Agritechnica, one of the world’s largest trade fairs for agricultural technology, opened this week in Hannover, Germany. According to organizer DLG (German Agricultural Society) the show is expected to attract more than 450,000 attendees from 130 countries over its seven-day run. One highlight is the announcement of this year’s Innovation Awards, a competition open to […]
Mobile IoT system harnesses machine and fleet data
Engineers at Cross Co., a supplier of fluid power components, systems and controls based in Greensboro, N.C., have developed Cross Mobile IoT. The hardware and software system connects vehicles through a sophisticated — and easy to use — cellular gateway, according to company officials, to improve fleet efficiency, reduce costs and help equipment manufacturers generate […]
Advanced hydraulics powers forest-friendly machine
Forwarder2020 project focuses on efficiency and sustainability. Forests are essential. They’re a major source of building materials and biomass for renewable energy, supply the air we breathe, prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds, promote biodiversity and offer countless recreational opportunities. And they play a critical role in CO2 capture and climate-change mitigation. For all these […]
New retrofit option for hydraulic crane controls
Hetronic’s MEC-HL C MOD kit is an electromechanical radio control modification kit for after-market hydraulic crane applications. The MEC-HL C radio remote control kit includes proportional actuators, remote control radio receiver and a transmitter. According to company officials, it comes at a low per-unit cost with a fast ROI while increasing efficiency and safety for […]
New machines demonstrate utility industry flexibility
Equipment manufacturers serving the utility industry displayed a wide range of machines at the 2019 International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo (ICUEE) in Louisville, Ky., with products built to handle tasks as varied as vegetation management, urban construction and transmission-line service. Terex Utilities launched three new telescopic and material handling aerial devices designed for transmission […]
Vermeer’s new XR2 packs fluid-power performance
Taking full advantage of the power and flexibility of hydraulic and vacuum systems, Vermeer Corp., Pella, Iowa, introduced the innovative XR2 vacuum excavator at the ICUEE show in Louisville, Kentucky. In what company officials termed a “major breakthrough” in hydro-excavation technology for utility applications, the XR2 is the industry’s first vacuum excavator equipped with a […]
Caterpillar launches next-generation mini hydraulic excavator
At this year’s ICUEE show in Louisville, Caterpillar unveiled the Cat 306 CR mini hydraulic excavator, which marks the company’s entry into the 6-ton class. According to Cat officials, the 306 CR mini excavator is built to exceed customer expectations with strong performance, enhanced operator experience and simplified maintenance with extended service intervals. The machine […]
Liebherr’s strategy for electric mobile machines
Among mobile-equipment manufacturers, electrification — the concept of replacing diesel engines and traditional hydraulics with electric drives and batteries — is without a doubt a hot topic. But OEMs should consider both the financial and engineering ramifications before jumping in head first, according to Thomas Schulze, Drive System Application Engineer with Liebherr Components in Biberach, […]
The practical side of mobile electrification
Manufacturers of construction equipment are falling over each other in the scramble to introduce electrified off-road vehicles that eliminate diesel engines and, in some cases, hydraulic drives. A number of such machines were on display at this year’s bauma, and predicting more of the same at Conexpo 2020 will be the safest bet in Las […]
Smart hydraulics integral to automated dozing
Komatsu America, Rolling Meadows, Ill., recently introduced its Proactive Dozing Control logic, a fully-integrated dozing control system that lets operators perform auto-stripping, auto-spreading and high production dozing, as well as finish grading. Available on several units, Komatsu’s Proactive Dozing Control logic is built on the company’s existing intelligent machine control. The system uses Global Navigation […]