The A to Z of ConExpo

You can explain the size of a show like ConExpo to people who have never experienced it, but it’s only by walking the floor for a while (generally quite a while) that a first-time visitor can gain some perspective on what a huge undertaking it is, for the organisers and the individual exhibiting companies.

In this issue, and in last month’s magazine, we have tried to cast a wide net over the show, to give a sense of the range of products on display in Las Vegas this year.

It’s just a fraction of ConExpo, but it’s hopefully a good place to start – and this time, it’s as easy as A, B, C, as we’ve covered the featured exhibitors in alphabetical order.

AIRWARE/REDBIRD

Caterpillar recently announced that it has made a strategic investment in the technology company Airware. The firm said its investment will allow it to accelerate programmes that enable its dealers to offer new solutions and services within industries including construction, mining and quarrying. It added that the move highlights its commitment in leading the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Along with its investment in Airware, Cat now has access to the drone technology from Redbird, which Airware acquired last year.

At ConExpo, experts from Redbird will be on hand to explain the many benefits for the construction industry of using drone technology.

They will describe how drone flights can capture high-quality aerial data and analyse it, before creating detailed, survey-grade site maps of over 400 hectares per day, per drone. Redbird says this data can be invaluable for use on pre-site inspections and monitoring of construction sites.

ARDCO

In the tradition of previous off-road transportation platforms, the next generation Articulating Multi-Purpose Truck (AMT) from Ardco features a modular back-end platform that offers the ability to customise attachments to suit work environments from urban construction projects to extreme off-road jobsites.

The Ardco AMT incorporates an easy-to-use universal attachment system, designed to accept a wide range of equipment. Available configurations include a flat bed, water tank, fuel tank, service and lubrication bed, utility bed, personnel carrier.

Multiple tyre choices and other custom options enable the machine to operate in various work conditions. The AMT can navigate difficult terrain, and can be utilised in construction and rail projects, and in desert, forest, mountains and swamp conditions.

ASV

Known for its range of compact tracked and skid steer loaders, ASV brings its new large-frame, radial-lift RT-75 to ConExpo. The machine features efficient hydraulics and a high-capacity cooling system, as well as providing industry-leading ground clearance.

ASV says its low ground pressure, solid traction and excellent track life, make it versatile enough for use in construction, landscaping and forestry.

The RT-75 has a Cummins engine, Bosch drive pumps and motors, and Interstate batteries among its line-up of components and ASV general manager, Jim DiBiagio says, “The RT-75 was designed to be the most reliable, highest all-around performing machine in the large frame class — 75 to 95 horsepower machines.”

BOBCAT

Bobcat will exhibit a variety of equipment on two booths, including skid-steer, compact tracked and all-wheel steer loaders; compact excavators, telescopic handlers and attachments for use with these machines.

A potential attraction for visitors is Bobcat’s recently launched range of rigid frame telehandlers for applications in construction, rental, agriculture, recycling and industry, covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.1 tonnes, and with lifting heights from 6 to 18 m.

The company also offers a range of four rotary telescopic handlers, providing maximum lifting heights of 15.7, 18.7, 20.5 and 24.1 m, respectively.

Also on display at ConExpo, will be a new range of Bobcat generators; the G25, G50 and G70 generators are the first to be equipped with Doosan-buildt engines, and the company says the Tier 4 Final-compliant models offer improved fuel efficiency, extended runtimes and the industry’s lowest sound levels.

BSP INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATIONS

UK-based BSP, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic piling hammers, ground improvement attachments and related equipment, is set to make its North American launch a range of impact hydraulic piling hammers – the DX-RT range.

The compact hammers, intended for use largely on railroad infrastructure and civil engineering projects, have been designed to drive steel piles to support electrification stanchions gantries and so on.

The three-hammer range provides drop weights of 1.5, 2 and 3 tonnes, with the 2-tonne hammer on display at the show.

The hammers have been designed for attachment to road and rail hydraulic excavators with an operating weight of over 30 tonnes, and BSP says they can be quickly erected from a horizontal transport position to a vertical of five degrees, allowing them to cope with the cant of rail lines.

