September 2021 Vol. 76 No. 9
New Products
New Products
Xylem Unveils Breakthrough Dewatering Pump
Global water technology company, Xylem, unveiled Flygt Biboα – a breakthrough dewatering pump.
Applying Decision Intelligence, Flygt Biboα automatically adapts to its environment and only operates when needed, delivering energy savings of up to 60 percent, compared to traditional dewatering pumps. Operational wear and tear is reduced by up to 70 percent, as instances of snoring and dry running are minimized, leading to as much as a 50-percent reduction in repair and maintenance costs.
Additionally, due to its unique, compact and stable design, Biboα breaks the mold of traditional dewatering pumps with 30 percent fewer components, reducing the amount of inventory needed.
Flygt Biboα has cutting-edge capabilities, offering two different running modes that can be easily interchanged depending on the application and operating environment.
Adaptive mode is typically used when there is a requirement to maintain a constant low water level in the sump – the pump will never stop running, though it will regulate its speed after inflow. If snoring is detected, the pump will slow down to reduce wear, but when water re-enters the sump, the pump will increase its speed until the water level is low again.
By letting the pump run continuously, there is no need for any additional sensor. The incoming water triggers the pump to run, so it will always be ready to respond to changeable conditions in the field.
Level mode consists of two pre-set levels: start level is controlled with a built-in-pressure sensor to detect water levels; stop level is triggered when the pump detects snoring. As the pump only operates as needed, for example, when water is above the set level, it optimizes efficiency and reduces both energy consumption and operational wear.
Built on the same integrated power electronics and systems platform as Xylem’s renowned wastewater pump, Flygt Concertor, Flygt Biboα automatically adapts to the speed and performance in a field instead of a static curve. This means that the compact 8kW pump can deliver QH-performance that spans the range of a 2kW standard pump, right up to a 10kW standard pump.
As one of the most robust and reliable pumps on the market, Flygt Biboα has a life-span that is up to four times longer than traditional dewatering pumps.
Currently available for purchase or rent in the Netherlands, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Africa, Flygt Biboα is expected to be available globally later this year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Xylem, (914) 323-5700, xylem.com
Volvo Introduces Two New Excavators in 50-Ton Class
Volvo Construction Equipment has entered the 50-ton class for excavators with two models – EC530E and EC550E – that have digging and lifting forces normally found in 60-ton machines. This gives contractors the performance they need to excel in heavy-duty digging, mass excavation and large-scale site preparation.
“When Volvo CE enters a new size class, we want to meet the needs of our customers, while also making an impression,” said Sejong Ko, product manager, excavators, at Volvo CE. “We’ve done that with the EC530E and EC550E excavators. Contractors get the power of a larger machine at a lower weight, along with additional fuel-saving and uptime-enhancing features.”
The EC530E and EC550E feature the highest engine power in the class, providing high tractive force and swing torque. When coupled with large buckets, the EC530E and EC550E are perfectly suited to fill articulated haulers in the 30- to 40-ton class, requiring fewer passes to load them and reducing cycle times. This combination can boost productivity by up to 20 percent.
Also characteristic of bigger equipment is the super-rigid reinforced undercarriage, providing durability and strength. This is supported by equally sturdy lower and upper frames.
The EC550E undercarriage has a long and wide lower frame, giving it extra stability when working with heavier loads. The undercarriage on the EC530E shares the same transportation dimensions – and loading convenience – as Volvo’s 48-ton EC480E.
Both machines’ boom and arm boast a larger pin size for added strength. Also, like all Volvo excavators, both models are backed by the Volvo Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty, which covers the frame, boom and arm for the entirety of the initial ownership period.
The electro-hydraulics system contributes to a 25-percent improvement in fuel efficiency due to Independent Metering Valve Technology (IMVT). Thanks to intelligent electronic control, IMVT offers more precise operation and efficiency than a traditional mechanically coupled hydraulic system. Engine pump optimization lowers engine speed while maintaining power.
The EC530E and EC550E offer high levels of control and efficiency for all applications, including creep mode for precise lift-and-carry work. Also, optional Comfort Drive Control (CDC) helps reduce operator fatigue by allowing the excavator to be steered with joystick rollers instead of pedals.
Operators can also select functions like boom/swing and boom/travel priority, which enables one function to take the lead over another. The boom-down speed can also be adjusted, giving optimum control for tasks that require extra precision. New boom-and-arm bounce reduction technology lessens machine shock.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Volvo Construction Equipment, (717) 532-9181, volvoce.com
Vermeer’s New QuickFire System Makes Fast, Efficient HDD Tooling Connections
Building on the original systems introduced more than 10 years ago, the new Vermeer QuickFire HD connection system for utility horizontal directional drills (HDD) helps reduce the labor involved with changing over from pilot bore and pullback tooling.
