February 2022 Vol. 77 No. 2
New Products
New Products
New Cat Mini Hydraulic Excavators, Cat Grade Technologies Increase Power & Productivity
Built to deliver an improved customer experience, the new 4-ton, Cat 304, and 5-ton, Cat 305 CR, Next Generation mini hydraulic excavators deliver more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces and deeper standard digging depths.
As a result, these 1.5 to 10-ton class models performance by up to 20 percent and lower owner/operating costs up to 10 percent, over their E2 series counterparts.
Daily maintenance checks are quickly made from ground level through side doors. Increased service intervals mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the shop.
The new, reduced-radius 304 features a narrow, 66.9-inch track width –10 inches less than 304 E2 – for more versatility and access to confined spaces. While slimmer, the new 4-ton class 304 has greater stability, both 360-degree and when traveling with loads. Its extra counterweight option takes the model to an even higher level of stability.
A new engine on the 5-tonne class Cat 305 delivers nearly 9-percent greater power to increase machine performance. Hydraulic system improvements provide higher breakout forces –11,061 lbf bucket, 6,362 lbf standard stick and 5,665 lbf long stick – to improve digging efficiency in hard rock applications. It can produce 5.6-inch deeper dig depths than the E2 model, giving it more application flexibility.
In addition, Caterpillar now offers Cat Grade technologies as an aftermarket option to owners of Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavators in the 6 to 10-ton class range. Available through Cat and Sitech dealers, owners can equip the excavators with Cat Grade Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D. The field kit’s modular components facilitate quick installation, while the technology seamlessly integrates into the Cat next generation excavator electronics infrastructure.
Beneficial in a range of applications including sewer and septic work, digging footings and flat pad home development, Cat Grade technologies help operators reduce the number of passes, shorten the time it takes to complete cuts and lowers overall operating costs at the job site. They improve grade quality and consistency for operators of all experience levels.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Caterpillar, (309) 675-1000, cat.com
ISCO Industries Acquires IPF Fabrication Business
ISCO Industries, Inc., a Louisville-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping products manufacturer and distributor, signed a Definitive Agreement to purchase the HDPE fabrication portion of Plasson USA.
Formerly known as “IPF,” an innovator in the fabrication business for 25 years, the acquisition includes the Spirolite product line. The combination of two HDPE fabrication leaders will provide ISCO customers with the most comprehensive product and service offerings in the industry.
Along with fabrication capabilities, the acquisition brings employees with decades of experience in the HDPE industry. That knowledge is an invaluable resource for ISCO customers.
“Ensuring we take care of our customers is paramount to ISCO’s business,” explained Lee Mizell, ICSO chief operating officer. “To us, that means being able to provide them with solutions for almost any situation. No two jobs require the same products.”
Since 1962, ISCO Industries, a global customized total piping solutions provider, has stocked and sold a wide variety of HDPE pipe, piping materials. ISCO offers custom piping fabrication to provide solutions for multiple applications such as: industrial, municipal, power, oil and gas, mining, environmental, geothermal, golf, culvert-lining and landfill. The company also rents, services and sells McElroy fusion equipment. •
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ISCO Industries, (800) 345-4726, isco-pipe.com
Volvo CE Develops Full-Power Electric Ecosystem with E-WorkSite
Together with multiple municipalities, cities and academic and industry partners, Volvo CE is thoroughly testing every part of how an electric machine is put to work from a system perspective – from charging infrastructure through to energy supply and more.
The Electric Worksite (E-Worksite), launched earlier this year in Gothenburg, Sweden, not only sets the global benchmark for electric job sites, but also tests electric machines’ specific requirements across different tasks within a demanding urban environment. It is a vital next step in the manufacturer’s electrification journey and a testament to its commitment to achieving net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
E-Worksite is a long-running research project that explores the site requirements for electromobility over the next two years across a variety of different applications.
In this first phase, a number of electric machines already available on the market are being put to the test, including the L25 Electric wheel loader and ECR25 Electric excavator, which are carrying out minor construction work, material moving and landscaping. A larger ,30-tonne grid-connected excavator will be tasked with more energy-demanding jobs at different construction sites, to start in spring next year.
Project planners are answering questions such as how to ensure best value for money for customers and what are the most energy-efficient methods of supplying electricity to power the machines. Beyond the technology itself, business models, infrastructure and support systems, regulatory frameworks and a mindset change are all required on the road to full acceptance.