BSP will also show its range of rapid impact compactors, including the recently-introduced RIC-16000 model, capable of ground consolidation to depths of over 8m.

CHICAGO PNEUMATIC

Chicago Pneumatic (CP) comes to ConExpo with a range of new equipment, from power trowels to inverters to LED lighting towers.

Exclusive to the US market, CP has added three new QuickStop walk-behind power trowels to its concrete surfacing tools range.

Unlike the conventional centrifugal clutch transmission from engines to blades, the QuickStop power trowels have a belt clutch that responds instantly to the palm handle kill switch thereby eliminating any possibility of handle rotation and risk of injury to the operator.

CP says all the trowels in its QuickStop range are designed with easy maintenance in mind and are capable of undertaking a variety of small surfacing applications, such as concrete slabs, industrial warehouse floors and car parks.

CIFA

Italian manufacturer Cifa produces machinery and equipment for concrete work and part of the Chinese industrial group Zoomlion since 2008.

At ConExpo, Cifa will show a range of equipment, including its Carbotech, Steeltech and Classic truck-mounted pumps.

Top of the line is the Carbotech series, with electronics management controlling the pumping unit, stabilisation and operating parameters, and distribution arms in carbon fibre to guarantee sturdiness, light weight and less oscillation during the work phases.

At the show, Cifa will introduce to the American market, the K42L from its Steeltech range. Launched in Europe in 2016, this machine has a newly designed five-section boom and a length of 42 m, an optimal weight distribution on many chassis.

From the Classic range, the K36C has a 36 m arm, five sections with Z folding and an open circuit pumping unit with a maximum capacity of 120 m3/h and 70 bar maximum pressure on the concrete.

CUMMINS

Cummins will feature a comprehensive range of products dedicated to the construction industry, and is planning to display its latest Tier 4 Final engines from 49-675hp, alongside the next generation of Stage V engines for 2019.

These are supported by leading component technologies such as turbocharging, fuel systems, filtration and exhaust after-treatment, all driving operational benefits for users of Cummins, says the firm.

Also available will be a number of rental and commercial power generation solutions for construction sites. Cummins Connected Diagnostics experts will be on-hand to help customers understand how they can better manage their assets and reduce the total cost of operation.

DOKA

Demonstrating the latest in concrete formwork technology, Doka will showcase wall, slab and climbing solutions and services ranging from engineering, field support, pre-assembly and project management. Additionally, Doka will display advances in technology, such as the Concremote sensors that enable contractors to strip formwork earlier than ever before. Concremote and Doka will also be featured in the new Technology Experience pavilion.

On the booth, Doka will show its new climbing formwork technology, the Super Climber SCP system. The Super Climber was recently used on the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere, New York’s 432 Park Avenue.

The company will also show its new Dokadek panellised floor formwork system, while capabilities in custom formwork applications and time-saving pre-assembly formwork can be seen.

DSC DREDGE

Louisiana-based DSC Dredge says visitors to its booth will discover how the firm’s advanced dredging technology has benefited customers worldwide, with their units in use in applications including construction, mining, restoration and environmental applications.

DSC’s says it sbase dredges include six different model lines, designed for different basic applications, which are further customised for specific customer requirements. Included in the range are the Marlin Class deep mining dredge, with its underwater pump system and high-torque cutter drive, designed for excavating deep mining deposits; the Shark Class dredge, most commonly used in the sand and aggregate production arena; and the Badger Class and Wolverine Class dredges, designed for the contractor, with compact, yet portable designs that are fully functional by one operator. Several of the DSC models are available with electric power for operations requiring sustainable attributes.

ENERPAC

High-pressure hydraulic tools specialist Enerpac will exhibit its latest developments in heavy lifting in Las Vegas, and promises live demonstrations of its products – including the SPMT600 Self-Propelled Modular Transporter, a compact solution for transporting heavy loads.

The SBL500 Hydraulic Telescopic Gantry will also be on display and will demonstrate its 531 tonne lifting capacity, with four towers in the first stage.

Among other heavy-lifting products on show from Enerpac will be the new JS250 jack-up system, the computer controlled HSL7006 strand jack, the EVOB816J synchronous lifting system and SFP404SJ split flow pump.

