE PREVIOUS MACHINE”
specific cameras on the machine’s main CONCLUSION with its wider and deeper profile, is also
LCD control screen. Now with 600 hours experience with this working well. We are loading the Cat 775Es
The pressurised and filtered cab, bucket and excavator combination, quarry in eight passes, which is one pass less than
complete with substantial falling object manager Derek Kyle said, “We are very the previous 5.2-cube bucket fitted to the
protection, is supported on hydraulic pleased with the performance of the EC700 model. Overall, cycle times have also
dampening mounts to reduce shock and EC750E, the machine has been very reliable improved to around three minutes with the
vibration levels. These, along with sound to date with high new EC750E, thus saving nearly a full
absorbing lining, contribute to availability. minute over the previous machine and
providing low noise levels of just “The new bucket combination.”
72dB. heavy-duty The even better news is that the Stage 5
Highly reflective red and silver 4.8-cubic- emissions-compliant EC750E was just sipping
chevrons wrap round the rear metre MST fuel to deliver these impressive results, at a
of the machine and blue bucket, rate of around 40 litres an hour.
strobe lights operate when
the machine is reversing, in
addition, the boom and stick
feature yellow hi-vis tape.
After the blast was carried
out, Tam tracked the EC750E
towards the freshly-blasted
material. His first job was to
make a rock-free area for the haul
trucks to safely spot into, then he
created a ramp to enable the big Volvo to
safely track up on to the newly blasted
heave of rock. Now in his 47th year with
Tarmac, Tam is clearly enjoying the
creature comforts of his new mount.
However, he is looking forward to a long
and happy retirement, safe in the
knowledge that his machine is going to be
left in a safe pair of hands with Andy
Meiklem at the controls.
Above, right and inset: This full-spec excavator features
oversized rails to its nearside service platform and a
hydraulically-operated sloping access ladder.

Earthworks Demolition Stabilisation Transport Plant Sales Training
Collins Earthworks Ltd have been

managing earthmoving &
pre construction enabling projects
for over ‘20years’.
Based in the midlands, we provide a fast, ﬂexible, reliable and professional service nationwide.
The Collins Group being made up of Earthworks, Demolition, Stabilisation, Training, Transport and
Plant Sales ensures we are able to offer a complete package for our customers.
We have a long running success of meeting the demands of our customers from consultation to
construction. At Collins Earthworks we promote sustainability within the construction industry.
Telephone 01623 750002

Email: office@collinsearthworks.co.uk
MARKET REVIEW // MEDIUM DOZERS
SMARTER BLADES
Peter Anderson reviews the
current offering of mainstream
dozers in the 20- to 55-tonne
operating weight category
Above and below: For more than 40 years

hydrostatic drivelines have been at the heart
of Liebherr dozers.
he bulldozer has come a long way refinements, just shear brute force, plus a limited number of suppliers, potential
T since its 1920s origins. Developed

from agricultural tracked
tractors, early generations
plenty of noise and smoke.
This review focuses on currently available
mid-range dozers, with operating weights
buyers have a wide choice of driveline
technologies available, including
hydrostatic machines from Liebherr and
featured a cable-operated blade with no from 20 to 55 tonnes. Compact dozers and a diesel-electric Cat, and the Komatsu ‘i’
operator mining monsters will feature in future machines feature a fully integrated GPS 3D
issues. Such mid-range dozers are frontline control system.
earthmoving machines, spanning For those with not so deep pockets,
applications as diverse as extremely modern Dressta dozers, now part of the
accurate grading to heavy-duty mass LiuGong Group, may offer a cost-effective
muck-shifting. Although, with alternative. For those looking for
the widespread use of 3D a modern, high-spec 20-tonner, another
machine control systems and alternative is the 2050M model, the top of
smarter drivelines, the the long-established Case range of dozers.
dividing line between the
two extremes is blurred. LIEBHERR
A good example of this Dozers have been an integral part of the
is the new Komatsu Liebherr range for more than 40 years. The
D71i-24, which we take firm was the first to equip such machines
a closer look at with a hydrostatic driveline, a fundamental
elsewhere in this issue. element in the design of its dozers.
Although from The new Generation 8 range of dozers

includes four models in the 20- to KOMATSU
55-tonne category, ranging from the PR736 Also offers four base
at 21.2t, to the PR766 at 53.4t. All are models in the 20- to
powered by the newly developed Liebherr 55-tonne category,
EVO engines, with power outputs spanning with power ratings
160kW to 310kW. The working equipment from 164kW to
options include straight, semi-U and six-way 337kW and blade
blades, offering capacities from 4.1cu.m to capacities between
17cu.m, and various rear attachments are 3.7cu.m and
also available. 16.6cu.m. These
Generation 8 dozers feature a new cab dozers are also
complete with an improved climate control available in ‘i’
system and various enhancements to spec, standing for
operator comfort and safety. For the first intelligent, which
time, a grab handle with an integrated features a fully
joystick for the rear ripper is used in the integrated 3D machine
25t class models, allowing for a more stable control system, the dozer
seating position for the operator while itself being especially
tracking over uneven terrain. equipped to work with such
The cab is claimed to be fully separated a system.
from the base machine. Together with A full report on Komatsu’s new
a noise-optimised drivetrain, this results in multi-purpose D71i-24 dozer, featured in
low vibrations being transmitted to the this issue, provides the relevant details. Above and below: The 42-tonne Komatsu D155 may
operator, while the low internal noise levels At the top end of this weight category, resemble its larger mining siblings, but is also available
avoid annoying frequencies. A 23cm in the D155 model and a future version of as an intelligent model with integrated 3D GPS.
monitor in the cab provides an interface the D275, users get access to Komatsu’s
with the new information and control Sigmadozer blade. It features a unique a conventional automatic powertrain or
system, allowing the operator to precisely cutting-edge configuration to reduce with a diesel-electric driveline.
adjust the driving and steering responses. loading resistance and to increase the The new D6, which replaces the D6T
Three levels of machine control are blade’s material-holding capacity. model, is powered by an ultra-low emissions
available: the Free Grade setting uses It provides a claimed production increase C9.3B engine rated at 161kW, has an
Liebherr’s standard Active Sensor Control of as much as 15% over a conventional operating weight range between 21.75t
system to stabilise all the blade’s movements semi-U blade. and 24.1t with standard 610mm-wide
during fine grading. The Definition Grade track shoes.
setting automatically positions the blade to CATERPILLAR The D6XE is claimed to be the world’s
create 2D grades. The optional 3D Grade Over the last two years Caterpillar has first high-drive, diesel-electric dozer,
setting features roof-mounted GPS unveiled three all-new crawler dozers in the the standard D6 variant featuring
antennae and is used to automatically 20t to 55t category, namely the D6, the D7 a fully automatic four-speed powershift
create complex terrain shapes. and the D9 models, offering a choice of transmission. On both variants, the
Wide-opening hatches and central
maintenance points make routine servicing
easy, and a tilting cab facilitates
more involved work. Liebherr’s
LiDAT telematics system provides
remote information on the
machine’s location and use,
together with fuel
consumption and service
interval data.

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and offers increased
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WORLD
CLASS
LUBRICATION
DESERVES WORLD CLASS SERVICING
Groeneveld
maintenance
inspections
A well maintained automatic
greasing system will look after your
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Greasing System
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operator simply sets the about 6% more and the engine
required ground speed, and the delivers 12% more power.
dozer continuously adjusts for Blade capacity is increased
the best balance between power by 10%, and Cat says that
and efficiency based on load. the elevated sprocket
With the fuel- and maintenance- undercarriage delivers
saving diesel-electric version there a better ride and balance.
are no gears, and the gears are At nearly 50 tonnes, the
shifted automatically in the new D9 replaces the D9T
conventional powershift model. model and promises lower
The new high-drive D7, which has overall running costs. Cat
a fully automatic four-speed claims that efficiencies gained
transmission, weighs just shy of 30 through a new torque converter
tonnes and is powered by a 197kW with a stator clutch reduce fuel
Stage 5 emissions- consumption by as much as 5%,
compliant Cat engine. while maintenance and repair costs are
According to Cat, the reduced by as much as 4%.
conventional D7 The D9 is powered by an ultra-low
moves up to 8% emissions version of the well-proven Cat
more material C18 engine, in this application rated at
per hour than 337kW. It also features a differential
the previous steering system for a tight turning radius
diesel-electric, and the ability to maintain ground speed
low-drive D7E while turning. The suspended
model. It undercarriage is said to deliver more track
weighs contact with the ground for less slippage
and greater productivity.
DRESSTA
Polish construction
equipment
manufacturer Dressta,
part of the LiuGong
Group of companies
since 2012, offers four
models with
operating weights
from 20.6 to 41.5
tonnes. They are sold
and serviced in the UK by
Portsmouth-based Construction
Top, above and inset: With a new D7, a new D9, Plant and Machinery, also part of
together with diesel-electric and conventional versions
of a new D6, Caterpillar has revamped its mid-range manufacturer LiuGong. All four models are
dozer line. powered by Cummins engines, and offer

Left and inset: Now part of Chinese manufacturer LiuGong’s

growing international business, Dressta dozers offer a
cost-effective alternative to the usual suspects.
power outputs together with heavy-duty chains and idlers. automatically reduces track speed, thus
spanning With lower long-term maintenance costs increasing torque and a heavier load on
150kW to and a cost-effective purchase price, Dressta the blade. With a lightly load on the blade
280kW, and claims that its dozers offer a better return the system increases track speed, reducing
available as on investment by delivering the lowest cost torque.
standard track, of ownership. New control features allow the operator
long track, low to better tailor the dozer’s performance to
ground pressure or CASE a particular application and ground
wide track versions. Weighing 20.6 tonnes, the 2050M is the conditions. This includes the ability to set
The latest model to join largest model in the Case range of crawler blade sensitivity, together with steering and
the range is the TD-15M, which dozers. It is powered by a 168kW Fiat shuttle sensitivity, to produce a smooth,
is powered by an ultra-low emissions Powertrain Technologies (FPT) engine, moderate or aggressive response.
engine rated at 173kW, which drives through which drives through a hydrostatic A new electro-hydraulic joystick is claimed
a combination of a three-speed powershift transmission and boasts a blade capacity of to provide a good feel and response to the
transmission and two-speed steering drive. 5.57cu.m. Compared with its predecessor, operator. Fingertip blade shake allows for
Long-established Dressta believes its the 2050M has 9% more power, which quick blade cleaning, and a grading mode
innovative two-speed steering drive maximises allows the engine to run at lower speeds, reduces blade speed by 40% for increased
productivity by delivering 100% of the developing more torque and boosting accuracy. M Series Case dozers are
engine’s power to both tracks, allowing the drawbar pull. compatible with blade control technologies
machine to push a full load through turns An advanced load management system from Leica, Topcon and Trimble.
with near perfect load retention.
This latest model features a new cab, The 20.6-tonne Case 2050M is fully
some 30% larger, with 15% more glass area compatible with 3D machine control
systems from Leica, Topcon and Trimble.
and larger doors than its predecessor. The
controls look more ergonomic to use and
the cab features an LCD touch-screen
monitor, which provides access to the usual
array of machine settings and data.
The 21-tonne class TD-15M has a
standard blade capacity of 1.84cu.m, while
various alternatives are available, including
semi-U, straight and six-way, plus foldable
and angle versions. A single-shank ripper
is available, also with a multi-shank rear
attachment on the options list.
The latest design is said to offer easy,
safe and fast access to maintenance points.
The tracks feature lubricated-for-life rollers,

