ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 Show Guide

01 February 2011

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 will be the major event for the global construction equipment industry this year. Taking place from 22 - 26 March in Las Vegas, US, the show is regarded as one of the major international events in the industry, alongside exhibitions like Bauma in Munich.

This year will see more than 2000 exhibitors take part in the event and the co-located International Fluid Power Exhibition (IFPE), and they will occupy some 2.2 million ft2 (200000 m2) of net exhibition space. The last time the exhibition was held in 2008, visitor attendance records were broken with some 144600 people going to the event.

Such a large and successful exhibition is of course always the launch pad for new machines, but this year there will be even more than usual. The start of 2011 saw the first stage of the new Tier 4 Interim engine emission laws come into force in the US, along with their equivalent in Europe, Stage IIIB. This year's laws are applicable to 130 kW to 560 kW engines, which covers a vast range of heavy equipment.

Broadly speaking, this engine power band will impact on virtually all rigid and articulated haulers used in the construction industry, wheeled loaders with 2.5 m3 buckets or larger, excavators from about 25 to 100 tonnes, all dozers of about 20 tonnes (D7 sized) or more, graders above about 15 tonnes, compactors above about 13 tonnes, milling machines above about 0.5 m cutting width, most highway class pavers and so the list goes on.

So naturally this means many of the new machines on display will be those that manufacturers have had to renew to accommodate Tier 4 Interim engines. But this is not to say that the only new equipment at ConExpo will be these heavier types of machines for large-scale earthmoving and infrastructure work. Far from it. Expect to see new equipment across the board, as manufacturers increase the product offerings, fill gaps in their ranges and branch-out into new areas and applications.

What's new?

Caterpillar's stand will feature the first of its all new vocational truck line. These on-road vehicles are the first fruits of the joint venture agreement signed with Navistar in June 2008. The machine on display will be the Cat CT660, a 'Class 8' truck, meaning the gross vehicle weight is above 33000 lbs (14.7 tonnes), for the US market.

Caterpillar says the trucks design is based on customer input, and that the trucks are suited to a wide variety of work. Options include a choice of cat engines to deliver between 330 hp (246 kW) and 550 hp (410 kW), and other company components on-board include the Cat CX31 torque converter style automatic transmission.

In the construction equipment sphere, many of the company's new introductions will be at the heavier equipment as a result of the new Tier 4 Interim engine emissions laws that came into force at the start of the year for 130 kW to 560 kW engines.

However, also on show will be a 64 tonne capacity G series 775 rigid dump truck, featuring an engine that complies with the next stage of regulation, the Tier 4 final laws. Also new is the H series 627 scraper, which features an interim Tier 4 engine.

The company has renewed its mid-sized wheeled loader range, and will display five new models in the K series from the 950K to the 980K, which cover bucket classes from about 2.5 m3 to 6.0 m3. These feature a brand new, more comfortable cab as well as improved fuel efficiency from the new engines.

Mid- to large-sized excavators are also affected by the new laws, and one of the new Caterpillar machines on display will be the 36 tonne class 336E, while in the grader segment, one of the latest models on display will be the 140M2 all-wheel drive unit. The latest in pavers meanwhile will be represented by the AP1055E asphalt finisher, which again features a more fuel-efficient Tier 4 Interim engine.

New additions to the Doosan rang will include the 23.6 tonne DX235LCR tracked excavator, a reduced radius machine for work near buildings and confined areas. Performance specs include a 14.2 tonne digging force at the bucket, which can temporarily be raised by +5% with the power boost function. The machine is powered by a 123 kW six-cylinder Doosan engine.

New at the top of the range meanwhile is the 70 tonne DX700LC crawler excavator. The machine is available with three boom configurations, offering a digging depth of up to 9.03 m. The machine can be fitted with a 2.5 m3 to 4.5 m3 bucket and is powered by a six-cylinder Isuzu engine rated at 345 kW.

Volvo's stand in the North Hall will feature eight new products and innovations alongside current machines. The new launches will include the company's new generation of wheeled loaders, while further down the scale it will launch new skid steer and compact tracked loaders, which are the first fruits of its manufacturing co-operation agreement with JCB.

Also on show will be a new addition to the company's excavator-based pipelayers.

Liebherr's stand will feature the new R 916 Advanced excavator, which competes in the 21 to 28 tonne weight class. Further up the scale, the company's flagship 50 tonne PR 764 dozer will be on display which, like all Liebherr dozers, features a hydrostatic drive. Another top-of-the-range machine on show will be the L 586 wheeled loader, a 5.5 m3 bucket class machine.

In terms of new machines, ConExpo will see the launch of the LTR 1060 telescopic boom crawler crane, a 60 tonne capacity machine with a 40 m main boom. An additional double swing-away jib gives a maximum hook height of 54.5 m, while the maximum reach is 48 m.