“The QuickFire HD system expands the types of ground conditions contractors can use this type of quick connection system for,” explained Jason Zylstra, product manager for Vermeer Lifecycle products. “Crews familiar with the original QuickFire system will recognize the same 4-turn makeup on the QuickFire HD system, only they’ll now have some new ease of use of and reliability-minded enhancements.”
QuickFire HD uses two heavy-duty roll pins to secure the locking collar over the non-torqued threaded connection. Also, the system allows the collar to be assembled at any orientation to avoid having to rotate it to align it with the retention bolt hole, unlike some other systems.
The new Vermeer QuickFire HD system is available in three sizes:
- QuickFireHD 300 for HDDs in the 10,000-pound (44.5-kN) drill range – Vermeer D10x15 S3 or Ditch Witch JT10 HDD
- QuickFireHD 400 for HDDs in the 24,000-pound (106.8-kN) drill range – Vermeer D23x30 S3 or Ditch Witch JT30 HDD
- QuickFireHD 460 for HDDs in the 40,000-pound (177.9-kN) drill range – Vermeer D40x55 S3 or Ditch Witch JT40 HDD
Vermeer also offers weld-on connection options to cost-effectively convert existing tooling to the QuickFire HD connection system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Vermeer Corporation, (641) 628-3141,
vermeer.com; borestore.com
Komatsu
komatsuamerica.com
Contractors looking for a machine with performance and versatility in an easy-to-transport package, should look at the Komatsu PC88MR-11 excavator. Its reduced tail swing radius makes it ideal for work on roadways, bridges, urban areas, or anywhere space is limited.
The 67.7-horsepower (50.6 kW) machine has standard high-flow auxiliary hydraulics with proportional joysticks that offer incredible job versatility, while providing precise attachment control. A standard grading blade with new moldboard profile improves backfilling and light grading efficiency.
The new high-efficiency power package and viscous fan clutch work together to lower overall fuel consumption by up to 13 percent. The smart, simplified catalytic system removes soot without a diesel particulate filter, for lower maintenance and lower cost of ownership.
Faster boom up/swing speed, combined with responsive quick arm speed, make excavating and leveling work easier and more efficient. Six working modes enable the machine to be tailored to the tasks required, whether for performance or fuel savings.
Operators work comfortably in a quiet, climate-controlled cab featuring air suspension seat, Bluetooth radio, and high-resolution monitor with rearview camera. The sliding cab door makes entry and exit easier in confined spaces and LED lights provide excellent vision at night.
GF Piping Systems
gfps.com
GF Piping System’s 2580 FlowtraMag full-bore magnetic flow meter is used to quantify the effectiveness of various polymers per-ton of solids.
For example, it made installation and troubleshooting easy for Superior Analytics Instruments (SAI), a specialist in measurement and control of liquids and gases, at a sand mine’s polymer feed line for dewatering sludge in West Texas, where water conservation and water reuse are essential.
Previously, Jon Cleveland, SAI owner, had used GF products on many other installations. In this case, irregular flows observed on the flow meter during setup were eliminated and more-precise dosing was achieved by installing the GF back pressure valve. These changes were easy to identify. The back pressure adjustment was optimized, using the real-time data observed on the App.
“The key reason the 2580 was chosen for this dewatering application was its compact size for fitting into tight spaces,” said Cleveland. “Other factors that went into the decision were its simple installation and setup, price point and amazingly easy-to-use app.”
The GF Configuration Tool Bluetooth App allows users to configure and calibrate the 2580 to the parameters required for their system. After customizing parameters for averaging, low flow cut off, or spanning the 4 to 20 mA output, users can then monitor and adjust 2580 performance settings on their Android or iOS device.
Neenah Foundry
nfco.com
Utility, transportation, municipal, data management, and industrial enterprises understand the need to deliver services around-the-clock, knowing that any threat to their operational security or public safety can cause a loss of revenue and tarnish reputations.
Neenah Foundry introduced InfraLOCK to specifically protect the nation’s underground infrastructure.
The heavy-duty manhole cover incorporates the ultra-strong ABLOY Critical Infrastructure USA PLM340 padlock. The cover is furnished with a cast iron plug that conceals the weather-resistant padlock housing. When unlocked, the hardened steel constructed padlock swings to the side – and by design, cannot be removed from the housing. Pullback on a cast iron bar releases the locking mechanism and allows the cover to be removed.
