Monthly Archive for June, 2010

Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Expands Capabilities Through Acquisition of CleanAIR Systems

Published on June 29, 2010 in Daily Dirt. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Caterpillar Emissions Solutions has signed a definitive agreement to purchase CleanAIR Systems, Inc.  Upon completion of the transaction, CleanAIR Systems will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. within the Customer Services Support Division.

CleanAIR Systems is a privately owned company in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a leader in designing and manufacturing customized stationary aftertreatment solutions for internal combustion engines.  The broad product line includes California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified particulate filters, oxidation catalysts and silencers as well as an innovative hybrid selective-catalytic-reduction/particulate-filter/silencer system. These products and CleanAIR’s engineering expertise have seen especially strong use in retrofitting engine-powered generators, and they have application in diverse industries.

“Lowering the emissions output of our legacy equipment is one of the most significant steps we can take to help our customers do their work in a more sustainable manner. The CleanAIR products add significantly to our ability to accomplish emissions reductions for our electric power, petroleum and marine customers,” said Terry Sears, Manager, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions. “Our goal is to be the leader and the preferred provider of emissions reduction technologies for the existing population of Cat products around the globe.”

In 2008, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions signed an Allied Vendor Agreement with CleanAIR Systems to strengthen the stationary aftertreatment business. The acquisition will build on the success of the vendor agreement and the working relationships developed with Cat® dealers. About 70 percent of CleanAIR products were going to Cat dealers under the agreement.

“We are extremely pleased that CleanAIR Systems has joined the Caterpillar family. After working together for several years as an allied vendor of Caterpillar, we feel this is a natural progression,” said Michael Roach, President, CleanAIR Systems, Inc. “My staff and I are looking forward to an exciting future helping the worldwide Cat Dealer Network and their customers meet air quality regulations.”

Caterpillar Emissions Solutions will provide marketing and engineering support to CleanAIR Systems, assist with CARB and EPA Verification, and jointly develop next-generation products for Caterpillar customers.

The acquisition is expected to close by July 1, 2010, pending final regulatory approvals.  CleanAIR Systems will remain headquartered in Santa Fe and will be known as CleanAIR Systems, Inc.- A Caterpillar Company.

Study On The Northern Birmingham AL Beltline Released Today

Published on June 29, 2010 in Daily Dirt and Dixie Contractor. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Big bucks and a lot of jobs. That’s the result of a study released today on the economic impact of the Northern Beltline in Jefferson County. “Economically it’s going to be good for Trussville.” Trussville Mayor Gene Melton said.

An advocacy group called the Coalition for Regional Transportation sponsored the study. “We are very excited. We have the construction impact from the construction period will be seven billion dollars alone. 70-thousand jobs and 155 million dollars in new tax revenue,” Renee Carter, Executive Director of the Coalition said.

The 53-mile project will cost about $3 billion. The federal government will pay 80%; Alabama will have to cover the remaining 20%.”We are going to have to fight. They are trying to take it away from us. I have a funding formula. It will be able to bring us about 150 million dollars for the next five years. “Sen. Richard Shelby said.

The federal funds will come from money being used to finish interstate 22 the Birmingham to Memphis corridor. The beltline is expected to take 21 years to finish. “This is a big project. This is a huge dream for a lot of people but it could be reality. We are the only major city, major metropolitan city that has half of a beltline around it. We got to finish it,” Shelby said.

Supporters are also trying to insure the project will not hurt the environment. “It’s going to be good for everybody. We are going to make sure environmentally we protect the Cahaba River and the DOT got on board with us about that,” Melton said.

Source: foxal.com

Michelin Introduces X-Traction OTR Tire To North American Market

Published on June 28, 2010 in Equipment & Products. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

New generation tire in 33-, 35- and 49-inch sizes for mining, construction, quarry sites

The new MICHELIN X-TRACTION tire from Michelin Earthmover Tires will be available July 1 for the North American market. The E4 tire is designed for earthmover transport equipment operating in rocky terrain. Beyond the initial 27.00R49 size now being introduced to North America, additional sizes of the X-TRACTION tire will be available: 24.00R35 (September 2010); 21.00R33 and 18.00R33 (2011).

