Travis Perkins plc, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, has announced a multi-million pound investment in 400 new truck loader cranes.

These new HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are the first of their kind and will replace the existing cranes on the Group’s heavy side delivery vehicles in the Travis Perkins merchanting and Keyline Civils Specialist businesses over a three year period.

This version of the HIAB iX.162 crane is around 150 kgs lighter in weight than the previous model, HIAB X-HIDUO 162. This allows the truck to increase its payload and lower its fuel consumption. To further reduce carbon emissions, the new cranes have been developed so the engine can be stopped and restarted from the crane remote control. This results in a significant reduction in idle time emissions and noise.

Despite being lighter, the new crane model is stronger than the previous model. This gives operators more flexibility and enables them to deliver heavy loads in even the most challenging customer environments safely and with greater accuracy. They also come with Hiab’s all-new CombiDrive 4 remote control, which has confirmed view sensors and automatically detects operator positioning to minimise accident risk and promote better safety for operators, customers and the public.

“These new cranes represent a significant investment. They support our plans to innovate and grow, and they cement our place as a leading partner to construction by serving our customers with improved safety and efficiency. All new cranes will come with a maintenance contract, which means they will be maintained to the highest standards by Hiab. They also support our own commitment to net zero and the decarbonisation of our customers’ supply chain; a commitment we share with Hiab, whose values very much align with our own,” explained Richard Byrne, Travis Perkins Group HSE & Fleet Director.

Gage Roberts, Hiab Key Account Manager – UK & Ireland, said: “We are all very excited to introduce the first HIAB iX.162 HIPRO  BSS-2 to Travis Perkins and get this unit out working in the field. It became very apparent that when specifying a crane for our customers, the safety features alongside the environmental factors are much more prominent considerations than they ever have been previously. The new crane has an abundance of innovations that will all work towards this crane being the safest, most efficient and most productive crane in the industry. It is also great to work alongside a strategic partner such as Travis Perkins plc; a company that always demands the very best – something that benefits both businesses enormously.”

“There has never been a product on the market before like the HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 in its category. Our innovation teams have been working on this round-the-clock for several years and no stone has been left unturned, from hose routing and weight savings, to enhanced safety features and technology that will help companies achieve sustainability  targets. When the new HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are rolled out, we expect the crane operators to see immediate benefits. We look forward to working with Travis Perkins and bringing about real change to the wider UK industry,” Vice President for Sales & Product Management, Loader Cranes Light & Medium, at Hiab, Alexander Gelis, added.

The new 400 HIAB cranes will be rolled out from January 2024, and will be supplied to Travis Perkins and Keyline with HiConnect telematics in order to monitor the performance and safe operation of the crane.

They will also be supplied with, the comprehensive service contract solution ProCare, available for Hiab equipment. It provides proactive maintenance and expert assistance to maximise equipment performance, reliability and lifespan.

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The DX20ZE-7 mini-excavator is the first mass-produced electric-powered excavator manufactured by DEVELON, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment. This 2 tonne excavator combines low-noise and zero emissions with the features and performance enhancements that are found on the next-generation DX-7 Series family of mini-excavators.

“The DX20ZE-7 is designed to meet a growing demand for electric machines,” says Stephane Dieu, Excavators Product Manager for Europe at DEVELON. “As compact equipment, such as mini-excavators, has a higher tendency to work in cities and residential areas, where it has proximity to other workers, it has a great advantage over the diesel counterpart due to less noise and no emissions.”

Retractable tracks allow the new excavator to pass through narrow passages and entrances/exits, making it ideal for working in confined spaces or indoor applications such as demolition and construction. Once the excavator reaches the work area, the operator can expand the tracks for better stability and lifting capacity. With its compact dimensions, the DX20ZE-7 is an excellent solution for construction and rental companies working in sensitive areas where low noise or night-time work is necessary.

The DX20ZE-7 mini-excavator is powered by an in-house-developed 20.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with all of the electrical system and components on the machine optimized for work in harsh environments. A quick-charger system restores 80% of the battery power after only one hour and 20 minutes of charging, while the on-board charger restores the maximum charge after eight hours of charging.

Telematics as Standard

Telematics is standard on the DX20ZE-7 mini-excavator. Operators and dealers can remotely monitor their machine’s health, location and productivity from an app or website. Telematics can help owners:

• Minimize equipment theft and allow for machine tracking.
• Avoid unauthorized use of the machine.
• See when maintenance is due.
• Customize alerts to a customer’s schedule.
• Track oil pressure, operating temperature and more.
• Use data to train operators for maximum productivity.

