CASE Construction Equipment’s (CASE) new E-Series crawler excavator range features seven quarrying-suited models from 13 to 30 tonnes: the CX130E, CX160E, CX180E, CX210E, CX240E, CX250E, and CX300E.
Claimed market-leading features of the E-Series include new FPT Industrial Stage V engines, enhanced cab design and operator experience, improved hydraulics’ controls and settings, machine structure, undercarriage, and a new full range of CASE Service Solutions. As a result, customers are said to benefit from greater controllability, reliability, operator comfort, efficiency, productivity and total cost of ownership (TCO).
“Our customers are facing increasing challenges, which is intensifying competition. So, they look to CASE to develop machines that have the highest levels of uptime, efficiency and productivity,” explains Egidio Galano, director, construction equipment product management Europe, CNH Industrial. “In response, we developed the E-Series, delivering excellence, efficiency and economy.”
CASE’s Intelligent Hydraulic System (CIHS), a leading feature of the previous generation, is now integrated with four new work modes, with additional customisable hydraulic settings to adjust the flow priority for arm, boom or swing movements, all controllable by the operator. Efficiency-enhancing Super Power (SP) mode delivers maximum productivity, Power (P) mode provides a surge of power when needed and Lifting (L) mode optimises object handling. When paired with the new FPT engines, the Eco (E) mode delivers remarkable fuel savings of up to 17% on some predecessor models.
For the new E-Series range, CASE reinforces the long-standing partnership with FPT, with its strengths in construction powertrain design. The new range incorporates more powerful and efficient Stage V engines in all new series models. The 13-18-tonne models feature N45, the 4.5-litre engines from the renowned NEF series, while the N67, from the same engine family, powers the 21-30-tonne models providing 6.7-litre displacement.
Describing the beating heart of the new E-Series, Galano highlights the FPT engines’ extensive new features: “CASE has introduced a solution free from exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), ensuring greater efficiency during the fuel combustion. When coupled with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on filter, the E-Series delivers unprecedented total cost of ownership improvements.” The new E-Series is equipped with HI-eSCR2, the patented after-treatment solution by FPT that is completely maintenance free and built for life. There is no requirement for mechanical cleaning or replacement over the life cycle.
CASE has also improved the service experience with the new E-Series by doubling the maintenance intervals up to 1,000 hours for engine oil, fuel filters and oil filters.
Operators for leading UK construction materials group Breedon are highly impressed by the company’s two new Hitachi large excavators. The ZX890LCR-7s arrived at the Cloud Hill and Dowlow limestone quarries in Derbyshire, central England, in October 2021 and are utilised to load rigid and articulated dump trucks.
They are the first Hitachi excavators to be operated by Simon Ferguson and Stephen Tuft and have made a big impression. Simon, an operator for ten years, commented on the stability and performance of the Zaxis-7 machine: “It is very stable. The digging force is strong, and it is faster than the last machine that I used in this quarry.
“The ZX890-7 is very smooth, precise and responsive to operate – it does exactly what you want, and when you want it to. I opt for power mode with the heavy rock that we lift and load on this site, but this machine is more fuel efficient than its predecessor.”
The redesigned cab is another highlight for Ferguson. He said: “I’m six foot six inches (2m) tall and yet I find there is more than enough space in the cab. There is ample storage for my belongings, the Bluetooth functionality is great and overall it’s an impressive workspace. I also find that it is quiet – with so little noise from the outside – and the seat is comfortable.”
Tuft, who has worked at Dowlow Quarry for 35 years, is also enjoying sitting in the cab of the new ZX890LCR-7. “It’s really comfortable and nicely set out. The screen shows you everything you want to see. The radio is easier to reach than it was in the previous machine I used. The controls are really small and handy, and easy to manoeuvre. The slew is really quick and it’s got power too.”
Easy access to the cab and upper structure was commented on by both operators as a benefit of the new Zaxis-7 large excavators. Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Limited (HCMUK) supplied both models with steps positioned to the side of the machine, rather than at rear, to meet Breedon’s requirements.
“There is easy access to carry out my daily checks around the machine – the engine and hydraulic oil, and the coolant,” says Ferguson. “There’s good all-round walkways where you’re not having to climb up or down anything. And there’s a firm grip on your feet so that there is no slipping on any plates.”
Safety is also a key aspect of the new machines for both operators and the excellent visibility of the Zaxis-7 machines is invaluable: “It feels safe to operate with the monitor in use for the camera views, which are especially useful to the rear and down the far side of the excavator,” adds Ferguson. To which Tuft agrees: “The camera system and all-round vision it provides are second-to-none.”
The first Volvo EC950F to arrive in Sweden, Volvo’s largest excavator, is a fitting match for Aitik – Sweden’s largest and the world’s most efficient open-pit copper mine.
