< PreviousT he new Cat D9 dozer replaces the D9T model and off ers customizable confi gurations. According to Cat, the D9 dozer lowers overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3%; effi ciencies gained through a new torque converter with stator clutch reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%, and reduces maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4%. The D9 dozer features the Cat C18 engine, which has a range of exhaust aftertreatment solutions available, including confi gurations to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V regulations and confi gurations equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 2 and Tier 3. The D9 also features diff erential steering for a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning. The suspended undercarriage delivers more track contact with the ground for less slippage. The versatile D9 can be equipped with a wide range of blades and attachments, enabling it to work effi ciently in a variety of applications including production dozing, site maintenance, fl eet support and ripping. Companies engaged in heavy construction, quarry and aggregates, landfi ll, bulk materials handling and forestry applications have found the D9 Dozer an indispensable tool for delivering the lowest CAT'S NEW D9 DOZER REPLACES THE D9T MODEL owning and operating costs while maintaining high productivity. Featuring a frame that absorbs and withstands high-impact shock loads encountered in severe applications, the new D9 off ers design improvements that reduce maintenance and repair costs. The newly integrated AutoLube system results in fewer grease points to limit daily maintenance procedures. Extended fi lter change intervals, simple component removal and continuous fl uid level monitoring also aid in further lowering operating costs. A new ground-level service center provides convenient access to the engine shutdown switch, access/egress lighting and optional powered ladder operation. With standard rearview mirrors, the new D9 aff ords the operator clear lines of sight to front and rear working areas. The optional four-camera system off ers a 360-degree view around the machine and ripper to further enhance operating safety. Adding bottom guard retention pins and eliminating lift cylinder grease points also bolster safety. A new design with advanced ergonomics, the cab features intuitive controls that are easy to access and operate. Its cloth air-suspension seat provides operator comfort throughout the entire shift. The suspended undercarriage reduces shock load transfer by as much as 50% to the undercarriage, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. The new operator station comes fully equipped with large, high-defi nition touchscreen displays and new electronic architecture that is scalable to meet the customer’s technology needs. Sensors integrated into the new Cat D9 provide access to advanced operating technology for increased machine productivity. Standard Product Link Elite and Vital Information Management System (VIMS) are powerful machine management tools that provide customers with crucial dozer information like location, operating hours and machine condition as well as production information. The Automated Blade Assist makes use of preset blade pitch positions for load, carry and spread tasks to increase effi ciency and reduce operator workload. The Cat AutoCarry option automates blade lift to maintain desired blade load to improve load consistency, reduce track slippage and increase productivity. The optional Automatic Ripper Control maintains ripper depth to limit track slip and allow the operator to focus on the job. 30 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 EARTHMOVERST he new Zaxis GI series from Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM) off ers a high performing, powerful, reliable and cutting-edge product that meets the needs of even the most demanding excavation jobs. With a clear focus on the ergonomics, safety and operator comfort, the new GI series is loaded with many features to ensure comfortable operating conditions. The Zaxis 220LC-GI is powered by a durable and reliable Japanese engine that delivers impressive 170 PS power and is built to achieve higher production effi ciency in tight job schedules. Another highlight in the new Zaxis-GI series is the advanced hydraulic system HIOS III (human & intelligent operation system) which is the result of Hitachi’s technological prowess and expertise. The HIOS III assures agile operation at operator's will, smooth simultaneous operations, fi ngertip control with less operator fatigue. With the HIOS III hydraulic system and high-powered Isuzu engine, the machine smartly combines high power delivery while improving the fuel effi ciency. HITACHI’S ZAXIS GI SERIES RAISES THE GAME FOR HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS Features of the Zaxis GI series such as on board ICX (data controller) and Global