Also new is the company's 350 tonne, six axle mobile crane, the LTM 1350-6.1, which features a 70 m boom - 10 m more than its predecessor. An optional 78 m long luffing fly jib gives a maximum hoisting height of 132 m - 16 m more than the previous model, and the Y-suspension system, which improves lifting performance, can be self assembled without an additional crane.

New to the US market is the 81 K fast-erecting crane. It has a better load chart than its predecessor, allowing +25% more weight to be carried at the end of the jib.

New in the tower crane segment for the US market is the 285 EC-B 12 flat-top model, which has a maximum working radius of 75 m. It can carry a 3.15 tonne load at this radius, 900 kg more than the next model down the range, the 250 EC-B 12.

New from Manitowoc meanwhile is new GMK6300L Grove six-axle all-terrain crane. The 350 ton (300 tonne) capacity machine was first premiered at Bauma, and it is the first of the company's new range of six-axle cranes. Features include a 262 ft (80 m) main boom 121 ft (36.8 m) hydraulic luffing jib and a self-rigging auxiliary hoist.

The largest crane on the booth is the Manitowoc 16000 crawler crane, which will feature its new attachment for wind turbine erection. This increases the lifting capacity at short radii, making the crane more suitable for lifting ever larger turbine units.

Products from the company's National Crane division on show will include its largest boom truck, the 55 ton (50 tonne) NBT55 as well as the new 30 ton (27.3 tonne) NBT30H. Improvements to this crane include a new hydraulic pump, redesigned controls and an improved load moment indicator (LMI) display.

Compact equipment

The latest additions on show from Bobcat will include its T770 compact tracked loader, which has a rated operating capacity of 1.61 tonnes. Hydraulic flow has been increase +30% compared to the previous model, and the hydraulic pump has been matched to the engine so that the peak flow occurs close to the engines peak output. Bobcat says this makes for better fuel efficiency and engine cooling as well as faster cycle times.

The standard maximum travel speed is 10.6 km/h, but this can be increased to 17.2 km/h with the optional two-speed system. Bobcat says the machine's traction is +15% to +20% higher than its predecessor for better pushing performance and digging power, while a larger fuel tank leaves more time between fill-ups.

Gehl will be adding three models of European-style articulated wheeled loaders to its range in the shape of the 140, 340 and 540 models. They feature tipping loads from 1900 to 5100 lbs (0.86 to 2.31 tonnes) and can work with a wide variety of attachments. Engine power ranges from 23 to 47 hp (17 to 35 kW), while the smallest model is just 41 in (1.04 m) wide, which combines with a 45° articulation angle to make them suitable for extremely tight spaces.

Sister company Mustang meanwhile will be introducing the 519 compact telehandlers. The unit offers a 19 ft (5.8 m) lift height and a maximum lift capacity of 5500 lbs (2.5 tonnes) on a frame that is just 148 in (3.76 m) long by 71 in (1.80 m) wide and 76 in (1.93 m) high.

Power comes from a 63 hp (47 kW) Deutz engine and the maximum travel speed is 15 mph (24 km/h). Like other Mustang telehandlers, the unit has three steering modes - 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab.

JLG meanwhile will launch what it says is the largest self-propelled telescopic boom lift. With a working height of 150 ft (45.7 m), the 1500SJ includes a telescopic jib that extends up to 25 ft (7.62 m) for additional vertical and horizontal reach.

Operators receive key information from a new graphic LCD displays in the platform to further increase ease of operation. As with all platforms in JLG's Ultra Boom range, the 1500SJ features two different capacities - 500 lb (227 kg) or 1000 lbs (454 kg), three steering modes and advanced systems to assist in safe positioning.

There will also be a large platform on display on Palfinger's stand, in the shape of the 103 m working height truck-mounted P 333 All Terrain. The lift features a main boom and fly boom and the maximum capacity is 600 kg. A hydraulically extendable basket is also available, which carries up to 530 kg.

Road building

Gomaco will use ConExpo to launch its new 4400 barrier slipformer. A new frame design means barriers can be formed either to the left or right, and the control console can be moved from side to side for the best possible visibility. Features also include the company's G+ control system, which makes the machine simple to use and is available in a variety of languages.

The 4400 includes Gomaco's 'barrier Hook-and-Go' system, which allows barrier moulds up to 1 m high to be mounted quickly on either side of the machine. A standard side mount is available for larger structures. Power comes from a 99 hp (74 kW) Cummins QSB 3.9 engine.

Roadtec's stand will feature the new E-series of Shuttle Buggy material transfer vehicles. New features include a front hopper that can be adjusted to the width of different trucks, while the dual operator stations can now be slid beyond the edge of the machine's main frame to improve visibility.