ENGCON

Swedish firm Engcon, a leading manufacturer of tiltrotators for excavators, is showcasing its equipment to the US market for the first time this year, while simultaneously announcing the official launch of its North American operation.

As the name suggests, the tiltrotator is a tilting and rotating quick coupler for excavators from 1.7 to 35 tonnes, which allows the bucket or other tool to tilt around 45 degrees and rotate a full 360 degrees. This reduces the need to keep moving the machine, which saves time, reduces fuel consumption and machine wear, and allows operators to work in tight spaces and with improved accuracy.

Engcon’s system also makes it possible to hydraulically connect a large number of attachments without leaving the driver’s seat.

GOLDHOFER

Specialised transport manufacturer Goldhofer will present two big attractions at the show: a six-axle ADDrive, with three self-propelled axle lines; and an STZ-P (3+3+3) AA low loader semi-trailer, for use on North American highways.

The ADDrive, first unveiled last year at Bauma in Munich, is a switchable drive, which optimises working with heavy-duty modules – whether they are operated as towed modules or as self-propelled modular transporters.

When crossing bridges, the tractor is simply disconnected and ADDrive is switched to its self-propelled mode, avoiding the need to unload the cargo. Goldhofer says the vehicle is equally versatile when undertaking routes involving tight bends and roundabouts.

The company will also show its STZ-P semi-trailer, with swing-axle technology, maximum frame strength and extendible decks, plus a choice of vehicle widths and various wheelbases.

HAULOTTE

People and material lifting equipment specialist, Haulotte, will attend ConExpo with a range of equipment to showcase, including a US premiere for its rough-terrain telescopic boom, HT85 RTJ O. Haulotte says the HT85 range benefits operators as it offers comfortable operation, essential when working at a height of almost 28 m. The telescopic boom also offers flexibility and precision, giving users greater confidence and letting them reach the desired work area quickly and safely.

From the perspective of rental companies, the range was designed to withstand intensive use while offering stress-free maintenance. Haulotte Group is thus looking to address one of your main concerns: a durable machine that requires little maintenance and keeps costs at a reasonable level.

Haulotte will also bring articulated booms from its HA range to the show, as well as the trailer-mounted 6543 A and the new Optimum 1931AC scissor lift.

HAVER & BOECKER

Screening machines specialist Haver & Boecker (H&B) will display its new portable F-class vibrating screen, which promises increased mobility to maximise flexibility and ROI for aggregate and mining operations.

Each portable F-Class features a base frame that attaches to a custom-built chassis. The portable plant includes a hydraulic system that positions the vibrating screen at the optimal angle. H&B says these two features allow producers to move and setup the portable F-Class in less than 30 minutes in almost any location.

The screen offers up to three screen decks, and the vibrating screen features a double eccentric shaft design, supported by four high-performance double-spherical roller bearings.

Also equipped with H&B’s patented Ty-Rail quick-tensioning system, the firm says downtime for screen media change-outs can be reduced by up to 50%.

JENNY PRODUCTS

Portable power specialist Jenny Products will be demonstrating a range of equipment including generators and temporary lighting options at ConExpo.

The K11HGA-17P-3000W compressor/generator features Jenny’s ‘K’ pump, a heavy-dury single-stage cast iron compressor pump. Powered by a Honda OHV engine with electric start, each model includes a 3,000 W generator, for powering electric tools, lighting or other jobsite equipment.

The company will also show an inflatable temporary lighting solution, designed for use in both large and confined areas. A cylindrical load-bearing nylon tower is inflated with constant air pressure delivered by an integral blower system. The units can be installed and ready for operation in approximately one minute with no special tools or additional components and the tower remains inflated even with minor cuts or perforations.

KOMATSU AMERICA

Komatsu America promises to have a major presence at this year’s event, with most of its Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment on show.

On Komatsu’s outdoor booth, the IMC family will include eight models of dozer and three excavators. Komatsu will also be showcasing its Smartconstruction programme, which offers a jobsite solution, including training and support, surveying/inspection, 3D modelling, jobsite-data solutions and setup.

At the firm’s indoor booth, Komatsu will display a range of Tier 4 machines, including new wheeled loaders and a wide range of excavators, as well as numerous dozers and trucks and a motor grader.

