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The award was given for the next innovation boost in the mechanised production of tunnel infrastructure in soft ground formations with and without water-bearing layers.

Using the latest technology for continuous tunnelling results in a significant reduction in construction times for longer tunnel sections. This new development is already being used in a high-impact mobility project in Europe.

Dr-Ing E Martin Herrenknecht, founder and CEO of the firm commented, "Continuous tunnelling is the next significant innovation step in mechanised tunnelling. New underground traffic routes have to be built ever faster.  

“Continuous tunnelling gives clients and contractors a decisive time advantage that ultimately benefits the entire project and all partners involved. Rail, metro and road tunnels can be built and put into operation significantly faster."

Until now, mechanised tunnelling with shield machines in soft ground has always been a stop-and-go sequential process. Each excavation stroke is followed by the ring building sequence, so that the excavation has to pause and the driving cycle only restarts when the next segmental ring has been installed. These interruptions to tunnel advance in soft ground formations cost time over longer distances.  

In contrast, a continuous tunnelling process where machines continue excavation while the lining rings are being installed can contribute to considerable savings in construction time.

The new continuous tunnelling system developed by Herrenknecht can deliver an increase in efficiency during tunnel construction. In continuous tunnelling, the thrust cylinders that push the machine forward during advance take over the force share of the cylinders that are retracted for ring building.  

To ensure that the machine maintains course, the centre of thrust resulting from the combined driving forces of the applied thrust cylinders must remain unchanged in its position. At the heart of continuous tunnelling is a powerful computer system and process-specific software programs that can calculate the necessary pressures in the thrust cylinders. It ensures that the machine operator controls the tunnel boring machine along the specified alignment.

In continuous advance, the machine operator no longer controls the pressures in the thrust cylinders manually using rotary controls (potentiometers) on the control panel. The Centre of Thrust (CoT) system helps the shield operator to control the machine.  

The system consists of a display panel that shows the operator the current position of the centre of pressure and on which he selects the desired position of the centre of thrust. The control of the thrust cylinders is handled by algorithms in the computer system.

Compared to manual control by potentiometers, the CoT maintains the specified alignment more efficiently and effectively. The CoT system can increase total tunnelling performance by a factor of up to 1.6 compared to the previous discontinuous method, delivering a significant reduction in construction time for long tunnels.

The construction industry is clearly taking its environmental responsibilities seriously. Clever new equipment, telematics, data management, and machine control solutions are everywhere. Be efficient and sustainable. Work smarter, not harder is the message.

E-power is the way forward for Hamm with its zero emission small electric tandem roller. The new HD12e gives operators a perfect mix of low-maintenance, ergonomic, simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use design.

The new HY line represents the first aluminium pumps the Dorset, UK-headquartered company has produced.

The aluminium pumps will be made exclusively at Hydreco's new facility in Parma, Italy which opened in 2021.  

Group 1 and 2 pumps are already available in both aluminium and cast-iron body versions, while the latest group 3 aluminium version will soon be followed by a group 3 pump with cast iron body.

The cast iron pumps are currently being made in the UK but Michele Guiati, managing director of Hydreco Hydraulics Italia, said the long-term plan is to migrate all production of the cast iron pumps over to the Parma facility.

Hydreco Hydraulics also offers integrated motion control solutions, which include the new range of MS Series directional control valves, the new MHC multifunction ergonomic handle, and customised hydraulic cylinders.

Hydreco is part of the Duplomatic Group, which was bought by Japanese multinational Daikin in July last year. Katie McColl, CEO of Hydreco Hydraulics and Continental Hydraulics, commented on the integration with Daikin: "This new path is a significant step in our growth history and represents an extraordinary opportunity to integrate the strengths and skills of Duplomatic, Hydreco, Continental and Till."

The Duplomatic Group is strengthening its presence in the German market thanks to the recent acquisition of the company Till Hydraulik - a specialist in the production of microhydraulics as well as hydraulic cylinders for mobile applications.

The group says its commitment to this market includes the recent release of the website www.hydreco.com and the publication of technical and product documentation in German.

Yanmar board member Shiori Nagata says the world of construction machinery and powertrains is evolving, with manufacturers and end-users alike driving the transition from traditional combustion engines to battery power.  

However, she says, this new scenario brings with it fresh challenges for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and power systems suppliers.

Yanmar will therefore establish itself as the all-in-one systems integrator for smart electrified power solutions tailored to the application-specific needs of individual OEMs.  