It is a complex puzzle to solve, as there will be no one-size-fits-all. The findings will prove important not only for municipalities in deciding how to develop the appropriate legislation, but also for industry partners in bringing technical solutions to market – both in the immediate future and over the next two decades.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Volvo Construction Equipment (Americas), (717) 532-9181, volvoce.com
Equipment Introductions Mark Major, Strategic Steps in Yanmar Transformation
Yanmar Compact Equipment company ASV Holdings Inc. launched the industry’s most-powerful compact track loader – without compromise.
The 12,990-pound MAX-Series RT-135 Forestry Posi-Track loader features 10-percent more horsepower than the previous titleholder (RT-120) it replaces, giving operators the ability to maintain best-in-class machine performance while operating high-flow attachments.
That maximum power is paired with the completely upgraded loader and new MAX-Series lineup, offering superior comfort and ease-of-use features that come standard. Outfitted with forestry-rated guarding and safety features, the new machine is ideal for land clearing and other high-flow applications.
“Operators have been clamoring for a MAX-Series version of the RT-120, but we’re giving them something even better,” said Buck Storlie, product manager, ASV Holdings. “It’s faster, stronger, more productive, and is capable of keeping up with the ever-growing list of high-flow attachments used on today’s toughest jobs.”
The industry-leading, 132-horsepower Cummins engine, 50-gallon-per-minute maximum auxiliary flow; and oversized, 66-gallon-per-minute-capacity auxiliary pump, allow RT-135F to transfer more engine power to the attachment, without sacrificing machine performance.
Its new 52-gallon fuel tank – 22 gallons more than RT-120 – means powerful machine can be used longer, even all day, without refueling. Increased productivity also comes from lifting more, due to RT-135F’s 4,150-pound rated operating capacity, 10-mile-per-hour top speed and 10.4-foot lift height.
RT-135F’s undercarriage is upgraded for maximum performance under the additional weight. Redesigned torsion axles are 20-percent stronger than their predecessors, allowing the track to flex over obstacles and reduce impact to the operator and attachment.
ASV’s Posi-Track system features a flexible track and an open-rail and internal positive drive-sprocket undercarriage, for more traction, longer wear life and faster, more convenient undercarriage cleaning.
With more ground contact points, RT-135F’s 20-inch-wide tracks spread the machine’s weight, for a 4.6 psi ground pressure. This enables more flotation and traction on steep, slippery and wet ground, and enhanced control and pushing capabilities that virtually eliminating the risk of track derailment.
A non-Forestry version (RT-135) is ideal for high-intensity applications and high-flow attachments in a variety of industries, including dirt work, general construction, landscaping, snow clearing and more.
Bringing the quality and reliability of its conventional engine and mini-excavator technology to a whole new level, Yanmar also unveiled its first electric prototype.
Aimed at customers in the European market, SV17e plays in the 1.5- to 2.0-tonne segment. Powered by efficient electric drive and hard-working, fast-charging 48-volt batteries, it’s a quiet, zero-emission machine designed to meet the most demanding emissions restrictions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yanmar Compact Equipment, (800) 205-9913, yanmar.com/us/products/construction/ASV, (800) 205-9913, asvi.com
RimRiser
rimriser.com
RimRiser adjust-to-grade systems for manholes, catch basins, and precast tops are now available from RimRiser, Inc. and from foundries, precasters and civil infrastructure suppliers in major markets nationwide (and growing).
RimRiser’s unique, bolt-adjusted riser technology makes the process of leveling cast iron manhole rings, inlet frames/grates and precast concrete tops far simpler, faster and more accurate than any other solution available.
By significantly reducing the crew, time and equipment required to ensure that utility covers, grates and tops are precisely leveled to grade, RimRiser streamlines the paving process, keeps traffic moving smoothly and protects roads from unnecessary wear – and costly repairs – that result from utility covers that are too high, too low or shift over time.
RimRiser now offers more than 35 RimRiser-ready castings, including models specified for 15 states, and the company is adding new models regularly.
Leveling of manholes and other surface-level infrastructure can be a time-consuming process that requires multiple people and often relies on outdated, unsafe and imprecise methods. RimRiser solutions use a patented four-bolt system that allows a single crew member to precisely level the riser to the specified grade using a standard 5/8-inch nut driver. This makes it easy to set it right the first time and to adjust on-the-fly, if needed.
RimRiser’s patented bolts are small enough to fit in a pocket, making them easy to store and carry. And because RimRiser-ready castings all use the same bolt adjustable system, there’s no need to order special sizes in advance or worry about having the right-sized shims or adjustable rings on the truck.
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