ABLOY’s shackle-sealed, corrosion-resistant padlock provides a host of benefits. These start with patented disc rotating technology, making the padlock almost impossible to pick. Cylinder options inside the padlock allow for integrating systems to control keys, manage access rights, and perform audit trails with ABLOY CLIQ technology.
InfraLOCK is easy to install and can be retrofitted into existing frames without costly demolition, unnecessary hardware or installation expenditures. The housing can be fitted to virtually any standard manhole cover.
Neenah Foundry, Neehan, Wisc., has produced American-made municipal infrastructure and construction products for nearly 150 years. highly engineered, structural, and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and industrial markets. It’s a part of Neenhan Enterprises, Inc., one of the most comprehensive infrastructure and industrial manufacturers in North America.
EPIROC
epiroc.com
Epiroc, based in Broomfield, Colo., launched its latest innovation: the world´s first face drill rig with internal and protected hydraulics, sensors and cables. Boomer M20’s heavy-duty, hose-less design is built to minimize unplanned stops for hose repairs, and maximize uptime and performance in highly demanding underground mining operations.
High precision and performance are ensured by on-board automation features, tele-remote capabilities and digital drill plans that give higher reliability and quality of the full drill cycle. Utilizing the latest technology, Boomer M20 allows the operator to adjust and download drill plans directly at the face, eliminating the need for adjustments on the surface.
With digital drill plan handling, drill rounds are longer, more precise and give far less overbreak. Total cost savings of up to 25 percent and productivity increases up to a 40-percent can be achieved via high-performance development.
Several safety features enhance the working environment for Boomer M20 operators. Through tele-remote capabilities, operators can drill a safe distance away from hazardous areas at the tunnel face and keep production going over shift changes. The safe bolting platforms are another great advantage because this avoids any operation under an unsupported rock.
Epiroc continues the charge towards electrification in underground mining and the new Boomer M20 comes with a battery-electric driveline option. A battery-powered model brings additional savings on health, maintenance, ventilation and cooling.
With the onboard charger, the operator does not need to plan for charging, as it automatically takes place while connected to the grid for drilling. Thanks to the high-capacity battery, the Boomer M20 has a fantastic driving range, and there is nothing to disturb the drift cycle. •
Gardner Denver Launches New 1,000-GPM, Lightweight Pump for HDD Market
Gardner Denver High Pressure Solutions (GD), the global provider of high-pressure pumps, parts and services, expanded its suite of pump offerings for the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market with its new GD 800HDD pump.
The American-made pump, built with quality and efficiency in mind, features an extremely high flow rate of more than 1,000-gallons per minute, making it suitable for the most demanding HDD projects. Its light-weight eases transportation between work sites and an extremely high rod load rating of 53,000 pounds ensures the pump is tough and long lasting.
Also designed to operate at a slow run speed, the pump delivers the same output, flow, and pressure as faster pumps, with less violent actions, wear and friction. By delivering fewer strokes, consumable life is extended.
“As an extremely powerful but lightweight, 800-brake-horsepower (BHP) pump, the GD 800 is an ideal fit for the HDD market, which has traditionally been reliant on heavy, less mobile oil and gas drilling pumps,” said Adam Avey, engineering supervisor at Gardner Denver.
“The quintuplex (5-cylinder) pump runs with great efficiency and can make fast work of the largest HDD projects. Additionally, there is no requirement to change pistons to meet any required pressures.”
This newest pump is the second GD option for the HDD market. GD pumps are both qualified as maxi rig pumps and provide a suite of options to the HDD industry when tunneling under rivers and roads and laying sewerage systems, water pipes, fiber optic lines and pipelines.
Brandon Janda, high pressure industrial product line director, GD, said, “Our pumps serve as an American-made, rugged and reliable industrial pump option for the HDD market,” said Brandon Janda, director of Gardner Denver’s high-pressure industrial product line.
Based in Houston, Gardner Denver’s High-Pressure Solutions division specializes in designing and manufacturing high-pressure pumps, parts and services for industries around the world. With state-of-the-art repair shops and service facilities across North America, Gardner Denver serves as a partner to customers for every aspect of aftermarket support – including high-performance consumables, field service, repair and exchange programs, training, technical support and partnership and supply agreements.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Gardner Denver High Pressure Solutions, (866) 437-8677, gardnerdenverpumps.com
John Deere Debuts Anti-Vibration Undercarriage System on Compact Track Loader
John Deere expanded its compact equipment offerings with the introduction of the anti-vibration undercarriage system for the 333G compact track loader.
