< PreviousNEW CAT 785D WATER TRUCK USES LESS WATER TO MANAGE HAUL ROAD DUST W ith proper haul road dust management at mine sites paramount for the health and safety of workers, the new Cat 785D Water Solutions Truck from Caterpillar infuses technology with the Cat Water Delivery System (WDS) to offer a smarter way to maintain haul roads, making use of less water. Built on the proven Cat 785D truck platform, the new 785D water truck solves overwatering and underwatering issues and features an integrated 121 133-l Cat branded water tank, complete with spray system, splash guards, fi ll chute and rock ejectors. Combined with Cat MineStar Edge connectivity with both basic and premium plan options to fi t site needs, the Cat WDS helps operations manage watering at the site more safely and productively. Offering a maximum water fl ow reaching up to 3,785 l/min, the truck’s AutoMode spray controls determine water coverage automatically based on the activated number of heads and truck speed. Manual mode allows the operator to set a constant waterfl ow rate, regardless of speed. Featuring exclusive variable active spray heads to regulate water spray and fl ow, the 785D delivers a waterfl ow rate ranging from 130 to 2,270 l/min per spray head. The spray system automatically controls the head opening to achieve AutoMode coverage or manual mode fl ow rate. Exclusive to Cat water trucks, the Cat WDS is integrated into the 785D’s cab. The system continually adjusts waterfl ow during operation to achieve the desired coverage and fl owrate, reducing the risk of accidents due to poor visibility while conserving water. Featuring soft start-ups, the system’s water pump starts and stops automatically when the truck slows or stops to prevent overwatering and poor traction at intersections. The pump automatically turns off when the tank empties to prevent system damage from the pump running dry. WATER CANNON INTEGRATED INTO JOYSTICK CONTROLS WDS system components include the water cannon, oil cooler, variable displacement pump, hydraulic oil tank, electronic control boxes and hydraulic motor/water pump. Water cannon operation is integrated into the cab’s joystick controls and can be discharged while idling to conserve fuel. It features a maximum fl ow rate of 4,732 l/min at high idle and sprays at a maximum distance reaching 61m. Complete with auto shut-off to prevent overfi lling, remote tank fi ll control enables the operator to remain inside the cab during refi lling to reduce accidental slips and falls. The 785D water truck is built to deliver durable performance in some of the toughest applications around the world. Easy maintenance procedures help to ensure high reliability and long life with low operating costs. Reducing time spent on regular maintenance, easy access to all daily service points simplifi es servicing. The new Cat Water Solutions Truck is fully supported by the extensive Cat dealer network. Including tank and components, the integrated water truck is covered by the Caterpillar factory standard warranty and is eligible for Cat equipment protection plans and customer value agreements. Retrofi t kits are available for existing Cat 785D truck platforms in the fi eld. REDUCED MAINTENANCE The new loader’s design includes features to increase machine uptime and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% compared to the 988K. Advanced fi ltration extends performance and reliability of the hydraulic system. Ground level or platform access to grouped service points delivers convenient servicing. Providing easy access to important daily service checks, access doors are located on both sides of the engine compartment. Centralized ground level grease points plus ground level sight gauges simplify daily greasing and oil level checks for major machine systems. Its on-board diagnostics alerts the operator of machine issues so that problems can be resolved before failure. Information captured by Product Link can be remotely monitored via my.cat.com, the Cat app or VisionLink® to help further advance preventative maintenance and servicing effi ciency. Innovative and efficient automatic spray systems enable operations to manage watering at sites more safely and productively The Cat 785D water truck offers a maximum water fl ow of 3,785 l/min to keep dust down on haul roads. NEW LAUNCHES 40 | OCTOBER 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesVOLVO UPGRADES WHEELED LOADERS WITH MORE PERFORMANCE, OPERATOR COMFORT V olvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is upgrading its L60F-L90F wheeled loaders to the H series generation with Stage 3 engines this year, bringing several additional benefi ts to customers while still retaining the models’ same powerful and reliable operation as before. Volvo CE said