In its capacity as a systems integrator, Yanmar will implement system engineering, design and manufacturing of e-powertrains, while providing control development, system evaluation, procurement, manufacturing and quality assurance.

“As Yanmar looks to meet the challenges of the coming century, our transformation will encompass new products with alternative fuel technologies,” says Tomohisa Tao, president Yanmar Power Technology.

“Our aim in this strategy, together with our dealers and OEM partners, is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value with new-energy technology. We will work hard to support our OEM partners and customers to achieve their environmental and performance goals.”

Carlo Giudici, Yanmar Europe sales director EMEA, adds that the company will accelerate its e-powertrain strategy in the next few months.

“Furthermore, we are giving ourselves another challenge this year – the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050. It is a declaration and a challenge we impose on ourselves to become a company that achieves zero greenhouse gas emissions and a zero ecological footprint by recycling resources,” Giudici says.

Based on a SANY electric chassis, the iONTRON eMixer is 100% electrically powered, confirms head of product management Markus Frasch. No carbon emissions are released during operation – neither during the journey nor when working on-site.

“The 315-kW e-motor offers great torque and virtually silent operation,” said Frasch. “This means that the eMixer can drive without restrictions – even in places where strict noise regulations apply. This offers a competitive advantage when tendering for construction projects with strict environmental protection stipulations.”  

The 8x4 axle configuration offers up to 34tonnes permissible gross weight. Reliable performance, added Frasch, was top priority during development. Thus, the battery charge of the iONTRON eMixer lasts a whole working day in urban areas – offering about five to six trips and a range of up to 150km.

“This is made possible by the 350kWh battery technology. If more trips are planned, it can simply be opportunity-charged in between trips. The mixer recovers its full power overnight by charging at a DC charging station.”  

While the firm is already producing its eTRAC eCD20-40 electric drives for compact vehicles, and the first pilot projects are underway for the next larger eCD 50-90 series, the newly-developed eCD160 system will offer solutions for electric construction machinery weighing up to 20tonnes.

The components are matched to a system consisting of an electro-mechanical powershift transmission and one e-motor for traction and ePTO each. An electric drive control unit for overall system performance and power management completes the system. With a 650V operating voltage, the system can be scaled up to 120kW continuous power; the ePTO ranges from 30-70kW continuous power.

Based on the established ERGOPOWER powershift technology, the eTRAC system is not intended to replace the conventional driveline technology. Instead, its modular design that allows a large number of drive concepts to be covered and to react even more flexibly to customer requirements in the future.

The newly developed solution can be integrated into battery-electric vehicles as well as vehicles with fuel cells. At the same time, conventional drives with powershift and power split transmissions will remain, even for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, eFuels, or biodiesel.

The K42E is equipped with a 30amp hour cell battery pack that powers two Rexroth electric motors. The first drives the hydraulic pump to move the boom and open the outriggers, while the second drives the pumping unit, in a closed circuit and at maximum capacity of 160m³/hour at 80bar.

The charging process is quick and easy, says the company, with the integrated battery charger compatible with the 220V system. The boom extends up to 42m and consists of five sections, with the last two made from carbon fibre.

“If the job requires higher performance than the batteries can provide, the new Energya pump can be connected directly to an electrical outlet on site,” explains Davide Cipolla, CIFA’s CEO. “The system will then cut out the batteries and power the electric motors directly from the power source. A 40m power cable is included.”  

This, he adds, means that the pump continues to operate with the truck’s diesel engine switched off, thus eliminating emissions and noise. If there is no electrical supply on site, an emergency system allows end-users to connect the K42E to the truck’s power take-offs and use the engine to complete the work, then close the boom and outriggers.

“The aim is to eliminate CO2 and noise emissions throughout the supply chain, from transport to laying of the concrete, by expanding the possibilities of using high-performance vehicles in areas where noise pollution and CO2 emissions are prohibited,” adds Cipolla. “The special feature of the Energya K42E pump is that the battery allows it to always operate in full electric mode.” 

Since January 2021, Komatsu and US-based Proterra have been jointly developing electric medium-sized hydraulic excavators and have been conducting Proof of Concept tests on advanced research machines at customers' construction sites.  

The PC210E is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and European markets in financial year 2023.

Komatsu notes that hydraulic excavators are the most versatile type of construction equipment, and the mid-size class is used in a wide range of jobsites and applications, mainly in earth excavation and loading operations, requiring power and durability to withstand heavy-load work.

The PC210E model is said by the manufacturer to optimise the entire body control system by capitalising on Komatsu’s proprietary coordinating technology.  