e-Service enable data downloads, machine location identifi cation and machine maintenance and performance monitoring by the customer. Features such as Auto Idle, Power Modes, Work Modes and longer change intervals of consumables enable customers in achieving signifi cant savings in operating costs. The Zaxis 220LC-GI also goes green with its environment-friendly Isuzu engine conforming to US EPA Tier 2 and European EC Tier 2 standards and consumes optimum fuel as per the work requirement. Hitachi recognizes the need to off er speedier, more effi cient and cost- eff ective solutions to the construction needs of nations on the cusp of rapid growth. This product is focused on quicker completion of work cycles through its increased productivity, by having an impressive swing speed so that projects can be completed speedily. 31 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 EARTHMOVERSJ CB, the world’s number one backhoe loader manufacturer, has launched a new 55kW 3CX backhoe loader with EU Stage V compliant engine. The machine delivers improved operator comfort and ease of use, increased productivity and performance, combined with reduced total cost of ownership. The 55kW 3CX is powered by JCB’s latest EU Stage V compliant 3.0-litre diesel engine, replacing the previous generation 4.4-litre. The compact engine delivers 55kW of power and 440Nm of torque, an increase of 10% over the previous model. Its smaller capacity and increased effi ciency result in up to a 7% fuel saving over the Stage IV 55kW engine in general use. The 3.0-litre JCB engine achieves EU Stage V emissions standards without the need for diesel exhaust fl uid (DEF) or any form of exhaust additive. The engine is equipped with a combined diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate fi lter (DPF), with an 8,000-hour operating life. Regeneration is automatically controlled and can be monitored through JCB’s standard LiveLink telematics system. The engine benefi ts from a sealed for life crankcase ventilation module and hydraulic tappets, removing the need for manual adjustment. JCB UPDATES 55KW 3 BACKHOE LOADER WITH EU STAGE V COMPLIANT ENGINE The 55kW Stage V 3CX introduces a range of advanced automation features, designed to reduce operator fatigue and to boost productivity. This includes Auto Stop, which automatically detects when the machine is no longer in use and shuts down the engine. Auto Stop eliminates engine idling, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions. The shut- down delay can be pre-set or adjusted by the operator through the side screen in the cab. Auto Seat Select is available on machines equipped with servo lever control and automatically recognises which direction the seat is facing, eliminating the need to select functions as the operator changes from front to rear facing positions. Also available on servo models, automatic stabilisers now off er not just an auto-raise function, but also an automatic extend setting, stopping as the feet make contact with the ground. Automatic levelling lets the machine rapidly fi nd a horizontal operating position on uneven ground. Auto Drive has been improved, allowing the operator to automatically select a chosen engine speed when travelling on the road. Operation has been made easier with a new lever mounted beneath the direction selection control. To reduce unnecessary tyre wear and fuel consumption, the 3CX now comes with Auto 2WD. This switches the transmission from 4WD to 2WD when the additional traction is no longer required. It allows the operator to select 4WD to dig into a pile or a face, where maximum tractive eff ort is required. Then, when the machine backs away and starts to travel at speed, the transmission automatically changes to 2WD. The speed at which this change occurs can be set by the operator through the side screen menus. Additional lighting has been added to illuminate the cab on both sides of the machine around the step area, making it easier for the operator to access and leave the machine in the dark. A timer can be set to automatically dim the lighting when the machine is switched off , or once the door has been closed. The revised Command Plus cab features yellow grab handles, for a clear touch point and there are larger mirrors for an improved view behind the machine when manoeuvring around site or when roading. Revised square work lights off er increased adjustment and the LED option now includes up to 10 lights, providing maximum illumination of the working area. 32 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 EARTHMOVERSB obcat has launched the new generation R-Series B730 backhoe loader in the Middle East and Africa, replacing the company’s fi rst generation B700, B730 and B750 models. The R-Series B730 is available in a choice of diff erent confi gurations for diverse applications such as construction, utility, rental, roadworks, demolition, excavation, waste, recycling, landscaping and agriculture. The R-Series