that the upgraded models ensure increased operator comfort, higher lifting capacity and more fuel effi ciency, while reducing service costs and wear and tear, resulting in a smooth operator experience on almost any job-site. With this series upgrade, the Volvo L60Gz and L90Gz will be phased out by the end of 2023, the manufacturer said. Volvo added that the H series wheeled loaders boast a brand-new look and feel, as well as several performance-enhancing upgrades, that can be taken up several notches further when paired with a wide range of optional equipment. Some of the most noticeable improvements are in the experience of operating the machine. Inside the cab now is a much more comfortable and productive work environment thanks to new features such as Rimpull Control, which allows operators to adjust the wheeled loaders’ rimpull to match slippery ground conditions, thereby reducing wheel spin and wear and tear, additionally resulting in better fuel effi ciency. The H series’ Smart Control also balances the energy fl ow between the hydraulic and the drive train systems, providing just the right amount of power for exactly where and when it is needed. In addition, the upgraded wheeled loaders come with an electrically opened engine hood, slide- out coolers and quick oil change connectors, not only providing better access to service points but also making maintenance routines simple and hassle-free. A new optional lock-up torque converter helps to increase productivity and fuel effi ciency in load and carry applications, while also resulting in reduced fatigue for operators and greater site productivity. ECO PEDAL SAVES FUEL Another fuel saving feature is the Eco pedal. When pressing down on the gas pedal, operators will sense a light pushback indicating that they are at the top limit of the economic working range for the engine rpm. Operators then have a choice to stay in this range – and therefore operate in the most economical way – or push beyond this limit if ever required. According to Volvo, “all of these new functions allow operators to work smarter, not harder, all the while ensuring the maximum uptime for site productivity and greater fuel effi ciency. Any customers looking for further uptime, can choose from a range of Volvo Services such as On-Board Weighing and Volvo Co-pilot that allow the H series to perform in the most accurate, productive and safe way possible. The upgraded wheeled loaders can be fi tted exactly to customers’ varying needs thanks to a complete range of options and attachment coverage. Enhancements to the L60, L70 and L90 wheeled loaders by Volvo include increased cab comfort, productivity and fuel savings New and redesigned controls make the cab more comfortable.Volvo's Eco pedal feature enables operators to save fuel. NEW LAUNCHES Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comOCTOBER 2023 | 41YANMAR LAUNCHES ITS SMALLEST EVER WHEELED LOADERS Y anmar Compact Equipment (Yanmar CE) has expanded its wheeled loader portfolio with the launch of a brand-new pair of “mini yet mighty machines” - the V7 and V7-HW (Heavy Weight) of small wheeled loaders. This dynamic duo are the smallest wheeled loaders in Yanmar CE’s product range, and the Japanese manufacturer said that they are especially designed to “keep ahead of the fast-paced, tough demands of construction, landscaping and rental applications”. Yanmar said it has created a wheeled loader that would make life easier for operators in every way possible – starting with manoeuvrability. With a total height less than 2.5m, a width of 1,850mm (with bucket) and an overall length of just 5,238mm, the V7/V7-HW can easily fi t inside a standard container - a transport friendliness that keeps under the 4m height limit dictated by the EU’s Weights and dimensions’ Directive of 1996. The all-wheel drive V7/V7-HW both have electronically controlled drivetrains, and a top speed of 20kmh; a 30kmh max speed is available as an option. Customers can further customise their machines by choosing between a premium range of tyre brands and sizes, making the V7/V7- HW perfectly suited to any application regardless of the terrain’s toughness. Unlike other models in the Yanmar CE range, the new V7/V7-HW are also unique in that they do away with exterior oscillation and instead feature a clever joint that combines articulation with oscillation, enabling the height of the machine to be lowered. The units are also a useful half-tonne lighter than the next largest machines in the Yanmar CE range (weighing 4,250kg and 4,450kg, respectively), making these light- footed and nimble workers ideal for customers landscaping on soft surfaces. Using a new platform that can support both diesel and electric power trains, they fi ll a gap at the smaller end of the