The MICHELIN X-TRACTION tire was originally available in 2004 outside North America for large mining trucks, and, as of July 1, 2010, will be available in North America for 100-ton mining and infrastructure trucks using the 49-inch E4 size. With the addition of the 33- and 35-inch sizes, Michelin is bringing to the North American market a new generation of the tire specially designed for smaller rigid dump trucks that operate on public works sites, such as construction and infrastructure sites. The tire will also be seen in quarries, where rigid frame trucks are more often used.

“We’re constantly monitoring the North American market’s tire needs in order to provide the industry with the best possible tire performance for the application,” said Roger Lucas, vice president of sales and marketing, Michelin Earthmover Tires. “Expanding the X-TRACTION tire offering into North America and with additional sizes is a prime example of this commitment. The X-TRACTION tire will provide outstanding performance for rigid frame trucks in a wide variety of applications.”

Rigid frame dump trucks face application challenges that require significant tread life and traction levels, as well as sidewall and tread area damage resistance. To help cope with the demands rigid frame trucks face, Michelin has integrated two new technologies into the new generation of X-TRACTION tires. The first feature is the new Cooling System shoulder design and the second is the C2 Technology casing architecture. Together, these innovations reduce heat build-up, thereby enabling trucks to operate continuously at higher speeds.

The new tire features a tread that is up to 13 percent deeper, which extends tire life by up to 15 percent. Thicker under tread rubber improves resistance to cuts and impacts. The new MICHELIN X-TRACTION tire also reduces tire costs because it is easier to retread, owing to the robust tread that helps to protect the casing. The X-TRACTION tire’s casing design helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 percent, saving nearly $4,000 a year in fuel. The fuel saved consequently lowers carbon emissions by an estimated 14.5 tons per year.*

*All comparisons made to the MICHELIN XDT tire.

Komatsu America Corp. Launches New D65-16 Crawler Dozers

Published on June 27, 2010 in Equipment & Products. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

New D65-16 Powered by Next Generation SIGMADOZER Blade and New Transmission Technology for Powerful and More Productive Dozing

Komatsu America Corp. today introduced its new line of D65-16 crawler dozers.  Komatsu’s new crawler dozers are powered with

Komatsu D65-16 Crawler Dozers

the fuel efficient 8.27 Liter, EPA Tier 3 emission certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-3 engine.  These new models push with a net (ISO 9249 / SAE J1349) 205 HP at 1950 rpm.  A standard (EX), low ground pressure (PX) and a wide (WX) track models are available, offering customers flotation and weight distribution options to best match their applications.  Operating weight ranges from 43,690 lbs to 48,940 lbs depending on the version.

Developed primarily for heavy dozing and finishing operations, the new model combines the revolutionary SIGMADOZER blade with a highly efficient automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up to achieve exceptional productivity and fuel economy.  A new Komatsu 6-way Power Angle Tilt (PAT) blade is also available for all models, making it a perfectly balanced and agile tractor for light and medium dozing operations as well as providing precise grade cutting required for site prep, golf course or house pad applications.

The new dozers are equipped with the latest KOMTRAX® technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Hour meter, location, cautions, load ratio, fuel consumption and maintenance alerts – to name a few of its features – are relayed to the web application for analysis.  The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special features of these new crawler dozers include:

Choice of the next generation SIGMADOZER blade for unsurpassed productivity and grading, or PAT blade for maximum versatility and performance

The D65EX and WX can be equipped with SIGMADOZER, providing the machine with a large blade capacity of 7.34 yd³ and 7.72 yd³ respectively.  Based on a completely new excavation theory, SIGMADOZER dramatically improves dozing performance and increases productivity by 15% over conventional Semi-U blades as proven on the larger D155AX-6 and D275AX-5 dozers.

The blade features a new frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling up at the center of the blade increasing soil holding capacity while simultaneously reducing sideway spillage.  It also reduces digging resistance producing a smoother flow of material enabling the dozing of larger amounts of soil with less power.

A PAT blade with highly durable box structure C-Frame is optionally available for each model.  The hydraulic blade tilt and angling function expands versatility and productivity in a variety of applications.  The manually adjustable blade pitch further expands the versatility and productivity in many applications

New automatic transmission significantly improves fuel economy

The D65-16’s have a new automatic transmission with lock up torque converter that greatly reduces fuel consumption and offers greater power train efficiency.  The lockup mechanics of the torque converter automatically transfers engine power directly to the transmission, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.  Because of the efficiency of the electronically controlled engine and transmission, fuel consumption is decreased while machine power is maintained.