B730 is powered by a Perkins 1104C-44T 100 HP engine with a maximum torque of 408 Nm. With suffi cient reach and wide working areas at both the front and rear, the B730 reduces the need for repositioning for applications such as digging, trenching, breaking and material handling. It can also be coupled with optional Bobcat attachments. The new 6-pillar cab in the B730 is typical of the R-Series design and provides operators with a fl exible choice of control confi gurations. The B730 operator can choose between ISO, SAE or Cross (X) backhoe controls. The customer can build their preferred control pattern or change to pilot controls with a selectable control pattern. The selectable control patterns ensure that operators can make a hassle-free transition from one machine to another. The dashboard on the right-hand side of the cab groups all the necessary controls and easy- to-locate switches in one area, so they are easily accessible from both working positions. On the loader side, the multi-function loader lever, featured as standard, has the 6-in-1 bucket, diff erential lock and transmission disengage functions integrated into a single control grip. The same lever also provides assistance for Return to Dig and Float operations. The cab off ers all-round visibility, with an enlarged rear sliding window and angled, fl at-glass side windows. There is increased air circulation as both the front door window and rear windows can be opened. The cab includes additional storage areas. The front storage space on the left is equipped with a USB charger, phone and cup holders, bottle holders on each side, and a cooled (if the HVAC option is in place) high-capacity storage box with reinforced cover. Bobcat entered the backhoe loader market four years ago and gained market share rapidly throughout the region. Gaby Rhayem, regional director-Middle East and Africa, Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “Our fi rst generation backhoe loader range has been very successful, and every second machine sold in the MEA region in our category is now Bobcat-branded. We also had a very good fi rst half of 2020, despite the market challenges brought by Covid-19.” BOBCAT LAUNCHES THE R-SERIES B730 BACKHOE LOADER IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA 33 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 EARTHMOVERSM ercedes-Benz has launched the eCitaro with solid-state batteries for both the solo and articulated versions of the bus. The manufacturer is also switching to the latest generation of lithium- ion batteries (also called NMC batteries, after their chemical composition). The eCitaro G is the fi rst city bus in its category anywhere in the world to be equipped with solid-state batteries. These lithium- polymer batteries are also part of the lithium- ion group of batteries. Because they contain electrolyte in its solid form as a polymer instead of the usual liquid, they are known as solid-state batteries. The battery anode is made of graphite with pure lithium, and the cathode of lithium iron phosphate. Solid-state batteries are characterised by their extremely high energy density, which is around 25 percent greater than in the coming generation of traditional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte. Each battery assembly in the eCitaro and eCitaro G has an energy content of 63 kWh. With seven assemblies on board this amounts to 441 kWh. This gives the eCitaro G a range of up to 220 kilometres in favourable conditions with average demands on speed, topography and load along with straightforward climatic conditions. In the winter with the heating in operation, the eCitaro G can cover up to 170 kilometres. The characteristics of solid-state batteries diff er signifi cantly from NMC batteries: overall they have a greater volume and they cannot be swapped for NMC batteries. As solid-state batteries operate at a temperature of around 80 degrees Celsius, there is no need for a complex cooling system as is the case with NMC batteries. Solid-state batteries reach their operating temperature solely through energy metabolism during use. During extended breaks, heating elements maintain the batteries at an ideal temperature. This occurs automatically in the eCitaro G with no need for the driver to take action. In contrast to NMC batteries, the suitability of solid-state batteries for rapid charging is very limited as they have a maximum charging 34 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITY MERCEDES-BENZ POWERS THE ALL-ELECTRIC ECITARO SOLO AND ECITARO G ARTICULATED BUSES WITH SOLID-STATE BATTERIESoutput of around 80 kW. Their suitability for intermediate charging is therefore severely restricted, and they are only supplied by Mercedes-Benz in combination with charging via connector. The solid-state batteries have a long service life of up to ten years. Furthermore, this battery technology does not require the use of cobalt. Due to their very contrasting characteristics, city