DX20ZE-7 Mini-Excavator Specs

Rated power, electric motor: 13.7 kW (18.4 HP)

Battery capacity: 51.6 V (20.4 kWh)

Operating weight: 1941 kg

Maximum digging depth: 2350 mm

Maximum digging reach (ground): 3875 mm

Maximum loading height: 2625 mm

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Mitchell Clarke, Mobile Mini Key Account Manager, has worked for the company for nearly 4 years, initially joining as an Internal Sales Representative and being promoted to Strategic Account Representative. He has been interested in health since he was 16 years old but admits he didn’t take the dieting side of bodybuilding seriously until around 2 years ago.

“I didn’t know how to structure things properly until I hired my coaches, Sam and Jack from Tathams Powerhouse Gym and Fitness in Stapleford,” said Mitchell. “Last year, Sam won a bodybuilding show and afterwards, he said he thought I had the potential to do so too if I was dedicated enough. That was all the motivation I needed to take the next step.”

Mitchell followed a gruelling regime including 18 weeks of competition preparation, slowly dieting down and increasing the intensity of his cardio and weight training to at least five days per week, on top of squeezing in at least 10-15k of steps per day. “It is an exhausting challenge, especially the last 3-4 weeks when energy is low. I am so grateful for the support from everybody at work, they have never been anything but supportive and encouraging. It is so important if you have a passion or hobby, to not let this impact your working commitments, as this is a personal lifestyle choice.

“Whilst I am always conscious of managing my calendar with my food and water intake, this never affects my ability to give my all to customers or colleagues. The team from Mobile Mini West Yorkshire (Wakefield) have always been accommodating, showing interest in my progress and putting up with me cooking salmon in the office! They are really mindful and flexible and it would not be possible for me to achieve these ambitions without their support and understanding.”

Mobile Mini UK is one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers. Headquartered in Stockton-on-Tees, the company has a national network of 16 sites and over 40,000 portable units. Typical customers include construction companies, retailers, manufacturers, hospitals, schools, utility companies, distributors, local and national government, hotels, restaurants, entertainment complexes and individual households.

Steve Dickinson, Mobile Mini UK Managing Director, said “Mobile Mini UK considers its people to be its number one asset and we are incredibly proud of the achievements of our employees both at work and in their personal lives. Mitchell has shown the same level of dedication, graft and commitment in his bodybuilding as he does regularly for our customers and we could not be prouder of the fantastic example he is setting to achieve dreams and promote health, fitness and wellbeing.”

The 2 BROS PRO Amplified Classic competition was held at Braywick Leisure Centre in Maidenhead in July 2023. Mitchell achieved second place in the first-timers division but is keen to keep progressing and strive to become a champion, “I was a little disappointed not to have won after all the hard work and effort, but on reflection, I am proud of how far I have come and I have the confidence and drive now for the next show and to go on and win.”

For now, Mitchell will be continuing to build on his successful career in construction as well as other aspects of his life, “It takes a long time to build muscle, so might be a little while before I am ready to enter the next competition at the level I want to reach. In the meantime, I am hoping to buy a house soon and I am enjoying making good progress at work. I have a really good work-life balance at Mobile Mini and I am excited about what’s to come, both at the company and on my bodybuilding journey.”

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The investment introduces four different models into the Nationwide Platforms fleet; the MT625, MT1033, MT1440 and MT1840, each equipped with a range of extra attachments including construction buckets, lifting hooks and extension forks.

This strategic investment aligns with Nationwide Platforms’ commitment to providing unmatched levels of capability across multiple markets, and the new machines are equipped with a variety of features for enhanced operation.

One standout feature of the Manitou telehandlers is their ergonomic ‘Joystick Switch-and-Move’ (JSM) system. Designed so that the joystick’s different controls align with the fingers and thumb of the driver’s resting hand, this system optimises operator control of the machine’s extension functions, allowing small, precise movements for smooth, safe and ambidextrous operation.

High standards of safety and performance have always been at the core of Nationwide Platforms’ fleet, and the Manitou telehandlers excel in both aspects. These machines boast meticulously engineered weight distribution, ensuring optimal load capacities for their respective sizes. Moreover, the overload safety protection system provides early warnings to operators, balancing generous safety margins with class-leading performance.

