More fuel efficiency and more productivity. A marriage made in equipment heaven. Case Construction Equipment introduced its 621F wheel loader model at the World of Concrete, 2012 show. The new machine provides up to a 10-percent increase in fuel economy over the previous model, while delivering faster acceleration, quicker cycle times and higher travel speeds.

A new dual-mode shutdown feature maximizes fuel economy and monitors vital engine components. Using the fuel-saver mode, operators can limit idle time. Shutdown time can be set in five-minute increments.

TOPCON

The Cloud has become a very productive place in this industry and here is an example of what it can do. The Topcon Group’s Magnet cloud-based solution and cloud-enabled family of software applications makes it possible for real-time collaboration between project manager, field crews, office personnel, engineers, or consultants. The Magnet family includes four basic products: Field, Tools, Office and Enterprise.

SNOWEX

The SnowEx SL-80 and SL-80SS push sprayers for ice management on sidewalks and other small areas are completely electric-powered. Available with a powder-coated steel frame (SL-80) or stainless steel frame (SL-80SS), both sprayers have a 12-gallon, corrosion-resistant polyethylene tank. Each model includes an adjustable-height boomless nozzle, which sprays most salt brine and liquid ice melters up to 48 inches wide. The units also come with an adjustable spray wand for spot-spraying applications. A 12-volt electric pump and rechargeable battery powers the SL-80 and SL-80SS. The pump is rated at 2 gpm at 60 psi.

KOMATSU

Outstanding piece of work is this big, bad boy. Komatsu America’s PC390LC-10 hydraulic excavator (operating weight is 89,072 pounds)has a flywheel horsepower of 257 horsepower and is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D114E-5 engine and is EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage 3B emissions certified. It features improved hydraulic efficiency and a large undercarriage design that significantly increases lift capacity.

KPI-JCI

This was a year when reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) use increased, again. For RAP afficionadoes or wannabees there is now the beFRAPready.com website from KPI-JCI. It helps users determine whether RAP is right for a project. And the website’s cost-savings calculator can help determine a ballpark figure on how much money using RAP and/or FRAP might save.

ROADTEC

Sometimes a redesign is really just an upgrade; good improvements but maybe a little bit pedestrian. But some redesigns rock. Both of Roadtec’s 10-foot class standard asphalt paver models, the RP-190e rubber-tired paver and the RP-195e track paver, have received a major redesign, including Tier 4i emission technology and other upgrades. These highway-class pavers feature a new adjustable delta plate design, redesigned hydraulic tunnel panels for improved accessibility, an increased fuel capacity from 120 gallons to 135 gallons. Conveyor chains have been beefed up and chromium carbide floor plates are dropped in without bolts.

WIRTGEN