buses with solid-state batteries cover a diff erent range of applications from those powered by NMC batteries. Mercedes-Benz wants transport operators to have the choice: for this reason, the eCitaro will in future be off ered with a choice of NMC and solid-state batteries. The new generation of NMC batteries has a considerably greater capacity, meaning increased vehicle range. With a capacity of around 33 kWh instead of 24 kWh per battery assembly and the maximum number of assemblies fi tted, the total capacity amounts to 396 kWh. A solo bus with this equipment would have a range of about 200 kilometres in winter operation or up to 270 kilometres in favourable conditions. The batteries in the eCitaro G and eCitaro are charged via a charging connector with a charging output of up to 150 kW. The eCitaro can also be supplied with a current collector / pantograph as an optional alternative to plug- in charging. In a further variant, the eCitaro will become available with contact rails for charging from a fi xed pantograph. These two variations double the charging output to up to 300 kW. The seven solid-state battery assemblies are distributed in the eCitaro G as follows: four battery assemblies on the roof in the installation space above the centre axle, one further forward on the roof over the rear coach, and fi nally two assemblies on the left in the rear in place of the combustion engine and gearbox. With the full complement of NMC batteries there are eight assemblies mounted on the roof above the centre axle. Two assemblies are located on the roof at the front end of the rear coach. Another two assemblies are also housed on the left-hand side at the rear. Both variants use the front axle from the eCitaro with up to eight tonnes axle load. Like the solo bus, the eCitaro G is powered by the ZF AVE 130 electric axle, which is located in the rear section. For maximum traction and use in demanding topography, the new eCitaro G can even be supplied with two powered axles. The additional powered centre axle is a signifi cant advantage of the electric drive technology, with asynchronous motors located close to the wheel hubs. In the eCitaro G, as in the eCitaro, they deliver up to 2 x 125 kW of power per axle, generating 2 x 485 Nm of torque. The fi rst eCitaro G with solid-state batteries or NMC batteries will be supplied to customers this year. Immediately after that, the eCitaro G with the new more powerful generation of NMC batteries will follow in the coming year. In 2022, the range of the eCitaro and eCitaro G will be increased yet again by a range extender in the form of a fuel cell that generates electricity. In terms of performance and energy supply, its design will allow the buses to fulfi l nearly 100 percent of all requirements of city buses regarding range. This technology will eliminate the need for intermediate charging and the complex infrastructure required for it in almost all cases. 35 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITYS cania has launched its commercial electric truck range that includes a fully electric truck with range up to 250 km and plug-in hybrid truck with range up to 60 km. The fully electric truck comes with an option for fi ve batteries for a total of 165 kWh or nine batteries for 300 kWh installed capacity. With fi ve batteries, the range is 130 km, and with nine batteries, the range could be extended up to 250 km on a single charge. The actual range is dependent on the weight, body type and topography. With the combustion engine removed, space for batteries has been freed. One battery is placed in the former engine tunnel with the remaining four or eight batteries placed along the chassis side. Other components needed for fully electric propulsion, such as battery management units, battery cooling components, electrohydraulic steering system, electric air compressor and inverter are also mounted along the chassis frame. The new electric motor delivers a continuous power of 230 kW or approximately 310 hp. The motor has two gears to provide high power over a wider speed span, thereby improving comfort. The battery electric truck comes equipped with a combined charging system (CCS) charging connector to charge from the electric grid. With 130 kW DC charging, the fi ve battery packs will be charged in less than 55 minutes and the nine batteries in less than 100 minutes. Meanwhile, the batteries are continuously charged in motion through regenerative braking energy. The truck is equipped for a fully electric power take off . Instead of connecting auxiliaries to the interface that is usually located on the gearbox or engine, it is instead connected to an electrical connection box, called a DC box mounted on the chassis. This gives a DC link of up to 60 kW PTO for body auxiliaries such as refrigeration systems and hooklifts. The Scania fully electric truck is available with the L- and P-series cab, both of which are designed for urban operations. The low- fl oor L-series