Other new products will include the SX-5 mid-size stabiliser/reclaimer, which is powered by a 403 kW Cat C15 engine and comes with a 2440 mm drum as standard. The machine can cut to a depth of 460 mm, and options include an enclosed cab and water emulsion systems.

The FM-85 meanwhile is a heavy-duty broom, featuring a telescopic mounting that can accept broom lengths of 6, 7 or 8 ft (1830, 2130 or 2400 mm). A patent-pending side-shift device meanwhile means the brush can be moved up to 380 mm to the side.

Roadtec will also be premiering and demonstrating its new remote machine monitoring and diagnostic software.

Wirtgen's stand will feature six milling machines, and the company says it will unveil a large new planer at ConExpo itself.

Other novelties will include the attachment mounted on a W 50 DC milling machine, This attachment allows high-production cutting of milled rumble strips in the standard, preferred 16 in (406 mm) width at speeds of up to 180 ft/minute (55 m/minute).

The company's stand will also include some of the machines launched at last year's Bauma exhibition, which are being launched in the US for the first time, such as the W 200 single engine and W 210 double engine milling machine.

The show will also be the first US appearance for the company's new SP 15 and sp 25 slipform pavers. The SP 15 features a 6 ft (1.83 m) maximum paving width and 4 ft 3 in (1.3 m) maximum curb/parapet height. Features include the ability to change quickly between left and right-sided pours and all-track steering for what Wirtgen claims is the tightest, smoothest turning radius in the industry.

The SP 25 meanwhile offers a 12 ft (3.66 m) paving width and the maximum mould height is 6 ½ ft (1.98 m). The machine is available with either three or four tracks, and both pavers feature an Eco mode, which matches engine revs to the load, minimising fuel consumption.

As well as its Vision series pavers, designed especially for the US market, sister company Vögele will exhibit the brand-new rear-mounted VR 600-2 extending screed. Like the Vision pavers, this screed has been developed specifically for the requirements of the North American market. It has a basic width of 10 ft (3.05 m) and extends fully automatically to 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m). A maximum width of 28 ft 2 in (8.59 m) is possible with bolt-on extensions. The screed is designed for use with the 10 ft (3.05 m) Vision 5200-2 (wheeled) and Vision 5203-2 (tracked) pavers.

Also on the Wirtgen Group stand will be the all new 66 in (1.68 m) tandem roller from Hamm, available in either the 11.5 ton or 10 ton weight classes.

The GRW 280 rubber-tyred roller meanwhile can have an operating weight from 10 to 30 tonnes (9.09 to 27.3 tonnes) and features a single adjustable seat that can slide the full width of the machine. A novel suspension design for the front wheels allows an uninterrupted view towards the front.

New to the Asphalt Drum Mixers (ADM) is its Milemaker warm mix asphalt plant range, with outputs ranging from 160 to 450 tonnes per hour. The plants allow water and other chemicals to be added to the mix to achieve warm mix specifications, while the dual drum systems inside have a counterflow system with separate drying and mixing areas.

The Milemaker range is available as fixed or portable plants, and can be modified with individual components such as cold feed bins, hot oil asphalt cement, direct-fired horizontal cement tanks, portable and stationary bag houses, mineral filler systems, recycled asphalt pavement systems, self-erect and stationary silos, weigh and drag conveyors, weigh batchers and fuel oil tanks.

E-Z Drill's stand will feature its new 240B SRA 'combo' drill, which can be used for both rock drilling and core drilling applications. The company says the conversion process is easy to do on site with just a few tools.

The 240B SRA's compact frame design allows the unit to operate in a 4 ft (1.22 m) patch while drilling to within 6 in (152 mm) of a corner. It can also be adjusted to drill into the centre of a concrete slab, from 6 to 24 in (152 to 610 mm) thick.

As a pneumatic core drill, the three-speed motor requires 77 cubic feet per minute (CFM) (36.4 litres/second) of air, whereas it needs 100 CFM (47.2 litres/second) in rock drill operation. Hole diameters range from 5/8 in (16 mm) to 2 ½ in (64 mm) and the maximum depth is 18 in (457 mm).

Crushing & screening

New from Telsmith is the H3244 Hydra-Jaw crusher, the largest model to date in the company's Hydra-jaw range. It features an 1118 mm x 813 mm opening and can be mounted either as a portable or fixed unit. Features include a unique toggle design to prevent damage to the unit should a non-crushable item fall into the crusher.

Also new is the Tel-Trax TC52SBS, a tracked cone crusher plant built around the company's 52SBS cone crusher. With a maximum throughput of 585 tonnes per hour, the company says this is one of the largest tracked cone crushers available on the market, and it can accept feed material as large as 12 in (304 mm).