For enhanced site safety, three of the telehandlers–- the MT625, MT1440 and MT1840–- feature fully automatic parking brakes. Operators can conveniently dismount and re-engage the machines, as the automatic brakes are applied accordingly. The additional seat sensor technology guarantees that the machine remains immobile until the driver is seated and the throttle pedal is engaged.

This significant telehandler investment reinforces Nationwide Platforms’ commitment to providing customers with the safest, most efficient, and most technologically advanced machines for working at height. The company has recently underscored this with various investments in solutions such as the highly successful Harness ON device, investment in Volvo Electric FM truck units, and its suite of telemetry services for customers.

Glynn Brearley, Business Director, Procurement and Product Strategy at Nationwide Platforms, says, “This investment will ensure our clients have access to the latest in machinery technology that supports high levels of safety and productivity for working at height. It’s a busy time for many of our customers and we’re pleased to be able to announce an investment that ensures we remain their trusted powered access and material handling solutions provider.”

For more information on Nationwide Platforms please visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb.

For more information on Manitou please visit: https://www.manitou.com/en-GB#1.

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Now in its second year, the IWCE awards recognise those across the industry who inspire others, overcoming adversity, and achieving success in a sector where women often play a supporting role and remain in the minority. 

Cheryl Griffith, Wear Parts Product Manager, and Chloe Harris, Apprentice Technical Trainer, have both been shortlisted for the ‘Contribution to Gender Diversity’ award, while Customer Experience Manager Rachel Hughes has been shortlisted for ‘Allyship Champion of the Year’. Zara Saraç, Head of Aftermarket – Electrical Power, and Sandra Sneddon, Depot Manager – Power Solutions, have both been nominated in the ‘Inspirational Leader – Supplier’ category.  

Kelly Cole, General Manager of Electric Power at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many women from within Finning working at all levels being shortlisted in the IWCE Awards and for their contributions to the business to be recognised in this way.

“There remains a desperate need for more women to come forward within this industry and events like this provide a crucial opportunity to inspire other women to do just that and to develop female talent within engineering.

“We’ve worked very hard at Finning to ensure we promote and develop everyone within the business, and to ensure women can access those opportunities with the launch of our leadership development programmes combined with work/life balance measures including flexible and hybrid working.

“This year’s line-up of nominees are all wonderfully inspiring women who are acting as role models for the next generation of engineers, and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who has been shortlisted.” 

Finning is driving equality, diversity, and inclusion by signing up as a partner for the IWCE programme in collaboration with Construction News and New Civil Engineer, which aims to bring together people across the sector to champion the role of women within the industry. 

The Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards winners will be announced on 4th October at the Leonardo Royal St Paul’s in London.
For more information about the award categories and the conference go to https://inspiring.constructionnews.co.uk/cnnceinspiringwomen2023/en/page/home 

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An ongoing partnership between Sir Robert McAlpine and temporary power and temperature control hire company, Aggreko has yielded an 85% reduction in emissions and fuel across five live tower cranes on one construction project.

The two companies have been working together since a series of industry-first field trials in 2021 to identify areas where savings could be made to reduce energy use and emissions during construction. The savings, which were made across five tower cranes from October 2022 to January 2023, came from powering on-site tower cranes with smaller generators, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and more sustainable fuels.

Overall, estimated total efficiencies across the five tower cranes equalled over 234 tonnes of emissions and over 87,300 litres in fuel – equivalent to an 85% reduction in consumption. As Martin Mitchell, Plant Procurement Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine verifies, these savings demonstrate a clear roadmap forward for a sector looking to decarbonise: “We have been working closely with Aggreko for a while now as part of our shared goals to deliver long-term emissions and energy reductions on our projects. The fact that we’ve now realised an 85% reduction in fuel and emissions across multiple live cranes is fantastic news.”

From October 2022 to January 2023, Sir Robert McAlpine’s tower cranes were powered by HVO-fuelled generators and BESS solutions. These work in synergy; the batteries operate the crane with generators, only running at time of peak load or to charge the batteries.

Tom Adlington, Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko Europe has been a key stakeholder since the initial trials. He comments: “The typical nature of power consumption on construction sites means peaks and troughs are common. However, this also means generators are often oversized due to the misconception of incorporating greater power to meet start-up demand. In addition to adding a BESS solution, it was also crucial to select power solutions that would optimise energy usage through right-sizing.”

