By Tina Grady Barbaccia

LeeBoy’s Blaw-Knox road widener

VT LeeBoy showcased its new RW-80A road widener at the 2010 American Public Works Association (APWA) trade show in Boston in late August. The machine will be part of a product line of five road widener and commercial paver products from LeeBoy’s new Blaw-Knox Commercial Paving Products division. Each will carry the Blaw-Knox logo. The brand use is provided through collaboration with Volvo Construction Equipment.

The new RW-80A will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Lincolnton, N.C., and will be distributed via Volvo dealerships during the first quarter of 2011. The machine boasts an 80-horsepower diesel engine with a machine weight in excess of 18,000 pounds. Each unit is provided with an 8-foot strike-off group enabling 6-foot strike-off capability at a 45-degree angle for proper material flow. This model is designed for ease of maneuverability and is shorter than other model offerings such as the RW-100B and RW-195E also built by the Blaw-Knox division of LeeBoy.

Four other models of which the product line is comprised include the RW-100B, RW-195E, PF-150B and the PF-161B. Additional product line expansion is planned.

Further details will be available at www.blawknoxpaving.com, which is expected to be unveiled this month.

Power-dense and refined loaders

Caterpillar says its new B-Series 3 compact loaders – Skid Steer Loader models 216B3, 226B3, 236B3, 242B3 and 252B3 and Multi-Terrain Loader models 247B3 and 257B3 – are more reliable, safer and easier to operate. A larger engine and more powerful hydraulics for the 242B3 and 257B3 make these models “power-dense.” All models include a single electronic control module (ECM) relocated for improved access and reliability, plus new ECM-enabled features. A heavy-duty battery (880 CCA) is now standard equipment on larger models and a redesigned dead-engine lower valve provides a safe exit for the operator if the machine runs out of fuel or the engine stall with the lift arms raised.

Heavy-duty track options for compact trenchers

Ditch Witch now offers a heavy-duty track option for its two-wheel-drive R230 and R300 Zahn compact trenchers. Previously, each unit offered standard air-filled or optional urethane-filled, flat-proof tires. The heavy-duty tracks allow for increased traction on the machines, particularly on uneven and rough terrain. The heavy-duty tracks also let the trenchers to travel across trenches as well as “walk” or oscillate 12 degrees, for greater traction when loading, unloading, and maneuvering over curbs or other rough and uneven terrain. Optional heavy-duty tracks are available for the four-wheel-drive R230 and R300, both of which accept seven different types of front ends.

Durability, accuracy in harsh environments

Topcon Positioning Systems has released its AT-B Series auto levels, which can focus on objects at 7.9 inches in front of the telescope, where previous models provided 1.6 feet or 3.3 feet minimum focusing distance. The compensator of AT-B Series incorporates four suspension wires made of high-tensile metal that features minimal thermal expansion coefficient, which Topcon says provides durability and accuracy even in harsh environmental conditions. The system also features a finely-tuned magnetic damping system that levels and stabilizes the line of sight despite fine vibrations.

Capture high-resolution position info

Trimble has enhanced its Trimble FX 3D Laser Scanner for applications requiring high-accuracy and high-quality data with the range to capture high-resolution position information up to 80 meters, allowing more data capture from each setup. The laser scanning solution can be used for, among other things: capturing existing condition data; ensuring existing condition data; ensuring dimensions of high-tolerance fabricated parts prior to transportation and installation; verifying as-built construction; visualizing real-world conditions; monitoring plant assets and potential movement or deformation during use; and planning retrofit construction projects based upon highly-accurate data.

High-performance separator curb

Tuff Curb from Impact Recovery Systems is a durable, high-performance separator curb that works, in conjunction with Impact Recovery Systems full line of spring-mounted posts and signage.  This versatile curbing system is easy to install and can be utilized for curves, medians, edge lines, work zones and rail crossings. Tuff Curb is Texas Transportation Institute tested and NCHRP 350 approved.