Maintenance

The commanding position of Bobcat in the world skid steer market was graphically illustrated earlier this year when the company produced its one-millionth loader. This achievement is being marked around the world with competitions and the availability of limited edition commemorative S650 (skid steer) and T650 (tracked) loaders. The latest wheeled Bobcat skid steer loader is the M-Series S450, which replaces the popular S130 model. This new radial lift path loader has a rated operating capacity is 608kg and

Key developments are being seen in the markets for compact compaction and loading machines - Mike Woof writes Various new utility machines are now coming to market aimed at the rental segment, with advances in small compaction and loading tools proving particularly popular. These will benefit from the latest low emission engines while delivering increased power and performance, as well as being easier and more comfortable to use.

Fast, efficient and long-lasting repairs are claimed for the heating system developed by the Nu-Phalt Group Developed in the UK, the innovative Nu-Phalt pothole patching system equipment is now being widely used by various local authorities for road repairs. But this technology is also being employed internationally, with key sales in parts of Eastern Europe and India.

New Holland’s 200 Series compact track loaders and skid steer loaders will now benefit from Tier 4 Final compliant engines. The next generation models of skid steer and compact track loaders maintains the same compact dimensions of the previous variants while delivering more power and torque than before. The improved skid steer loaders offer greater productivity, torque and fuel economy, while the new radial-lift Tier 4 Final L216 skid steer loader is said to provide best-in-class peak torque. Meanwhile

Improvements are needed to key roads in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A report from the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) says that there is a funding backlog for road works. According to the MRNA report some US$1.08 billion (A$1.15 billion) is needed to bring the NSW North Coast council roads to a satisfactory condition. The North Coast councils in need of the money include Greater Taree, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour City, Port Macquarie Hastings and Byron Shire. A number of options ar

Kobelco Construction Machinery Group is expecting strong sales in North America and Europe in the 2014 financial year after recently re-entering both key markets after a decade-long absence. Consolidated net domestic sales in Japan in 2013 financial year (April 2013-March 2014) were up 29.2% year-on-year to US$1.362 billion (138.3 billion yen), with overseas sales at $1.771 billion (179.9 billion yen), a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. The ratio of overseas sales to consolidated net sales decreased slightl

Bobcat’s new T40180 18m telehandler is the Doosan brand’s largest rigid frame telescopic handler, and, like Bobcat’s T40140 14m model, has increased maximum lifting height based on a new easy-to-use design said to provide class-leading efficiency and productivity backed by state-of-the-art safety systems. The T40180 has a 4tonne maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 17.52m. The lift capacity at top lift height is 2.5tonnes, while at maximum reach of 13.7m, lift capacity is 560kg. Unloaded

Around 7,000 extra potholes are to be repaired across Staffordshire as part of a €2.5 million (£2.1 million) package of investment in the English county’s roads. Staffordshire County Council is also drafting in two extra pothole-blitzing machines – in addition to the two already out tackling potholes and improving road surfaces in the county. The two extra machines use high velocity patching and can tackle stretches of defects and are particularly effective on more rural, less constructed roads.

Chicago Pneumatic has added production capacity for the brand’s portable diesel compressor range at its Antwerp manufacturing facility in Belgium. The firm says the new production strategy aims to meet Europe’s increasing demand as well as Chicago Pneumatic’s (CP) ambition to offer market-leading customer service and delivery times. The decision to expand production capacity in mainland Europe saw CP manufacture its entire portable diesel compressor range for the European market from Antwerp in Q4 2013.

Komatsu’s utility equipment operation in Italy recently held its 50th anniversary celebration, as well as highlighting new product developments. The current plant was established by the Italian firm FAI in the town of Este around 30 years ago, close to the city of Venice. When rules on importation of machine into Europe were established in the late 1980s, Komatsu discussed a partnership with FAI. This was established in 1988, later buying out the majority share in the plant held the Italian founder in the e