JMT1500 JME25Z JME135
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• Joystick controls • Servo Controls • No AdBlue
• Reversing camera • Swing Boom • Hydraulic quick hitch
• Load Indicator • Blade Included • Five Buckets
• Adjustable Hydraulic Forks
QUALITY RANGE OF EXCAVATORS, TELEHANDLERS,

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machinery at Ivy House Works, Levens, 2;%-
www.pvdobson.com Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8PG

ATTACHMENTS // MINI FORKLIFT
AN UPLIFTING
SOLUTION
Left and below: This
forklift attachment is ideal
for users of small
mini-excavators, who
occasionally have to move
heavy or awkward loads in
confined sites.
Nick Drew reviews an innovative forklift mast

attachment for small mini-excavators
“FOR PEOPLE WHO TAKE A MINI-

EXCAVATOR TO WORK EVERY DAY,
THEY CAN NOW TAKE A FORKLIFT
WITH THEM AS WELL”

ATTACHMENTS // MINI FORKLIFT
CUSTOMER
FEEDBACK
An early adopter of this attachment is
A. Davies-Services, a landscaping,
groundworks and small plant hire business
from Wallasey in Merseyside, which runs
a Volvo EC20B mini.
Above, right and inset: The attachment is fixed to Owner-operator Alan Davies said, “I had
the dipper stick by a top mount at the boom/dipper seen this attachment online and I just thought
pin and by the mini’s quick-hitch.
what a great idea. It’s really going to be a
brilliant addition to our business for moving
t was often said that we are for people who take a mini-excavator to pallets of paving slabs to the working areas.
I a nation of inventors, and this

innovative streak is alive and
well, if a new forklift mast
work every day, they can now take a forklift
with them as well. When they have that odd
pallet or heavy load to lift during the day,
With the addition of the jib lift hook, it will be
a whole lot easier to move the bulk bags of
material around. I’m so happy with it!”
attachment is anything to go by. It’s the it gives them the option to do that, safely
brainchild of Northern Ireland-based James and effectively.”
Russell B.Sc. (Eng), C. Eng M.I.E.I.
Having spent a lifetime working with DESIGN DETAIL
plant and machinery, James has come up The basic design principle follows that of
with the unique forklift attachment, a rigid mast forklift: the load goes straight
designed for mini-excavators from 1.5 to 3.5 up and down, while the supporting dolly
tonnes. This attachment, designed to avoid wheels provide the weight-carrying
resorting to manual labour to move heavy platform. Obviously, this system gives you
loads along narrow access routes, is ISO more potential to lift heavier loads than
approved and is CE marked. a conventional mini equipped with pallet
forks, or suspended from the end of its
BACKGROUND dipper as, to gain height, the operator such as dumpy bags of material, a dedicated
The Russell family business is a specialist generally has to extend the dipper arm boom mount with safety slinging hook is
foundation contractor, which, over the past outwards. As the load goes further away also available, which is a simple fit and
four decades or so, has faced more than its from the base machine it significantly is secured on to the main fork carriage.
fair share of awkward jobs, usually involving impacts the carrying capacity and stability. The example we assessed is capable of
heavy loads being carried down pathways Some minimal modifications are required a maximum lift height of 1.6m and features
and the like. to allow this attachment to be fitted. Most a 50mm lift ram, which offers a maximum
It was on one such job notably is the main lifting weight of 1200kg. There is also an
that a seed was planted in “THE BASIC DESIGN boom/dipper pin, option for a 2.0m lift height model, fitted with
James’s mind, as they had which is changed for a 60mm hydraulic ram, which increases lift
to lift a half section of a FOLLOWS THAT OF A an extended length capacity to 1500kg. James’s latest designs are
turbine round a very RIGID MAST FORKLIFT: component, to act as said to be capable of lifting a maximum load
narrow and tight corner. a hanger for the forklift of up to 100% of the base machine’s weight.
It was impossible to gain THE DOLLY WHEELS mast. The mini’s
access with a telehandler
PROVIDE THE WEIGHT- quick-hitch fixes lower CONCLUSION
or an excavator. The only down on the rear of the According to James, the forces generated
machine that would fit CARRYING PLATFORM” attachment, which results when lifting with the forklift attachment are
was a small mini, but the in the mast being firmly no more than the machine would
load was far greater than could be handled clamped to the dipper arm. A hydraulically experience during general digging
on its dipper arm. adjustable support strut attaches to the operations. The hydraulic pressures are
Over the next 18 months, James boom root pin, allowing for some tilt of the well within those generated when digging,
developed the concept of a forklift mast forks and offers further support to the so there are no concerns about damage to
attachment for a mini, designed to appeal to attachment. the base machine.
small builders and groundworks contractors, Once set up, the attachment, which is For those mini-excavator users with
together with landscape gardeners. connected to the mini’s hydraulic system a need to occasionally move heavy loads
He said, “We are not in the market to by two quick-connect couplers, can be around very restricted sites, this unique
compete with dedicated forklifts or attached and de-rigged within a minute. attachment could be a cost-effective,
telehandlers. The idea behind this is that For those wishing to move slung loads, long-term investment.

YOUNG OPERATOR // SONNY BUZZING
FUTURE
Paul Argent reports on the early
achievements and the ambitions of
a young operator
OWNER-OPERATOR
he construction and demolition engineering. His course currently runs just Using material brought in from a swimming
T industry faces a continuing

challenge of attracting
adolescents. One young
three days a week, so his spare time is still
spent on the levers and this is something
he wants to continue full time.
pool project the team had constructed,
Sonny was spreading out the soil to level up
this part of garden. His operating skills show
adult looking to buck this trend Sonny said, “I’m enjoying the there have been significant hours spent on
is 16-year-old Sonny Buzzing course, but my heart still lies in the seat of an excavator in his formative
from Hertfordshire. the plant game. I have plans years. While knowing what he knows, Sonny
Sonny has recently for the future. I want to is also very humble in his realisation that he
completed his CPCS complete my course, but still has a lot to learn.
training for excavators I don’t think it will be He concluded by saying, “I know how to
above 10 tonnes, a career for me, just as operate a machine safely on site and
becoming one of the working in the building undertake a range of different operations,
youngest accredited business won’t be. I would thanks to the time I’ve spent working for
operators in the like to buy my own machine the family firm. I still have a way to go to
country. and go out on my own, understand everything that goes on in a site
While passing his test is a maybe doing work in land environment, but I’m
great achievement, it’s not as management.” willing to learn.”
if Sonny simply walked into the
training centre on his way home from SITE VISIT
school to have a go on a machine. His dad Sonny cut his teeth on his father’s mini and
Paul runs a very successful building midi JCB excavators, together with
company, Jakson Construction. From a very a Komatsu PC27MR.
young age – Sonny thinks it was four – he We met him on his
spent as much time as he could either sitting family’s property,
in the machine on his dad’s lap or, as the operating a
years progressed, taking the levers himself, hired-in
obviously under close scrutiny. 15-tonne
While Sonny spends the vast majority of class
his spare time working for his dad, he is Takeuchi “RECENTLY
currently in college, studying aircraft TB2150.
COMPLETED CPCS
TRAINING, BECOMING
ONE OF THE
YOUNGEST
ACCREDITED
OPERATORS IN
THE COUNTRY”
Left and above: Sonny Buzzing (16) has

recently gained his CPCS card for
excavators above 10 tonnes and has an
ambition to become an owner-operator.

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FLEET FOCUS // INMOTIONUK
“INMOTIONUK IS ONE OF
THOSE MUCH TALKED
ABOUT ‘ONE-STOP
SHOP’ BUSINESSES THAT
ALL BASES
OFFER A COMPLETE
PACKAGE OF SERVICES”
ased in Hungerford, Berkshire,

COVERED
Nick Drew reports on the fleet of equipment being
used by a one-stop shop demolition, piling and
B InMotionUK is the brainchild
of Nick Wright (37) who, along
with a business partner, founded
groundworks firm
the firm six years ago. Below and inset: We met the
From the age of 17 Nick worked as InMotionUK team during the initial
a self-employed mechanic, initially on demolition phase of a residential
housing project in inner-city Bristol.
trucks, before gradually moving into heavy
plant. Being an entrepreneurial sort of
a person, he fancied a bit of a change, so
he learnt how to operate the machines he
was working on. This led to him taking on
a small demolition job to take down two
garages. The client was suitably impressed
and offered Nick a groundworks package
for a series of steel-framed sheds.
Fast-forward a few years and Nick’s
groundworks business was doing reasonably
well, but then, while in a pub overlooking
Falmouth harbour, he had a lightbulb
moment. Nick realised that, the way things
were going, every man and his dog would
be offering groundworks services, so a key
to real success would be to offer more
specialist services. Pondering his future,
he then looked out of the bar window and
saw some piling work being performed on
the harbour wall.
Nick said, “I sat there watching the piling
operation and thought that it looked really
interesting work. On my return home,
I started doing a lot of research on piling
and everything that’s involved with it. I was
convinced it was the direction I wanted to
go in. As it happened, sometime later, I was
in another pub one night and a developer
I know came up to me and asked me if
I knew anyone that does piling work.

by ring
beam
Above, below, inset

right and far right:
Former plant fitter Nick
Wright highly rates the
compact radius
14-tonne Doosan
excavator. Another
formation,
example will probably then the
join the fleet in due team will
course.machine width
of just 1355mm. undertake all
the associated
groundworks, for what will become a new
block of residential flats.
InMotionUK’s business model is to use
long-term sub-contractors with a long
continuation of work ahead of them,
a situation that suits all parties concerned.
At the moment, Nick says he has just 14
individuals working for him, plus another
person on a hydraulic hose repair business
that he also runs. The firm’s fleet of
machinery includes a Doosan DX140
compact radius excavator together with
a reduced radius DX80R midi, a couple
of minis and a site dumper.
The high-reach Cat 320 undertaking
demolition work on this site is hired in on
a self-drive basis from Booboo Plant Hire.
Operating it is Tony, who joined the
business around four months ago.
Not being one to miss an opportunity, through to foundations and all Affectionately known as ‘Mr High Reach’
I said, ‘yeah, I do piling’. groundworks up to DPC level. Tony has many years of experience, having
“I gave him a price for the work and won worked for a number of blue-chip firms in
the job to install 200 piles as part of a £150k SITE VISIT the UK demolition industry.
contract. To tackle the project, I employed We met InMotionUK at the start of On this project, the piling work will be
some super experienced guys. We got the a six-month project on a tight inner-city undertaken by Hitachi-based, Italian-built
job done and that was the catalyst to what site in Bristol. The works, undertaken for GEAX continuous flight auger (CFA)
we have become today.” a local developer, include the demolition piling rigs, on hire from the Warminster-
Today, InMotionUK is one of those much of a three-storey property with an adjoining based dealer Piling Equipment. They will
talked about ‘one-stop shop’ businesses that warehouse, then crushing the hardcore include the largest model in the GEAX
offer a complete package of services, from arisings for re-use on site as a piling mat. range, the EK110.
demolition and site clearance, right The firm will then install 180 piles followed Nick has an ambition to purchase

FLEET FOCUS // INMOTIONUK
size fits all solution. We use them all, from
mini-rigs up to the EK110, so sometimes
hiring suits us better.”
EXCAVATORS
Nick rates his Doosan DX140LCR highly
and said, “This is such a versatile machine.
It’s here currently working on the
demolition side of things with a selector
grab. Then, once the building is down, it
will go straight into the groundworks side
of things. It will probably stay on the job till
the end of our works schedule here. Our
operator on that machine, Chris, has been
with us from the start and he loves the
machine.
“My plan is to look for another one
exactly the same, the zero-tailswing model
really suits the type of jobs we undertake.
Where space is tight, that DX140 will
virtually fit in anywhere our eight-tonner
will, as it’s so compact.
“I’d like to stick with Doosan, as from my
plant fitters background, I understand them
and they have generally been very reliable
machines for us. Obviously, all machines
break down from time to time, but we know
what faults there can be with these. For
instance, we have had a couple of AdBlue
issues, but I know how to deal with them,
a similar model, which can be easily machines alone will cost somewhere in so we will stick with the brand going forward.
swapped from a CFA piling configuration, the region of £1 million in total. At the “That eight-tonne Doosan of ours has
to undertake pre-cast hammer piling. This moment, I’m a bit wary, even though we been brilliant. In the five years we’ve had it,
will allow for have the work since we purchased it from Promac – who
more flexibility ahead of us. were the dealers at the time – it’s given us
and versatility “WHERE SPACE IS TIGHT, THAT For now, I will hardly any trouble at all, except for a couple
on the piling DX140 WILL VIRTUALLY FIT IN continue to hire of blown hoses. Which of course, we have
projects they them as and when been able to sort ourselves through our hose
can undertake ANYWHERE OUR EIGHT-TONNER we need them, repair business. I just can’t fault it in anyway.”
in-house. WILL, AS IT’S SO COMPACT” until the time
Nick said, is right. THE FUTURE
“I would love to “The problem Nick has recently applied for an operator’s
add the piling machine to the fleet as soon with the piling side of things is that every licence with a view to purchasing a roll-on,
as we can, but I would also like to add our job is different. We find every job requires roll-off truck to enable them to be able to
own high-reach excavator. These two a different sized piling rig, there’s no one move all their plant and equipment
independently.
Nick said, “I hate having to pay other
people to do stuff, when we are more than
The triple articulated capable of doing it ourselves. We will see
boom (TAB) Cat 320
high-reach excavator how that all goes, then eventually I will look
is hired in on a into buying an articulated low-loader unit
self-drive basis.
for the larger kit. It will further allow us to
move our kit as and when we need to, with
no waiting or depending on others, which
will be so much more efficient for us as a
business.”
The fact that InMotionUK is offering that
total package of works across the board is
holding them in good stead. Although still
a young business, it is getting to a stage
where there is not much they cannot do
in-house with the skilled people and
hired-in specialised equipment. Nick
suggesting that they are currently winning
nine out of 10 contracts that they tender for
speaks volumes for their business model.

“THE JCB 100C-2 HAS GREAT REACH, POWER
Clyde Coast Contracts, based in Ayr, has
AND STABILITY TO HANDLE A BIGGER BUCKET recently taken delivery of a batch of JCB
compact equipment, which includes a
FOR EXTRA PRODUCTIVITY” 100C-2 midi-excavator.
PERFORMANCE
& SUPPORT
David Wylie visits Clyde Coast Contracts to obtain feedback on their
new fleet of JCB compact equipment, focusing on the 100C-2 midi-excavator
eadquartered in the Scottish 22 tonnes, and have a strong long-term The work included establishing a new one-way
H seaside town of Ayr, Clyde Coast

Contracts has over 40 years of
experience in the construction
relationship with dealer Scot JCB. Their most
recent fleet renewal and expansion spend, on
Stage 5 emissions-compliant machinery, was
system and installing cabling for new
flood-lighting.
Matt said, “We recently upgraded our JCB
industry. Owner Owen McLaughlin and his over £3m, which included a 150XHD JS145 to a new 150XHD excavator. The
family run an extremely successful company, excavator, a midi-excavator, two site dumpers machine has been faultless, comfortable and
experienced in all aspects of drainage, and a tandem roller from Scot JCB. productive, and we enjoy great service from
foundations, hard landscaping and utilities Scot JCB. When it was time to invest in
work, in addition to offering plant hire. SITE VISIT additional plant, we had no hesitation in
The firm runs its own fleet of tipper trucks, Before heading out on their next hire, a road calling George McKnight at Scot JCB for
together with a low-loader for the quick and sewer project, some of the new JCB compact a competitive package for a 10-tonne midi-
effective supply and collection of plant machines were booked to spend a few days excavator, six- and nine-tonne site dumpers
around the central belt and southern working in their home yard at Ayr, in the and a new JCB CT160-80 road-roller.”
Scotland. They run a variety of machinery capable hands of Matthew Sneddon, Clyde The star of this JCB excavator/dumper/
in their fleet, including excavators up to Coast Contracts’ transport and plant manager. compaction package is the 100C-2 midi,

FLEET FOCUS // CLYDE COAST
obstructions in the yard, the operator was
making full use of its reach and the slewing
boom kingpost to excavate a narrow trench JCB 100C-2
using a 150mm-wide bucket, then casting the
material to one side. WALK-AROUND
The 100C-2 comes with a full-width dozer
blade, which was later used to quickly and Matt opted for the 450mm steel tracks on the
efficiently push the infill followed by the 100C-2, as opposed to its standard 450mm
arisings back into the trench. The midi will rubber tracks, but with pre-drilled track shoes
also be used to form a new access road, part to allow the easy fitment of bolt-on rubber
Service access of a new one-way traffic management plan, street pads. Matt was impressed that JCB has
is easy, and the
upper- to minimise any reversing by HGVs. added a new side plate to the track frames for
structure and Matt and his team are also impressed with better impact protection and a blade that is
track fames
provide a good the midi’s revised cab. This Dash 2 model has wider than the tracks, for better dozing
level of more floor space than its predecessor, and this performance, without tracking over the
protection from material and rocking the machine.
accidental example is fitted with the optional heated
knocks. At the heart of the mini is a 2.5-litre, 55kW
Below: This Dash 2 version of the 100C provides the Kohler engine, which does not require the use
operator with more legroom, while the cab and its
luxury seat are praised by those who have tried it. of AdBlue. It features a programmable
auto-stop function to reduce fuel consumption
and emissions. A 30 second count-down
appears on the monitor before the system is
shut down.
The ultra-low emissions engine drives a
closed centre Bosch-Rexroth pump and valves,
which provide flow sharing hydraulics, resulting
in smooth, precise and balanced operation
during simultaneous movements. It also comes
with twin proportional auxiliary lines, a high-
and low-flow service, allowing a wide selection
of powered attachments to use used if required.
These hydraulic circuits have standard tool
select for up to 10 attachments and the
operator can easily manage modes and flows
via the new digital screen and rotary dial. The
100C-2 has new electro-hydraulic dozer
configured with a 3683mm boom joystick as standard for smooth and precise
and 2205mm dipper stick, to provide grading control.
a maximum digging reach of In the cab, the switches are nicely laid out
7438mm. It came with a set of down the right-hand side, and around the 7in
Strickland buckets, which were portrait LCD screen. The control system allows
retrofitted with an additional wear up to 10 pre-stored attachment profiles, or the
package. However, Matt has been so operator can use the rotary control dial to alter
impressed with the midi’s performance the settings via the LCD screen. Should the
that he has also ordered a 13-tonne class, machine suffer a broken window, flat glass is
1500mm-wide diching bucket from Euro-Fab. used throughout to minimise replacement costs.
Matt continued, “The JCB 100C-2 has great
reach, power and stability to handle a bigger
bucket for extra productivity. I was also
impressed when unloading 750kg pre-
fabricated wall sections from a truck at full
reach and slewing over the side, as the
machine was totally
planted.”
At the time of
our visit, the JCB
midi was being
operated by one
of Matt’s skilled
team, excavating
a services trench
for some new cable
ducting, for
additional yard
flood-lighting.
Working round

Below, inset right and
below right: The 6T-2 site
dumper includes a number
of neat details, from a
forward-looking camera
to the mechanism to lower
the ROPS frame.
air suspension seat. It is also equipped with the lap belt engaged before moving. The
a Hill Tefra quick-hitch, complete with a lock/ dumper automatically sounds the horn
unlock warning light fitted on the boom in twice as it starts to drive forward. The 6T-2
the operator’s line of sight. comes with a front camera, which allows
Matt explained, “Sitting in the cab of this the operator to see the tipping area without
100C-2 midi-excavator is like sitting in the the temptation to unbuckle the seat belt for
bigger JCB 150XHD machine. The cab is very a better view.
spacious and the controls are well laid out. The six-tonne site dumper is powered by with the performance of the latest additions
The levers are smooth to operate and the a Stage 5 emissions-compliant, 4.4-litre JCB to the fleet, but is equally happy with the wider
dozer blade control is nicely positioned and engine rated at 55kW, mated to a power- package of after-sales support.
easy to use. The quick-hitch warning light on shuttle 4F/4R permanent 4WD They were purchased with
the boom is another great safety feature of transmission. Other improvements in this a comprehensive repair and maintenance
this machine.” latest generation of dumper noted by Matt package and come with a two-year warranty
include access. The and a five-year
NEW DUMPER steps are now in four subscription to JCB’s
Matt was also using their new JCB 6T-2, individual parts, “THE 6T-2 COMES WITH LiveLink telematics
a six-tonne capacity site dumper, for moving lowering the long-term A FRONT CAMERA, app. LiveLink provides
material around the yard, together with gravel repair costs of this Matt with maintenance
infill for the services trench and filter vulnerable component WHICH ALLOWS THE schedules in advance.
drainage. He praised a number of features on over the previous OPERATOR TO SEE THE It also provides critical
the new Dash 2 dumpers, such as the handle one-piece design. alerts if there are any
and gas-strut system to lower and fold the TIPPING AREA” serious mechanical or
ROPS frame for transport on the back of CONCLUSION electrical problems
a truck. With current market conditions, it is unlikely with the machines. This means that any
Operator safety features include that these machines will spend any issues are sorted quickly and they are soon
a sequenced two-stage drive inhibit system: meaningful time in their home yard over the back on-site earning money. The security
the operator needs to be sat on the seat with next few months. Matt is obviously delighted package within LiveLink also issues alerts

FLEET FOCUS // CLYDE COAST
The six-tonne site

dumper is powered
by a 4.4-litre JCB
engine rated at
55kW, mated to a
power-shuttle
4F/4R permanent
4WD transmission.
when the machines are on the move, how

they are being treated and their fuel status.
Matt concluded by saying, “We have
a long-standing and excellent working
relationship with George McKnight.
TANDEM ROLLER
In fact, we have bought 12 new JCBs from
The new JCB CT160-80 tandem roller was not fit options, including road lights, seat belt
George in the 12 years he has been with
being used at the time of my visit. However, Matt activation, a green beacon, additional LED
Scot JCB. George and the rest of the team
says he is very pleased with its overall work lights and a white noise reversing alarm.
at Scot JCB always go the extra mile to
performance. The one he had previously on demo The fuel and water tanks both have easy
help us out. They put a very competitive
proved to be surprisingly comfortable, with very access to drain points. This is particularly useful
package together for these latest Stage 5
low-levels of vibration through the seat. This roller in the winter months, to stop the liquid freezing
emissions excavator, site dumpers and
is also Stage 5 compliant, powered by a one-litre, in the water tank overnight. The CT tandem
tandem roller units.
20hp Kubota engine, which does not have a diesel rollers are trailer towable, with four securing
“Scot JCB also provides a great one-stop
particulate filter (DPF), nor use AdBlue. eyes on the drum frames.
shop service, as all the Datatag, Stage 5
The CT160 features three simple vibration The LiveLink telematics system on this roller
registration and our 40th anniversary
modes for both drums: independent front or rear not only provides accurate hours and compaction
company livery, chevrons and plant numbers
control and fully automatic VibrationControl usage data, but also issues digital critical alerts if
were fitted within the deal. They also
mode. Matt specified the compactor with dealer something is about to go wrong.
supplied a good selection of buckets with
the JCB 100C-2 excavator.”

LIV ME
Y!
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DE HO
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USED MACHINE // KUBOTA KX019-4
SECOND OPINION
Nick Drew reports from the cab of a somewhat rare, Above and inset: Many thanks to dealer Vincent
Tractors & Plant for making available this nearly
pre-owned 1.9-tonne Kubota mini-excavator new Kubota KX019-4.
equiring a mini-excavator for last year compared to over 850 of Kubota’s KX018-4. The KX019-4 also comes with
R a day of domestic duties, my

local Kubota dealer, Vincent
Tractors & Plant, very kindly
more popular ultra-short tailswing U17-3a
models.
In a market segment dominated by plant
proportional hydraulic services, and the
system is able to store pre-programmed
flow rates for a variety of powered
offered me the loan of a low-hours hire, the KX019-4 is something of a niche attachments.
KX019-4. This model product. In the UK, it is Configured with a long 1190mm
is something of a rarity “THE KX019-4 IS targeted predominantly dipper arm as standard, this example
in the UK market; at owner-operators who of a KX019-4 was equipped with a manual
I had never even sat SOMETHING OF A NICHE require a larger working quick coupler, which could do with a little
in one before, so it was envelope than is attention, together with two other buckets
an ideal opportunity
PRODUCT, TARGETED available from the fitted with hangers.
to put it through its PREDOMINANTLY AT KX018-4, usually
paces. working with a number FIRST OPINION
The 1.9-tonne
OWNER-OPERATORS” of attachments. I have spent many a morning awaiting the
KX019-4 is built in The original decision delivery of a machine, so the sceptic in me
Kubota’s factory at Zweibrucken, Germany. to include this model in the UK range was was expecting the worst. A recently
It was launched in 2011, just after the more made to enable Kubota UK to offer a grave- traded-in mini-excavator would surely have
popular 1.8-tonne KX018-4 model. The digging machine. The maximum dig at least the standard scuff marks around the
KX019-4 is not a massive seller in the UK depth, without a quick-hitch, of a KX019-4 counterweight. Not so, as the KX019-4 that
market, having sold fewer than 100 examples is 2.58 metres, compared to 2.3m on the arrived on the back of the lorry looked

KX019-4 WALK-
AROUND
Popping the rear bonnet to check the oil and
coolant levels, it was no real surprise to be
greeted by a three-cylinder Kubota engine,
in the KX019-4 rated at 11.8kw at 2300rpm.
It would appear that regular maintenance on
these Dash 4 machines is a breeze, thanks to
the positioning of the vital components. The
starter motor and alternator, together with
fuel, engine oil and air filters are all within
easy reach.
The retractable track frame expands out
from a compact 990mm to an operational
position of 1300mm. A small lever down on
the operator’s right is used to make the
adjustment in just a matter of seconds, and
dozer blade extensions are also fitted.
The diesel filler cap is located on the
offside of the mini, which is a bit tricky for
topping up from a jerry can, but would not
be a problem from a standard site’s tank or
bowser. There didn’t appear to be an electric
refuelling pump on this machine, but the
KX019-4 hardly warrants one, as its fuel tank
has a capacity of just 21 litres.
The working equipment of the KX019-4,
like so many these days, now has its boom lift
cylinder mounted on the back of the boom for
maximum protection from accidental impact.
Hydraulic pipework, including the auxiliary
pipes, are nicely routed up through the boom
and dipper, which offers great protection
when working in close proximity to trees and
the like.
Above and inset: The KX019-4 offers a maximum dig
depth, without a quick-hitch, of 2.58m, together with
75 degrees of boom slew to the left and 60 degrees to
the right.
Left: The main auxiliary components and all the service
items are located outwards of the little three-cylinder
Kubota within the engine bay.
almost like new, a real credit to its former
owner.
That former owner turned out to be
Daniel Stevens, who runs DTS Plant
Services from Ivybridge in Devon, who had
owned the KX019-4 for around 18 months.
As his workload was changing, Daniel felt
that a larger compact excavator was
required, so he traded it in against
a KX61-2.
Daniel said, “The machine was perfect
in every way, I especially loved the
proportional auxiliary controls, which
were perfect when using my tilting grading
bucket and for hydraulic breaker work.

USED MACHINE // KUBOTA KX019-4
lamps, below that is the hour meter. This
machine had only amassed 233 working
hours, a nearly new machine for its next
owner. This KX019-4 is fitted with Kubota’s
original anti-theft system, which features
a digitally coded key, but don’t lose it,
as they are rather expensive to replace.
This cab felt exceptionally spacious for an
1855kg mini, as this generation of Kubota
features a significantly wider door than its
predecessors. All-round visibility is
superb. I really liked the twin
offside sliding windows on
this non air-con mini,
which would provide
good ventilation on
There is a feeling hot summer days.
of simplistic
quality within the
spacious cab, as AT THE CONTROLS
everything is On a showery damp
tried and tested
and easy to use.
morning, my tasks for
the rest of day were neither
technical nor demanding.
The key objective was to dig
out a pile of horse muck and load it
to a farmer’s Gator for spreading across
a nearby field. I was then to undertake
general tidying up round the field
boundaries, finishing with some verge
clearance work near the farmer’s house.
Easy work for both man and machine,
an opportunity to relax and enjoy myself
in the long-reach Kubota. Just as my right
hand naturally found the dozer control
lever, my right boot instinctively sought out
the boom’s offset control pedal. On the
KX019-4, this offers 75 degrees of boom
slew to the left and 60 degrees to the right.
I much prefer a pedal to control this
function, using it while simultaneously
slewing the upper-structure.
With the work in the field completed,
I headed off down the farmer’s lane,
selecting the 4kph top speed option. The
standard short-pitched rubber tracks and
double-flanged track rollers minimised
It was very economical to run too, only ever a benchmark for a dozer blade control vibration when tracking on the paved
using around 15 to 20 litres of fuel a day, lever in a mini, Kubota’s is it, complete with surface, providing a more comfortable
depending on the workload. that familiar green thumb button for ride than I had expected.
“It was just a good all-round machine; two-speed tracking. In addition, a good old The KX019-4 really was a joy to operate,
I really could not fault it. I only sold it due traditional throttle across a range of jobs
to needing to diversify to get a bigger lever is provided, “SMOOTH ON THE that will be all too
machine with more capacity, and to add which you just can’t go familiar to those living
a micro for the really small access jobs. wrong with. CONTROLS AND WITH and working in a rural
Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to keep The digital control PLENTY OF POWER, THE environment. Smooth
them all! I really hope it goes to a good panel to the right-hand on the controls and
home and will receive the same level of front corner of the cab MINI WAS AS TIGHT AS with plenty of power,
care that we gave to it.” follows a similar
pattern of simplistic
THE DAY IT CAME OUT OF Idesigned found the Japanese-
mini-
IN THE CAB quality. I particularly THE GERMAN FACTORY” excavator to be as tight
The interior of the KX019-4’s fully heated love the simplicity of as the day it came out
cab is all that we have come to expect from the traditional fuel level and water of the German factory. It is a credit to its
a Kubota mini-excavator over the years. temperature gauges, which inform first owner, but is also a credit to this family
There is a feeling of simplistic quality, operators just what they need to know, and of minis. It is not difficult to see why, on
everything is tried and tested, easy to use no more. many sites, a ‘Kubota’ is the generic name
and clean cut. In my opinion, if there was Next to the gauges is a bank of warning for a mini-excavator.

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INTERVIEW // D.I. ERNIE LOCKE // TAIL END
THE FIGHT
AGAINST
PLANT
THEFT
Peter Haddock talks to the detective inspector in charge
of the new Agricultural Construction Equipment (ACE)
UK police intelligence unit
s the country went into agencies, business, industry and academia. nationally and internationally, applying
A lockdown in March 2020, many

organised crime gangs had to
diversify their business model,
This will enable us to deliver a whole system
approach in tackling agriculture and
construction equipment theft. As we roll
a 4Ps strategy of prepare, prevent, protect
and pursue in disrupting their criminality.
“We are also looking to work with the
as cars tended to stay in driveways, not left out the ACE team, we anticipate the results industry by sharing our knowledge of
unattended in car parks. The new focus of we will achieve will make a significant criminal strategies to better protect
these criminals was unattended items of contribution to reducing theft and allow equipment and sites across the construction
heavy plant, the theft of which spiked after us to expand. and agricultural sectors. And of course,
years of steady improvement. “Being a dedicated team, we can work when assets do get stolen, we will use our
Now that such folk have a taste for yellow more closely with OEMs, equipment and national reach and connections with all of
metal, it is likely that construction asset owners, sharing our experiences of the police forces in the UK to identify the
equipment will continue to be targeted. what assets are being targeted and also how offenders and return those assets to their
In response to this situation, the industry to prevent it. For example, techniques that owners. As an intelligence team, we won’t
has come together to fund the creation of we may see in vehicle theft will inevitably be doing the road stops or warrants
a newly established Agricultural move across to plant, so not only will we ourselves, but we will certainly be a part of
Construction Equipment (ACE) police look at the here and now, but we will also the process.
intelligence unit. The unit will be managed identify what we call emerging threats. “What excites me about the ACE team is
and operated within OPAL, the national “This will not just relate to regional or how the sector has come together to fund
police intelligence unit that is focused on national trends, but also those emerging at it as it shows the level of collaboration we
serious organised acquisitive crime (SOAC) international level and as organised crime need in policing to tackle crime in the best
across the UK. groups (OCGs) often ship stolen goods way possible. The donors include the
The new unit is headed by experienced around the world, it will be important to Construction Equipment Association, the
detective inspector Ernie Locke, who said, us to gather and share information. We Agricultural Engineers Association and
“ACE is all about intelligence gathering and have already made inroads in enhancing a group of insurance companies, all of
sharing on a national level. We already have communication with our European which will be part of its success.
a dedicated analyst and an intelligence colleagues to share information on stolen “And it’s not just these organisations
officer, who will be joining the team in the items, which will support the recovery of we need to collaborate with; it is everyone
very near future. In addition, the team will items and disrupt OCGs. who has a vested interest in stopping
be supported by superintendent Andy “A great example of this type of criminality in the construction and
Huddleston and PSCO Pete Johnson, international collaboration happened just agricultural markets. So, sharing
who has a vast knowledge of rural crime. before the pandemic, with the OPAL team’s information with us about valuable assets,
“Working under Opal, we will benefit exposure of criminal gangs entering the UK and including the equipment itself, will
from developing a smarter working from Chile to perform high-value crimes. be very important, and individuals or
approach in partnership with law OPAL worked in partnership with the businesses can do this by emailing
enforcement agencies, government affected police forces, government agencies opal@westmercia.pnn.police.uk”

Scammonden May 1969: the temporary Bailey bridges allow heavy machines to
cross over the clay core of the dam without damaging it.
“THE EIGHT-MILE
SECTION STILL RANKS AS
ONE OF THE MOST
DIFFICULT MOTORWAY
PROJECTS EVER
UNDERTAKEN IN
BRITAIN”
MOST DIFFICULT SECTION

OF MOTORWAY IN THE UK Keith Haddock takes a look back to the 1960s when, at
the height of British motorway construction, the M62
was built across the Pennines
he M62 motorway runs from the jobs ever undertaken in Britain. Faced with
T outskirts of Liverpool in the

west, bypassing Manchester,
then climbs steeply to cross the
extensive cut-and-fill operations through
hard rock, contractor Sir Alfred McAlpine
brought in an army of heavy earthmoving
Pennines between Lancashire and equipment, including some of the largest
Yorkshire. Descending from the mountains machines ever used on a motorway before
near the Bradford/Leeds conurbation, or since.
it continues east towards Hull.
The construction of the section of dual YEARS OF PLANNING
carriageway over the top of the Pennines, The advantages of providing a direct road
from Moss Moor to Outlane, was one of the link between major east and west coast
most daunting and challenging motorway ports, through the industrial heartlands
of Lancashire and Yorkshire, was first
Left: Constructing the impervious clay wall down to
bedrock at the base of Scammonden Dam, which recognised in the 1930s. It was not until
would eventually supply water to Huddersfield. Britain’s post-WWII motorway construction

CLASSIC PLANT // M62 PENNINE SECTION // TAIL END
TESTING THE
GROUND
Due to the considerable amount of rock
excavation involved on this project, together
with a lack of knowledge on its behaviour
when placed in embankments, a trial
cut-and-fill operation was conducted on
the chosen route. In the latter half of 1964,
contractor G. Wimpey was employed on
a £150k project to construct two sections of
full-size motorway embankment, with varying
side slopes and employing different methods
of excavation and compaction.
For excavation, both blasting and ripping
methods were tested. Blasting involved opening
up a 25ft-high rock face and experimenting with
various hole sizes, hole spacing, hole angle,
amounts and types of explosive. For ripping,
Wimpey employed two Cat D9G dozers, one
fitted with a standard parallelogram ripper and
the other with a Kelly pivoting ripper. Both types
were tested with different shank lengths and
ripper points, and different ripping patterns
were tried. The results indicated no significant
differences in the production rates of the various
ripper options.
Several types of compactors were tested
on the fill, ranging from a 52-ton Albaret
pneumatic tyred roller to a Stothert & Pitt
3.75t vibrating roller. Surprisingly, results
from both these compactor types were similar,
despite their disparity in weight. However,
greater compaction was achieved when an
Top: Three electric-powered, 237-ton Ruston-Bucyrus initiative, started in the 1950s, that such ABG 8.5t vibrating roller was used.
150-RB shovels worked on the M62’s Dean Head
cutting, shown here filling a 45-ton Euclid with its a development was given serious The various methods of excavation and
six-cubic-yard dipper. consideration. The Ministry of Transport compaction were accurately documented
Above: A 35-ton Cat 769 rear dump truck is quickly invited the county councils of Lancashire and from this data the final specifications
filled by an electric-powered Ruston-Bucyrus 110-RB,
which is removing the upper layers of material before and West Riding of Yorkshire to investigate were written. For the main embankments,
rock is encountered. possible routes and put forward a proposal rather than the usual end-result
Above right: Two electric shovels – a 110-RB (left) and for what would invariably include the specification, it was decided to adopt
a 150-RB – get down to rock in the Dean Head cutting.
The 30-RB crane with drop ball keeps rock size within highest motorway section in Britain. a method specification. A key driver of this
specification. There were a number of potential routes unusual decision was the impracticality of
Below: A 4.5-yard 110-RB electric rope shovel loads across the Pennines, which were whittled conducting in-situ density tests. They would
Euclid R-35 rear dump trucks.
down to two contenders. From a muck- involve technicians hand digging test holes
shifting perspective, the favoured route was through the fill consisting of large chunks of
the high-level option, which would reach as-blasted rock, to say nothing of holding up
1350ft above sea level. It would be far easier the huge volume tipping operation.
to build than the alternative low-level route Therefore a method specification was
that would reach only 1220ft, but required drawn up, which included a maximum layer
a truly massive cut-and-fill operation. thickness of three feet, no individual rock
piece greater than 13 cubic feet and no rock
dimension exceeding three feet. Compaction
was to be accomplished by eight passes of
a towed single-axle vibrating roller weighing
no less than eight-tons, or by 12 passes of
a similar roller weighing no less than 5t. Rock
fill was to be tipped on the surface of the layer
at least 12ft back from the face, and then
immediately pushed over the face by a dozer.
Stockpiling material to await spreading would
not be allowed.

“THE 237-TON 150-RB SHOVELS MADE THEIR ROAD
DEBUT IN BRITAIN, HAVING PREVIOUSLY WORKED IN
OPENCAST COAL SITES AND QUARRIES”
Above: A 71-RB shovel loads a Euclid R-35 while an at 1:5 instead of the more usual 1:3 or 1:2. double the average rate for
Aveling-Barford SN35 hauler waits its turn, with a
Bucyrus-Erie blast hole drill on the horizon.
Following wind tunnel tests at the National motorway building at that
Physical Laboratory, snow drifting in the time. Further evidence of the
Once data had been analysed from deep cuttings was minimised by widening enormity of this project can
weather stations set up along the two the cuttings at road level and incorporating be gathered by its original
proposed routes, the decision was largely multiple berms up the side slopes. construction schedule, lasting
taken on climatic factors. It was estimated Although more challenging to build, the some four and a quarter years,
that the favoured high-level route would low-level route was chosen. The eight-mile more than double the time to
have a 30 to 40% greater chance of fog, section over the top of the Pennines took build an average motorway of
a 10% greater incidence of frost, a 20% over four years to complete and still ranks similar length.
greater incidence of snow, together with as one of the most difficult and spectacular This section of motorway
a higher wind frequency than the motorway projects ever undertaken in involved over 11 million cubic
low-level route. Great Britain. yards of excavation, mostly in
The local climate also influenced other solid rock. The works included
features of the motorway design. For MASS MUCK-SHIFTING the construction of the
example, in an effort to minimise snow In September 1966 the West Riding of Scammonden Dam, where
accumulation, embankments were sloped Yorkshire County the motorway is carried by
Council awarded a rock-fill embankment some
Sir Alfred McAlpine 220ft high. Material to form
Below: Rock was
dumped in 3ft layers a £10.5m contract to
then levelled by build the eight-mile Right: A Bucyrus-Erie 50-R blast hole
a dozer. A crane with
Pennine section of the drill puts down 6.5in holes, one of
a drop ball was on hand
two such machines on the job and
at the fill to catch any M62. It translated into said to be the largest ever employed
oversize pieces missed
by the first crane at the a price per mile of roughly on a British road project.
loading face.

CLASSIC PLANT // M62 PENNINE SECTION // TAIL END
Below inset: At the western
end of the contract a second
major cutting employed
three diesel-powered
shovels, the diesel-electric
110-RB and a 71-RB are
seen here.
Above: Rarely seen in

the U.K this International
Payhauler 100 receives a
load from a 71-RB shovel.
the dam was Scammonden which carries the A6025 road about 150ft
taken from embankment, above the M62 at the Dean Head cutting.
cuttings on an impervious This is a fixed spandrel arch with a span
both sides of wall had to be of some 400ft, designed to minimise
the valley; the built below the disturbances of air through the cutting
cutting on the valley floor by and thus avoid snow drifting.
west side, known excavating a deep
as Dean Head, trench down to FLEET FOCUS
extended to 180ft bedrock and filling McAlpine mustered a massive array of heavy
deep. Some idea of the with compacted clay. earthmoving equipment for this project,
volumes required in the This clay wall was continued the vast majority from its own fleet.
Scammonden embankment can be upwards as the embankment gained Excavation commenced with the removal
gained from its dimensions: 7000ft long, height. of a layer of peat between two and four feet
220ft high, 129ft wide at the top and A striking feature of the M62 motorway, thick, followed by the removal of an average
a maximum width at the base of 1200ft. and a monument to this great achievement, of 10 feet of clay down to bedrock. This was
Before any fill could be placed in the is the spectacular Scammonden Bridge, accomplished by a seven-strong fleet of
Euclid TS-14 motor scrapers, together with
Below: Three teams of shovels in the Dean Head cutting, each consisting of a shovel, a fleet of towed scrapers pulled by Cat D8
a D8 dozer and a Ruston-Bucyrus crane with a drop ball. and International TD-25 crawler tractors.
Where the peat and clay became too wet,
or had to be carried on a long haul,
Ruston-Bucyrus 38-RB and 54-RB draglines
loaded dump trucks, and these draglines
were also employed throughout the job
to trim slopes and sort and place rocks.
After the surface material was removed
and stockpiled for re-use on the side slopes,
a fleet of four large Bucyrus-Erie crawler
blast hole drills moved in to prepare
30ft-high benches. Three electric-powered
50-R models plus a 40-R drilled a pattern
of 6.5in-wide holes and, using about 10,000
pounds of explosives, an average blast
produced 5000 cubic yards of material.
The huge 50-R blast hole drills were

TAIL END // CLASSIC PLANT // M62 PENNINE SECTION
“A STRIKING FEATURE
OF THE M62 IS THE
SPECTACULAR
SCAMMONDEN BRIDGE,
WHICH CARRIES THE
A6025 ABOUT 150FT Above: A major scaffolding network over 150ft high
ABOVE DEAN HEAD”

supports temporary formwork for the Scammonden
Bridge in May 1969. REFERENCES
Motorway data, dimensions, volumes, etc.
normally used on opencast mining sites depend on well-maintained haul roads, but were taken from “A History of British
and had never been used on a road project progress on the M62 was often delayed by wet Motorways” by George Charlesworth, and the
before then. The same was true of the main weather. Precipitation averages 49in a year in Institution of Civil Engineers “Proceedings”
excavation fleet: giant electric-powered this area, but three-quarters of the way into dated March 1967. Photos by the author
rope shovels, which would eventually reach the first working season, over 60in of rain and except where noted.
formation level 30ft at a time. snow had already fallen. The nine-strong fleet
The fleet of nine large Ruston-Bucyrus of motor graders did their part to keep the
shovels included three electric-powered, job moving, but high moisture content in the As the job wore on into the second and
six-yard 150-RB models, plus a pair of fill material often caused the excavation work then the third year, the heavy excavation
4.5-yard electric 110-RBs. They were joined to be put on hold. areas still took on the appearance of a large
by a diesel-electric version of the 110-RB, Month after month the earth and rock quarry rather than a road-building project.
together with a trio of diesel-powered, excavation proceeded in some of the most But Alfred McAlpine’s experience in
3.5-yard 71-RBs. Each of these machines atrocious weather and desolate countryside building a substantial portion of Britain’s
was supported by a groundsman, plus a D8 in northern England. When, after one year, motorways paid off, and with the necessary
dozer to keep the loading area free from the job was behind schedule, McAlpine perseverance, the M62 was opened to
stray rocks and a 22-RB or 30-RB crawler brought in the additional equipment. traffic in December 1970.
crane, equipped with drop ball to deal It included fleets of International Payhauler
with any grossly oversized material. and Belaz rear dump trucks, unusual Below: Halegate Plant’s Russian
E652 crawler crane assisted
The 237-ton 150-RB shovels made their brands for the UK. with repairs and machine
road debut in Britain, having previously The Russian-built Belaz 540 haulers erections.
worked in opencast coal sites and quarries. carried 35 short tons and were
Initially these shovels loaded a fleet of 44 powered by a 375hp engine
dump trucks of 35- and 45-ton capacity, running at 1650rpm. The
comprising Aveling-Barford, Caterpillar Payhauler 100 haulers were
and Euclid units. As haul lengths increased also rated at 35 short tons,
and bad weather hindered the schedule, powered by 375hp
this fleet was boosted to 60 units by the International engines
second year into the project. running at 2100rpm.
The five largest Ruston-Bucyrus shovels The dump trucks were
worked most of the time in the Dean Head not the only Russian
cutting, where an electrical distribution machines on site, as the
network was established to deliver power via fleet included a 300hp
trailing cables to the drills and shovels. The Belaz D572 dozer and
second major cutting, at the western end of a E652 crawler crane,
the job, was handled by the four diesel- all imported by
powered giants. Halegate Plant of
Efficient earthmoving operations always London.

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EXTREME MACHINES // KOMATSU PC8000 // TAIL END
GOINGLARGE
David Wylie delves into the German
Demag DNA of the ultra-class
“DEMAG STUNNED THE
INDUSTRY IN 1986 WHEN,
Komatsu PC8000 face shovel SWINGING A 23CU.M
BUCKET, IT LAUNCHED
THE H485 HYDRAULIC
FACE SHOVEL”
The first Demag H485 was commissioned at Roughcastle surface mine. This early photo shows the right-cabbed
face shovel loading a Cat 785 truck.
emag began to manufacture face shovel or backhoe configuration. 150 short-ton capacity haul trucks in five or
D electric rope shovels in 1907,

and production was shifted to
the Benrath area of Düsseldorf
Fast-forward to the early 1970s and
hydraulic excavators had already come
a long way. In addition to Demag’s own
six passes, in under 2.5 minutes, arguably
making it the world’s first true mining class
hydraulic excavator
in 1939. Today, Komatsu builds the latest offering, competitors such as Poclain, The H241 was superseded by the
incarnations of Demag’s ultra-class O&K and Liebherr were launching 300-tonne H285 model, which featured an
hydraulic excavators from the same site, machines in the 150- to 180-tonne class, 18cu.m standard bucket and was powered
the machines’ DNA reflecting decades typically swinging a 7.5cu.m bucket. Such by a 16-cylinder, twin-turbo Cummins
of ground-breaking designs. designs marked the beginning of the end engine rated at 1500hp. Demag had a lot to
With its revolutionary design of of rope-operated machinery on large civil celebrate at the Bauma ’86 show. Combined
a rotary-valve, which allows unrestricted engineering sites. sales of 110 examples of the H241 and H285
360-degrees slew of an upper-structure, The surface mining industry was clearly models made Demag the world’s most
Demag is credited with producing the in Demag’s sights when it launched the successful range of mining class hydraulic
world’s first fully-hydraulic excavator, the game-changing H241 model in 1978. face shovels. But that was not all, as Bauma
12-tonne B504 model launched in 1954. Weighing 238 tonnes and powered by ’86 was also the launch venue of the new
It was powered by a three-cylinder Deutz a single 1325hp Detroit Diesel engine, 500-tonne H485, from which today’s
diesel engine producing 42hp and was it was designed to swing a massive 14.5cu.m 800-tonne class Komatsu PC8000 has
equipped with a 1.5cu.m bucket, in either bucket. It allowed a Demag H241 to load evolved over the decades.

“HAVING OPERATED THE
H241 WITH A 7.5-CUBE
BUCKET, I WAS BLOWN
AWAY WHEN THE
MASSIVE 26-CUBIC-
METRE BUCKET ARRIVED
AT ROUGHCASTLE”
An extremely rare
photo of the H485 at
Roughcastle, being
inspected at the end
of its first working
day in September
1986 by Demag
engineers (Photo
Ron Austin).
FIRST DEMAG H485 Depending on the material, they could be Fuel consumption was designed to be
Demag stunned the surface mining industry filled with three fully-heaped bucket loads around 250lit/hour, and its 6500-litre fuel
in 1986 when, with a planned operating or by four standard passes. The overburden tank could keep the huge excavator going
weight of 485 tonnes on 1500mm-wide team were loading and hauling between for two 12-hour shifts.
track pads and swinging a 23cu.m bucket, 3500 and 4000 tonnes per hour, but Willie Lee was one of the maintenance
it launched the massive H485 hydraulic running one fewer haul truck. The fitters employed by Coal Contractors.
face shovel. recollections of an operator of this first He recalls the H485 being a fairly reliable
There was also a certain degree of shock H485 are in the accompanying panel. machine that, considering it was the
at the configuration of this show prototype, The H485’s huge single 63.3 litre, V16 prototype model, had outstanding
which was commissioned in September that turbo-charged and intercooled MTU engine availability rates. The machine was well
year for Coal Contractors at their produced 2105hp maintained and supported by the Demag
Roughcastle surface mine at Bonneybridge at 1800rpm. factory, as on-site Demag engineers
in central Scotland. Swinging a huge carried out any modifications or
26cu.m capacity bucket, this first Demag warranty work.
H485 weighed closer to 550 tonnes and That left Willie to look
quickly began to show its true potential. after minor running
The H485 initially started at Roughcastle repairs and general
matched to four 136t capacity Cat 785 maintenance, such
haul trucks, which were really too small as oil changes
for the massive face shovel, their skips at 250-hour
being filled by just 2.5 bucketfuls of intervals.
material. A much better pass match He recalls the
was to the subsequent fleet of three MTU engine
177t capacity Cat 789 haulers. had modern
cartridge oil
Right: The modern twin-engine Komatsu filters, which
PC8000 draws much of its inspiration from
the development of the original single- had to be
engine Demag. pre-lubed

H485 number five was a
backhoe, commissioned at
Saxonvale in Australia, the
original single MTU engine
DEMAG H485
was replaced by twin
Cummins power-packs,
resulting in the upper-
OPERATOR
structure being extended.
Photo Karyl May.
FEEDBACK
Ron Austin operated the first example of
a Demag H485 to be produced for the first
five years of its working life in Scotland.
He previously spent time on the first Demag
H241 in the UK, on behalf of McErlain at their
Ryfield opencast mine in Derbyshire. When Coal
Contractors bought McErlain, Ron transferred to
Scotland, where he worked with the resident
Demag engineers to improve the performance
of the H485, before moving back down south
The fully assembled first H485 at the German
factory. Having passed all its operational for a job with Miller Mining. Ron later became
checks, it was disassembled and the a global operator trainer for Demag.
components shipped to Scotland.
He recalls, “Having operated the Demag
H241 with a 7.5-cube bucket, I was simply
blown away when I first saw the massive
26-cubic-metre bucket arrive at Roughcastle.
The four Demag engineers commissioned the
machine within a few weeks. It was simply
staggering how quiet, quick and responsive
this 550-tonne face shovel was at loading the
big Cat haul trucks.”
Ron puts this down to Demag’s smooth
Hydropilot electronic/hydraulic controls.
The two seat-mounted control levers were not
before spinning them on to the engine like today’s ISO operating pattern joysticks.
block. With the five-litre oil cans lifted up The right-hand lever was used for the slew
to the engine bay doors by a Hiab crane, and stick operations. Travel control was via
an engine oil change took about 30 a single left-hand lever on the dash, or at the
minutes to perform. flick of a switch. Two pedals controlled the
Willie also recalls Demag bucket visor opening/closing action, which
engineers being able could be engaged to control machine tracking.
to plug into the Demag’s Hydropilot three-circuit hydraulic
machine to system consisted of a maximum load
download governor and pressure management features,
performance which helped direct priority to the swing
data, a very motors when needed. The swing-braking
early pressure fed back in to the front-end
forerunner to equipment for greater efficiency.
today’s remote
telematics
systems He Roughcastle. Its boom developed a serious
also recalls them crack less than two years into the job. The
going to great Demag team carried out a temporary weld,
lengths to minimise while the factory designed a new heavy-duty
production losses, boom, which was fitted to this example over
by working nights and a weekend.
weekends. The only downside
of running one extremely large excavator HEAVY DEMAND
as the primary loading tool is that, if the big As the Scottish 26cu.m Demag face shovel
Demag had a problem, overburden clocked up the hours, by the end of the
extraction came to a halt. decade production versions were being
The H485’s single MTU engine was delivered around the world. The second
replaced twice during its time at H485 to be sold was to Klemke & Sons,
Above inset: Ron Austin, extreme left, was the first later KMC Mining, for oil shale mining
operator of the first H485 to go into service. He later in Alberta. Loading 190t capacity trucks
became a global product trainer for Demag.
in three or four passes, it was getting
Left and above left: The cab of the H485 was 8m off the
ground, giving a good view of its 26cu.m face shovel through 1400 to 1600 cubic metres
loading the 136t capacity skips of Cat 785s. an hour.