The Aitik mine, run by Boliden mining company, never rests. Ore is mined here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This requires large, powerful and productive machines, and Rutqvists Schakt, which works under contract with Boliden, already has several Volvo EC700s and EC750s excavators and a Volvo A60 articulated hauler in its fleet of eight machines at the mine.
When Rutqvists Schakt signed the latest contract with Boliden, MD Lars-Göran ‘Lalla’ Rutqvist chose to invest in the new 90-tonne Volvo EC950F crawler excavator, despite it being completely new to the Swedish market and an entirely new experience for him and his machine operators.
“There was no time for a test drive,” Lalla laughs. “But I trust Volvo and Swecon. The decisions we make together always work. It also helped that I had read and heard from foreign colleagues that it was a good machine.”
From Volvo CE’s perspective, and that of dealership Swecon, it is a milestone to be able to deliver a machine of this size class in Sweden as well.
“There is trust in us that we need to live up to, and we are ready to deliver more machines of this class,” says Hans Olofsson, Swecon’s director of sales in Region North.
By the end of September, some 900 working hours later – the massive excavator is working more than 10 hours a day, seven days a week. Lalla is now just one of its many fans. “We are very happy,” he says. “It’s surprisingly fast for its size. In this job, it’s important to combine capacity with speed. What’s more, fuel consumption is reasonable, and it’s a pleasure to drive.”
A lot has happened since 24-year-old Lalla, after five years as a machine operator, made an important decision one day back in 1992.
After simply telling his mother Ann-Christine that he was going to buy a tractor, he immediately went out and bought a second-hand Volvo wheeled loader and set up the sole proprietorship under Lallas Traktorer.
Today, that company has been renamed Rutqvists Schakt and boasts about 35 employees and 27 production machines, the majority of which are Volvos tied to Swecon with customer-support agreements. This also includes the operation of Krossproduktion i Sverige AB, with three crushing plants in Norrbotten, which was purchased three years ago.
The Wron´ski Group, a family company based in northern Poland, has purchased the latest generation Doosan DL420-7 wheeled loader. The key purchase was strongly influenced by the performance of their existing Doosan DL420-5 wheeled loader which has completed over 18,000 hours of trouble-free service and is still going strong.
The new DL420-7 is working in the We˛siory quarry, one of several businesses run by the Wron´ski Group connected with the construction industry. Founded in 1992, the company’s operations cover all the territory of Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The Wron´ski Group currently carries out general construction works and runs three building materials warehouses and a prefabricated products plant as well as the quarry, from which it obtains raw materials.
“We know the Doosan brand very well. The first machines in our fleet were two DL400s, which to this day are still used for smaller jobs,” recalls managing director, Mateusz Wron´ski.
The company has always been focused on developing the business with regular investments in new equipment and in 2015, the Wron´ski Group management began discussions with Grausch and Grausch Maszyny Budowlane, the authorised Doosan dealer for Poland.
“At that time, they offered us a new-generation machine to test out, specifically the DL420-5 model. We were amazed by the speed and efficiency when working with the machine. The reduction in fuel consumption was so big compared to our old machine, that the money we saved allowed us to pay the leasing instalment,” Wron´ski explains.
After the successful test, the machine never left the quarry in We˛siory, where it continues to work without any problems to this day and has achieved an amazing 18,000 hours of problem-free work. “So, in 2020, when we wanted to buy a new wheel loader, we immediately knew it would be a Doosan,” adds Wron´ski.
The need to purchase a new machine coincided with the introduction of the new generation of Doosan DL-7 wheeled loaders. The existing products have been completely redesigned, and the number of standard functions on the machines again exceeds those on competing models. The company chose a new DL420-7 loader, which with an operating weight of 23.4 tonne, is one of the larger models in the new Doosan DL-7 range.
The DL420-7 is powered by a Scania DC13 6-cylinder engine producing 257kW of engine output at 1800 RPM. The new engine meets Stage V emission regulations without the need for exhaust gas recirculation, through the use of selective catalyst reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter (DPF) after-treatment technologies. The soot cleaning cycle on the DPF has been improved to over 6000 h and the operator is fully informed about the status of the DPF via a soot-level indicator on the new touchscreen display in the cab.
With no EGR valve and a choice of three power modes (SAT2, Standard or Power), fuel consumption is reduced by 5%. The machine performs very well in difficult terrain, thanks to another standard feature, the hydraulic differential lock (HDL), which is activated automatically at full torque without any additional action from the operator.
The five-speed PowerShift transmission gives the driver the option of three modes: manual, automatic or semi-automatic. A torque converter lock is also standard equipment, which significantly reduces fuel consumption during passes. The lift arm with Z-kinematics provides impressive breakout power and lifting capacity, while the large drop angle allows for efficient unloading.
The LIS (Load Isolation System) provides a smoother ride and higher comfort for the operator, as well as higher productivity due to improved stability when the wheeled loader is moving. Following the supplier’s recommendation, the bucket capacity has been increased from 4.3 to 4.5m³ and the blade has been fitted with rounded edges and a higher spill guard. This makes loading even more efficient and has a direct impact on reducing cycle times and increasing productivity.