It specifically integrates Proterra’s lithium-ion battery technology, which has a proven track record for use in heavy-duty and commercial vehicles deployed in various fields globally, combined with Komatsu’s components such as the hydraulic pump, controller, and electric motor for work equipment operation.  

Komatsu has also developed a robust cage structure to provide additional protection onboard the vehicle for its battery packs.  

As a result, the company has achieved digging performance and durability equivalent to those of engine-driven hydraulic excavators. In addition, the high energy levels in the excavator’s Proterra battery system enables operation for up to a claimed eight hours when fully charged.

The excavator’s electric power makes it possible to work comfortably in various work environments without worrying about noise and exhaust emissions and is expected to be used for work in urban areas and night-time construction work. The zero-engine vibration also helps reduce operator fatigue.

As global awareness of climate change accelerates, Komatsu has declared it plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In collaboration with its partners, the company is developing electric construction equipment to achieve zero exhaust gas emissions and a significant reduction in noise, with the vision of developing safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future.

Local emission-free operation is said to be possible thanks to the model’s E-DRIVE diesel-electric drive with the option of external power supply.

Thanks to this external supply, the system can be operated without emissions. This ensures low energy consumption per tonne of end product. The electric drive also means that hydraulic oil is only required for setting and set-up functions. This minimises risk to the environment and further increases the system’s sustainability.

When the Mobirex MR 130(i) PRO is operated via the diesel unit, the performance and load-dependent fan is said to ensure efficient use of fuel and low noise emissions. The formation of dust is also said by Kleemann to be greatly reduced by water spraying at all relevant points, such as the crusher inlet, the discharge belts and the post-screening unit, as well as various belt covers.

The Kleemann PRO-Line system can process up to 600 t/h of material. The high output is made possible by the crushing unit with a heavy rotor and a 250kW drive in conjunction with efficient pre-screening. The Continuous Feed Systems’ (CFS) continuous feed control is said by Kleemann to ensure consistently high utilisation.

The company says it counters the increasing complexity of crushing plants with its intuitive operating concept Spective.  

In addition to a large touch panel and two Spective radio remote controls - one of them for operating all relevant functions of the automatic mode from the comfort of the excavator - Kleemann also offers Spective Connect.  

The digital solution simplifies the construction site digitisation of the Mobirex MR 130(i) PRO. Spective Connect transmits all important system data to the user's smartphone and simplifies reporting.

With the Mobirex MR 130(i) PRO, the proven, robust crushing unit with its two impact rockers and versatile blow bar options, as well as the 8.4m² optional double-decker post-screen, are said to ensure very good product quality.  

Kleemann’s new impact crusher can produce and discharge two classified end sizes – without using an additional screening plan. The use of optional wind sifters is said by the German company to further increase end product quality.

The SM-22 is the biggest rig in the SM line and is an evolution of the PSM-1350 and SM-20 models, retaining the efficiency and of the earlier machines. The machine was developed with a kinematic system capable of guaranteeing a variety of angles and positions in different construction site conditions and with different drilling methods. Power comes from a Cummins B6.7 diesel, available in a Stage V version.

The machine has two fixed stabilisers in the rear and two extendable hydraulic stabilisers in the front, rotating and pivoting, for stability in difficult conditions. The machine is equipped with openable hydraulic cages, ROM and SPM operating modes and all accessories to ensure accessibility, visibility and safety.  

The Soilmec SM-22 is versatile due to its modular design it can be easily configured in different configurations. It can be used for single rotary, double rotary, top-hammer and vibro-rotary applications to perform consolidations, micro piles and anchors with different drilling technologies, direct circulation, reverse circulation, DTH, CFA, jet grouting. 

Because it combines the benefits of the company’s proven modular universal formwork and the LOGO.3 wall formwork system, NeoR can be used universally, making it ideal suited for construction of foundations, beams, columns, and walls.

The formwork panels of the NeoR lightweight formwork have a maximum weight of just 41.3kg on the element 900mm x 1500mm. It can easily be assembled and moved in twos and smaller panels solely on site by hand without a crane or other transport aids.

At the same time, the NeoR lightweight formwork boasts significantly higher fresh concrete pressure absorption of 50kN/m² - an improvement on the Modular system’s 30kN/m².

A further advantage of the new formwork system is the low overall height of only 750mm, which ensures particularly low storage and transport volumes.

NeoR can also be assembled in both upright and sideways direction so there is no need for a second system of different dimensions, making a client’s investment in formwork go further.

The optimum panel assortment ranges from formwork panel widths of 150-900mm in 150mm increments, which will be available in both 900mm and 1500mm heights. As a result, a floor height of up to 3m can be built with just one extension of the panels.

With NeoR, even large areas can be moved quickly and economically without any problems – this is where the large-size panel with 1800mm x 3000mm comes in useful. The range is supplemented by 50m and 60m filler posts for width adjustments and matching plastic filler pieces.

With four new electric mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) models, Manitou Group is accelerating the roll-out of its ‘Oxygen’ low emissions range.  

The 100% electric line, which comprises the 200 ATJe, 160 ATJe, 180 ATJe 160 ATJ+ e rough-terrain platforms, is part of a larger rollout of seven electric models.   

With a working height of 20m, the 200 ATJe rough-terrain platform is available with four-wheel steer for greater manoeuvrability. The machine is equipped with a basket that can now take 250kg of load, 30kg more than the two-wheel drive counterpart.  

Apart from zero emissions, another big benefit is reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). Customers can expect a 50% reduction in maintenance costs compared with the internal combustion version.  

With a working height of 16m and 18m respectively, the 160 ATJe and 180 ATJe see their capacity increased by 50kg, with a basket that can take a total weight of 250kg. The 160 ATJ+ e, the biggest platform in the range, comes with a 400kg capacity.  

With these new products, Arnaud Boyer, vice president of Marketing & Product Development, says Manitou is the first manufacturer to have a range of 100% electric rough-terrain platforms from 16m to 20m.  

According to Boyer: “The acceleration of our electric development allows us to now offer low-emission solutions across our platform ranges, as well as on our telehandlers. We will continue to extend this energy to other ranges in accordance with the objectives of our CSR roadmap.”

“The new electric MEWPs are testimony to our low carbon trajectory. By 2040, 43% of our offering should be lower emission machines – either electric or hydrogen powered,” added Michel Denis, president & CEO of Manitou Group.

The new Mecalac MCL range includes six models with loading capacities from 1.74 -2.85tonnes. Four long-boom models will appeal to agricultural users and two models with short booms should better fit the needs of construction customers.

The MCL2’s diminutive size and wheel motor transmission allow it to move with agility. The smallest machine in the MCL range but with maximum performance, it has all the features of the big ones. Its modern and ergonomic operator’s station protected by a canopy is also available in a cabbed version.

The MCL4 is said by Mecalac to offer an excellent compromise between compactness and performance. With its 18.4kW engine, it is ideal for rental fleets that want a durable and high-performance machine. Its low transport weight also allows the machine to be transported on a road trailer.

Based on the MCL4 but with even more power, the MCL6’s 36kW motor allows it to reach and maintain high speeds on the road. Its high hydraulic flow rates, and its speed of execution are said to allow it to considerably increase the productivity on worksites.

Power, high dumping height, and lifting capacity are the key benefits of the MCL8. The MCL4+ / MCL6+ are short arm versions to meet the specific needs of different applications, especially in the construction sector, offer an increased tipping load.

All MCL machines are available in three versions: canopy, canopy with foldable top, or cab, and all of them come with a wide selection of attachments.

The battery-powered units offer zero emissions and are quiet in operation, making them ideal for noise-sensitive work sites, especially in urban locations. The batteries are charged using a conventional electric supply, and the machines can work while charging.  

In order to change to battery operation, the operator simply takes out the plug while performance remains unchanged. All six models are now available in both conventional and battery-operated versions with identical performance. The LRH 100.1, LB 25, LB 30, LR 1130.1 and LR 1160.1 were previously available with diesel power only but are now offered in electric versions too. However, the LRH 200 is brand new.

The LRH 200 closes the gap between the proven LRH 100 and LRH 600. A 200kWh battery pack ensures that the unplugged models can operate in battery mode for 4-5 hours in average pile driving applications. Optionally, it can be upgraded to 400kWh for 8-10 hours of operation.

The new design of the LRH 200 extends the range of applications. In addition to piling, the machine can be used for continuous flight auger, full displacement and down-the-hole drilling, as well as for soil mixing work. A torque of 250kNm provides the power.

When equipped with the hydraulic hammer H 6 from Liebherr, the LRH 200 and the LRH 200 unplugged can lift piles up to 24.5m long and weighing 16tonnes. The LRH 200 is said to offer a large working range, with a radius of up to 8.7m. The design of the leader enables inclinations of up to 18° in all directions. It is also possible to raise or lower the leader by 6.5m, which makes the machine more versatile.

