International Construction's ConExpo-Con/Agg show guide

This year’s ConExpo-Con/Agg exhibition in Las Vegas takes place from 4 – 8 March. As one of the major global construction equipment exhibitions this year, it is expected to see plenty of new machines launched.

Last held in 2011, the exhibition sees visitor numbers in the region of 130,000. This year over 2,400 exhibitors will take part and the total indoor and outdoor exhibition space will come to 213,680 m². This year’s show sees a new outdoor space added, the Platinum Lot, which will be located across from the South Hall, and will provide 35,953 m² of space.

As ever, new regulations on engine exhaust emissions will play a big part in what machines are being launched. This year sees the introduction of the Tier 4 Final regulations in the US and their equivalent, Stage IV in Europe.

That should mean plenty of new machines being unveiled at ConExpo. However, there are also various flexibility allowances and other provisions in place to help manufacturers make the transition from one engine regulation to the next. In other words, don’t expect everything you see at ConExpo to be a brand new machine with a Tier 4 Final engine.

Earthmoving

But there will certainly be plenty of new machines to see, and new engines will be a theme for major players like Caterpillar. Tier 4 Final-compliant equipment on show will include the manufacturer’s new 966M, 966M XE, 972M and 972M XE wheeled loaders, which have bucket capacities ranging from 2.48 m³ to 9.94 m³, as well as the 980M and 982M wheeled loaders, which can carry buckets with capacities of between 4.2 m³ and 14 m³.

Caterpillar’s new C-Series articulated dump trucks – the 23.6 tonne capacity 725C, 28 tonne capacity 730C, and its ejector body counterpart, the 730C EJ – will also be on show. All the models are available with either US Tier 2/EU Stage II equivalent, Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent, or Tier 4-Final/Stage IV-compliant engines to meet a range of emissions standards around the world.

The same engine options are available for the company’s new rigid haulers that will also be introduced at the show, form of the 36.3 tonne payload 770G and 47.1 tonne payload 772G. Other new equipment on Caterpillar’s stand will also include four new D Series skid steer loaders, a new range of compact tracked loaders and multi terrain loaders.

Meanwhile, Liebherr said it would have over 20 machines from its earthmoving, material handling and construction equipment product ranges on display – including its latest Tier 4 Final engine, which uses selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to comply with this year’s new laws.

Earthmoving equipment being showcased will include its
50 tonne class R956 excavator, 25 tonne class PR 736 dozer,
LH 40 M and LH 60 C material handlers, LB 44-510 rotary drilling rig and THS 110 D-K crawler concrete pump.

Volvo also said ConExpo 2014 would set the stage for the launch of its Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engine technology as well as its “Most innovative range of machines and services to date.” It was staying tight-lipped on the exact details, but said new equipment on show would include a new generation of E-Series excavators, G-Series articulated haulers and H-Series wheeled loaders – all Tier 4 Final compliant.

In addition, Volvo plans to exhibit its latest ranges of backhoe loaders, graders and skid- and tracked-steer loaders in what it said constituted a complete renewal of the company’s core range.

Liugong said it would present a new Tier 4 Final-compliant skid steer loader in the form of the 375B. This 865 kg capacity machine can lift to a dump clearance height of 2.2 m and boasts a 0.45 m3 capacity bucket as standard.

It will also have its 842III and 888III wheel wheeled loaders and 922D and 950E excavators on show, together with its 612H roller and two dozers from its Dressta brand.

Kobelco also plans new launches at ConExpo, including its SK55SRX mini excavator – a 5 tonne class machine boasting a 27.5kW engine that meets Tier 4 Final requirements.

JCB will be at the show as well, and said it would launch a new, Tier 4-compliant rough terrain fork lift range. Fitted with the manufacturer’s new, 55 kW Ecomax diesel engine, the 926, 930, 940 and 950 fork lift models are said to boast improved fuel consumption and lifting capacities of between 2.6 tonnes and 4.5 tonnes, with maximum lift heights of between 3.6m and 6.7m.