The crusher itself features Telsmith's Dynamic Adjust system, enabling adjustment when under load, and there is also overload protection. The tracked carrier is fitted with an automation system which monitors feed levels, power supply and this discharge conveyor, among other parameters, to keep the machine running at its best without an operator having to be present.

The both units will be on display on Telsmith parent company, Astec's stand.

Powerscreen will have four mobile units on its parent company, Terex's stand - the XH500 horizontal shaft impact (HSI) crusher, the XH320SR impact crusher with integrated double-deck screen, XA400S primary jaw crusher and Warrior 2400 heavy-duty mobile screen.

Like other machines in the industry, mobile crushers and screens are also impacted by the new engine laws, and the XA400S will feature a Tier 4 Interim engine from Scania, Powerscreen's new engine partner for the tougher regulatory environment. Other features of this 400 tonnes per hour unit is a hydraulic control to adjust the crusher's closed side setting and an overload protection

The Wirtgen Group stand will include the new MR 110 EVO mobile impact crusher from Kleemann. Suitable for asphalt, primary aggregates and demolition waste, it can achieve outputs of 350 tonnes per hour, despite the relatively small 1100 x 800 mm crusher inlet.

Design features include a discharge chute under the crusher that is 100 mm and the next discharge belt is 100 mm wider again. This prevents spillages and ensures a fast flow of material with reduced wear on the machine.

Also on show will be the MC 110 track-mounted jaw crusher.

W.S. Tyler will display its parent company Haver's new Pelletizing Disc, which converts fines into marketable product. Also new is the Haver Hydro-Clean, a high-pressure washing unit that cleans heavy clay-contaminated material while using up to -75% less water than standard screws and log washers.

Also new is the company's Computerised Particle Analysis System (CPA), which analyses particles as small as 10 microns to determine exact size, shape and quantity up to 10 times faster than traditional sieve analysis methods.

Major Wire's stand will include its Flex-Mat 3 high-performance, self-cleaning screen media technology, which is available in a Tensioned version as an alternative to traditional woven wire and a Modular version designed to replace polyurethane and rubber modular screen panels. The company says it provides +30% more screening capacity than wire and +50% more than rubber or polyurethane.

The company will also be exhibiting its OptimumWire Woven Wire, which has a unique chemical makeup that provides up to +40% longer wear life when compared to traditional woven wire of the same diameter.

Site equipment

New from Subaru at the show will be the SGX range of generators, manufactured for the company in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries. The SGX3500 is based around Subaru's EX21 7 hp (5.2 kW) engine and can deliver 3.5 kW of power. The SGX5000 meanwhile delivers 4.9 kW from a 9.5 hp (7 kW) engine, while the 7 gallon (26.5 litre) fuel tank means it can run continuously for 9.5 hours. The SGX7000E meanwhile is a 7.3 kW unit.

Built from heavy-duty steel and equipped with steel fuel tanks, the SGX units are designed for longevity and durability. The generators include high performance copper windings with maximum surge capacity and the range also feature a ground fault circuit interrupter.

Thompson Pump will be launching its Compact pump series, which the company says has all the benefits of its JSC series while being -35% smaller and -20% lighter, with fewer parts less maintenance and a lower price.

Available in the most common diesel-drive portable pump sizes of 4 in (102 mm) and 6 in (152 mm), the Compact series offers an economical alternative to similar sized portable pumps. The company says reliability is increased by the removal of several redundant parts that are no longer needed with the latest diesel engines, and the pumps also feature Thompson's Silent Knight sound attenuation system.

Blastcrete's MX-10 Mixer/Pump meanwhile is a hydraulically-powered, 3 in (76 mm) swing tube-style unit designed for refractory shotcrete and pump cast applications. User-friendly and built to handle even the most demanding refractory installations, the highly efficient mixer/pump is ideal for use in foundries, steel mills and cement plants, as well as a variety of industries including glass, power generation, incineration and petrochemical.

The MX-10 features a 2200 lbs (1 tonne) capacity, high-torque hydraulic pan mixer, which offers a mix time of 2 minutes or less. Combined with an ultra high-pressure, 2200 psi (152 bar) piston pump, the unit is able to consistently deliver 10 tonnes of material per hour and achieves vertical pumping distance of up to 300 ft (91 m).

The unit features mixer liners and carbide wear components to help prolong life, an automatic lubrication system is optional. The MX-10 is available with either a 99 hp (74 kW) John Deere or 102 hp (76 kW) Deutz diesel engine. It is also available with dual 40 hp (30 kW) electric motors.

More next month

Don't miss the March edition of iC, which will feature a special Stop-Press feature on all the late-breaking news from the show. Of course the best way to see what's new at ConExpo is to visit the exhibition yourself.