company’s compact wheel loader range. A hydraulic quick hitch enables the operator to seamlessly swap between buckets, forks, sweepers, snow blowers, etc. A mechanically controlled joystick provides precise operation of lift and tilt cylinders, and super responsive tools with a 63 litres-per-minute, 250 bar pressure pump. The V7/V7-HW have a bucket capacity of 0.7 and 0.8m cubic metres, respectively, and the V7-HW has a higher payload on forks (1,900kg) compared to the V7 (1,750kg). The V7 has a maximum tipping load of 3,000kg, while the V7-HW can tip 3,250kg. For maximum operator comfort and safety, the V7/V7-HW feature an all-new cabin, with two robust steel framed doors, compared to the more usual one door confi guration, helping access, airfl ow and interior cleaning. Large, glazed areas afford a good all-round view – helped by a 3.5-inch operator display fi tted on the A-post, rather than on the steering column, improving the view of the front attachment. For warmer climates, canopy variants of both machines are also available. The V7/V7-HW is fi tted with a Yanmar 4TNV86CT four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. The engine is not only low emission, but also offers no scheduled maintenance on its DPF for an incredible 6,000 hours. It caters perfectly to the long hours of those working in the construction and landscaping sectors. The V7/V7-HW can easily fi t inside a standard container - a transport friendliness that keeps under the 4m EU height limit. The unit has a hydraulic quick hitch to swap between attachments. NEW LAUNCHES 42 | OCTOBER 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesSELECTIVE LISTINGS I ntroducing our highly discerning selective listings, meticulously curated to cater to the needs of our esteemed readers and industry professionals. This initiative serves as a platform to facilitate connections and attract potential buyers, creating enhanced business opportunities within the industry. Selective listings provides a dedicated space for rental companies, equipment sellers and dealers to showcase their new and used fl eet and machinery. Detailed specifi cations accompany each listing, and the information is seamlessly replicated on our website for easy accessibility. SELECTIVE LISTINGS Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comOCTOBER 2023 | 43Swaidan Trading +971 50 45 36 544 DISCOVER A RANGE OF MACHINERY AND VEHICLES NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE CLARK | Clark S-Series forklift Available in S20/25/30/35 IC-Pneumatic LPG/ Dual fuel/ Diesel KAESER KOMPRESSOREN M235 Towable Diesel Air Compressor CFM: 800 PSI: 150 HP: 260 Fuel Type & Capacity: Diesel / 99 Imperial Gallon SELECTIVE LISTINGS 44 | OCTOBER 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesSwaidan Trading +971 56 52 05 726 Ashok Leyland Falcon Buses Euro 3 engine Heavy-duty components tailored for UAE climate Four models: A/C, 4X4, School bus and Non A/C Optional air-conditioning Pneumatic brakes with ABS Ashok Leyland Oyster Staff Buses 160hp Euro 4 Engine 32+ D fixed seats, Exceptional manoeuvrability Panoramic windows Superior HVAC Cost-effective maintenance Fire-retardant interiors Customisable premium options SELECTIVE LISTINGS Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comOCTOBER 2023 | 45EFFICIENCY IN BHL OPERATIONS: 10 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR SMOOTH AND SAFE JOBS Observing some simple precautions with backhoe loaders can increase efficiency and reduce accidents TIPS & KNOWLEDGE 46 | OCTOBER 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesW hen it comes to versatility and utility, the backhoe loader has no equal. With a loader at one end and an excavator backhoe at the other, this is the machine that almost always has a task to do on any job-site – whether, preparing the ground, helping during construction or cleaning up after. As such, the backhoe loader is among the fi rst machines to arrive at a job-site and among the last to leave. And in the time that it spends on the site, it is an indispensable tool for a plethora of jobs. Therefore, using it properly is vital for all people on the job. For, in case of a breakdown of this most vital piece of equipment, a lot of processes can grind to a halt, delaying the entire project. However, the ubiquity of the backhoe loader often means that many workers on a site are blasé about the way the machine is used, including often the operators of the machine themselves. Chandra Neogy, Senior Engineer with Indian construction fi rm DCPL and a former plant engineer with Petrofac in Sharjah, warns that there is a tendency of being careless with how the machine is used, sometimes because of the very nature of the machine itself. “The backhoe loader is neither a huge piece of kit