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The Big One

There was never a question about whether or not CONEXPO-CON/AGG would be big in 2014.

There was never a question about whether or not CONEXPO-CON/AGG would be big in 2014. But few realized just how big it would be until they passed through the gates, walked through a lot or a hall, and saw the newest products, innovations and technologies on display in the 2.35 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Volvo’s booth included an L60G wheel loader painted with the Canadian and American flag.

At the biggest global showcase of equipment for Canada’s Rock to Road industry, companies did not disappoint the nearly 130,000 that attended, thanks to the unveiling of many never-seen-before machines.

There were some definite themes in the new equipment and technology released, especially among the large global equipment manufacturers. Hybrid wheel loaders and excavators, fuel efficiency, new and improved telematics systems, and Tier 4 Final emissions technology were front and center for many, while ease of transport and set up was a key discussion topic for mobile crushing, screening and stacking equipment producers.

With those new products, technologies, efficiencies and innovations in mind, we provide you with part one of our look back at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Part two will appear in the May/June edition of Rock to Road.

Volvo launches three new brands at CONEXPO
Volvo injected Tier 4 Final emissions technology into three of its popular equipment series: the E-Series excavators, G-Series articulated haulers and H-Series wheel loaders. The 394hp L250H wheel loader features a 9.0 cubic yard bucket. Using Volvo’s OptiShift technology, the L250H provides up to 18% fuel efficiency over its predecessor. The E-series excavator line is led by the EC380E is powered by a Volvo D13 engine and provides a 9% fuel efficiency over the previous model, while still providing maximum power for heavy quarry and excavation work. The new G series articulated haulers features six models ranging from 24,000kg-39,000kg load capacity.

Metso reveals its ‘game changer’
Metso launched its newest innovation, which it has called “a complete game changer” for the manufacturer. The LT220D is a compact 2-in-1 mobile cone crusher and mobile screen. Powered by a Cat C13 diesel engine, the LT220D features a patented centrifugal conveyor and can be fitted with either a GP220 or HP220 cone. Used in tandem with the LT106, the system provides estimated annual reductions of 45,000 litres of fuel, 100 hours of maintenance and 1000km of trailer transport as compared to using separate mobile crusher and mobile screen units.

The company also released the new Lokotrak ST2.8 primary track-mount scalping screen and HPX cone crusher at the show.

Case focused on Tier 4 solutions
Case released several new product lines at CONEXPO, all of which focused on continuing to provide efficient Tier 4 Final solutions. Following up on last fall’s launch of the M Series Dozers, Case unveiled a pair of wheel loaders, the 821F and 921F, featuring up to a 10 per cent increase in fuel economy over the previous generation. Case provided a sneak peak at its Tier 4 Final excavator solution, the CX350D, which will be available in 2015. The CX350D features CEGR, SCR and DOC technologies, providing up to 10 per cent fuel efficiency over the previous model.

The new DV209 and DV210 high frequency asphalt rollers were also on display, Case’s Tier 4 Final solution for dual drum rollers for the roadbuilding industry.

Telsmith provides new quarry solutions
Telsmith’s three newest quarry solutions were on display CONEXPO as part of the Astec booth. The new 400hp T400 cone crusher contains a 305 mm maximum feed opening and is capable of processing between 136 and 544 mtph. The newest member of the H Series jaw crushers, the H3450, has a 863mm X 1270mm opening and is capable of processing up to 598 mtph. Telsmith also released the 820 Track Screening Plant, which includes an 8203 Telsmith TL Screen, 1372 mm feed conveyor, and 1829 mm under screen conveyor, all combined to process up to 907 mtph. The 820 Track Screening Plant produces up to four products simultaneously.

BTI’s newest BXR series breaker
Breaker Technology Inc. used CONEXPO to release the newest member of the BXR heavy-duty breaker series, the BXR185. The BXR185 is a 7,000kg breaker that provides 18,500 ft/lbs of impact energy. The breaker is designed for continuous duty in rugged applications and has an extra long stroke balanced piston design.

Roadtec innovation on display at CONEXPO
Roadtec’s booth at CONEXPO featured a dozen machines from its lineup of paving equipment for the roadbuilding industry. The company introduced the new SP-100e stealth paver, which is designed to work in conjunction with a Shuttle Buggy. The SP-100e accepts the material at the top of the machine, where it is fed downward to the auger and screed. The gravity fed system eliminates several wear components used in traditional paver systems. The remixing capabilities of the Shuttle Buggy work to remedy physical and thermal segregation in the asphalt mix.

