The extendable arm is a telescoping arm provides an additional 30 inches of reach, beyond the standard arm, for both the E32 and E35 models. The new option, according to Bobcat, is also the first extendable arm for compact excavators that allow the use of the hydraulic clamp and Hydraulic X-Change attachment mounting system.

The arm can be hydraulically extended and retracted. When retracted, the arm delivers similar arm force (tear-out force) as a standard arm. Should the operator need to reach back into the trench to clean out material, or need to reach farther away from the excavation to dump spoil, the arm can be extended an additional 30 inches. The extendable arm also enables the operator to reach to the front or to the far side of a truck to safely fill the load and to have the ability to allow for use of a hydraulic clamp.

The extendable arm cylinder is operated through a rocker style thumb switch located on the joystick.

Bobcat

The machine has an operating weight of 11,952 pounds, an overall width of 77.2 inches, and is powered by a 48.8-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine that is interim Tier 4 compliant. The unit’s 13.4 inches of tail overhang is said to help it deliver lift capacity and slew performance in demanding applications.

The E55 is standard equipped with a TOPS/ROPS-certified cab, including a full climate control (HVAC) system.

The compact excavator features “finger-tip” controls for boom swing and auxiliary hydraulics functions in the operator’s area. It also comes with an Auto-Idle feature which, if activated by the operator, automatically returns the engine to idle if excavator functions are not used for four seconds.

Other notable features include a load-sensing piston pump and closed center valve system and an automatic, integrated slew brake. The excavator has an X-frame undercarriage and delivers 9,442 foot-pounds of bucket breakout force. Work-group cylinders offer end-of-stroke cushioning. A keyless start system is available as an option.

Other options for the compact excavator include “pad-ready” steel tracks, rubber street pads, a hydraulic angle blade, second auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic clamp and Hydraulic X-Change attachment mounting systems for quickly switching between the 16 attachments approved for use on the machine.

Made for a variety of professional users like landscapers, arborists, loggers, farmers, and municipalities, these chain saws come equipped with a decompression valve for easier starts and an advanced anti-vibration system that helps reduce user fatigue. The compact, space-saving design of the split-barrel carburetor and the stainless steel muffler reduce overall weight.

Both the STIHL MS 261 and the MS 261 C-Q have several operator-friendly components, including a side-access chain tensioner, toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers, and a translucent fuel tank. Captive bar nuts are retained in the sprocket cover to prevent their loss and are designed for self-guided mounting. Pre-separation air filtration provides greater air cleaning efficiency and longer run times between filter maintenance.

The MS 261 C-Q also includes STIHL Quickstop Plus, an additional chain braking system designed to stop the chain in less than one second of releasing the rear handle.

STIHL

The video is the second in a series of safety, maintenance and operation videos produced by STIHL.

“This training video is not only for the new user, but also for the seasoned veteran,” John Keeler, national training manager for STIHL Inc. who produced the video, says in a written statement. “The DVD is designed to help train users of all handheld cut-off machines to properly operate the equipment in a proper manner.”

The 45-minute instructional video is a complement to the product instruction manual and is broken into eight chapters:

1. Cut-Off Machine Features,
2. Understanding Authorized Wheels,
3. Personal Protective Equipment,
4. Transporting Your Cut-Off Machine,
5. Pre-Use Inspection and Maintenance,
6. Fueling Your Cut-Off Machine,
7. Starting Your Cut-Off Machine, and
8. Using Your Cut-Off Machine.

“The DVD is ‘basic training’ for all users,” Keeler says. “Priced at just five dollars to make it affordable to everyone, this video is a great tool for all supervisors to properly train their employees in the operation of handheld cut-off machines.”

Training and understanding proper safety procedures helps reduce the risk of on-the-job injuries.

To order the STIHL Cut-Off Machine Safety, Maintenance and Operation DVD, contact Red Letter Communications: 800-732-0054. The DVD costs $4.99 plus shipping and handling.

In this event, held Jan. 19, the best masons in the world compete in 20, two-man teams, building a specified 26-foot, double-wythe — a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness — masonry brick wall in just 60 minutes.

The competition is judged on a combination of quality craftsmanship and the amount of brick laid. According to STIHL, this year’s competition was made up of winners and qualifiers, arguably considered the “Best of the Best,” from 13 regional SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 regional events that were held in the U.S. & Canada. Included among the 2011 competitors was the 2010 champion, Garrett Hood, who was invited to return to Las Vegas and defend his title as “World’s Best Bricklayer.”