like an excavator or wheel loader, nor is it a small one like a skid-steer loader or a mini excavator. And this means that workers on the job-site do not pay it the respect that the big guns command or treat it with the delicacy that they often show the small kit,” Neogy explains. “Given the fact that the backhoe loader will be used for everything from transporting material within the job-site and lifting small weights to loading trucks and clearing up debris – apart, of course, from the digging and trenching – it is no surprise that the machine is taken a bit for granted.” But following a few steps diligently and as a matter of routine will ensure that the backhoe loader performs to its optimal level, while also ensuring that it poses no safety threat to men and materials on the job-site, he adds. Neogy tells PMV Middle East about 10 basic, time-tested steps that will ensure the backhoe loaders keep digging and loading – and doing everything else that a job-site throws at them – while also ensuring their operators and all others around them are kept safe and sound. 1. PRE-SHIFT INSPECTION Safety and effi ciency practices should begin before the machine is even started, Neogy says. “First, perform a walkaround inspection. Next, make sure all functions are operating properly and ensure the parking brake is engaged and also check whether the correct control pattern (backhoe or excavator) is selected,” he advises. Only after these checks are completed in the corner where the backhoe loader is stored on the job-site, should it be allowed to trundle into the thick of the action. 2. SAFETY BELT Seatbelts are just as important when using construction equipment as when driving cars, if not more so, Neogy reminds us. “The typical job-sites backhoe loaders work in are rough, uneven, steeply graded or precarious. While the machines are rated to be able to roll over, this safety feature only comes into play if the operator is sitting strapped on in the seat,” Loads and buckets must always face in the upward direction when a backhoe loader is traversing a slope or incline. TIPS & KNOWLEDGE Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comOCTOBER 2023 | 47process, overload digger and loader buckets. This compromises safety of the backhoe loader and timelines become unsalvageable in case of accidents. 5. STABLE DIG PLATFORM The stabilisers in backhoe loaders provide stability on either side and also stop the machine from sliding around when digging. “The best setup is when the stabilisers are spread to their full width and the loader bucket is in solid contact with the ground. If the tyres are carrying the machine’s weight, it will bounce and shake, leading to instability,” Neogy cautions. The only way to stabilise a backhoe is to use the stabilisers and put the front bucket down. Only then should digging and trenching jobs commence, he says. 6. PREPARE FOR EXCAVATIONS “Take proper preparations before trenching or excavating. At a new job-site, get a walkaround with someone familiar with it,” Neogy says, adding that ground depressions can be clues to things like old, buried storage tanks, a drain that has caved in or even utilities. “You need all the details about what is down there before you stick that bucket into the ground for the fi rst time,” is his reminder. Neogy also advises to mark out the digging area or the trenching and excavation path. This can be done with ropes and sticks that can trace the pattern or map of the excavation or trenching to be done. Not only does this ensure effi ciency and time saving - with the operator not putting a pass out of place because he knows where he is going – but it also makes the job safer. Everyone on the job-site knows where not to tread, while the backhoe operator has also presumably inspected the entire ground to be covered and there are no nasty surprises in wait. 7. SAFETY WHILE LIFTING Backhoe loaders are invariably used for minor lifting tasks on job-sites, when the load is too heavy to be manually placed and does not need to be placed at a spot high enough to warrant bringing in a crane. “Lifting operations with backhoes require even greater machine stability than normal. A best practice for heavy lifting is to have the machine level, with the front and rear tyres raised six inches clear of the ground and the stabilisers spread as far apart as possible,” says Neogy. “Check the spec sheets before lifting to know the machine’s capabilities of weight, height and distance. Keep the weight as close to you as possible by keeping the boom close in.” 8. OPERATION ON SLOPES Many job-sites have gradients and inclines. Even when a construction project is on level ground, a foundation needs to be dug into the earth, creating a big pit. Machines working inside such foundation pits need to access these cavities using ramps to travel up and down. These ramps are, of course, sloped and inclined. Such inclines are the most dangerous places to operate backhoes as the machine is the least he cautions, reiterating how important it is for operators to use the seat belt and be strapped in securely. 