And Case has also released details of a new range of crawler dozers it plans to launch at the show – the six-model M Series. The manufacturer added that other major new product introductions were planned for its heavy equipment line, including updates to excavators, wheeled loaders and compactors.

As far as the new dozers go – the 22 tonne class 2050M, 18 tonne class 1650M, 15 tonne class 1150M, 10 tonne class 850M and 9 tonne class 750M – Case said the range offered fuel savings of up to 14%.

Wacker Neuson said it also planned to introduce a variety of new products at the show, including a new range of skid steer and compact tracked loaders. It said four new models would be available through the company’s US and Canadian network starting in mid-2014 – two wheeled skid steer models, the SW 24 and SW 28, and two compact track loaders, the ST 35 and ST 45.

Like others, the manufacturer said it would reveal more details of these new launches at the show. In addition to the new compact loaders and skid steers, Wacker Neuson also plans to introduce a new mini excavator in the form of the 1 tonne class 803. It said this machine could fit through standard interior doors and was available with a dual power option – it can be changed from diesel to electric power for use indoors.

Other new machines on show from the company will include an ET 20 compact tracked excavator, examples from its latest generation of vibratory rammers and new compaction control technology known as Compatec for its DPU 6555Hec reversible plate, among others.

Doosan and its sister company Bobcat will also be present at the event, and Tier 4 Final launches will be a major theme of new launches for these manufacturers as well. Doosan said it would reveal its new Tier 4 Final-compliant machines at the show, but said its stand would also feature a number of recently launched interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB compliant excavators and wheeled loaders, including the new DX140LCR-3 crawler excavator, the DX190W-3 wheeled excavator and the DL200-3 wheeled loader.

For its part, Bobcat plans to launch its first Tier 4 Final-compliant compact loaders – the new 500 series. The S510 and S550 skid-steer loaders have a radius lift path, while the new S530, S570 and S590 skid-steer and T590 compact tracked loader models feature a vertical lift path.

All the new machines feature a protection system that monitors, manages and shuts down the engine if needed. This technology monitors engine coolant and oil temperatures and will manage engine systems to reduce the potential of these fluids reaching a point where the machine has to be shut down. This is said to minimise potential damage to the engine, stop unnecessary engine wear and keep operators working.

In the foundations sector, Bauer Maschinen will present its BG series of rotary drilling rigs in the form of the BG 39 rig and BG 11 H – which will be introduced for the first time. Bauer said both BG rigs are equipped with the latest engine technology to fulfil Tier 4 regulations.

Bauer’s affiliated companies, RTG Rammtechnik and Klemm Bohrtechnik, will display a telescopic leader rig, the RG 19 T with its updated BS 65 RS base carrier, while Klemm will exhibit two multi-purpose anchor drills, the KR 806-3F and compact KR 707-2 with external power pack.

Bauer-Pileco, the American subsidiary of Bauer, will also present new pile driving technology in the form of the D 62-22 diesel impact hammer. Mat Mischanlagentechnik (which specialises in slurry mixing, materials handling and mechanical separation technology), will show its SCC 40 compact slurry mixing plant.

Road building

Plenty of new launches are also planned for the road building sector. Guntert & Zimmerman, for instance, will showcase its updated TC1500 texture cure machine, together with its S600 multi-purpose concrete slipform paver and TeleEnd telescopic end section.

The manufacturer will also be demonstrating its EGON IntelliMatics system – remote monitoring technology that keeps an eye on engine functions to catch small issues before they become major problems. It said this technology had now been expanded to all aspects of machine operation, including hydraulic and electrical functions.

GOMACO, meanwhile, will introduce a new slipform paver in the shape of the Commander III – a three-track machine that will be available to contractors this autumn. The Tier 4-compliant slipformer features the manufacturer’s G+ control system and a new operator’s platform with a pivoting control console.

The Commander III will also be available with an optional on-board camera as a new safety device to survey designated areas of the slipforming process. The company said the camera could be positioned anywhere around the paver and feeds live to the G+ display on the console.

