< PreviousJohn Deere and US-based energy company National Grid are planning to jointly testing an electric backhoe concept which is in its early phase 1 development. The battery-powered, electric vehicle design referred to as E-Power and developed by John Deere will target the ease of operation and performance level of the diesel-powered, 100 HP 310L backhoe. The design is intended to provide substantially lower daily operating costs, lower jobsite noise, enhanced machine reliability, and zero tailpipe emissions. “We are excited to work with National Grid, a leader in promoting clean energy solutions, to test the John Deere electric backhoe design in real-world conditions,” said Jason Daly, global director, production systems, technol- ogy and marketing, John Deere. “John Deere is committed to developing innovative, robustly tested, and reliable equipment for our custom- ers, unlocking measurable value through the incorporation of smart technology solutions in our machines. This project is another step- ping stone in our backhoe innovation journey, intended to lead to subsequent electrifi cation testing and design refi nement.” K omatsu has signed a collaboration agreement with US-based electric vehicle technology manufacturer Proterra to leverage Proterra’s battery technology for the development of Komatsu’s fi rst battery-electric small and medium-sized hydraulic excavators. The collaboration represents Proterra’s entry into the off -road vehicle market and the company’s fi rst Proterra-powered battery-electric construction equipment. Komatsu will utilize Proterra’s high- performance battery systems for the development of a proof-of-concept electric excavator in 2021 and start commercial production in 2023 to 2024. The Proterra battery system powering the electric exca- vator will feature high energy density and The testing period will enable National Grid to expand its use of electric equip- ment on jobsites, reaffirming its commit- ment to leading the industry in the use of clean and resilient energy solutions. “National Grid is one of only two en- ergy companies in the US to add electric backhoes to their f leets,” said Badar Khan, president, National Grid, US. “We are excited to work with John Deere to take an important step in electrifying our company vehicles, which could be revolu- tionary for our industry. Decarbonizing transportation remains a challenge in the journey to net zero and we’re hopeful that bringing on more electrified heavy-duty vehicles and equipment will help us make significant progress.” JOHN DEERE TESTS ITS FIRST ELECTRIC- POWERED BACKHOE WITH NATIONAL GRID KOMATSU AND PROTERRA COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP ALL-ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS fast charging technology. Komatsu also expects to generate additional benefi ts by integrating the partner’s technology with its own, such as integral technology for the development of machine bodies. The packaging fl exibility of Proterra’s battery platform will further enable the op- timal placement of the batteries within the middle class excavator and replace the need for a normal counterweight used to balance the excavator’s hydraulic arm movements. Komatsu launched its PC30E-5 elec- tric mini excavator in 2020 for the rental market in Japan. The machine is equipped with a new high-performance charger and high-voltage transformer, which Komatsu developed based on its technological exper- tise in hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks. The PC30E-5 allows two types of charging: standard charging (full-capacity charging) at night or while the machine is not in use for a long period time and rapid charging, up to 80% of full capacity in a short period of time. EARTHMOVERS 20 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 20211325+ 250+ 700+ 350+100+ 20+ Projects CranesAWP’sClientsYears Cranes Spider Cranes is a Mobile Crane and Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) rental provider in the Middle East which offers cost-efficient and versatile lift engineering solutions to the petrochemical, civil engineering, construction, industrial, utilities, aviation, marine and other industries and clients. Training Center Dubai, UAE Dubai Industrial City, Saih Shuaib-3 P.O. Box 71240 Tel: +971 4 584 7551 Tel: 800-LIFTING : 052-LIFTING Falaj Al Qabali P.O. Box 300 Postal Code 322 Tel: +968 2 675 3112 : +971 52-LIFTING Abu Dhabi, UAE Area P.O. Box 34983 Tel: +971 2 550 4988 Tel: 800-LIFTING : 052-LIFTING Skilled WokforceCOVER STORY 22 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021BULKED UP FOR Cat’s next-generation 395 and 374 models off er signifi cant improvements in productivity, structural durability and fuel effi ciency for bulk excavation PERFORMANCE COVER STORY 23 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021T he next generation Cat 395 excavator off ers 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the model it replaces, the 390F. The swing torque and stick force, each, have been increased by 10 percent to enable the use of larger buckets. Similarly, the next generation Cat 374 excava- tor off ers higher production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the model it replaces, the 374F. A new feature enabling the high production of the two models is their dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit, which was previously included only on larger Cat mining shovels. The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil fl ow. This results in greater fuel effi ciency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the excavator. Three modes of operation are available on the 395 and 374 models – Power, Eco and Smart. The Power mode provides maximum power at all times; the Eco mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force; and the Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions. The cooling system features a new on- demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, which helps save fuel. An auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores. MACHINE TECHNOLOGY AND FEATURES Cat Payload helps operators increase loading effi ciency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and un- derloading trucks. The monitor’s USB port lets operators download results from a single shift all the way up to 30 days of work with no need for an internet connection or subscription to Cat VisionLink fl eet management services. Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy. Advanced 2D includes an additional touchscreen monitor to enable in- fi eld design. 3D adds GPS and global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) positioning for pinpoint accuracy. The built-in communication technology on the 395 and 374 models makes it easier than ever to connect to 3D services like Trimble Connected Community or Virtual Reference Station. Lift Assist is a new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping. It quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares it to the excavator’s rated capability. Visual and auditory alerts show and tell the operator if the excavator is within a safe working range. Whether equipped with a bucket or hammer, standard 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defi ned points. This helps protect the machine and other objects from damage and reduces the risk of fi nes related to zoning or underground and aboveground utility damage. It also helps pre- vent operator fatigue by reducing overswinging and digging. Auto Hammer Stop prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the attachment and machine. A warning message appears on the monitor after 15 seconds of continuous fi ring; the ham- mer will automatically stop after 30 seconds of continuous fi ring. Cat Product Link makes managing the machine easy. It provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine man- agers in the offi ce to quickly evaluate critical operating information. Optional Work Tool Recognition saves time and energy when changing attachments. A simple shake of an attached tool confi rms its identity and automatically adjusts the hydrau- lic system to the parameters the operator set for that specifi c tool. The optional Cat PL161 Attachment Locator is a Bluetooth device that makes fi nding at- tachments and other gear quick and easy. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth reader or Cat App on a smart phone will locate the device automatically up to 91 metres (300 feet) away. Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bot- tom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness. The reinforced car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders ensure long-term, trouble-free performance. Cat Remote Services include Remote CAT 395 SPECIFICATIONS *7.25m boom, 2.92m stick, SDV 6.5 m3 bucket, 650mm shoes COVER STORY 24 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 ENGINE MODELCAT C18 ENGINE POWER (ISO 14396)405 KW OPERATING WEIGHT94,100 KG MAXIMUM DIGGING DEPTH*7190 MM MAXIMUM REACH AT GROUND LEVEL*12,260 MM MAXIMUM LOADING HEIGHT*7960 MMTroubleshoot to connect owners to dealer service pros for quick problem resolution, and Remote Flash to ensure machine software is up to date for optimal performance. Ground-level drains and oil level checks make routing maintenance faster, easier, and safer. In addition, extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the lower long-term costs of the excavators: • The new Cat air fi lter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary fi lters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design. • The new Cat hydraulic return fi lter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50 percent increase over previous fi lters. • Fuel system fi lters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100 percent increase over the previous fi lters. • The fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are posi- tioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster, easier, and safer. Operator-oriented cab: the 395 and 374 models off er a choice between a deluxe and premium cab. Performance-enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless pushbutton start, and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come as standard features. Other cab amenities include a tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit; advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 percent compared with previous models; Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones; automatic climate control that maintains temperature settings regardless of ambient temperatures; programmable joystick buttons that allow setting control patterns and hydrau- lic response rates for individual preferences; large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-sideview cameras to enhance visibility; and an optional 360-degree-visibility package that combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions. Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators, said: “In this size class, high production and durability are the most critical requirements for contractors. The 395 and 374 excavators deliver that and much more with the industry’s most compre- hensive off ering of factory-installed technology in their size classes.” UAE-based quarrying and mining company Stevin Rock has been using the 395 for the past ten months primarily for extraction ap- plications and for loading material directly to CAT 374 SPECIFICATIONS the 395 is impressive with regard to the tonnes per hour loaded. The fuel effi ciency of the machine enables us to maximize the tonnes per gallon; the 395 burns around 30 litres less fuel per hour than similar machines of the same size and weight class.” crushers. Brian Howard, operations manager, Stevin Rock, said: “We run the 395 for 22 hours a day at temperatures of up to 45 degrees, loading 100-tonne capacity dump trucks, and we’ve found it to be very reliable. The performance of *7.8m boom, 3.6m stick, SD 3.3 m3 bucket COVER STORY 25 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 ENGINE MODELCAT C15 ENGINE POWER (ISO 14396)362 KW OPERATING WEIGHT71,700 KG MAXIMUM DIGGING DEPTH*8570 MM MAXIMUM REACH AT GROUND LEVEL*13,160 MM MAXIMUM LOADING HEIGHT*8430 MMTHE GC RANGE GETS THE JOB DONE WITH LOWER OPERATING COSTS C aterpillar developed the GC range as purpose-built equipment to achieve lower total cost of ownership without all the bells and whistles of premium Cat machines. Cat’s performance/premium range of equipment such as the 395 and 374 excava- tors are aimed at customers that want the lowest cost per tonne. The GC range, on the other hand, is aimed at those who want the lowest cost per hour. Specifi c customer requirements that were taken into account for the development of the GC range included improvements in bucket capacity, cycle time, power, fuel economy, stability, and attachment compat- ibility. As a result, the GC range achieves lower fuel consumption and lower main- tenance costs, compared to standard Cat models. According to Caterpillar, the next genera- tion Cat 345 GC excavator can increase fuel effi ciency up to 25 percent and lower operat- ing costs up to 30 percent compared to the 349D2 model. In addition, the new model in- corporates signifi cant engineering advances for safety and operator convenience. The 345 GC’s fuel effi ciency comes pri- marily from electronically controlled main pumps and valve to ensure more work gets done with each unit of fuel. In addition, two operating modes help manage fuel consumption, actively: the Smart mode automatically matches engine speed and hydraulic power for the highest fuel effi - ciency as working demands change; and the Power mode delivers maximum productivity in high-demand applications such as truck loading and trenching. Extended maintenance intervals and easy CAT 345 GC SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE MODELCAT C9.3B ENGINE POWER (ISO 9249)258 KW OPERATING WEIGHT42,200 KG BUCKET CAPACITY2.41 M3 HYDRAULIC RELIEF PRESSURE35,000 KPA HYDRAULIC FLOW630 L/MIN MAXIMUM DIGGING DEPTH (R6.9M BOOM WITH R2.9M STICK) 7,200 MM COVER STORY 26 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021access to consolidated fi lter locations com- bine to lower maintenance costs. Hydraulic, air, and fuel fi lters have increased capacity for longer life: Service intervals for fuel fi lters extend from 500 to 1,000 hours and from 2,000 to 3,000 hours for the hydraulic return fi lter. The 345 GC’s overall effi ciency is further enhanced with telematics technology. Prod- uct Link, the 345 GC’s on-board telematics system, automatically collects machine in- formation including location, hours, fuel us- age, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnos- tic codes, and machine health — all of which can be viewed online through web and mobile applications. VisionLink provides online access to Product Link data, which allows to make informed decisions that help increase productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve job site safety and security. Subscription options, includ- ing cellular or satellite (or both) reporting, allow the confi guration of telematics data for specifi c requirements. The 345 GC’s cab environment is designed to reduce operator eff ort. All controls are ac- cessible in front to eliminate twisting in the seat. The ISO-certifi ed, sound-suppressed ROPS cab is sealed and pressurized and large glass areas enhance all-around vis- ibility. Narrow pillars at the front corners of the cab further contribute to forward vis- ibility. A standard rearview camera extends rearward visibility. Most machine settings are controlled through the high-resolution 203-mm touch- screen monitor, and a jog dial and shortcut keys are positioned on the right console. The joystick function can be customized through the monitor to match operator preference, including operating pattern and response rate. All preferences are saved with the Operator ID and restored at log in. The 345 GC uses a keyless push-button engine start for added security, requir- ing Operator ID codes that can be entered manually via an optional Bluetooth key fob or smart phone app. Convenience features include Bluetooth integrated radio, USB ports for charging and phone connectivity, 12-volt DC outlets, an AUX port, and storage. To promote safety, many of the routine maintenance checks for the 345 GC can be performed at ground level with access to the air pre-cleaner, fuel water/separator, fuel tank and water/sediment drains, and coolant level check. Access to the engine compart- ment is facilitated with handrails, antiskid surfaces, and recessed bolts. Locks are used for the tool/storage box, fuel door, hydraulic fi ll, and fuel drain compartment. A ground- level secondary engine shutoff is provided in the event of an emergency. Scheduled oil sampling ports are easily accessed, and an available electric refueling pump is equipped with an automatic shutoff . The 345 GC is available with a number boom and stick combinations, including a 6.9-m reach boom with a choice of 2.9-m or 3.35-m sticks. The 6.5 m mass excavation boom can be paired with either a 2.5 m or 3.0 m stick. The 345 GC’s utility can be expand- ed with a variety of attachments including Cat buckets, hammers and couplers. Al-Bahar, the