The Blue Tech Line features optimised power transmission and reduced energy losses. The new motors adjust speed automatically according to needs, improving combustion and cooling efficiency and reducing working noise.  

The rotary heads have been developed with a wide range of solutions to reduce losses and increase performance. Optimised lines, dedicated distributor on rotary and power control through DMS for torque and speed best compromise to name some of them.  

The main winch is provided with a dedicated control specially designed for drilling rigs. The system runs at higher pressure with less fluid flowing. That reduces loses and allows easier and more precise control, especially when drilling deep piles. The design of the Blue Tech drilling rigs together with plug and play kits allows a quick conversion between the different versions and technologies.  

The new SR-125 has been updated to the Blue Tech version and includes a redesigned operator cab and new hydraulic and mechanical systems. The machine has improved characteristics compared to the previous model, with an increase in the torque value and in the main winch.

The MT 625e, with a lifting capacity of 2.5tonnes and a height of 6m, is said to deliver the same performance as its comparable internal combustion counterpart. Fitted with a 25kWh or 33kWh lithium-ion battery, the model reduces maintenance costs by 56% and noise levels by 12%.  

Perfect for indoor or city centre use, the MT 625e, like all the other models in the Manitou compact telehandler range, benefits from the new Safety Pack, designed to protect the operator and the site teams, as well as alerting fleet managers to any high-risk behaviour.  

“Key features of the Safety Pack include harness detection and identification of obstacles around the machine’s chassis,” said Arnaud Boyer, vice president of Marketing and Product Development at Manitou.  

“A ‘lighting’ pack ensures the utmost safety for platform loading and unloading operations with a number of lights positioned on the platform to maximise visibility,”  

The first commercial units will be shipped to the global market by mid-2023, Laurent Bonnaure, executive vice president at Manitou, added. 

Wacker Neuson has been using the battery since 2014 and it now works with eleven different products. Since 2021, the battery has also been deployed in BOMAG’s electrically powered rammers.  

Battery One is a lithium-ion battery for lightweight compacting equipment. There are three types: 500w/h, 1000w/h and 1400w/h. The lightest 500w/h battery is used on a backpack with an internal vibrator system for concrete.

To ensure instant recognisability among customers and users, these interoperable batteries and chargers are all marked with the Battery One branding. Wacker Neuson’s interoperable products are already identified with the branding, and BOMAG, Mikasa, Swepac and Enarco will also soon be adding the Battery One logo to their compatible batteries.

Wacker Neuson says that battery-powered construction equipment is becoming an increasingly attractive option for construction companies, especially with investments in a battery and charger now being compatible with a growing range of equipment from different vendors.  

The Munich-based equipment group manufacturer says that future-fit battery technology is a key driver for the development and incentivisation of sustainable products that will resonate strongly with customers. Building on recent positive experiences with Battery One, Wacker Neuson adds that it intends to collaborate with the above-mentioned manufacturers to establish an open standard for construction equipment batteries.  

To discuss the possibility of a battery standard, the vendors will engage in negotiations to establish the exact nature and implementation timeline for the concept while respecting antitrust requirements in particular. Wacker Neuson says this collaboration is inspired by the idea that customers would benefit from cost savings when they invest in battery-powered products, creating strong momentum for the wider uptake of zero emission equipment on construction sites.  

It adds that such an establishment of such a standard would also simplify construction site workflows and logistics by eliminating the need to manage different battery and charging systems. The aim is to make the battery system available to further manufacturers in the construction sector.

“The availability of a multi-vendor interchangeable battery for construction equipment is key to the growing adoption of electromobility on building sites,” says Stefan Pfetsch, managing director of Wacker Neuson Produktion. “Compatibility provides huge benefits for the customers. We see demand for battery-operated equipment growing all the time. With Battery One, we make it easier for customers to go electric – in particular to switch from products that were previously powered by conventional drive technologies.”

BOMAG president Ralf Junker adds that Battery One’s compatibility across different brands and products will further increase the penetration of electric equipment and the sustainability of battery lifecycle management on construction sites. “Together with our customers, we are helping to make construction sites around the world more environmentally friendly,” says Junker.

Hironari Kyoya, president of Mikasa Sangyo, adds: “A powerful and interchangeable battery solves a number of challenges on the building site, such as the need to extend battery runtimes, accelerate charging times and lower equipment and infrastructure costs. All of this adds up to greater convenience for our customers.”