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SED – it really was bigger and better!
It may be a well worn cliché that is often not deserved, but in the case of SED 2008 it really is true – the show WAS bigger and better than ever before!
Not only was visitor attendance up 6.4% on last year’s figures, with 20,000 people through the gates, the second day of the show was officially the busiest in the event’s 42-year history!
Exhibitors were also there in some strength, with over 450 companies displaying and promoting their products and services.
It’s congratulations to Haulotte. They secured the award for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the show for the company’s impressive stand.
In the recycling sector, Digbits’ Bavtrak 025 crusher won the top prize in the SED ‘Awards for Excellence’ event.
JCB’s Backhoe challenge was also well attended, with over 500 people taking part in the contest.
There were, of course, other notable highlights, and loads of machines making their show debut, too. Plant & Civil Engineer was there to find out more....
Easycontrol System from JCB
JCB launched a new ‘Easycontrol’ system for its range of 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders. With Manual Controls and Advanced Easy Control, JCB now offers a total of three control options on backhoes to suit every possible operator requirement.
While traditional manual levers remain a popular and reliable choice for many, seat-mounted servo levers have become an increasingly popular option. EasyControl utilises the same valve block and hydraulic gear pump combination as the manual control machines, but with seat-mounted servo excavator levers. This ensures that the operator has the same feel for the hydraulic controls as with a conventional manual control machine, but with the comfort and ergonomic benefits of a servo lever system.
Kubota goes live
Kubota featured a comprehensive selection of their best selling mini excavators at a new ‘hands on’ event at Rockingham Castle. Kubota Live! located just two miles from the main exhibition area enabled visitors to call in on their way to and from the show.There they were able to put Kubota minis to the test for themselves on an extensive demo areas, as well as experience the class-leading performance of the RTV 900 utility vehicle on the 4x4 off-road driving course.There was also an opportunity to try out a range of market leading Kubota ride-on mowers and tractors.
New Komatsu mini excavator
On show for the first time at SED 2008 was the new Komatsu PC16R-3 tracked mini excavator. The impressive machine has an operating weight of 1.57 tonne and an engine power of 11.2kW and 14.7 HP. Its short-tail design is excellent in its application and is an ideal machine for the rental market.
With the comfort and the safety of the operator in mind, the wide and spacious cab gives excellent visibility and ensures noise levels are kept to a minimum.
A new feature on the PC16R-3 is the speed selection button. This allows the machine to automatically select the required speed according to its travel load. There is also a simple travel alarm as standard. Also as standard is a battery cut-off switch which prevents the battery from running low when inactive for a long time.
Barford’s mighty dumper
Britain’s first 10 tonne forward tipping dumper, the mighty SK10 from Barford, has just got bigger, with the addition of a massive new skip – up to 20% bigger than other machines on the market.
Unveiled at SED for the first time, the SK10 PLUS delivers a colossal heaped payload of 5546 litres backed by what Barford say is an unrivalled package of power, technical support and the best residual values in the country.
Upgraded drop-box and axle bearings deliver improved efficiency and longer life performance. Hi-floatation, extra wide profile tyres achieve improved stability while creating less damage to the site during operation, and a new and advanced exhaust system runs the machine more efficiently and quietly.
Bomag Economiser is highlight
Bomag displayed a range of compaction equipment including Tandem Rollers, Tampers, Hydraulic reversible plates, single and double drum rollers, multiple purpose Compactors and single and reversible plates.
But the main attraction was Bomag’s new ECONOMIZER, an option on 4 of its reversible vibratory plates. It keeps the operator informed in ‘real time’ about the progress of the compaction process. A series of light emitting diodes signal the actual degree of compaction being achieved by the plate. With this innovative use of technology fuel savings of as much as 25% can be achieved. The ECONOMIZER also identifies under and over compaction, allowing remedial work to be easily carried out.
Smallest Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader
The Bobcat stand was as busy as ever, with the manufacturer launching a new S70 skid-steer loader, the smallest model in the Bobcat loader range.
Replacing the 463 model, the new S70 raises the bar further by combining all the advantages of a compact loader with new features and improvements offering significantly enhanced performance and durability.
With a width of 901 mm, height of 1814 mm, an overall length with standard bucket of 2553 mm and an operating weight of only 1291 kg, the new S70 skid-steer loader ticks all the boxes for compactness, transportability and manoeuvrability.
Digbits crushes competition
It’s lean, it’s mean and now it’s officially SED’s favourite green machine. The BAVTRAK 025, developed by Digbits, scooped top prize in the highly sought after recycling category at the SED 2008 Awards for Excellence.