Caterpillar reaches Tier 4 milestone
Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman called Tier 4 “the most successful product development in Caterpillar history.” Oberhelman announced that there are now over 100,000 Tier 4 Interim and Final machines in use globally, and several of the product launches at CONEXPO complimented
that feat.

The Cat 336 F H hybrid excavator features 25 per cent fuel efficiency over a similar diesel-powered model, and features Cat’s Tier 4 Final emissions technology. Cat’s newest line of motor graders, the M series, were also released at CONEXPO and feature Tier 4 Final emissions technology.  

Cat also believes its new telematics solution, Cat Connect, will be a game changer for the company. Cat Connect uses VisionLink to provide jobsite information tracking and solution in real-time.

New models for popular Powerscreen equipment
Powerscreen made a big splash at CONEXPO with the release of three new models of popular equipment lines.

The Premiertrak 300 jaw crusher features the new hydrostatic drive system option allowing it to reverse and unblock or run continuously in reverse for asphalt applications, and features a Vibrating Grizzly Feeder set with 50mm bar on the top deck and 30mm mesh on the bottom.

The mid-sized Trakpactor 320SR horizontal impact crusher features rapid set-up time, fuel-efficient direct drive system and excellent output potential of up to 320 tph (352 US tph). The Warrior 2100 features Powerscreen’s exclusive Triple Shaft technology, designed so the 16’ x 5’ screen box is highly effective and efficient while maintaining exceptional throughput productivity.

John Deere focuses on Ultimate Uptime
John Deere focused on the results of customer outreach for its display at CONEXPO. Ultimate Uptime is John Deere’s new telematics system, which is included as a three-year base package on all new machines. Ultimate Uptime uses exclusive John Deere technologies to provide a customized solution for individual contractors to track information including maintenance, machine health prognostics, and fleet management.

Deere also unveiled several new machines at the show, including the Tier 4 Final G Series Graders and 624K wheel loader. Deere also featured its new 644K hybrid wheel loader, which provides up to 25 per cent fuel efficiency over a conventional loader.

McLanahan releases new jaw crusher design
McLanahan’s four new product innovations launched at CONEXPO were led by the release of the 4450 Freedom Series jaw crusher. The customer-driven design of the primary crusher is built to be simpler, safer and smarter, with easier maintenance points and less wear on the machine.

In addition to the 4450, McLanahan also released a new cone crusher designed to produce a more cubical product in secondary and tertiary crushing applications, along with a new deep cone thickener to drastically reduce the footprint on settling ponds and a new filter press targeted at the frac sand market.

Topcon unveils new job site solutions
With four booths mixed throughout the massive CONEXPO show floor, Topcon took full advantage of the opportunity to show off its newest technology.

The new innovations released by Topcon included a new haul system for trucks, the HT-30, which works with SiteLink3D to measure load size and provide full load tracking capabilities. Topcon introduced the DS-200, with X-pointing technology, to its line of DS systems. 

Alongside the new innovations was the introduction of the Topcon Enterprise Solutions system, which provides seamless connectivity of all tracking information to any job site or user.

Hyundai debuts the 9 series
Hyundai officially released its 9A series of machines at CONEXPO. The 9A series, which features crawler excavators, wheel loaders and mid-sze excavators, focuses on enhanced operator comfort and control. The 9A series also uses iT4 engine emissions technology.

On the road building side, the HR120C-9 is a single drum vibratory compaction roller and Hyundai’s first in North America. It has high/low amplitude settings and an eco speed feature that allows for optimal hydraulic flow, less fuel consumption and a quieter cabin. HA control allows the traction drive to be automatically adjusted to different types of soil.

Newest Aggresand promoted by Terex Washing Systems
It may have been too big even for CONEXPO, but that didn’t prevent Terex Washing Systems from announcing details of the new Aggresand 206. The 206 uses the Terex 20’x6’ inclined rinser screen, and is available with two and three deck options. The 206 is targeted at large-volume producers, with a maximum rinse rate of up to 400tph.

In addition to the North American launch of the 206, Terex also had the FM120BW bucket wheel dewatering system on display, which works to remove unwanted silt and reduce moisture content to 10% or less.

Hamm breaking concrete with the H 25i VC
Hamm’s newest innovation strays away from the traditional single and dual drum rollers that have been seen on roadbuilding sites across Canada. The new H 25i VC is a single drum vibratory compactor that is equipped with a teeth system that breaks up concrete in place. The demolition roller is an alternative to traditional ultrasonic, guillotine or finger rock and concrete breakers. The H 25i VC (Vibratory Crusher) model is a 25-ton, 214hp roller that features an 84-inch (2.13m) drum.