PUTZMEISTER

After its initial launch at January’s World of Concrete, Putzmeister will introduce its new 47Z-Meter truck-mounted concrete boom pump to the crowds at ConExpo.

The pump will feature a new design for its pedestal and five-section boom for increased manoeuvrability, reduced overall weight, and, says the firm, a more user-friendly design. It is also the first Putzmeister pump to feature the new Ergonic 2.0 control system, with design enhancements aimed at giving

an improved operator experience and greater flexibility. Additionally, Putzmeister says the the new model is easier and more affordable to service than its predecessors.

The boom on the 47Z-Meter promises increased flexibility and a reach of 41.1 m horizontal, 46.1 m vertical. As an added safety precaution, a new boom rest switch will help ensure the boom is fully stowed prior to driving.

RAIMONDI CRANES

As the US begns to show signs of a solid economic recovery, it is perhaps not surprising that European manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of the North American market.

For the first time, Italian crane manufacturer Raimondi Cranes will exhibit at ConExpo, and Domenico Ciano, Technical Director, Raimondi Cranes, said, “As an Italian heritage brand that has now transitioned into a more advanced technical space by implementing research-based design into our latest product launches, the luffing LR213 and the MRT159, we believe it’s now time to increase our North American activities.”

Designed with the urban jobsite in mind, Raimondi says the LR213 performs especially well in construction scenarios involving high rise buildings in close proximity, or areas with difficult to obtain flyover rights.

The MRT159 has a 65 m jib length and a maximum tip load of 1,650 kg, and, according to Raimondi, its maximum load is 10,000 kg.

RDS TECHNOLOGY

Along with Loup Electronics, RDS Technology will show its range of on-board payload weighing equipment, including the Weighlog Vue scale for wheeled loader. The system combines sensor technology and signal processing techniques to provide precise and constant bucket weight information.

Designed for use in the fastest loading environments and with the durability to operate in tough conditions, RDS says Weighlog Vue can reduce cycle times and maximise tonnes per hour performance.

The equipment has a 17.5 cm touch-screen display, plus physical keys, and is suitable for use with up to ten attachments, including buckets or forks.

With up to four sensors, the system continually measures hydraulic pressure and takes into account the angle of the boom before sending the resultant calculation to the cabin-mounted terminal.

SANDVIK

Swedish engineering group Sandvik will show a range of mineral and ground tools for mining, trenching and road planing.

The company says its latest generation of patented carbide grades, manufactured using an innovative process technique with completely new raw materials, has made it possible to create new, extra-coarse, super-tough alloys with perfectly uniform grain structure. The benefit, says Sandvik, is that the tip’s material grade can be better matched to hard rock and soft rock applications.

Sandvik says its new carbide grade generation provides larger, stronger and more efficient tools, designed for use with continuous cutting machines, which are now tending to be utilised in place of the traditional drill-and-blast process in many mining projects.

TEREX FINLAY

Terex Finlay says it will bring its new I-140 impact crusher to Las Vegas.

The direct drive 1,270mm x 1,240mm horizontal impact crusher with variable speed promises to give operators enhanced levels of production in both recycling, mining and quarrying applications. The machine’sTerex CR032 chamber has improved reduction ratios and consistency of product shape.

The company is keen to demonstrate the material flow through the plant, which it says has also been significantly improved by increasing the width of components as the material moves through the machine.

The I-140 impactor is fitted as standard with the firm’s T-Link telematics system, with a free three year data subscription. T-Link, is a remote monitoring and fleet management system that combines the machines’ inbuilt CANbus control system with satellite positioning and telematics software.

TRIMBLE

One of the world leaders in construction technology, Trimble, has developed solutions for sectors including earthworks, paving and drilling and piling.

At ConExpo, the firm says it will demonstrate innovations such as advanced paving control systems, and a range of technology for us in every phase of the construction project cycle, from initial planning through to maintenance.

According to the firm, its mix of hardware, software and mobility solutions combine to deliver real-time data to infrastructure owners, engineering firms and civil contractors, offering enhanced information about material, people and asset utilisation, with the benefit of improved productivity.