“Our wheeled loaders are mainly used to pick up material from the quarry face and to load trucks. I can safely say that with the DL420-7 the work has become much faster, and the machine never lacks power. The loader is very stable, the hydraulics are smooth, which provides dynamic movements. The ability to control the direction of travel with the joystick is especially praiseworthy, especially when the work requires repetition of the same manoeuvres. For me, this hits the bull’s eye for loader operation. The operator comfort has certainly increased, the protection against shocks is clearly noticeable, especially when you are working a 10-hour day. Another important improvement for me is the easy access to filters and components, which means that daily maintenance requires a minimum of effort,” mentions operator, Rafał Pawłowski.
The operator’s cab is spacious, and the steering is electrically controlled. All settings and information can be accessed via an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen, which is easy to read in all conditions. Safety was one of the most important aspects when designing the DL-7 loaders. The operator’s field of vision is increased by enlarged windows, and LED work lights in a 4-front, 4-rear configuration provide excellent illumination, especially in the winter months.
“We work with relatively light material, such as sand, gravel and stone, but the quarry is quite steep and the terrain is bumpy, which means the machine is heavily laden during loading. With this workload, the average fuel consumption of 13 l/h is a very good result. Since the delivery of the machine, we have used it for more than 2500 hours without a hitch, so I consider this to be an extremely successful investment. I am glad that I was the first in Poland to have the opportunity to test the capabilities of this excellent machine. When I choose Doosan, I get quality at a reasonable price. Without compromises,” sums up Wron´ski
Like all Doosan DL-7 wheeled loaders, another advantage offered by the DL420-7 is the factory-installed wireless fleet management system, DoosanCONNECT TMS 2.0, which provides extensive information about operating parameters, including work efficiency, via satellite and mobile networks. The standard warranty on all Doosan DL-7 loaders is 36 months/5000 hours, whichever comes first.
French quarrying company SAB has expanded its machine fleet with seven new Liebherr loading models.
Since its foundation in 1985, SAB has invested in more than 50 Liebherr machines. Seven new Liebherr XPower wheeled loaders and an R 945 G8 crawler excavator are the most recent additions. The SAB machines are in operation for an average of 1,500 to 2,000 hours per year in three different quarries. Production covers a quarter of the demand in the French département of Hautes-Alpes.
“Choosing Liebherr is a decision for reliability and for the regular technical developments that meet our needs”, explains SAB director Lionel Para. “We have a very good personal relationship with both Liebherr and its sales partner ETS PIC.”
The origin of Liebherr machines is also a strong purchasing factor for SAB. “Buying machines made in Europe and even in France is an important signal at this time when we need to support our industries in an increasingly uncertain and globalised economic environment,” stresses Para.
SAB’s Liebherr fleet includes nine wheeled loaders, including the seven new XPower units. The XPower series is highly appreciated by Para for its ease of use and low fuel consumption. The XPower wheeled loaders are characterised by higher engine power and thus achieve better acceleration and speed values. The hydraulic system and working equipment have also been improved so that higher breakaway forces can be achieved.
The cab of the Liebherr XPower models offers full all-round visibility, is air-conditioned and features an adjustable 9-inch touchscreen and optional joystick steering to create a safe and comfortable working environment. Servicing the XPower wheeled loaders via the service access points is efficient, simple, quick and extremely safe thanks to non-slip areas and stable ramps in the access area.
Reintroducing the Komatsu PC170LC-11
Komatsu Europe has unveiled its redesigned PC170LC-11 excavator. The latest addition to Komatsu’s EU Stage V emissions-compliant family, the 18.2-18.9-tonne operating weight PC170LC-11 excavator retains all the customer values of the previous model, and additionally benefits from EU Stage V emissions compliance thanks to Komatsu’s proven after-treatment system and a range of new customer-focused options.
With growing demand for environmental solutions, and urban areas becoming increasingly sensitive to emissions, the PC170LC-11 EU Stage V crawler excavator provides customers with the opportunity to participate in any tender, demonstrate environmental credentials, and future-proof their investment.
Paul Dickinson, product manager at Komatsu Europe, said: “The updated PC170LC-11 Stage V has many new features. The introduction of Komatsu Integrated Attachment Control, with flow and pressure settings for up to 15 attachments, means quick and easy tool changes. The new blade specification undercarriage, with two width options, provides additional functionality for site clearance and basic dozing activities as well as additional stability for digging. The new LED worklamps extend the working day with daylight-like illumination in the working area and around the machine. Not forgetting, the Komatsu designed and developed low ground pressure option is available for those applications requiring ultra-low ground pressure.”
Komtrax telematics and Komatsu Care, a Komatsu maintenance program for customers, offer top fleet management and support, protect the machine against misuse and are said to guarantee maximum efficiency and uptime.