3. LOCK BOOMS FOR TRAVEL “When backhoes take to normal roads, make sure the boom is locked and the swing lock is in place. Survey the surroundings before moving and sound the horn. Be mindful of vehicle and pedestrian traffi c, not only when roading the machine and when working close to the edges of job-sites,” says Neogy. If booms are unlocked when roading, or even moving around on the job-site, it is not diffi cult to imagine the mayhem it will cause when it inevitably swings to and fro with the motion of the moving machine. “With a swinging backhoe boom, no one and nothing is safe,” he warns. 4. TAKE IT SLOW Loads can change the centre of gravity of a backhoe and affect stability. Slow, steady movement is the safest way to maintain control. “Loads always need to be kept as close to the ground as possible until they need to be raised. Every move needs to be thought out before the operator makes it. If the machine starts to feel unstable, stop and regain control,” Neogy advises. He cautions that sometimes, especially when there is time pressure on as project, operators may be in a rush to complete jobs – and, in the With the backhoe loader among the most important pieces of kit on a job-site, it is essential to operate it safely for maximum effi ciency. It is imperative to have the stabilisers down when digging, TIPS & KNOWLEDGE 48 | OCTOBER 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / Vehicles9. TRANSPORTING MATERIALS The loader buckets of backhoe loaders are often used to transport material on job-sites, from one side of the site to another, traversing the length and breadth of what is mostly uneven, debris- covered ground. “When doing so, always keep the bucket as low and close to the ground as possible to ensure both stability through a low centre of gravity and unobstructed visibility. When transporting material on inclines, make sure the bucket is pointing up the slope to keep the machine balanced. Also remember that speed compromises safety,” reminds Neogy. “The best pace is a slow and steady one – a crawl rather than a jog. “Select a low gear, rev and hold the engine to the rpm at the top of its torque curve and move forward with the load in the middle of the bucket, which is at a comfortably low position. Going in the straightest line possible is best, so map out your route through the site in such a way that you do not have to steer too much to avoid obstacles.” 10. CAREFUL WITH ATTACHMENTS The versatile backhoe loader supports a wide array of attachments. And since the machine is called upon to do a variety of tasks on any job- site, it has to change attachments frequently. “Whenever you have to change an attachment, make sure to fi rst block the attachment to keep it from moving. Neutralise the controls to relieve pressure, use a brass hammer to strike hardened steel pins to prevent fl ying steel chips and wear gloves and safety glasses,” Neogy advises. “Better still, use a modern machine with a quick coupler. Most recent backhoe loader models on the market will have quick couplers to use various attachments. This enables operators to change attachments without even stepping outside of the cabs. And since there are in-cab warnings when the coupling is not done properly, there is little danger of an improperly attached attachment falling off midway during a job.” With backhoe loaders being the workhorses of the Middle Eastern job-site, ensuring that they keep working safely and effi ciently is vital to the progress of any project, whether in construction, infrastructure or maintenance. “While a tendency to gloss over safety and best operational practices is common with this ubiquitous machine, it pays to remember the old adage that it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Neogy concludes. Take basic care while operating the backhoe loader and it will always be back with bucket-loads of rewards for you. stable on sloping ground. “Swinging a bucket of dirt downhill changes the centre of gravity in a negative direction, so loads should always be facing the upward direction. If required to come down a slope, reverse down it. When repositioning after trenching, tuck the backhoe into its stored position,” Neogy advises. When traversing a job-site, the bucket arm and backhoe must both be kept low to ensure both stability through a low centre of gravity as well as unobstructed visibility. TIPS & KNOWLEDGE Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comOCTOBER 2023 | 49Next >