Left: The rare Demag H655S model
– soon after its launch it was renamed
the Komatsu PC8000-1.
“THE PC8000-11 STILL CARRIES THE

DEMAG GENE, A WINNING COMBINATION
OF GERMAN ENGINEERING AND
JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY”
Number three was commissioned for hard rock, clay and sandstone, moving 1500 with abrasive uranium ore and hard granite
Griffin Coal in western Australia, a long- cubic metres an hour. Repainted in the on 15m-high benches, this example was built
standing Demag customer. This example vibrant Bulga Coal livery, H485 number five with the smaller 22cu.m capacity face shovel.
was used to remove the overburden, is affectionately known as Doris. The H485 lineage ends on a high with the
which consisted of unblasted clay and sand, This prototype backhoe featured Demag’s highly-respected H485S and its derivatives,
loading 195t trucks at a rate of between 2800 unusual three hydraulic cylinder dipper stick which was launched in 1993. Featuring a
and 3300 tonnes per hour. design, which it was found needed more 33cu.m bucket as standard and powered by
Demag H485 number four was an power from the hydraulic pumps than a face two Cummins engines producing a total of
electrically-driven shovel, commissioned shovel. The single MTU engine was replaced 3000hp, it was the world’s largest hydraulic
in the Boliden Mineral copper mine in by a pair of Cummins units, which resulted excavator at the time. It featured Demag’s
Scandinavia, to load 170- to 190-tonne in the upper-structure of the excavator being Hydropilot three-circuit hydraulic system,
capacity trucks, again in three or four passes. extended. This was a significant departure the bucket cylinder helping to produce
The first backhoe version of the H485 was from Demag’s single large engine 2100kN (472,500lb) of digging force.
commissioned early in 1990 for Bulga Coal’s philosophy on its ultra-class excavators. The first example, a 635-tonne H485SE
Saxonvale surface mine in Australia. With H485 number six was commissioned in the electric-powered model, was commissioned
the same 26cu.m rated capacity as the face Rossing uranium mine in Namibia in May in 1994 at Magma Copper’s Pinto Valley
shovels, this example was used to excavate 1990. Loading dense overburden, together surface mine in Arizona. The excavator was
Magma Copper’s Demag H485SE hit the

mining news headlines in 1994. At the
time it was the world’s largest hydraulic
mining shovel.

Keith Haddock captured these rare
photos of a Demag H685SP and the
unique H740OS on duty for KMC Mining
in the oilsands of Canada.
1995 a unique 755-tonne, H685SP, 35cu.m many were built. In 1999, Komatsu acquired
face shovel began work for long-standing the remaining shares in Demag, and future
Demag customer KMC Mining at the huge H655S models were designated PC8000.
Syncrude oilsands operation in Canada. The first two examples of the PC8000-1
Later, KMC commissioned Demag to (serial numbers 12028 & 12029) were
produce the H740OS model, believed to be commissioned at the Kalgoorlie Super Pit
a one-off, uprated power machine, developed gold mine in Western Australia. They would
for the severe conditions found in the go on to rack up 79,000 and 75,000 hours
oilsands. The biggest of all the H485 respectively.
derivatives, it weighed 772 tonnes, could load Closer to home, Europe’s first PC8000-6
400 short-ton haul trucks with five passes of was commissioned in 2013 for First Quantum
its massive 41cu.m bucket. This unique face Minerals at its Kevitsa nickel-copper mine in
shovel is believed to be still operational today. northern Finland. Located above the Arctic
Circle, this example was supplied in
FROM H655S TO PC8000 Komatsu’s low temperature spec, which
powered by a single Siemens electric motor During the late-1990s, Demag’s new partner, includes different hydraulic cylinder caps,
rated at 2850hp at 1800rpm and, working Komatsu, began to have an increasing bolts, seals and rod eyes, all designed to cope
around the clock, provided 96% availability. influence on the design process. The with minus 40°C ambient temperatures.
This fast-cycling face shovel was reportedly long-awaited replacement for the H485 The Komatsu PC8000, through various
filling 190t capacity haul trucks in three line of historically important excavators upgrades, has come to dominate the
passes and 240t units in four passes. Its was announced in 1998, the 700-tonne 800-tonne class of mining excavators, most
average loading rate, in well-blasted class H655S. being supplied as electric-powered
material, was 6350t every 50 minutes. The first two examples were machines. The 100th example was sold in
The 600-tonne class, twin-engine, 33-cube commissioned at a gold mine west of Sydney, 2013 to Drummond’s Pribbenow surface
H485S had put on 100 tonnes since the on behalf of Newcrest Cadia Mines. This pair coal mine in Colombia. This customer now
original 23cu.m H485 model first appeared of 680-tonners were to load an estimated has 18 examples of the PC8000 on its fleet.
at Bauma ’86. This model continued to be 466m tonnes of ore over a 13-year project,
built during the mid-1990s, along with new, each clocking up around 65,000 CONCLUSION
even larger machines based on its design, hours in the process. Production It is remarkable that the original 1986
such as the Demag H685S. versions of the H655S would Demag H485 and today’s 771-tonne Komatsu
Spotted at the time by our weigh 710 tonnes and swing PC8000-11 have very similar operating
correspondent Keith Haddock, in a 38cu.m bucket, but not envelopes, at least in terms of reach and
overall size. That is where the physical
similarities end, as the latest Komatsu delivers
nearly double the horsepower and weighs 330
tonnes more, providing a massive 2331kN
(523,940lb) of breakout force from its 42cu.m
bucket. However, the PC8000-11 still carries
the Demag gene, a winning combination of
German engineering and Japanese
technology.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to Gerd Ehrich, Komatsu Germany,
for some of the images used in this report. Also to
The 100th PC8000 to be built Dirk Bömer, Keith Haddock, Karyl May, Euan
was commissioned back in 2013 Ramage, James (Joe) Dewar, Willie Lee, Ron
at Drummond’s Pribbenow Austin, Tom Kagerbauer and Cummins for their
surface coal mine in Colombia.
images and the historical information provided.

SERVING
HARD-TO-REACH
CUSTOMERS
Kyle Molyneux was invited to sample the

new range of 4x4 Iveco Daily light commercial
vehicles at the Millbrook Proving Ground
ruck manufacturer Iveco has be supplied with single or dual rear wheels, big plus point for me was being able to focus
T expanded its hugely successful

Daily range of light commercial
vehicles, adding new 4x4 variants
and the vehicles configured as either
all-road or more aggressive off-road variants.
properly on the route ahead, as opposed to
ensuring I was always in the correct ratio for
the next bit of challenging terrain.
of the van and cab/chassis models. Gross BEHIND THE WHEEL Saying that, I had previously driven
vehicle weights (GVW) are between 3.5 and Iveco recently provided the opportunity to a chassis cab version with a six-speed manual
7.0 tonnes. All are powered by a three-litre, test drive its new light commercial vehicles transmission over the extremely challenging
180hp turbo-diesel engine, teamed with at the Millbrook Proving Ground. For me, off-road section at Millbrook. The clutch
a six-speed manual or an eight-speed the star of the show was the twin rear-wheel pedal was super light and the gear lever’s
automatic gearbox. 7.0t GVW Daily off road 4x4 van, configured throw not half bad for a vehicle of this type.
All are built around a truck-like ladder with the Hi-Matic automatic transmission. Recent warm weather had dried out the
chassis, and some of the 7t GVW 4x4 models Decked out in bright red livery and 2.8m ground, so there was no need to activate the
offer a maximum payload of 4.3 tonnes. It’s tall, as it came towards me the big 4x4 van front, centre or rear differential locks, but it
a more than adequate capacity for the likes of was certainly impressive. More so when it was reassuring to know they were there
service technicians with a 7.5t driving licence, became clear that it was the long-wheelbase should things get more sticky. And, of course,
to support large machines in quarries, forests version with an overall length of 7.2m. the extra control that a manual transmission
or major civil engineering sites. It offers a capacity of 16 cubic metres, affords the driver on hilly terrain.
Naturally, the vehicles are available with but isn’t what you would expect to find If low ratio is required, it is engaged by
a bewildering array of wheelbase lengths, on Millbrook’s cross-country course. a turtle-badged button on the dashboard,
starting at 3.080m for the chassis cab, I quickly grew fond of the ZF-produced, but only when the vehicle is stationary.
3.480m for the crew cab and 3.395m for the eight-speed automatic transmission, as its Thus configured, the 4x4 becomes a real
van, and including the longest wheelbase swift and smooth changes were totally in do-anything machine, dispatching tough
for all versions at 4.175m. These chassis can tune with the three-litre diesel engine. The terrain by delving deep into its copious

TRANSPORT // IVECO TRUCKS // TAIL END
Left and below left: No matter
where the customer’s machine
is, parts and service support are
easily to hand thanks to the
4x4 Iveco Daily range of light
IVECO DAILY 4X4 PANEL VAN RANGE
commercial vehicles.
Model Gross weight Wheelbase length Overall length Cargo length
55S Off-road 5.5t 3595mm 5614mm 3093mm

“CONSIDERING
THE CAPACITY AND
PAYLOAD AVAILABLE, 55C All-road 5.5t 4175mm 7179mm 4647mm
THE NEW IVECO DAILY 70S Off-road 7.0t 3595mm 5614mm 3093mm
4X4 RANGE DELIVERS 70S Off-road 7.0t 3595mm 6014mm 3497mm
INCREDIBLE LEVELS
OF MOBILITY”
70C All-road 7.0t 4175mm 7179mm 4647mm
reserves of torque. The three-litre 180hp
motor is not a quiet powerplant, but it is
effective thanks to its maximum 430Nm
of twisting force, available from 1600 to seats, and a power take-off on the transfer increased, and I could have happily driven
2700rpm. box, which is offered with four types of round Millbrook all day. Considering the
Engine braking in low ratio mode is linkage. capacity and payload available, and the
impressive too, and should the vehicle start Of the two vehicles tested, I preferred the terrain it was easily coping with, the new
running away from you while descending, panel van, mostly due to its automatic Iveco Daily 4x4 range delivers incredible
there’s a good braking system to provide gearbox. As my confidence grew, the speed levels of mobility.
support. This model will also see off water
up to 650mm deep; a button on the
dashboard turns off the engine fan to avoid
it being damaged by water resistance during
such manoeuvres.
Getting back to the big automatic van,
such was the traction offered by the
four-wheel drive system that at no point
was the low ratio setting required on the
cross-country course. That said, I did
activate it once, on a 1:4 incline, to compare
how the vehicle dealt with the same climb
a few minutes previously. The result was
a louder engine, taking higher revs to travel
at the same speed, with only marginally
greater control on the ascent.
Highlights on the options list for this
range include air-conditioning, a Webasto
The big 4x4 van coped
independent heater, suspended/heated well with a range
of ground conditions,
its ZF automatic
transmission being
well matched to the
Iveco’s three-litre
diesel engine.