The event offers $100,000 in cash and prizes for the winners of the bricklaying competition, with the top two finishers and SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN winning STIHL Cutquik cut-off machines. Thousands of spectators will turn out to see these masons compete for the top honors in competitive bricklaying.

Awards and prizes were given for the following:

• SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 award, first, second, third Place (highest qualified brick count)
• SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN award (most sellable wall over 500 bricks).
• SPEC MIX TOUGHEST TENDER award, (fastest set up time).

The cabs will conform to the new ROPS standard established byISO 12117-2: 2008, which applies to ROPS for hydraulic excavators as defined in ISO 6165 with a working mass of more than 6 metric tons and less than 50 metric tons.

Doosan excavator models covered under the ISO standard will range from the DX140LC to the DX480LC. The new ROPS-certified cabs will also be available on log loader models without cab risers.

The new ROPS cabs will not be available on Doosan DX520LC and DX700LC models or log loader models with cab risers. DX480LC excavators that exceed 50 metric tons due to certain optional equipment or larger attachments are also excluded.

In addition to conforming to the ISO standard, the new cabs will offer enhancements designed to improve operator comfort and convenience. These include the following:

• Pressurized cabs.
• Relocation of the fresh air filter to the outside of the cab.
• Control stands integrated into the seat assembly.
• Integration of the switch panel into the right-hand control stand.

• New orange and grey seats with retractable seat belts.
• An improved, optional heated air suspension seat.
• An upgraded monitor panel with an automatic day/night mode.
• A rear view camera as standard equipment.

Other enhancements include an easier opening front window and improved storage boxes.

Terex Roadbuilding

The mixer line consists of three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-axle designs in both standard and bridge formula configurations. Currently, ready-mix producers can choose between 350-, 380- and 425-hp ratings of the Cummins ISX11.9 diesel engine for the 2010 EPA-compliant mixers. Terex will soon offer an MTU/Detroit Diesel DD13 2010 EPA engine option with power ratings of 350-, 380- and 450-hp.

The new trucks offer improved performance and increased fuel economy over 2007 EPA-compliant models, according to the manufacturer. The emissions solution for Terex front-discharge mixer trucks relies on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to treat post-diesel particulate filter (DPF) exhaust. A 5-gallon tank positioned at the rear of each mixer stores the system’s diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Depending on the truck’s workload, DEF usage averages 2 to 3 percent of diesel fuel consumption.

All new front discharge mixers feature an electronic control module located on the engine that automatically senses whether or not the truck is carrying a load of concrete. This drives the new load-based shift scheduling found exclusively on Terex® front-discharge mixers. By stretching the shift patterns based on truck load, these trucks offer better performance or mileage.

Terex engineers tucked away the more sensitive electronics on 2010 EPA trucks – including the hose heat fuse, hydraulic tag fuse, engine power, SCR power, air dryer fuse and DEF hose heat relay – in their own sealed compartment. This enhances system longevity and offers easier access to the electronics for diagnostics and servicing.

While redesigning the compartment to accommodate the new engine installation, engineers reworked the after-treatment “muffler rack” and engine mounting designs mixers. The after-treatment system – DPF, SCR and decomposition chamber – is now secured to the truck frame rather than mounted directly to the engine. This virtually eliminates vibration transfer from the engine for longer service life.

A new combo engine/transmission arrangement eliminates a previous rear transmission mount, reducing the number of parts to maintain. Both the engine and transmission can be removed independently of each other, simplifying servicing.

Inside the cab, the instrument panel includes a separate fuel-type gauge for the DEF tank and a multi-stage visual and audio DEF level warning system. Upon shutting down the truck, the DEF system features a 60-second reversing cycle to purge the lines of fluid. The truck is powered by the 425-hp, 1,550-foot-pounds torque Cummins ISX11.9 EPA 2010 engine.

The six-axle Terex FDB6000 front-discharge bridge formula mixer is being displayed at World of Concrete in Las Vegas in booth C-5836.

The platform was introduced at World of Concrete 2011 in Las Vegas and can be seen at Terex booth C-5836.

“An operator needs only a regular state-issued driver’s license to drive the HPT 11/38,” Mark Duckwall, sales manager of under-bridge access platforms for Terex Roadbuilding, said in a written press statement. “This makes it much more convenient for the contractor to transport, and it’s an ideal unit for the rental industry.”