cab, particularly, is purpose- designed for congested city conditions. Anders Lampinen, director, new technologies, Scania, said: “Acquiring an SCANIA LAUNCHES FIRST COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC TRUCK RANGE FOR URBAN APPLICATIONS 36 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITYelectric truck is not just an investment in the customer’s fl eet, but also in its brand and market. The electric truck enables the customer to stay ahead of the competition, learn about infrastructural challenges and start adapting for the future.” Over the coming years, Scania will continue to develop its range of electrifi ed vehicles for all applications, including long- haulage and construction. Henrik Henriksson, president and CEO, Scania, said: “We will over the coming years annually launch electrifi ed products for our entire range and we are presently reorganising our production towards that end. Of particular signifi cance is that we will in a few years’ time, also introduce long-distance electric trucks adapted for fast charging during drivers’ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.” Scania’s plug-in hybrid truck, also available with L- and P-series cabs, provides opportunities to travel long distances in a combustion engine mode and subsequently drive up to 60 km in an electric mode when required. The hybrid truck comes equipped with a CCS charging connector to charge from the electric grid. In addition to the electric 115 kW motor, which is located between the engine and the gearbox, the truck comes with a 9-litre 280–360 hp diesel engine. With 95 kW DC charging, the three battery packs will be charged to 80 percent in approximately 35 minutes. The truck can also be charged through regenerative braking, and battery power can be topped up during loading and unloading, or while the driver is on breaks. Both the plug-in and fully electric truck will be essential for operating in the growing number of urban areas around the world with low-emission city centre zones. They also provide opportunities for increased vehicle utilisation. With silent deliveries, transport services can be extended well into the night and early mornings, avoiding traffi c congestion and parking diffi culties. In addition to general cargo and temperature- controlled transports, e-trucks can be deployed with bodywork as hooklifts, tippers, concrete mixers and refuse collectors as well as for fi re and rescue services. “By acquiring the hybrid truck, transport companies can also signifi cantly expand vehicle utilisation and reduce unprofi table time while the vehicle is idle. The silent electric mode opens for effi cient deliveries also at night, thereby avoiding city centre peak-hour traffi c congestion. Meanwhile, operators can, if needed, make use of the combustion engine for longer distance travel from warehouses and logistics centres in peripheral locations as well as for ad-hoc transport assignments,” said Lampinen. 37 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITYT he transition to e-mobility presents MAN Truck & Bus with a large number of new challenges, not just as a manufacturer of electrically powered vehicles but also when it comes to service and the aftermarket. The company is planning to prepare a total of 110 service outlets in Europe to deal with electric vehicles by the end of 2020. 60 additional workshops are to follow by the end of 2021. In this way, MAN is ensuring that current and future customers of electric trucks, buses/coaches and vans have access to a comprehensive, pan-European service network for their vehicles from an early stage. Jan Eike Witt, senior vice president for after sales management, MAN Truck & Bus, said: “Although at the moment just a handful of electric MAN vehicles are operational within Europe, we have already started preparing our workshops with extensive measures for the MAN PREPARES ITS EUROPEAN WORKSHOPS FOR DEALING WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES new requirements of electric vehicles. In this way, we are ensuring that our customers can rely on the excellent MAN service that they are used to, and that they know their electric vehicles are in capable hands." The preparations being made to the existing MAN service workshops have been split into three stages, with a defi ned level of supervision for the respective service outlets – including support from experts with repairing high-voltage systems, qualifi cations for workshops to be able to specialise in e-mobility, and helping certain workshops with specialising in the repair of high-voltage batteries (e.g. in the event of an accident). A total of 170 MAN service outlets are expected to be equipped for dealing with electric vehicles by the end of 2021. Expertise will initially be built up at sites where there is already a high volume of electric vehicles. Selected service networks in urban areas are expected to be available for repairing high- voltage vehicles by