“At John Deere, we are committed to enhancing our operators’ experience and creating a more productive and dynamic job site,” said Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The new anti-vibration undercarriage delivers on that commitment, providing a solution to increase comfort, in turn boosting operator performance. By improving the operator experience, we’re helping to maximize overall productivity and profitability on the job site.”
By utilizing an anti-vibration suspension at the front and rear of the track frame and absorbing shock through the rubber isolators, the machine provides a smoother ride for the operator. These features also enable the machine to travel at higher speeds while retaining material on the job, and to flex up and down.
The new bogie roller system allows for oscillating movement of the rollers, promoting smoother transitions when cresting a hill, improved stability on uneven grounds, and enabling larger debris to pass between the roller and track system. This updated design also features a new oscillating bogie arm, further enhancing operator efficiency. In addition, it has only four new grease points, which are easy to access, enabling operators to spend more time being productive.
A new, angled steel shield was added to protect the hydrostatic hoses from exposure to debris, reducing downtime due to damage. Additionally, rubber isolators were implemented to offer longer track life and allow easier repairs compared to other competitive solutions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
John Deere, (844) 809-1508, johndeere.com
CAT Command Remote-Control Operation Expanded to Excavator Line
Caterpillar’s new CAT Command for Excavating provides remote-control operation for six excavators spanning the 20- to 40-metric-ton-class sizes: CAT 320, 323, 326, 330, 336 and 340 models.
Providing remote control that removes the operator from the machine in potentially hazardous operating environments, enhances safety and increases productivity. CAT excavators are made Command-ready through a dealer-installed field kit for new or existing fleet machines.
Deeply integrated with the excavator’s electronics, Command controls allow users to experience the same machine response as if they were operating from inside the cab – without the fatigue-inducing vibration of excavator movements at the site. Machine technology features, such as Grade Assist, Swing Assist and E-Fence, can also be set, activated and deactivated remotely, and enable efficient switching between remote and manual operation, via a ground-level switch.
With users comfortably controlling dig, lift and tracking functions from a safe location, Command for Excavating enables production to restart immediately following disruptive processes. It also enhances safety and improves productivity on a range of projects like operating in unstable underfoot conditions, brownfields, shore work, demolition and site decommissioning, and stevedoring.
The Command system offers two different remote operating configurations.
Command console offers line-of-site machine control through a lightweight, compact console, supported by a comfortable shoulder harness. Ideal for temporary or emergency remote operation with no onsite communications infrastructure required, the console works from up to 437 yards (400 meters) away, controlling all excavator functions with virtually no response delay.
Built-in safety features stop all excavator movements if the remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost, or the console is tilted more than 45 degrees from normal operating position.
Command station provides non-line-of-site operation from the comfort of an air-conditioned office onsite or many miles away, depending on the capabilities of the wireless network.
A dealer-installed field kit features multiple cameras on the excavator that offer a view of the surrounding area, plus the ability to stream on-site video feeds. Alongside the cameras, indicator lights, microphone, wireless receiver, and antenna are all mounted on top of the cab to minimize the risk of damage.
The customized Command station reflects the cab environment, with users comfortably seated in a familiar setting. Positioned in front of the user, universal screen mounts provide easy view of the excavator’s camera displays, while touchscreen monitors similar to the in-cab display, offer machine control.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Caterpillar, (309) 675-1000, cat.com/commandforexcavating
CASE Introduces Precision Grader Blade Attachment
CASE Construction Equipment’s all-new Precision Grader Blade is a powerful new attachment for large-frame compact track loaders, that delivers grading performance in a more compact and agile footprint. It’s compatible with the same 2D and 3D machine control technologies deployed on full-sized motor graders – including CASE SiteControl grader solutions powered by Leica Geosystems.
“This is built for those applications where contractors have always wanted the power and precision of a motor grader, but were unable to justify it based on size, access or cost,” said Jerry Hutkowski, product manager, CASE Construction Equipment. “It takes the large-frame CTL that many contractors already own and turns it into a powerful precision grading solution capable of working on sites where a larger machine isn’t practical or can’t gain access.”
The CASE Precision Grader Blade is compatible with the use of laser receivers (single or dual), sonic tracers (single or dual), GNSS/GPS (single or dual) and total stations, and the attachment itself is “plug and play” with the auxiliary hydraulics and 14-pin electrical connection of a large-frame CTL.
It features a 108-inch moldboard capable of jointly changing elevation and slope through dual lift cylinders, as well as achieving 60 degrees of combined blade rotation and 26 inches of combined blade side shift. Motion and action for the grader blade are controlled through the existing joysticks of the CTL — no additional controls are required.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CASE Construction Equipment, (262) 636-6011, casece.com
Comments