Two gearshift modes – automatic or manual – can be easily selected to fit the appropriate application: automatic for all general dozing offers the choice of 4 forward and reverse speeds and manual for dozing and ripping rough ground offers the choice of 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds.  For operating efficiency, the automatic gearshift transmission shifts to the optimal gear range based on the working conditions and load.

Two selectable Working Modes – E and P – match machine performance to the application. The E Mode is chosen for all general dozing, leveling and spreading applications providing adequate speed and power while saving up to 10% fuel.  The P Mode is chosen for slot dozing, ripping or other applications requiring higher production where engine power has priority over fuel consumption.

Newly designed joystick controls for power and comfort

Komatsu’s ergonomically designed Palm Command Control System (PCCS) gives operators maximum control, offering a relaxed posture and superb fine control to minimize operator fatigue.  Thumb push buttons simplify transmission gear shifting.  The pilot controlled hydraulic blade and ripper control joystick offers excellent blade and ripper fine control.

Engine speed is controlled using an easy-to-operate electronic throttle control dial, which eliminates maintenance of linkage and joints.   Powerful turns under various work conditions are achieved with the Hydrostatic Steering System (HSS), which is driven by an independent hydraulic pump and motor to transmit power to both tracks without interruption. Counter-rotation is available for minimum turning radius, providing excellent maneuverability

New cab design creates optimal operator environment

The new D65-16 crawler dozer’s comfortable working environment, allows the operator to concentrate on the work at hand for increased productivity.  The new larger cab is now integrated with ROPS (Roll-Over Protection Structure) and moves the standard air ride operator’s seat 3 inches higher and 4 inches closer to the blade for excellent front, side and rear visibility.  The dozer’s viscous cab mounts reduce shocks and vibration even over adverse conditions and the interior cab decibel has been decreased to 75db for a quiet work environment.  A new, large 7” color LCD monitor in the cab displays all machine information.

Convenient maintenance equals reliability

Knowing that maintenance is critical for successful equipment uptime, Komatsu has designed the D65-16 with easy routine maintenance in mind.  Daily engine checks are grouped at the left hand side of the engine compartment. A manually reversing fan allows for quick cleaning of the radiator without leaving the cab.  The D65-16 also comes standard with PLUS undercarriage.  This rotary bushing system doubles the undercarriage life over prior conventional systems significantly lowering O&O costs.

*SIGMADOZER is a registered trademark of Komatsu Ltd., Japan.

Caterpillar, Wacker Neuson SE Announce Strategic Alliance

Published on June 27, 2010 in Daily Dirt. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Caterpillar Inc. and Wacker Neuson SE, Munich, Germany announced today that the relevant executive bodies for both companies have signed an alliance agreement. The agreement between the parties is for the design,manufacture, sale and support of Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavators in the under three-ton category.

The alliance agreement calls for Wacker Neuson to leverage its manufacturing and product development capability to produce Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavators in the under three-ton category at its production plant in Linz, Austria. Caterpillar currently offers three models in this size range. The machines will be produced to Caterpillar’s specifications and will be distributed and supported via Caterpillar’s global dealer network, with the exception of Japan. All Caterpillar models will be clearly differentiated from comparable Wacker Neuson models in the same product range.

“We know many customers are looking for more options in this size range, and this alliance will give those customers expanded choices to help them grow their business,” said Mary Bell, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Building Construction Products Division. “There is also an ideal cultural fit between Caterpillar and Wacker Neuson, as both companies have a strong focus on developing and supporting world class products. Over the years, Wacker Neuson has developed a strong reputation among our Caterpillar dealers, who have become familiar with Wacker Neuson’s Light Equipment products, which are available at Cat Rental stores,” Bell added.

By concentrating production of select products at Wacker Neuson locations, the two companies will leverage joint economies of scale in the manufacturing process while supplying their respective, complementary sales channels with differentiated, competitive machines.

“We are delighted at the prospect of what promises to be a strategic partnership for both companies as we move forward,” explained Dr. Ing. Georg Sick, CEO of Wacker Neuson SE.