41
april 2015
international
construction
president for construction & infrastructure industries, said
developingmachines that increasedproductivitywas key.
He said the companyhaddeveloped itsCatConnect integrated
technology solutions to improve machine efficiency was at the
heart of its equipment strategy.
This includes electronic grade control systems, which use
computer-based mapping of terrain for efficient machine
operation, aswell as payloadmanagement, whichuses electronic
sensors to accuratelymonitor hauler loads.
Mr Fellin said that there were several other core areas that
Caterpillar had applied technology into its earthmoving
machines, includingdevelopingnew transmissions that delivered
better performance through improved fuel consumption.
He added, “We have worked on equipment management, in
which we have connected machines together so that there are
(web-based) links with dealerships so we can better manage
>
New emissions standards have brought with themmore
efficient earthmovers that harness awealth of satellite
andweb-based technology.
Neill Barston
reports.
New technologies
EARTHMOVING
New technologies
Doosan’s DX420LC is factory-
installedwith the new CoreTMS
wireless fleet monitoring system.
D
eveloping earthmovingmachines that deliver fuel savings
and greater efficiency through improved engines and
control systems is a focus for construction equipment
manufacturers.
The past year or twohas seen awealthof new technology come
to market, as companies respond to stricter levels of emissions
legislation.
Known as Tier 4 Final inNorth America, Stage IV in Europe
andTier 4 in Japan, the regulations havebeendesigned to reduce
pollution from construction machines and have posed key
challenges for the industry.
Not least of these tests has been in designing equipment that
delivers greater productivity, while at the same time meeting
tighter environmental controls.
As Caterpillar said at the launch of its latestTier 4 Final/Stage
IV compliant equipment ranges (see this month’s Equipment
pages), another significant factor for machine development is
improving fuel efficiency.
The company said customer feedback had ranked making
savings on the cost of diesel as the key issue for contractors.This
is often the single largest site expenditure around equipment,.
Caterpillar said it can make up around 30% of equipment
operating costs.
With increased pressure to deliver projects to tight budgets
and timescales, such efficiency savings have become increasingly
important.
Paolo Fellin, Caterpillar’s global sales and marketing vice
Caterpillar’s 745C is among its latest
range to feature improved engine
performance and technological
efficiency features.