Digbits’ latest 2.9 tonne mini-monster features patented twin jaw ‘alligator crusher’ technology which chomps and grinds its way through concrete, rubble and reinforcing wire and a class-leading 630 x 330mm jaw feed area providing unrivalled crushing capacity - all this while still sitting inside a 1200mm wide footprint.
Fast, straightforward and safe to operate, the BAVTRAK 025 offers good manoeuvrability and crushing strength, making it ideal for smaller sites.
Liebherr showcases new crawler excavator
Liebherr attracted plenty of attention on its stand, featuring plant and equipment from its Earthmoving, Cranes and Concrete Equipment Divisions. Following its successful launch at the beginning of the year, Liebherr-Rental Limited were also present.
A brand new crawler made its UK debut – the R 906 Classic – a new generation hydraulic excavator. A 22 tonnes class machine, the R 906 Classic features low noise and exhaust emissions with the latest Liebherr engine technology, a superlative operator’s cab, four operating modes from hard dig to precision lifting or grab work and is resplendent in the new livery being introduced through the Liebherr excavator range.
Powered by a Liebherr made D 934 S, four cylinder diesel engine, output is 105kW 1800RPM. Bucket capacities are from 0.60m3 to 1.20m3. Optimum digging depth is 6.50 metres and maximum reach at ground level is 9.75 metres.
New Models from CASE
Apart from entertaining the crowds with their famous stunt motor-cyclists, CASE Construction unveiled some brand new models. The amazing motor-cyclists were appearing for the first time at SED but they were not the only reason to visit the stand. As always, CASE had some very interesting machines on display.
With the introduction of the new Series 2 mini excavators, CASE has effectively doubled its range of 1.5 t. machines from two to four models, all powered by the latest Mitsubishi engines.
Also new is the extremely manoeuvrable CX130B tracked excavator. Its size is ideal for working in residential construction, but powerful enough for more demanding construction work.
The show saw the UK premiere of the new CASE 580SR backhoe loader, displayed alongside other machines including the 440CT compact tracked skid steer loader, the 621E wheel loader and from the Environment Agency, examples of the specially configured machines supplied by CASE – the CX50 and CX75.
Volvo machines make debut
The show gave Volvo Construction Equipment the chance to showcase representative models from its innovative line up of C range excavators, F series wheeled loaders as well as new models from Volvo compact equipment and Volvo Road machinery.
The manufacturer has completed its C series range with the 14 tonne EC140C, while the show also saw the debut of the ECR235C short-radius excavator. This is a 21tonne machine that features better levels of stability, improved weight distribution, and great swing performance. Volvo also showcased a demolition version of the EC360C, with a 21m boom.
Besides the hardware, Volvo personnel were on hand to discuss Customer Support Agreements, Parts promotions, Finance and Used equipment.
Thwaites make a return
Thwaites was back at SED this year with some brand new products. After a year out in 2007, the manufacturer debuted two new Powerswivel products.
The first was the 1.5 Tonne Powerswivel, which offers an increased payload whilst keeping the driver controls from the class leading 1 Tonne Hydrostatic range.
The second product was the 9 Tonne Powerswivel, which is the largest swivel yet produced by Thwaites - capable of placing a genuine 9 ton payload with the minimum of fuss.”
Doosan launch seven new models
Doosan Infracore launched seven new models to its DX range of mini/midi excavators which includes both new conventional and reduced radius swing versions.
DX15, DX18, DX30z, DX55, DX55W, DX60R and DX80R formed the line up. Also featuring was the DX140LC which completes the transition into Tier III compliant excavators.
All these machines offer new dynamic styling, reduced noise levels, larger more comfortable cabs, and provide lower emissions
Meanwhile, Doosan Infracore Portable Power also had lots to show off at SED, not least its Light Compaction Equipment Range of rammers, plates and walk-behind double drum rollers designed for a wide variety of compaction applications.
New Holland in action
New Holland had a strong display of new models - ranging from dozers and excavators to backhoe-loaders and wheel loaders - all featuring comfortable cabs, convenient controls and great visibility.
From the heavy-line range of crawler excavators, and on show for the first time was the high-productivity E385B, with an operating weight of 38.5 t, the E215B in the popular 21 t. class, and in the 13 t class, the very popular E135B SR with long undercarriage and dozer blade.
On demonstration was the all new E235B - the first to feature New Holland’s integrated noise and dust reduction (INDR) design. The entire counterweight and engine compartment is used as a cooling system and exhaust muffler, with air directed from one side of the machine, through the cooler cores, over the engine and out the other side.
Being exhibited for the first time, too, was the new D150B tracked dozer which has more power and more torque than the previous model due to the enhanced performance of Tier III engine technology. The new engine delivers more power with up to 10% less fuel.
