Wirtgen bills its new KMA 200 portable cold-mix plant as a highly mobile, 200-ton-per-hour unit that can make several types of asphalt blend products, using emulsions or foamed asphalt, and a variety of other materials to enhance strength and performance. In addition to its greater production capacity, the KMA 200 improves on the KMA 150 with a better arrangement of components and by powering all components with a fully diesel-hydraulic drive. The heart of the new machine is a modified, low-wear, twin-shaft continuous mixer, allowing a mixing capacity of 200 tons per hour. The mixing plant is driven by a 175 horsepower diesel engine. The unit’s integral water tank is 1,188 gallons — a 50% increase over the KMA 150 capacity.
Improved ‘First Response’ system
Introduced in 2002 as an all-purpose snow and ice control unit, the First Response 3-N-1 snow and ice control system has been improved for 2004, according to Henderson Manufacturing. The unit now has a completely enclosed cabinet to house all pumps, valves, flow meters, the auger drive system, and related components. Also upgraded: dual 7-inch diameter variable pitch augers to convey granular material; wider bottom and counter-rotating augers to break up frozen materials and help prevent bridging; better directional control and a dump over feature for the end of a run; and fully baffled liquid reservoirs to improve steering stability.
Smoother turns and travel
Bobcat’s new ZHS compact excavators are the first in the industry to feature an all-hydrostatic drive system, with separate piston pumps and motors for the right and left tracks. The benefits, says Bobcat, include better torque control for dozing, smoother turns under a load, and more gradual turns on surfaces like asphalt and concrete. In addition to the FastTrack drive system, the ZHS units feature Zero House Swing — a zero-tail-swing design in which even the corners of the house stay within the track footprint when the house rotates. The first two ZHS models are the 8,024-pound 430 ZHS and the 10,555-pound 435 ZHS.
Wheel loader line launched
Liebherr Construction Equipment has introduced four wheel loader models to the North American market. The new line ranges from the 162-horsepower L 538 to the 261-horsepower L 580 in size. Though new to this market, the Liebherr loaders are well established in Europe and, the company says, are distinguished by their low operating costs. Key features include a well-balanced overall design concept for longer component life, and an advanced hydrostatic travel drive that minimizes wet brake disc wear and uses tractive force control and limited slip differentials to reduce tire wear.
Data logger improves ownership
John Deere claims its new Machine Information Center on-board data logger gives excavator owners more data than any other system on the market, which leads to improved productivity and minimized operating costs. The MIC consists of an on-board logger, a cable and software kit for accessing the logged data via a Palm Pilot, and an MIC Dataviewer for the owner’s PC to summarize and manage the data. The data logger is standard; the cable and software kit are available from Deere dealers.
The on-board data logger captures up to 10,000 hours of data, which the software converts into charts, graphs, and reports. Alarms and faults, engine speeds, hydraulic and coolant temperatures, pump pressures, hours of operation, and swing/travel/front operation times are stored. Fleet managers can use the data to evaluate how well the machine is being used and identify opportunities for operator training.
More power
Husky Hydraulic Hammer has rolled out its new Series II breakers ranging from 200 to 1,200 foot-pounds in impact energy. Several models in the new line sport higher impact energies than their Series I predecessors, and all models offer improved serviceability due to a significant reduction in parts, according to Husky. The power surge comes from a redesign of the operating piston, main valve, and internal porting, and a slight increase in the low-pressure nitrogen gas charge. Husky says the hydraulic input flow range of the Series II hammers has been widened so that the same unit can be run on a relatively low-output compact excavator or a high-output skid-steer loader without compromising performance.
High-powered portable
Morbark says its new 6600 Wood Hog horizontal grinder balances ease of portability with the highest production rate in its class. Available in power ranges from 760 to 1,000-horsepower, the unit features a sliding fifth-wheel pin and movable third axle to make transportation easy. Morbark says the 42 by 67-inch hammermill, equipped with heavy-duty 28-inch rotors, is laser cut for better durability and more precise tolerances, and that the 6600 has the largest infeed in its class.
Less damage from utility cuts
Ditch Witch has introduced its new FX60 Vacuum Excavation System to the utility trade as a tool that can quickly dig potholes to locate buried utilities with a high-pressure stream of water. The company says the FX60’s “soft excavation” can access damaged utilities with a small, neat hole without danger of damaging pipes or cables. The unit’s vacuum function can be used to remove drilling fluids, or to clean out manholes, catch basins, vehicle wash pits, and grease traps.
Alternative fuel sweeper
Schwarze Industries now offers alternative-fuel-powered versions of its A7000 and A8000 regenerative air municipal sweepers. Both models are powered CNG-fueled engines. Like the company’s CNG-fueled M6000 mechanical broom sweeper, these alternative-fuel models are in compliance with the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Rule 1190, which covers alternative fuel usage.
Year-round pothole patcher
Pro-Patch Pot Hole Patchers have the unique ability to transport hot or cold asphalt pre-mix material and road oils at controlled temperatures, according to H.D. Industries. The truck-mounted TCM 415-160 has a PTO-driven hydraulic system to operate the machine’s jack hammer, screw conveyor, oil pumps, asphalt agitator, hydraulic doors, and a variety of hydraulic tools such as saws, tampers, and water pumps.
Lighter, smoother tailgate
East Manufacturing’s new aerodynamic Genesis smooth-sided dump trailers are now available with a new smooth-walled tailgate that is said to be much lighter than traditional sheet-and-post designs, yet just as strong and durable. The smooth surface of the tailgate is easy to clean and, according to East, leaves nowhere for dirt, mud, snow, or ice to build up.
Upgrade to ‘Super’
The “S” in Wirtgen’s new WR 2500 S Road Reclaimer and Soil Stabilizer stands for “super,” according to company promotions. The top-of-the-line model has a new fuel-injection system that boosts its 12-cylinder engine’s power from 610 to 670 horsepower (455 to 500 kW). Wear is minimized in the redesigned, reinforced cutter housing by means of multiple wear plates, and the cutter drum has easier-to-service bolt-on end rings. Cooling performance, operator comfort, and ambient particulate levels have been improved, and a new dual cyclonic air precleaner will extend the service life of the air filtration system.
Economical soil stabilization
Fecon says its Stabilization series of attachments are just as effective — and more economical — than purpose-built soil stabilization machines. Available in models ranging from 100 to 380 horsepower, Fecon stabilization attachments are said to be capable of mixing and milling earth to depths of as much as 16 inches. They feature heavy-duty rotor construction, carbide tips, and are available with PTO or hydraulic power options.
Improved service body
An exclusive one-piece side pack (patent pending) constructed of 10-gauge galvanneal and a unique internal hinge design give the new Titan 38 unparalleled strength and corrosion resistance, according to Auto Crane. The body can support a 38,000-foot/pound crane. Its compartment capacity has been increased 12% and can be ordered with custom fit drawers.
New mini-excavator line
Five mini excavators have been added to the Ditch Witch line. Models range in size from 0.9 to 4.5 metric tons with digging capabilities ranging from 4 feet, 11 inches to 13 feet. All five models have tight tail-swing design and removable counterweights for zero tail-swing operation.
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