the end of 2021. MAN will also train a team of experts to be able to work on live batteries for almost every market in Europe. In addition to developing personnel expertise within workshops, MAN will also equip the workshops with special tools for dealing with high-voltage systems. The company will also implement new processes and working practices in order to ensure electric vehicles are dealt with safely. Each of the selected MAN service partners will also receive at least two trained electrical specialists for vehicle technology. In this way, MAN is ensuring that, in every urban area, there are experts who are trained in dealing with electric vehicles and can also repair them professionally. The MAN e-mobility concept for workshops also takes into consideration the return, replacement and repair of high- voltage batteries installed in electric vehicles. Particular safety regulations with regard to storage and transportation apply to these batteries. Since the quantities are still low and the costs are relatively high, the concept does not make provision for the storage or repair of batteries within the actual workshops. Instead, in accordance with the safety regulations, returns will be centralised. When a battery is due to be replaced, it will be sent to the plant. MAN Truck & Bus is preparing not only the service workshops, but also customers and drivers for the specifi cs of dealing with electric trucks, buses/coaches and vans. Each customer receives a comprehensive handover guide that contains information and safety notes on their vehicle when purchasing an electric MAN vehicle. Furthermore, customers and their drivers have the opportunity to complete a specifi c MAN Profi Drive technical training course which provides even more in-depth information on how to deal with electric vehicles safely and economically. 38 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITYA fter the successful introduction of serial produced electric trucks for urban transport and refuse collection, Volvo Trucks is deploying two fully electric construction trucks along with charging solutions, to be tested in real customer operations. Volvo Trucks’ fi rst customer test for the heavy-duty segment is with Swerock, one of the largest Scandinavian suppliers of material and services to the construction industry, with over 360 quarries and 60 concrete factories. The collaboration includes testing of two electric vehicles: a Volvo FM with a concrete mixer and a Volvo FMX with hooklift. The project is jointly run by Volvo Trucks and Swerock, with support from JOAB and Saraka. The electric Volvo FM truck equipped with a mixer will be delivering concrete to Swerock’s customers in urban areas, and the electric Volvo FMX with hooklift will primarily be used in larger infrastructure projects and urban construction. The project will evaluate how electric trucks can be used to increase effi ciency and reduce climate impact. Apart from analysing the performance of the vehicles themselves, the tests will also look at the overall electromobility eco-system, to help fi nd charging opportunities in line with the demands on productivity. The benefi ts of electric vehicles for urban environments will be measured in terms of quieter transport, onsite safety and driver comfort. Ebba Bergbom Wallin, electromobility VOLVO TRUCKS BEGINS CUSTOMER TESTS OF FULLY ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION TRUCKS business manager, Volvo Trucks, said: “These type of tests are valuable for helping us to better understand the customers operations and how electrifi cation would impact them on a day-to-day basis in terms of driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters, and with all the benefi ts of using quieter, cleaner transport.” The testing of the two electric trucks in real operations will provide the opportunity to evaluate how they will be used, and highlight the potential improvements required before broader adaptation is possible. Hans Orest, division manager at Swerock and part of the PEAB Group, said: “Together with Volvo Trucks we are taking a big step towards climate smart transportation. This will bring us signifi cantly closer to the trucks of tomorrow that will reduce fossil emissions. We already have 15 hybrid concrete mixer trucks and through this project we are now testing vehicles that run completely on electricity.” Jonas Odermalm, vice president electromobility, Volvo Trucks, said: “Trucks in the construction segment typically require more power and robustness than many other segments, and electric trucks are no exception. Our commercial solutions need to meet the demands for high productivity and uptime, while delivering on the benefi ts of reduced emissions and less noise that comes with a full electric driveline. Field tests and customer collaborations are important to the development process.” 39 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.pmvmiddleeast.comNOVEMBER 2020 ELECTROMOBILITYNext >