In addition, the manufacturer will have a PS-2600 placer/spreader on show, together with a four-track GHP-2800 slipform paver, a C-450 bridge deck finisher and a new T/C-5600 texture/cure machine. The newest updates for the company’s GSI smoothness indicator technology will also be displayed.

Ammann will also be displaying its newest compaction and paving equipment focused on the North American and Latin American markets, including its asphalt mixing technology. Two new trailer-mounted plant ranges will be on show – the EasyBatch 140 for batch asphalt production and the Prime 140 for continuous production.

In addition, Ammann will have compaction machines and asphalt pavers on its stand, powered by Tier 4 engines. Beside the range of heavy ride-on compaction, a compact finisher and the recently launched ARX line of light tandem rollers will also be presented on Ammann’s booth, together with new compaction measuring technology in the form of the Ammann Compaction Expert.

Meanwhile, Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM) will use ConExpo to introduce its EX Series asphalt plants with single-drum counterflow technology. It said these plants offer high efficiency and a compact design for contractors with low to medium production needs – they produce between 91 to 386 tonnes per hour.

In addition to the EX Series, ADM also offers its MileMaker, RoadBuilder and SPL Series. It said each of its plants can be custom designed to meet the requirements of individual sites.

New from Moba is the PAVE-IR scan system monitoring and documenting temperatures during asphalt paving. This allows contractors to optimise their processes and verify the quality of the paving process, and the scanner is effective for paving widths up to 8 m.

The temperature profile is displayed in real-time to the operator, allowing them to react to any problems. All information is saved for documentation and can be used as quality proof.

Cranes & lifting

New from Tadano Mantis at ConExpo is the 130 ton (118 tonne) capacity GTC-1200 telescopic crawler crane. It will be the largest capacity crane in the Tadano Mantis range and “represents the first blank sheet design since Mantis was acquired by Tadano in 2008,” according to Ed Hisrich, vice president, sales and customer support.

The five-section, 155 ft (47.2 m) boom was designed to perform well for lift work, while also being capable of out-of-level, pick-and-carry, and foundation work.

Manitowoc said it would have a dozen or so cranes on its stand, with eight brand new models. Visitors can expect to see two new “show stopping” crawler cranes, the company said.

Its mobile crane arm, Grove, will launch the RT540 rough-terrain crane. The 40 ton (36 tonne) capacity unit is an upgrade of the popular RT540E model and features a new cab, a new control system and an improved swing system. The crane is designed to give rental companies and contractors a versatile tool that is quick to set-up and easy to use.

Other new models on the Manitowoc stand include two new boom trucks form National Crane, including the NBT60, the largest ever built by the company. This 60 ton (55 tonne) capacity crane features a 128 ft (39 m) boom, the longest in its class.

Manitowoc’s Potain brand of tower cranes will be represented with a new luffing jib model plus the world’s largest self-erecting crane. The MR 418 luffing jib crane is the first in a new line from the company. It is designed for working on power stations or super tall buildings, and can be fitted with the giant 201 kW (270 hp) 320 LVF 120 hoist, the company said.

The new Igo T 130 self-erecting crane has a 164 ft (50 m) jib, and the working height can be varied depending on project requirements.

Liebherr’s new cranes at ConExpo will include the 300 tonne capacity LTM 1300-6.2 all-terrain crane, which is the successor to the LTM 1250-6.1. Its telescopic boom has been extended by 20 ft (6.1 m) to 256 ft (78 m). Its load capacity has also been increased.

A new design for the superstructure drive unit has been used on the LTM 1300-6.2. Instead of the twin-engine concept – one for the lifting superstructure and one for the carrier chassis – normally used on cranes in this class, this unit is powered by a single engine, which the company said should be more efficient and economical.

Link-Belt’s new cranes at the show are expected to include a new all-terrain crane, a new telescopic crawler and at least two others new units.

