By Tina Grady Barbaccia

A new addition, the biggest in the series

Kubota introduces the 5-ton U55 tight tail swing compact excavator, the manufacturer’s largest model in its U-Series of compact excavators. With a medium-length arm that enhances arm crowd force, a wide doorway and plenty of operator space, the U55 now replaces Kubota’s popular KX161‑3 compact excavator. A new, load-sensing hydraulic system employs a combination of closed and open center controls to ensure strong digging forces and minimize “slow down” during travel when using attachments. The advanced load-sensing system provides optimum oil flow to each cylinder for smooth multifunction operation and enhanced fuel economy. Auto‑downshift travel motors smooth transitions through turns, and the optional hydraulic angle blade improves backfilling efficiency.

Turbocharged and certified off-highway engines for Interim Tier 4

The PowerTech PVX 9.0L and PowerTech PSX 9.0L engine models from John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) are the first of the company’s off-highway 75-hp and above engines to be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union (EU) as compliant with the Interim Tier 4 and Stage III B regulations. The engines use a PowerTech Plus Tier 3/Stage III A in-line, six-cylinder engine platform — which includes cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for NOx control — and an exhaust filter for reducing particulate matter (PM). These engines will feature full-authority electronic controls, a four-valve cylinder head, a high-pressure fuel system, turbocharging and an air-to-air aftercooling system. The engines feature cooled EGR and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) technologies to help maintain fuel-economy levels similar to those achieved with the manufacturer’s Tier 3/Stage III A engines.

New cab. More power. And a three-stage, dual-mode system

Komatsu America Corp. has introduced its new GD655-5 motor grader, powered by an EPA Tier 3 emission-certified Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. With an increased maximum horsepower of 218 and an increased standard configuration weight of 35,351 pounds, the GD655-5 is entering the largest grader segment in North America. The new powertrain design positions the engine at the rear of the machine. This placement, along with the increased weight on the front axle, provides better control. The engine technology provides a three-stage, dual-mode system that produces higher power with reduced fuel consumption and offers three levels of power from first through eighth gear — a 20-percent fuel consumption savings when compared to the previous model. The machine’s newly-designed cab (patent pending) has a hexangular shape that eliminates the front corner pillars, which allows for greater visibility.

Stationary and self-erect storage works with competitive models

Asphalt Drum Mixers, Inc. offers stationary and self-erect asphalt storage silos, which are compatible with both its own and similar competitive models of asphalt plants. Storage silos receive freshly mixed asphalt from a conveyor and keep it at a constant temperature until it is discharged. The stationary and self-erect designs allow them to be used in various asphalt plant configurations, and multiple capacity options are available to accommodate the output of any operation. The capacity of ADM’s self-erect silos ranges from 30 to 75 tons, and stationary silo models hold between 100 and 300 tons of asphalt mix. All models are equipped with alarms to alert operators when asphalt levels are high, and they feature a fiberglass blanket insulation to provide superior heat retention while the mixture is stored. Optional oil or electric heating systems are available to ensure asphalt is kept at the desired temperature.

Operating data sent wirelessly

Komatsu America Corp.’s new PC160LC-8 hydraulic excavator is equipped with the latest Komtrax technology (Level 3), which sends machine operating information to a secure Website using wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The machine has an operating weight of 36,770 to 37,740 pounds, is powered by a Komatsu SAA4D107E-1 engine. The electronically controlled HPCR (High-Pressure Common Rail) fuel injection system is EPA Tier 3 emissions certified. Special features of the new PC160LC-8 include a new large multi-color monitor and Komatsu’s EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System). EMMS continually monitors all critical excavator systems; tracks the preventative maintenance schedule, provides on-board tracking, and advises current required maintenance; and provides error codes and troubleshooting assistance to mechanics in order to minimize diagnosis and repair time.

Bright roll-up roadside signs for proper warning

American Safety Vest (ASV) is now offering a new series of bright orange vinyl roll-up signs for roadside use. The heavyweight, 15-ounce mesh signs are available from the American Safety Vest website (http://www.americansafetyvest.com) All of the signs are fluorescent. They can be either 36 or 48 inches square, fitting most standard stands for roll-up signs. They can carry standard or custom legends, including: Men Working, Flagger Ahead, Road Work Ahead, Road Closed Ahead, Left Lane Closed Ahead, and Right lane Closed Ahead.

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