The new HPT 11/38 features a 38-foot- long and maximum 42-inch-wide telescoping platform. Its platform weight capacities of 1,000 pounds total and 500 pounds at the end of the platform are enough to securely accommodate multiple workers with tooling. Offering a maximum 16-foot lowering depth and 180-degree rotation, this under-bridge access platform is perfect for applications ranging from bridge inspection and restoration to stripping operations and utility work.

Similar to all other Terex^® Hydra Platforms models, the new HPT 11/38 features five-minute deployment and the patented Tower Separation System. Platform deployment and operation are powered by a separate 18-hp (13.4-kW) gasoline engine with auto idle, saving fuel and wear and tear on the truck’s power take-off (P.T.O.). Offering a maximum 6-foot extension, the exclusive Tower Separation System includes hydraulically adjustable cross-linking arms and a level walkway with arm rails connecting the truck’s turntable subframe to the main outside vertical tower and platform.

“At no time are the workers disconnected from the bridge deck like they are with traditional lifts,” said Christer Bradley, director of sales & marketing, under-access bridge platforms for Terex Roadbuilding, in press statement. “Power failure does not prevent the worker from returning to the deck when using our unit.”

The unit’s platform deploys to the right side of the truck. This model’s tower offers 7 feet of vertical height clearance to navigate around obstacles on the deck. A voice-activated communication system connects the workers on the platform with operators at the main control panel at the rear of the truck and inside the truck cab. Hydraulically deployed caster outriggers on the unit help to ensure platform stability during operation.

With its compact 8-foot, 2-inch width, the new Terex Hydra Platforms HPT 11/38 requires only a single lane width for operation, keeping lane closures to a minimum. Mounted on a diesel-powered truck chassis, the unit has a transport height of 11 feet, 6 inches and length of 32 feet.

Caterpillar

The products can be seen at Booth C-6069.

Cat Multi-Terrain Loader Highlights

• Unique rubber track undercarriage delivers low ground pressure so you can work on sensitive surfaces and in soft underfoot conditions.
• Spacious, sealed and pressurized cab on the C-Series models provides a comfortable work environment.
• Adjustable seat-mounted controls and an available air ride seat on the C-Series keep you comfortable throughout the work day.
• Wide range of operating capacities and attachments, high horsepower and strong performance help you get more done and increase your bottom line.
• When working in harsh ground conditions, consider a Compact Track Loaders. For jobs more suited for a wheeled machine, Caterpillar offers a complete line of Skid Steer Loaders.

For a 360-degree view of the multi terrain loader, go to http://www.cat.com/equipment/compact-track-and-multi-terrain-loaders/multi-terrain-loaders#.

Cat Mini Excavator Highlights

• High digging forces and fast cycle times to help you get more done, faster.
• Quiet, spacious cab and smooth ergonomic controls, with integrated auxiliary and swing boom functions keep you comfortable and reduce operator fatigue.
• Pin-Grabber Coupler and quick disconnects enables the operator to change mini excavator attachments quickly.
• Auto idle, auto two-speed and a load sensing variable pump optimize fuel efficiency.
• A compact or standard radius tail swing with a swing or fixed boom option provides a good match to any jobsite.

For a 360-degree view of the Cat mini excavator, go to http://www.cat.com/equipment/hydraulic-excavators/mini-hydraulic-excavators#.

Work Tool Attachments

Work Tool Attachments tailor Cat machines to the specific requirements of a customer’s working needs. Caterpillar says its work tool attachments enhance productivity and utility of Caterpillar machines, equipping them for a wide range of tasks and operating requirements, and providing total system solutions for any job application.

The Cat Wheel Saw and Cat Hammer, along with our full line of attachments, is being displayed.

Editorial Director, Equipment World

Don’t expect construction to significant rebounds until 2013, said Ed Sullivan, Portland Cement Association chief economist, during his annual forecast at the World of Concrete today.  “While it’s clear the economy is  gathering strength,” Sullivan said, “it’s still at a slow pace.”

Several factors will continue to contribute to sluggish growth throughout the next two years — the same factors that have been in play throughout the downturn. These include a residential market that still has too much inventory, and a foreclosure problem that is not going away. And don’t be mislead by year-over-year gains, since current spending is being compared with rates that were in historic depths.

The way will be paved by jobs creation, which some are forecasting at 3 million jobs this year, but which Sullivan expects to be half that, 1.5 million.

There is good news, however. Although the public, nonresidential and residential markets will all see small gains throughout 2012, watch out for 2013 and beyond. “Delayed demand only creates pent up demand,” said Sullivan.