According to Rick Curnutte, Product Manager for Hydraulic Truck and All-Terrain Cranes, the new the 210-ton (191 tonne) ATC-3210 will meet the toughest transport laws in North America while also meeting Tier IV final and EPA 2013 on-highway requirements.

To help with North American roadway restrictions, none of the counter-weights on the ATC-3210 are more than 22,000 pounds (10 tonnes), and they can be grouped together with other components to maximise loads. The ATC-3210 with maximum counterweight, rigging, matting and fly extensions can be moved in just three truckloads.

The company’s new telescopic crawler crane is the 50 ton (45 tonne) capacity TCC-500, which features a 110 ft (33.5 m)boom. Link Belt said the crane had been designed for ease of transportation. It also features two travel speeds and can work at three different track widths.

Terex said it would have at least two new cranes on show, including, “A mid-size all-terrain crane which specifically addresses the needs of the North American market and a “class-defining truck mounted crane,” the company said.

Enerpac will demonstrate its new 1,200 ton (1,090 tonne) capacity SBL1100 hydraulic gantry. The SBL1100 provides a safe, efficient way to lift and position massive loads in applications where traditional cranes will not fit.

The three-stage gantry is the largest in Enerpac’s gantry range and it has unique features such as a foldable boom that facilitates easy transportation, the company said. It also features self-contained hydraulics and electrics and is operated by Intellilift wireless control.

Hirschmann MCS will present the new qSCALE I2, a flexible load moment indicator solution for mobile cranes. The qSCALE I2 features an easy to use Crane Configuration Tool eliminating the need for programming. The system also features a simplified calibration procedure and a superior HMI graphic interface for easy crane operation.

Crushing, screening & drilling

In the crushing and screening sector, Powerscreen plans to launch three new machines at the exhibition – the Premiertrak 300 jaw crusher, Trakpactor 320SR impact crusher and Warrior 2100 screen.
Sister company Terex Finlay will also introduce two new machines for the crushing and screening sector – the J-1170 primary mobile jaw crusher and the 684 tracked mobile inclined screen.

The J-1170 is a high built around Terex’s 1100 mm by 700 mm jaw crusher and is targeted at recycling, aggregate production and mining applications. The 684 screen is built for working in quarrying, mining, construction and demolition debris, topsoil, recycling, sand, gravel, coal and aggregate applications and features three 4.3m by 1.7m screening decks.

Terex Washing Systems will announce a new larger model in its Aggresand range, the Aggresand 206 washer at ConExpo, a machine which shares many of the same features as the Aggresand 165 launched in 2013.

Machines on display at the show will include the FM120BW bucket wheel dewatering system, which is designed to remove unwanted silt from a feed stock, and which can dewater clean sand down to less than 10% moisture content.

Metso said the highlight of its booth would be a new two-in-one mobile Lokotrack model, designed to work together with its Lokotrack LT106 mobile jaw plant (which will also be on show). It said more details of the new model would be revealed during the exhibition.

Other technology on display will include Metso’s HP3, part of its new generation of high-performance cone crushers, as well as its Lokotrack ST2.8 mobile screen.

And Major Wire will be showcasing its Flex-Mat 3 – high-performance screen media that it claims is significantly increasing production in a wide range of screening operations.

Flex-Mat 3 is available in both tensioned and modular panels so woven wire, polyurethane and rubber users can benefit from its non-blinding and pegging capabilities while also increasing in-spec production, according to the company.

Sandvik will also showcase new crushing and screening equipment, including its CH550 stationary crusher and its Q1451 mobile crusher and screener. It will also have other products on display, including its new 777 breaker, new RH series hammers and new DC125R
drill rig.

Superior Industries will launch new material handling, conveying and processing systems at the show, such as the Zipline conveyor, which is described as a low cost alternative to traditional custom-engineered overland conveyors. Pre-engineered and available immediately on demand from Superior Industries dealers, the system is a complete package with the structure and an accessories kit that includes idlers, pulleys and belt cleaner.

Also new from is an 8 x 20 ft (2.44 x 6.11 m) portable screen plant designed for mobile, high-capacity performance in a number of applications. Shortly after its founding in the early 1970s, Superior Industries was primarily known for its portable plants, and this unit represents the company’s re-entry into that sector.

Rockmore will launch the ROK 250, a new 2 inch (51 mm) class DTH hammer. The company says it is the first drill in this size to operate under high air pressure up to 350 PSI (24 bar) and beyond. With a 2.6 inch (66 mm) wear sleeve diameter, the ROK 250 is designed to drill 3 inch to 3.5 inch (76 mm to 89 mm) diameter holes at high penetration rates.

Powered access

New equipment on show from Haulotte will include its HT67 RTJ (HT23 RTJ) telescopic boom, which features a platform working height of 20.5 m, together with its HA130 JRT (HA41 PX-NT) articulating big boom, offering maximum outreach of 19.8 m, and HA51 JRT (HA41 PX-NT) articulating boom, offering 360° continious rotation and zero tailswing.

A range of other access equipment will also be showcased by the company including diesel and electric scissor lifts, electric vertical masts, self-propelled booms and trailor-mounted boom lifts.

Terex’s stand will feature the new 180 ft (55 m) platfrom height SX-180 boom lift. The stowed length shrinks it down to 47 ft (14.3 m) and the retracted width to 98 in (2.49 m) making it transportable without special permits. The lift capacity is 750 lbs (340 kg), and the platform is designed fro large scale projects such as commercial & industrial construction, wind farm applications and power station work.

The new Genie GS-4069 bi-energy hybrid scissor lift will also be on display. As part of the new Genie BE69 hybrid scissor lift series, it features two selectable operating modes to meet the needs of both outdoor sites with no onsite power, and indoor sites with noise and emission sensitive environments.

Skyjack will unveil a new rough terrain scissor lift and updated telehandlers. The new SJ6832 RTE electric rough-terrain scissor lift is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors and is built on the same chassis as the existing diesel and dual fuel SJ6832 RT units.

The updated ZB2044 telehandler meanwhile offers a 20,000 lb (9.07 tonne) capacity and a three-section boom with a maximum lift height of 44 ft (13.6 m).

New from JLG is the G5-18A super compact telehandler features a 127 in (3.2 m) turning radius and a stowed height of less than 76 in (1.9 m), making it suitable for work in confined or congested spaces. It features a maximum lift height of 18 ft (5.5 m) and offers 5,500 lbs (2.5 tonnes) of lifting capacity.

Snorkel will also be at the show, and it will be the first major global event where the company is exhibiting as part of its new parent company, Xtreme Manufacturing. Products on display on the joint booth will include the A46JRT articulating rough terrain boom, A38E all-electric articulating boom, Speed Level rough terrain lift and M1230E self-propelled mast lift.

Components

Engine manufacturer Cummins plans to showcase its new, Tier 4 Final-compliant, 63 to 98kW QSF3.8 engine and the larger, 250 to 382kW QSG12 models, as well as its aftertreatment technology that help the engines comply with the stringent emissions limits. Cummins said it would also showcase some of the first Tier 4 Final-ready power packs in the industry, together with a power rental trailer.

RDS and Loup Electronics plan to launch their next generation onboard weighing device, for instance – the Loadex 100. The technology can be retrofitted on both tracked and wheeled excavators and material handling machines to weigh the amount of net material load in the bucket or grab.

Also making its ConExpo debut is the companies’ new Weighlog Vue on-board weighing scale for wheeled loaders. This device is said to provides precise and consistent bucket weight information and in fast loading environments.

This is just a snapshot of some of the new products that will be showcased during this year’s ConExpo. Next month we will have a special Stop Press feature on the exhibition, reporting more news of machine launches just ahead of the start of the exhibition.

And during ConExpo itself, iC’s editorial team will be reporting live from the show floor, with new machine news and comments from the industry’s key figures. These stories will feature in daily newsletters throughout ConExpo, and you can subscribe to these at
www.khl.com.