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CONSTRUCTION EUROPE
SEPTEMBER 2013
COMPACT LOADERS
Like the rest of the new generation machines,
the S450 will come with an enhanced cab
providing superior comfort, visibility and
access to and from the machine.”
He added that a second point of focus was
on the actual performance of the machine,
especially the hydraulics.
“The hydraulic circuit has been redesigned,
involving the reduction of linkages and
introducing straight fittings instead of
adjustable fittings,” said Mr Cuadrado,
“resulting in higher hydraulic power, reduced
maintenance and increased attachment
performance.
“Last but not least, the durability of the
machine has been our third point of focus.
The new generation models come with
auxiliary hydraulics totally protected within
the arms of the machine, as well as a more
robust and protected tailgate.”
The changes that the manufacturers make
can be prompted by a number of elements –
for example, new regulations – but overall, a
machine has to appeal to its customer base.
According to Mr Cuadrado, “The application
in question tends to drive the decision to
purchase one size and type of loader or
another.
“In the case of the compact loader, the
compactness and the versatility provided by
the extensive attachments on offer are the
key decision makers.”
At Gehl/Mustang, Mr Chatillon agreed,
comparing the requirements of a European
customer with a US counterpart. He cited
compactness so that machines could move
easily in European cities, which tend to be
smaller than in the US, with narrow historical
town centres where there is no access for
large loaders.
“Versatility is linked to the wide range
of attachments you can use,” he said, “but
also reliability to do the job by saving time
and by increasing productivity, and easy
maintenance on site by the operators. It’s
reducing the maintenance costs allowing
better productivity.”
He added that more and more, better fuel
efficiency was important because the cost of
fuel was higher in Europe than in the US.
“For instance,” he said, “on the new Gehl
V400/Mustang 4000 V, we introduced a new
cooling fan controlled by hydraulics to reduce
fuel consumption and noise.”
Comfort was important for European
customers, according to Mr Chatillon, who
said some customers were concerned about
vibration noise outside and inside the cabin.
“It means the models dedicated to European
markets offer better comfort to the customer
with less vibration and less inside/outside
cabin noise,” he said, adding that in Europe,
his company sold more closed cabins than in
the US to meet customer needs for comfort.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
One area that JCB is concentrating on with
the launch of two new compact wheeled
loading shovels is fuel efficiency and the JCB
Ecomax engine.
The new models, the 411 and 417, are
powered by the low emission Ecomax
diesel engine, which JCB claimed delivered
improved fuel consumption, reduced noise
and increased productivity.
A larger operator’s cab also features, with
improved ergonomics, a new high lift arm
option on the 417 for increased versatility,
and improved lift capacity.
The 417 – which replaces the previous 416
– and the revised 411 feature JCB’s new
generation appearance, with a new single-
piece bonnet which is said to help with
service access and visibility.
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is collapsing strongly due to the economic
crisis. This has stopped a large number of
construction programmes where compact
loaders could be used.
“At the same time, Russia is becoming the
biggest market for this range of product
with constant growth over several years,” he
added.
“Let me cut to the chase – Northern
European markets are suffering from the
crisis less than Southern European markets.
This trend should remain the same in 2014.
Growth in Southern Europe will only occur
if Italy and Spain launch new programmes
for construction – individual construction
mainly.”
Regardless of the market situation,
companies have tomove forward, introducing
improved models and working hard on new
technology.
Mr Chatillon said that in Europe, his
company had launched the new Gehl V400
and Mustang 4000V this year. He claimed
these new models, which were launched in
the US and Canada in June 2012, were the
most powerful skid steers on the market.
He said they offered a large range of
applications with dedicated attachments that
required hydraulic power, such as large size
hammers, trenchers and cold planers.
FULL RANGE
Bobcat launched its new generation loaders
in 2010. Mr Cuadrado said, “Following the
launch of the new 500 platform loaders at the
beginning of 2013, we have now successfully
launched all the new Bobcat large- and
medium-sized skid steer, compact tracked
and all-wheel steer loader models.
“In early 2014, we will launch the S450, the
replacement for the S130 skid steer loader.
The Bobcat T590 – one of the new 500
series of platform loaders launched at the
beginning of 2013
Mr Cuadrado, “Conditions are
still challenging”
The Mustang 4000 V has a new cooling
fan controlled by hydraulics to reduce fuel
consumption and noise