Flexco demonstrates product solutions
Flexco gave attendees a hands-on demonstration of its newest conveyor component solutions. Flexco’s interactive display included weight tests for steel vs. the HDPE used in the new Rockline Conveyor Idlers, which allowed people to pull both pieces in order to understand the significant weight difference between the two material styles for the idler component. The new Rockline Conveyor Idlers provide the same CEMA rating as steel idlers but provide better wear and longer service life as compared to steel idlers.

There was also a demonstration of the new Pneumatic Single Rivet Driver, a more robust solution that provides better splicing for conveyor components.

Next generation i-pavers on display at Vögele
The new 10-ft. Vögele Vision i-series pavers were on display at CONEXPO, including both wheeled and track models. The tracked Vision 5200-2i carries a maximum paving width of 28 ft., with a maximum laydown rate of 1,300 tph, and a transport width of 10 ft. The adjustable screed provides versatility for working in urban, roadway and highway applications. The material hopper holds up to 240 cubic feet (31,000 lbs.) and is powered by a Commins 6-cylinder 250hp T4i engine.

Sandvik displays 500 series cone crushers
Complimenting Sandvik’s release of the CH550 cone crusher in 2013 is the unveiling of the all-new CH540, which was part of Sandvik’s display at CONEXPO. The 500 series cone crushers are designed to increase production and reduce operating costs in secondary and tertiary crushing operations by using andvik’s customized control system to provide maximum output while adjusting to feed variances. The motors on the 500 series are rated IE3 for energy classification, helping to reduce emissions and energy consumption.

Gorman-Rupp boasts heavy-duty pumps
The PAH16A60C-B-C18, the newest offering from Gorman-Rupp, is a heavy duty, priming-assisted pump ideal for quarries and other installations where high flow rates are a necessity. This pump boasts flows to 15,000 gallons per minute, and total dynamic heads up to 204 feet, and a solids handling capability of up to 4” diameter spherical solids. Made of heavy-duty ductile iron, this pump is durable and has a 755 HP Caterpillar C18 twin turbocharged Tier 4 interim engine.

Michelin adds newly-designed ADT tire
Michelin has developed a new size and design for its X Super Terrain tire. The new 23.5R25 tire is re-design to improve service capabilities with the addition of Michelin’s C2 technology. The C2 technology has more robust casings with less shoulder mass, which help improve the life of the tread of the tire, and has an enhanced design with additional sidewall production. The result is a tire that lasts up to 15% longer that the previous X Super Terrain design.

Komatsu focuses on IMC technology
Intelligent Machine Control technology was at the forefront of Komatsu’s display at CONEXPO, alongside several series of Tier 4 Final heavy equipment. Komatsu had four of its IMC dozers on display, which eliminate the need for the removal of GNSS equipment by integrating the sensor package into the dozer design. The IMC technology provides up to 13% greater efficiency in rough dozing conditions in comparison to some add-on machine control systems.

Other highlights of Komatsu’s display included the HB215LC-2 hybrid hydraulic excavator and the new 359hp PC490LC-11 hydraulic excavator with Tier 4 Final emissions technology.

Ammann debuts mobile mixing plant
New for Amman is their Prime 140 mobile asphalt mixing plant that is capable of making 140 tonnes of asphalt per hour. It is fuel efficient and has low operating costs. Ammann also introduced the ASC110 soil compactor in the 12 tonne class with a hydraulic transmission. It has a lower centre of gravity that has allowed it to work on side inclinations that are greater than most in its class. It has a bigger fuel tank and greater fuel efficiency that allows it to work all day without stopping to refuel. The cab was designed for better visibility for safety and more productivity.

Superior presents solution for truck unloading
Superior presented its new solution for truck unloading of bulk materials for the aggregates industry with the introduction of the RazerTrail Truck Unloader conveyor system. The RazerTrail features 48-inch belt, an adjustable height discharge conveyor, and wireless remote control operation. At capacities averaging 1000-TPH and rated for 1.5-inch-minus lumps, the RazerTail Truck Unloader offers 60-second belly and end-dump truck cycle times, minimizes costly loader use, increases jobsite safety, and guarantees product quality by eliminating extra handling of materials.

Dynapac has compact solution for Canada
Dynapac released its new F1200T compact track paver at CONEXPO. With a laying capacity of 300tph, the F1200T is equipped with a 4-cylinder, Tier 4 Deutz engine and a V240VE screed. The 66 power pack makes it easy to pave up to 10 inches thick and 10 feet wide, even under difficult paving conditions. It has the ability to pave from 1ft. to 10ft. widths and has a large capacity hopper of 5.5 tons.

