international
construction
april 2014
EARTHMOVING
38
Reducing the burn
they nowmeet Tier 4 Final emissions standards. It highlighted
the fact that its DPF cleaning process occurs automatically with
no impact tomachine operation, andwith anup to 15,000hour
service interval.
It said ithadensured that integrating theTier4Final enginehad
not affected visibility for the G Series, which range in operating
weight from the 19 tonne class 670G/GP to the 21 tonne class
872G/GP. In addition, it integratedLEDwork lights to the new
models, while its telematics technology – JohnDeereWorkSight
– also comes as standard.
And another new grader has been released by Volvo, the
Tier 4 Final-compliant G946C. This 17 tonne class machine
features technology including load-sensing hydraulics and an
all-wheel drive system with creep mode, which only engages
the hydrostatically-powered front wheels for fine grading
applications.
If required, theG946Ccanalsobefittedwitha third-partygrade
control system, using the Technology Ready Option. Volvo has
developedacommon interfaceand installationpackage toensures
high productivity and precision in fine grading applications,
regardless of customer preference.
Advantages
Ithasclearlybeenabusy time for theearthmoving sector, andwith
fuel consumption savings of asmuch as +25% being claimed on
some of the latestTier 4 Final models, there are clear advantages
to the latest engine and transmission technology for end-users.
However, now that the Tier 4 Final laws are in place, forcing
all the sector’s manufacturers to install new engines, it will be
interesting to see where manufacturers invest their research and
development funds next.
A trend seems to be for automating more andmore functions
and further integrating machine control and telematics
systems, targeting further increases inproductivityandequipment
security.
Volvo, for instance, said one area of technological development
that it is looking into is machine-to-machine and machine-
to-infrastructure communication. This is also an area being
emphasised by pure technology companies in the sector like
Leica,Topcon andTrimble.
“One of the advanced engineering projects we’re working on is
wireless machine communication technology,” said PeterWallin,
research coordinator at Volvo CE. “By increasing machine
intelligence and making it possible for machines to ‘talk’ to
each other we can reduce operational costs through improved
fuel efficiency, while also increasing safety and maintaining
productivity.
“So far we’ve looked at the quarry and aggregates segment and
road construction – but this technology can be used in all the
applicationsVolvomachineswork in.”
iC
Managing data streams
New technology is being developed to help combat downtime
T
elematics systems are reaching every corner of the construction equipment industry,
allowing end-users and dealers tomonitor the status of a fleet of machines in real-
time. However, Grathwol Automation claims there is a flaw in the current evolution
of the real-time telematics diagnostics picture –what happenswhen themachine has
stopped?
It has launched new technology dubbed IntelliMaticswhich has been developed to
showwhy an enginewill not start and/or why other production systems on themachine
have stoppedworking. These includewhy the upper conveyor won’t operate on amilling
machine or why the screedwon’t move
on a paver.
The device –which can be installed in
old and new equipment and is powered
from the vehicle’s electrical system – also
provides a visual guide so the operator
can seewhere the voltage path stops
in the circuit under test and create
customised fault codes for themachine,
not just the engine.
Hyundai’s prototype R220LC-9 HI-POSS excavator features
its Hyundai Intelligent Power Optimal Sharing and Energy
Saving (HI-POSS) system. This is said tomaximise energy use
through an electronically-controlled pump and valve, rather
than the conventional spool-operated valve. Fuel savings of
up to 20% are expected as a result of this technology.
Contractor TayannaMozambique
bought four Bell B40DADTs and a
Liebherr R964C excavator, a Bell
770G grader and a Bell 315SK 4x4
backhoe loader for a range of hauling
and earthmoving tasks, including
building earth bridges spanning rivers
for abnormal loads on the road to the
Cahora Bassa hydro-electric scheme
inMozambique.
