EDITOR’S PICK

Volvo Construction Equipment

New Graders Built to Bear Down

It’s difficult to argue when Volvo Construction Equipment says that “what really matters” for grader productivity is blade down pressure and blade pull force. Well, with emphasis on overall machine balance and distribution of the main grader components, the new G900B-Series motor graders have the highest blade down pressure in each weight class, the company claims. Using larger-displacement engines with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology to meet Tier 4 Interim emissions requirements, each of the G930B, G940B, G960B and all-wheel-drive G946B grader models can be driven by either the Volvo HTE840 transmission with eight forward and four reverse gears (standard) or the HTE1160 with 11 forward and six reverse gears. These transmissions boast three and eight power curves, respectively, matching power output to the traction available, and each uses the “shuttle shift” system to move between forward and reverse without the operator needing to stop the machine or use the inching pedal. The four Volvo graders range from 34,520 to 38,709 pounds in operating weight.

EDITOR’S PICK

Caterpillar

Large Excavator E-ases Into Clean Emissions

Its arrival has been anticipated, having been first announced in late 2010, but the 349E’s formal North American release this summer still opens a new chapter in the Caterpillar large-size excavator heritage. Replacing the 345D L, the 349E adopts updated nomenclature to more closely reflect the actual metric tonnage of the machine. Operating on either ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel exclusively or a blend with 20-percent biodiesel, the 396-net-horsepower C13 engine uses Cat’s Clean Emissions Module (CEM) to meet Tier 4 Interim emissions standards. In automatic mode, the CEM regeneration system allows the 349E to work as normal with no interruption to the work cycle, automatically sensing when to regenerate both during idle and when the machine is working. The manual model allows the operator to override the automatic setting if desired. Fuel-saving features introduced on the 349E include one-touch idle control, isochronous speed control, economy power mode and an engine idle setting that allows selection of how long the excavator can idle before it shuts down.

Advanced Drainage Systems

Free program to design inlet filter unit for stormwater

The step-by-step Flexstorm Product Configurator online software program from Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) allows users to select the proper components and design an inlet filter unit for a stormwater drainage system to be configured based on drainage structure type and filtration needs. The program is available for free at www.inletfilters.com. The resources section contains product details, engineering drawings, specifications, educational videos plus operation and maintenance plans. Because components are configurable and adjustable, ADS units are designed to fit any drainage structure.

Trimble

Combines GNSS and optical surveying data

Version 2.50 of Trimble’s Business Center software for surveying offices and a new Data Processing Service, a component of the Trimble Access Services, allow survey data managers to combine GNSS and optical surveying data as well as digital image data from Trimble surveying instruments into a single file. The new software version also enables the user to output desired data to a range of applications such as GIS, photogrammetry and CAD. Combined with Trimble Access Services, stakeholders can collaborate securely through the Trimble Connected Community portal.

Blastcrete Equipment

High-rise block fill applications

Blastcrete Equipment’s Mason Mate is designed primarily for high-rise block fill applications, as well as concrete repair and underground shotcrete for mining and tunneling applications. The D3522 unit features a hydraulic squeeze pump, a high-shear continuous mixer and an optional 1,000-pound-capacity bag lifter. According to the manufacturer, it easily fits in the back of a pickup truck or in a freight elevator, and can operate within an 8-foot ceiling. Furthermore, the compact design is said to allow easy maneuverability with a pallet jack and placement with a telescoping forklift or crane.

Bid2Win

Resource planning and dispatching solution

Logistics is one of three modules included in the new Integrated Construction Management Suite from Bid2Win. Originally a single field tracking and analysis solution, it has been expanded to include three modules: Field (field tracking and analysis), Logistics (resource planning and dispatching) and Maintenance (equipment maintenance and repair management), the latter to be released next year. Each module can be purchased as a stand-alone system, or together as an integrated suite.

Blue World Crete

Portland cement alternative

Scientists at Blue World Crete discovered Geo-Blue Crete II, a geo-polymer binding agent for cement that serves as a complete low-carbon footprint alternative to Portland cement. It looks like, acts like, works like Portland cement, and can be distributed in the same way with the same equipment but with less-expensive manufacturing costs, according to Blue World Crete. It is a one-part system that requires a simple paddle mixing of its powdered chemical formula at ambient temperatures. No heat is required in its manufacturing process. It is water-retardant, acid-retardant, discourages the oxidation of rebar, and has a near-zero coefficient of expansion.

International Road Dynamics

Programs without a computer

The TRS Plus traffic classifier from International Road Dynamics is a significant update of the TRS product line. TRS Plus vehicle classifiers feature alphanumeric keys, and the LCD display allows the user the option to program the unit without the use of a computer. TRS classifiers can be used for many traffic-data-collection applications. In the passive mode, they allow government agencies to collect data for congestion management, signal timing and planning. In the active mode, they meet a wide range of ITS requirements.

Chicago Pneumatic

Forward soil and asphalt plates

Six models of Chicago Pneumatic forward soil and asphalt plates are available, ranging from operating weights of 113 to 275 pounds and plate widths of 13 to 20 inches. Centrifugal force ranges from 1,888 to 4,800 pounds. The MV90 and MV100 are equipped with a large water tank and a stainless-steel sprinkler system designed for compacting asphalt quickly and without interruption. The machines are designed to be easy to turn and maneuver. Classified as light machines, the MV90 weighs 189 pounds and the MV100 weighs 205 pounds. Intended for more demanding jobs, the range of seven models of Chicago Pneumatic forward and reversible plates offer operating weights ranging from 344 to 1,111 pounds and centrifugal force of 7,875 to 13,488 pounds. The heaviest model, the MV480, features an electric start. Pneumatic’s four models of tampers are designed to be well-balanced for ease of use. Operating weights range from 137 to 185 pounds and provide centrifugal force from 2,985 to 4,800 pounds.