Hanix celebrate
Mini-excavator maker Hanix was in upbeat mood, marking 20 years of business in the UK.
The company exhibited the entire Hanix range alongside a new prototype, the 870 kg H08D, shipped from Japan specifically for SED. The body panels are all constructed from steel to prevent damage in the toughest site conditions, the boom cylinder has been relocated to reduce the risk of damage, making the H08D ideal for the rental industry.
The H08D prototype was specifically exhibited to gain feedback from end users attending the show and all comments will be taken into consideration as the prototype goes forward into mass production.
Highlights from Hyundai
Hyundai showed the latest Dash-7A excavator and wheel-loader models, including the new 5.5t R55-7A.
Features of the high-spec Dash-7A machine include upgraded Tier-3 compliant engine and further refinements in the cab and control. These machines are easily distinguishable by their new ’black-cab’ colour-scheme.
The latest addition to the range is a top-of-the-range mini-excavator, the new 5.5t R55-7A, which was being shown for the first time in Europe at SED, alongside the other latest addition to the mini range, Hyundai’s first true zero-tailswing mini, the 3.5t R35Z-7A, which was first seen in the UK at Hillhead last year.
First showing for Takeuchi Mini
Takeuchi arrived at SED armed with a new 3.5 tonne mini excavator, the TB235. A direct replacement for the current TB135 and now available, the new mini introduces major advances.
It now comes with added height to the dozer blade, 30° gradeability, greater access points and a far roomier cab, with additional storage spaces, plenty of foot room and an adjustable seat with well positioned comfortable arm rests.
A more powerful engine adds to the power behind the machine, and meeting all the latest emission and noise regulations, with 4 Tier Yanmar engine 3TNV88 (28.8HP) accompanied by increased alternator capacity from 40 to 55A
Faster cycle times and operating benefits for the driver make the new 3.5 tonne comfortable for long working hours whatever the terrain.
Merlo shows its innovation
This year’s SED saw the UK launch of Merlo’s new dedicated platform product, the MPR series. No-one yet knows its impact, but the company did use the show to gauge market response to this quite unique product.
As you’d probably expect from Merlo, it is a little innovative and fills a completely new niche in the access platform business - a high speed, off highway platform. It’s largely based on Roto components. It has the same 74.9 kW Deutz engine and hydrostatic transmission of the smaller Roto series. The upperstructure houses a full Roto cab, assuring the driver a safe and comfortable ride to the job site.
Wirtgen showcase small tandem rollers
Hamm, part of the Wirtgen Group of companies showed a number of models from its range of compact HD tandem rollers, where recent innovations have resulted in improved safety and operator comfort features leading to better visibility and stability. Other features include a water sprinkling system with a tank capacity sufficient to last an entire working day.
All models offer an offset crab-steering facility and feature a three-point swivel joint for greater operator comfort. A low offer centre of gravity ensures high tilt resistance and an overall low machine height.
Dynapac rolls out range
Dynapac, part of the Atlas Copco Group, showcased a large range of compaction and concreting equipment.
Products included heavy compaction equipment with the Tandem twin drum rollers from 1.6 to 4 tonnes, a CA362D self-propelled 13 tonnes single drum roller, a CC322 8.5 tonnes Asphalt roller and a LP8500 Trench roller.
Topcon’s 3DXi for excavator
Topcon presented its new 3DXi grade reference for excavators. With this simple addition to the excavator, operators can grade faster and keep the machine where it is supposed to be, the benefits including the elimination of over-excavation and minimizing material waste.
The 3DXi has a sturdy design and is made for outdoor job conditions. Four new temperature compensated 360-degree CAN-based tilt sensors measures angles from cab, boom, stick, and bucket, creating a precise cut every time. In addition to the new tilt sensors, the 3DXi consists of two GPS+ antennas, a GPS+ receiver and the GX-60 control box.
Kosran launches unique Comms Keypad
Kosran, the Plant Immobilisation & Asset Management Specialist, launched its Comms Keypad. The standard Keypad module, which operates the Thatcham Cat P2 electro-mechanical immobilisation system, now provides an integrated telemetric package via the Comms Keypad.
Facilities provided include all existing Keypad features. In addition, it allows the Plant Manager to remotely change PIN codes and to remotely shut-down a machine, during work or downtime, at random or set curfew times; and to track and locate the machine 24/7. Telecommunication is by electromagnetic signals from mobile phone, PC & web.
Next Year
Well that’s it for another year but SED will be back at Rockingham Motor Speedway in 2009. So put the 12th, 13th and 14th of May in your diary. If you are planning on visiting or exhibiting next year – don’t forget to book your hotel rooms now! |
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