authorized Caterpillar dealer in the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bah- rain, launched the Cat GC range of excava- tors in 2019, starting with the 330 GC model, followed by the 336 GC and 345 GC models in 2020. COVER STORY 27 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021U D Trucks continued its journey of growth across the Middle East in 2020 improving its market share in the majority of its regional markets while also registering increased sales in many of the countries. Total sales across the year rose by six percent versus 2019, in a market that experienced an overall decrease. The positive performance was built on the company's continued, comprehensive and consistent strategy for growth, which is based on customer focus and satisfaction, a strong partnership with its regional partners and employees' engagement. UD Trucks' full range of modern heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles, which introduced new features to the region, combined with a total solutions approach for trucks and services, were key to this growth, and will continue to play a critical role as the company pursues further growth in the future. UD Trucks' Middle East, East And North Africa (MEENA) team demonstrated a high level of agility and resilience in facing up to the unprecedented challenges, placing health and safety fi rst for its customers, employees and partners, as well as supporting its customers and helping partners to minimise any negative impacts of the crisis. Against the backdrop of extremely challenging economic conditions, UD Trucks succeeded in almost doubling its sales in the key market of Saudi Arabia, whilst also growing by 14 percent in Qatar. At the same time, the brand maintained stable sales in other key regional markets including the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Ethiopia. With the confi rmation of Zahid Tractor as UD Trucks' new exclusive importer and distributor in Saudi Arabia shortly before the start of the year, 2020 was always going to be a transition year for the brand in the Kingdom. Mourad Hedna, president of UD Trucks MEENA. The UD Trucks Croner. 28 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKS UD TRUCKS REPORTS SIX PERCENT TOTAL SALES GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE EAST IN 2020There was a focus on raising customer service standards and support to the highest levels, refl ecting UD Trucks' ambitions and Zahid Tractor's long-standing reputation as a customer-centric organisation. The new partnership was marked by a series of celebratory launch events in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh. Simultaneously, UD Trucks continued to invest signifi cant resources in East Africa as it rolled out ambitious new plans for its Kenya operations. CMC Motors Ltd, the local distributor, developed and expanded the brand both locally and regionally. As the year developed, UD Trucks shifted its focus to take measures during the pandemic outbreak to support customers and business partners. Warranty terms were extended for customers whose contracts expired within the lockdown period to alleviate any concerns they may have had regarding vehicle maintenance and repair needs during these challenging times. The pandemic has been a trigger for disruption in many industries and businesses, and digitalisation is a key for the adoption and acceleration of this disruption. UD Trucks accelerated its focus on implementing a digital approach to stay connected and keep its partners informed of the latest news and announcements. Several systems were made available to partners, allowing unlimited access to E-Learnings and online module and virtual training sessions. Remote commercial and technical training sessions were delivered to over 450 participants around the region. Two virtual conference with MEENA partners took place, with strong engagement from all participants, helping to strengthen the UD Trucks family spirit. With attention now fi rmly on 2021, UD Trucks is set to launch its ‘Better Life’ long- term strategy to demonstrate the brand's commitment to provide a better life for people and the planet by delivering sustainable logistics solutions. The company will aim to have the lowest impact on the environment, be a leader in customer satisfaction, and provide customers with best-in-class trucks and services. Mourad Hedna, president of UD Trucks MEENA, commented: "2020 was a diffi cult year across all market segments with many challenges and uncertainties. Thanks to our customers' trust and our partners and employees' engagement, the solid performances we recorded have given us a lot of confi dence and motivation to continue our sustainable growth journey. I would like to thank all my team at UD Trucks MEENA and all our partners in the region for their eff orts, dedication and hard work in prioritising our customers' needs and making 2020 another successful year, despite all the complications.” Hedna continued: “In 2021, our focus will be on continuing to deliver our core business objectives by ensuring that the customer feels supported and satisfi ed at all times. We will continue to work with our local partners to ensure the right partnership mindset and the required fl exibility to adapt to each market's needs. Simultaneously, as a company with a long-term focus, it is essential that we provide visibility to our key stakeholders, including our customers, our partners, and our employees, of our long-term strategy and ambition beyond 2021 and the pandemic. That is why we will start implementing our ‘Better Life’ strategy, which will only continue to strengthen our presence and contribution to the region.” The UD Trucks Quester. 29 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSNext >