News

Ammann’s new AVA 250 machine is its first add-on compactor specifically designed for mini-excavators. Described by the Swiss firm as an efficient add-on compactor for use on mini-excavators weighing at least 2tonnes, the AVA 250 can also be used on backhoe loaders. A built-in twin-shaft exciter is said by Ammann to give the AVA 250 maximum directed compaction energy. With a working weight of 180kg and a centrifugal force of 20kN, the AVA 250 is said to prevent any vibration transfer to the loader’s boom.

Sharply reduced global demand for construction equipment in the final three months of last year led to Volvo Construction Equipment’s (CE) full 2012 year sales growing by less than 1%, compared to sales in 2011. Volvo CE sales reached US$10.037 billion (SEK 63,558mn) in 2012, compared to $10.028 billion (SEK 63,500mn) the previous year. Operating income was down to $911.7mn (SEK 5,773mn), from $1.075 billion (SEK 6,812mn) in 2011, operating margin was 9.1% in 2012, down from 10.7% 12 months earlier, and the

A new version of Hidromek’s well accepted HMK220LC excavator is being offered with a long reach boom for use in special earthmoving and drainage applications. Called the HMK200LC LR, this machine is designed for fine grading at long reach, as well as for duties such as ditching and drainage clearance. As with the standard machines, Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified engine and hydraulics components are used. According to export manager Anil Bingöl, this machine widens Hidromek’s standard excavator

What Ammann describes as its most compact finisher, the 3.5tonne AFT 270 being showcased at bauma has been equipped with a new gas or electric-powered ramming and vibrating screed, said to ensure top quality finishing. With an operating weight of 5.2tonnes, the AFT 270 has finishing widths of 140 to 330cm and two operating concepts: standing operation on a pedestal and an operating platform with a sliding/rotating seat and operating console. Ammann says the AFT270, like all its finishers, comes with complet

Bell Equipment is working on its biggest ever truck, which will offer a capacity of 55tonnes. A launch date has not yet been revealed for the hauler and technical details have yet to be revealed, however the machine will have a 4x4 drive system. Marc Schürmann managing director of Bell Equipment Europe said prototype testing for the machine will commence later this year. He said “Our competitors will be the smaller class of rigid haulers,” and he added that the aim is to offer lower fuel consumption and cap

The new Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission certified engine range from Deutz is being introduced. This complete line-up of diesels meets the coming noise and exhaust emission requirements in Europe and the US and offers capacities from 2.9-16litres. The low emissions performance is achieved using the Deutz DVERT technology, a package of technical solutions that is used in modular form with varying options used to ensure each engine capacity meets the requirements. Compact design and high torque output are claim

Herrenknecht’s innovative Pipe Express system offers a novel semi-trenchless method of installing pipelines effectively and efficiently. The system can cope with pipe diameters from 800mm-1.5m and is a combination of tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology with a chain trencher. The TBM unit, trencher and buggy run on the surface, along with an operating vehicle and the equipment is modular and said to be easy to transport and set-up on site. Silke Rockenstein is in charge of corporate communications at the

Italian civil engineering company Impregilo, through Poland-based subsidiary Salini Polska, and Polish firm Kobylarnia has been awarded a US$341.2 million (€250mn) contract to build a stretch of Poland’s A1 motorway. The near 75km route will link the towns of Torun and Strykow, and is expected to be completed within a year.

Around US$1.82 billion (€1.34bn) may be spent improving Spain’s motorway network, according to an investment plan submitted to the Ministry of Development by Aseta, the national motorway operators’ association. Execution of the plan submitted on behalf of Itinere, Abertis and Ferrovial would be in exchange for an extension on the management contracts on their managed motorways, or a raise in toll charges. Works would start immediately and would create some 25,000 jobs. Itinere is preparing to invest €744 mi

Ammann’s new asphalt mixing plant filter - AFA 3018 – on show at bauma 2013 is said to provide high separation accuracy, improved flow distribution and is virtually maintenance-free. State-of-the-art CFD simulation is said by the Swiss company to be behind the increase in flow distribution quality. As a result, filter bags are said to be filled more evenly, which improves their efficiency and useful life. Key to high separation accuracy of the fine and coarse filler is what is described as a new and innovat

Hidromek is offering an improved excavator series and plans to introduce a new top-of-the-range machine later this year. Export manager Anil Bingöl said, “We are preparing a 50tonne class machine.” He added that this will be offered with a Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions rating only, although full specifications of the machine have yet to be revealed. The new 50tonne class excavator will benefit from the latest Hidromek telematics package, which uses satellite communications to provide a continuous flow

Hidromek is commencing work on developing its new wheeled loader line. Export manager Anil Bingöl said, “We have started our wheeled loader project and we hope to have our first prototype machine this year.” This will feature a 3m3 bucket and will be the first in a range of wheeled loaders from the firm. Machines with bucket capacities of 4m3 and then 5m3 will be developed in due course. Testing of the first prototype will be carried out in Turkey and Bingöl said the firm intends to have its wheeled loaders

Hidromek is introducing new 15tonne and 21tonne wheeled excavators that benefit from new cab designs. Export manager Anil Bingöl said, “We are targeting mainland Europe with our wheeled excavators.” Said to be highly versatile, the HMK140W and HMK200W machines are offered in Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified format and offer high performance and productivity. High quality European and Japanese components are used and the machines are said to be easy to operate and offer precise control. These new

A special version of Hidromek’s HMK220LC excavator is now available for use in underground applications. This machine features additional reinforcement and protection to ensure its longevity in the tough underground application, as well as providing extra safety measures for the operator. The same Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified engine and hydraulics components are used as in the standard machines, although additional after-treatment systems are available to meet underground working requirement

From Bell Equipment comes a special version of its B30 truck in the shape of a 4x4 version of the B30D. Introduced as part of the firm’s VersaTruck programme, the 4x4 version of the B30D has been developed for a range of applications such as use in underground tunnel construction and underground mining, or quarrying. The shorter rear chassis and single rear axle means that the truck is able to manoeuvre in tighter spaces than the conventional B30 machine, suiting it to applications such as underground opera