MOVING MUCK FOR
ENTERTAINMENT,
PLEASURE & CHARITY
Paul Argent reports from the 2021 Link Caterpillar Club’s working event
s things very slowly get back loaders, five dozers, two excavators and
A to normal, the Link Caterpillar

Club were able to hold their
annual working weekend at
a JCB 3CX in this area, visitors were kept
entertained with this variety of kit moving
and reshaping the course.
their usual Avalanche Adventure location
near Sibbertoft. The event is a mecca for HIGHLIGHTS
those with a penchant for seeing older As supporters of the event, Collins
earthmoving equipment in action and the Earthworks brought a pair of special
2021 event didn’t disappoint. machines to the show, one of which was
The two-day event sees machinery owners a brand-new Cat 637K motor scraper, part
and enthusiasts gather at the site, which of their fleet of four. While not exactly
hosts a range of outdoor activities including a generation of machine associated with
4x4 off-roading days. This year’s event was the Link Club, the 637K was well received in
well attended and included a number of the scraper arena, working alongside Clive
exquisitely restored machinery. Scrapers Gray’s Euclid S7 and Paul Wills’ Cat 623B
and graders work in one area, while the paddle scraper.
4x4 course is used by everything else. However, an undoubted star of the
The owners of the 4x4 course kindly let static display was Collins’ Cat D9H dozer,
the Link Club members ‘adjust’ the terrain which has just seen the light of day after
during the event, in return for some repair a three-year rebuild in the workshop of
and maintenance work. With five crawler Adrian Morris. Where some restorations
look good, this dozer has been stripped
back to the bare bones and rebuilt by
Adrian and his team. While some may make
do with various items, the D9H was restored
Above and right:
A brand new Cat
637K scraper was
working alongside
Paul Wills’ 623B
paddle scraper and
Clive Gray’s Euclid
S7, the latter
competently piloted
by Clive’s 17-year-old
son Alex.

WORKING EVENT // LINK CAT CLUB // TAIL END
Above and above right: Clive Hurt Plant Hire traditionally

attends in force, this year’s stars including an This Smalley, owned by Ben Smalley, was
immaculately restored Hymac 580C and a recently the precursor to mini-excavators,
restored Komatsu D31S. showing British ingenuity at its best
back in the 1960s and 1970s.
to a factory finish, even down to period-
correct Cat padlocks around the machine.
Impressive was not the word.
Saturday’s ground conditions were ideal,
with dry and sunny weather, allowing the
scrapers, along with Paul Badger’s D8H
dozer, the opportunity to show just why this
method of earthmoving is so efficient. With
rain forecast for the Saturday evening, Clive
spent an hour or so at the end of the day
levelling the area off with his Cat 112 grader.
Dozer fans were treated to a veritable feast
of restored equipment in the digging area,
with David Wills’ Cat D6B, Sam Beard’s
Fowler Challenger 33, Tony Hopper and his
International BTD6. All three machines
along with Richard Hurt’s D6D, were kept
busy levelling out the large volumes of muck
shaped by the crawler loaders. is powered by a 40hp Perkins engine. Brown and was worked closely with the
The smallest of the two Cat crawler 963K. Although slower across the ground,
CRAWLER LOADERS loaders was Graham France’s 941B, which the 200hp Japanese machine showed why
For crawler loader fans, the smallest and was joined by Mapa’s 963K LGP at the other crawler loaders are still liked for moving
oldest machine, owned and operated by end of the scale. Mapa’s owner, Paul Wills, large volumes of material.
Dick Bryant, was a little Bristol showed just how the crawler loader has The event raises funds for the East
Taurus. Built in the moved on over the years, showing off the Midlands Air Ambulance, and a healthy
mid-1960s, prior to speed and agility of his 2019 machine. sum of £2400 was donated to this
the company’s The largest crawler loader was the extremely worthwhile charity.
take-over by 21t Komatsu D75S owned by AR Left: A completely rebuilt as new Cat D9H, which is
Track Demolition’s Andrew due to be the star of owner Collins Earthworks’ new
Marshall, it Thompson. The loader was reception area.
Below: There were also a number of static displays,
looked after for the including Richard Beckett’s Cat D4, John Holman’s D2
weekend by AR’s Andy and, shown here, Stuart Walsh’s D2 pulling a Condor
Scraper box.

DIESEL ELECTRIC HAULING
Steven Downes reviews the first of two 1:50-scale Cat mining truck releases
planned for this year from Diecast Masters
he Caterpillar 794AC is a
T 320t capacity haul truck with
a diesel-electric drivetrain.
A 3500hp C175-16 diesel engine
powers a brushless generator, which
drives AC induction wheel motors,
providing a top speed of 37mph.
The announcement from Diecast
Masters of the availability of a
1:50-scale Cat 794AC was a pleasant
surprise. The model displays a good
level of detail and is far more refined
than previous haul truck releases from
this model maker.
Even better news is that a 1:50 replica
of an even larger Cat 798AC haul truck
is in the pipeline, produced from all-new
tooling, which is scheduled for release
towards the end of the year.
nderneath the model, its rugged chassis has been enhanced with various cables and
U pipes for added realism, and the front axle has a good range of steering movement,
operated by a pair of modelled hydraulic cylinders that offer a firm resistance.
All the wheels are freely rotating and the tyres have an authentic tread pattern plus a slight satin
finish, which looks better than the usual high shine tyres typically used. The rear axle has sprung
suspension, which works well considering the impressive 3kg weight of the model,
demonstrating the extensive use of zinc material and sparing use of plastic.
There is a very good paint match between plastic and metal parts, which allows for the extra
details that really make the model stand out.

PLANTMOBILIA // CAT 794AC // TAIL END
eaturing both operator and

F trainer seats in the cab, opening
doors on both sides allow a
better view of the interior, enabling the
driver figure to be installed if required.
Access to the upper deck area is by
lowering an access ladder on one side.
The pivoting ladder on the opposite side
is fixed and the upper area encircled by
metal safety railings.
omplete with a curved rear edge, the dump

C body can be raised to a fairly authentic tip
angle, with enough friction in the modelled
multi-stage cylinders to hold any position.
Nice touches include the flexible rubber mudguards
hanging below the body and pivoting rock knockers,
which align between the pairs of rear wheels. There is
even a safety cable hung beneath the body for
maintenance to keep the bed raised.
pening safety gates at the top of the stairways are a nice The model is supplied in the now familiar metal tin and
O feature, while a large central access panel lifts to reveal the
upper section of the engine. The electrical cabinet has
comes with a driver figure and a pair of wheel chocks,
which fit into the holder on the front of the bumper. For
some fine surface engraving, which is enhanced with printing and mining equipment fans, the 794AC is another very
the radial unit has a photo-etch cover plate that increases the realism. welcome release to add to the collection.

NEXT MONTH IN
EARTHMOVERS
SECOND IMPRESSIONS
LIEBHERR TA230
Liebherr’s second generation
articulated dump truck finally arrives
in the UK. We take a closer look at
a production version of the prototypes
that first saw the light of day some
two years ago.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS CLASSIC PLANT

KOBELCO SK28SR & SMP ST4 MOTORWAY MEMORIES
Yorkshire-based Merlin Excavations has invested in a Keith Haddock continues his series of reflections on the
2.8-tonne Kobelco mini-excavator, complete with an SMP machinery used during the UK’s 1960s boom in motorway
tilt-rotator, which allows almost any job to be undertaken construction works, focusing on the M6 extension north to
on a small development project. the Scottish border.
PLUS
MARKET GUIDE EURO FOCUS OPERATOR TRAINING NEXT
ISSUE
25-35T EXCAVATORS HIDROMEK HMK102S CAT 637K SCRAPERS
OCT
out 3 S OBER
We review all the alternatives Backhoe loaders are David Wylie reports on
when considering moving up extremely popular in central an Australian firm that is
a weight category or two Europe. Eoghan Daly details helping its clients get the
eptem
from the commonly-used
22-tonne excavators.
the experiences of a user in
the Czech Republic.
most from its latest Cat 637K
motor scrapers.
ber
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

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www.rbunton.co.uk • Hydraulic breakers 07711 310682 •
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Tel: 01352 721216 / 07771 804780

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tel (01527) 893343 www.thomasplanthire.co.uk
Naonwide Self Drive
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sales@tphalligan.com
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ARTEFACTS WANTED BREAKERS FINANCE
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CRUSHERS Lorna McDowell
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HEATING
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TO SUBSCRIBE
TO EARTHMOVERS MAGAZINE
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TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
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INSURANCE PARTS SCREENING-CRUSHING
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Call for rates and availability or visit our website
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Monthly payment scheme available
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TAIL END // PICTURE POST
PICTURE POST
Spotted an interesting earthmover? Send us the details and you could win £20!
arthmovers turn up in every corner

HOT PI
E of the world. It doesn’t matter whether
they are stuck, submerged, or just plain
interesting - we want to see them all.
DIGGING
M
OF THC
ONTHE
As an extra incentive (other than the obvious thrill
of seeing your pictures in print), we’re offering
£20 for each month’s star picture.
Tell us as much as you can about the machine in
the picture, and don’t forget to enclose your name
and address, and an SAE if you would like us to
return your picture(s).
E-mail high-resolution images to editor@
EarthmoversMagazine.co.uk or send your prints to:
Picture Post, EARTHMOVERS, Sundial Magazines
Limited, Sundial House, 17 Wickham Road,
Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS. As illustrated at an Australian site, coal sometime self-combusts, requiring the complete
section to be excavated and then spread to allow the material to burn itself out.
With the
largest
greedy boards
ever seen, this
articulated truck is
hauling a full load
of low-density
coal.
The self-drive
operator no doubt
claimed that the
ground looked
good, but quickly
discovered it
wasn’t.
This perilous
perch proved
too much for this
mini-excavator
– the lever-puller
escaped
unharmed.
This large
excavator is going
to require a spring
clean, but looks
like it may
live to dig
another day.
Don’t let poor maintenance become

There are some a risk to the operation of your machine
things in life that are A well maintained automatic

greasing system will look after
Greasing System
Health Check
your machinery all year round.
simply unavoidable... Groeneveld maintenance inspections from £350
Lorna McDowell | T. 07896 318329 | E. l.mcdowell@groeneveld-beka.com

AN ALL-ROUND
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For more information visit: eu.doosanequipment.com

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NUMBER ONE FOR ALL THE LATEST PLANT & MACHINERY NEWS

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different conclusions, particularly for more re-engineering a conventional

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IMPORTER FOR THE UK

The Hydrema 707G Articulated Dump Truck.

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HUGE VOLVO ORDER

C Volvo Stage 5 emissions-compliant machines. Ordered through distributor

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HIGH-TECH DOOSAN DX225

D excavator. The new DX225-7 model is powered

K mini-excavators, weighing 4.66 and 5.1 tonnes respectively,

CAT MATERIALS HANDLERS

C handlers, all powered by Stage 5 emissions-compliant engines. The 38.5-tonne,

16 EARTHMOVERS SEPTEMBER 2021

M has launched a newly developed

KOMATSU EASY TEREX ACQUIRES MDS

BOOM CHANGE based in County Monaghan,

NEW J MAC MINIS

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WHAT MAKES A REAL EXPERT?

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Above and right: With a short dipper arm, this EZ50

C groundworks across a wide area

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22 EARTHMOVERS SEPTEMBER 2021

Inset left, left and right: The

Right: The underlying structure of the Wacker Neuson

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For such a compact

24 EARTHMOVERS SEPTEMBER 2021

100% ELECTRIC DRIVE

Excavator Services Ltd

CAT M319/M320 T Caterpillar products includes new

SEPTEMBER 2021 EARTHMOVERS 27

FIXED-BOOM MIDI providing a maximum flow of 167lit/min,

Left and right:

28 EARTHMOVERS SEPTEMBER 2021

“CAT HAS UNWRAPPED

SHORT-SWING MINIS undercarriage as standard, resulting in

For more complex