Dynapac will also have a look in Canada. As part of the Atlas Copco brand, Dynapac machines will transition from the familiar yellow and orange with white lettering to a straight yellow with black lettering.

PPI promotes impact bed, pulley designs
PPI’s new medium-duty impact bed, released at CONEXPO, is specially designed to be a cost effective solution for loading zone and impact requirements. The bed features a tight seal around the skirting bed for belt support and impact absorption, and comes in three sizes to meet customer demand.

Also, the new ProDuty pulley comes in five variations to best suit the needed application and features a profiled end disc and a machined radius with no weld for reduced stress.

Liebherr presents its Generation 6 series
Liebherr had more than 20 pieces of equipment for multiple industries and job applications on display at ConExpo. The PR 736 Dozer is the first model in the new Generation six series. It has a Tier 4 Liebherr SCR engine that does not include DPF or EGR. The new cab design is bigger and has better visibility with ergonomically-located controls and an intuitive touch screen interface. The Generation six models have electronic travel speed regulation with an integral eco-function and pro-active power control.

Polydeck promotes new fines screening solution
Polydeck Screen Corporation’s introduced its new Vector Slot Tehcnology (VST) panels at CONEXPO. The 0.6mm and 1mm panels offer two heavy-duty screening panel options for fine size screening in dewatering sands and frac sand applications. 

Polydeck also had its full line of Armadex bolt-down rubber screen panels and liners on display.

Allied Construction debuts new Rammer hammer
The Allied Construction booth displayed a full line of hydraulic hammers and breakers targeted at the aggregates and construction industries.

CONEXPO marked the North American debut of the Rammer 5011. The 4,750kg heavy-duty large hammer is built for pit and quarry operations as well as demolition work, and is suited for attachment with 40-45 ton machines.

ADM features EX series asphalt plant
Asphalt Drum Mixers Inc. had its EX series asphalt plant on display at CONEXPO. Originally released in 2012, the single-drum counterflow plant has the ability to produce from 100-425 tons of asphalt per hour. The counterflow technology uses separate drying and mixing areas for fuel efficiency and to maximize heat transfer.

Cummins unveils new Turbocharger
Cummins debuted the Series 900 turbocharger at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Built for engines 16 litres and above, HE900FG was engineered through inverse design improving the turbocharger efficiency by three per cent. This, along with other small improvements, adds up to an overall efficiency improvement of ten per cent. Cummins is transferring this manufacturing process to its other products to spread the efficiencies throughout the line.

Bridgestone launches tires for paving market
Using the slogan “Engineered for rework,” Bridgestone’s focus is on improving dealer service. Part of this focus includes a new app that makes it easier for consumers to identify the right product for their needs. With an easy interface, the customer is prompted to answer a few questions before the match is revealed.

Bridgestone also discovered there was a gap in the market for a paving tire that withstands heat and has a very fine tread on wide tires to protect the surface area of new pavement. The new product introduced to fill this gap was on display and comes in 18.00R25 E7 and 21.00R25 E7 sizes.

Doosan previews new Tier 4 machines
Doosan introduced four new Tier 4 machines at CONEXPO. The DX350LC-5 and DX490LC-5 excavators, DA40-4 articulated dump truck and the DL420-5 wheel loader have all undergone testing in South Korea but are currently undergoing the verification process for North America. North American specs will be available in three months’ time but all were on display at the show.

New hydraulic pin grabber from Craig
Craig introduced a new mat grapple that is built to move and place drilling mats for use in environmentally sensitive areas. Also new at the show was a hydraulic pin grabber that allows the operator to easily change attachments on an excavator. According to Ben Craig, “It picks up buckets quicker, or anything you want to put on the end of a boom.” Five safety redundancies ensure a solid, safe hook-up.

Leica unveils new machine, positioning control solutions
Leica released two new solutions at CONEXPO, one focused on stronger positioning and one focused on better machine control for dozers. The iCon gps 80 GNSS receiver uses xRTK technology to provide accurate positions in the harshest environments and reliable guidance. It integrates a built-in display and a built-in modem and radio, eliminating the need for separate controller and additional radio devices.

The iCON grade iGD4SP dozer solution calculates the lift, angle, and tilt of the dozer’s six-way blade, allowing operators to angle their blade while the advanced hydraulic control system automatically controls the blade’s lift and tilt.

Don’t forget to watch for more coverage of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 in the May/June edition of Rock To Road.