Martin adds: “This evidence-based approach gave our business the confidence to invest in new technologies, which has clearly paid dividends in reducing our emissions and fuel consumption. As can be seen here, close working relationships across the supply chain are key to implementing more sustainable practices, and we look forward to working more with Aggreko in the future.”

Batteries and hybrid solutions are a key strand of Aggreko’s recent £150m investment in its Greener Upgrades fleet, aimed at making cost and sustainability improvements via reduced emissions. Tom concludes: “Construction is and always will be vital to the UK economy, so it is crucial it is carried out sustainably. New technologies and processes must be part of the solution to optimising energy usage, which is why we continue to research, test and invest.

“The success of this project provides a valuable example of challenging conventional thinking in the supply chain on the solutions and technologies required to reduce carbon footprints in line with net zero emissions targets set out in legislation.”

To find out more about the Aggreko-Sir Robert McAlpine partnership, visit: www.aggreko.com/SRM  

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Following the launch of Speedy Hire’s new Velocity strategy announced earlier this month, the UK’s leading construction equipment hire and service provider has partnered with leading global mobile elevating work platform manufacturer Niftylift, to design, manufacture and bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-electric powered access platform. Through the three-year exclusive partnership, customers will be able to order the zero-emission technology exclusively through Speedy Hire, providing a ground-breaking solution for the construction and related sectors on the journey towards net zero.

The zero carbon MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) is the first viable alternative to diesel-powered equipment available on the market, especially during the early stages on construction sites where electric infrastructure is virtually non-existent. The hydrogen-electric platform can typically be operated for up to five days on a single electric charge, with additional range available from the hydrogen fuel cell, emitting zero carbon into the atmosphere without compromising on reliability. 

The launch is part of a £9m investment in sustainable powered access products, and the exclusive partnership provides an insight into Speedy Hire’s Velocity business strategy, where the company has pledged to continuously innovate and collaborate with the value chain to deliver sustainable specialist products and solutions for customers to meet their carbon reduction targets, whilst also being commercially sustainable.

Manufactured in Milton Keynes at Niftylift’s facility, with technical support from Speedy Hire, the world’s first hydrogen-electric powered access platforms will roll off the production line at Niftylift and be delivered to Speedy Hire’s Innovation Centre in Milton Keynes during July.

Dan Evans, Chief Executive at Speedy Hire, said: “We have a strong history of leading the market in combining product innovation and sustainability, and our collaboration with NiftyLift is yet another example of that. Our sustainable growth strategy, Velocity, sets out a clear direction for the business to deliver long term benefits to our customers, our people and our investors and this is a strong example of Velocity in action.”

“Our investment and collaboration with Niftylift enable us to accelerate the sustainable and technological evolution in the sectors where we operate, and supports our ambitious plan to become a net zero business by 2040, ten years ahead of the government target, whilst also enduring commercial sustainability against traditional alternatives for our customers.”

Andrew Briggs, Powered Access Managing Director at Speedy Hire, said: “This is an exciting new addition to our specialist products and services offering. The phenomenal single charging capability of the Niftylift hydrogen-electric powered access platform is the powered access equivalent of launching a new vehicle with a thousand-mile range, and that is before you add the additional capacity of the hydrogen fuel cell. This innovation will enable our customers to hire a game-changing and repeatable on-site solution, that helps them meet their operational net zero targets of the future.”

John Keely, Managing Director at Niftylift: “Working with Speedy Hire on this latest product innovation has been an incredible experience. Speedy Hire’s vision, collaborative support, and willingness to commit to such an important project has helped us to solve a huge issue facing the powered access industry. With our new hydrogen-electric HR15E and HR17E, Speedy can provide its customers with a long-term net zero solution for on-site machine charging – a world-first and a massive step forward for the powered access industry.”

Speedy Hire will be hosting product-led events to demonstrate the new hydrogen-electric access platform, to learn more contact: hydrogenelectric@speedypoweredaccess.com

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The Best Live Demonstration Award category was judged by Nick Drew (Earthmovers) and Peter Haddock (Content with Media) – who were unanimous that this prize should go to Develon. Their statement about the Develon stand read as follows: “There was a lot of thought and preparation that went into this stand – it really had the wow factor. The stand and the demo area have a really nice feel and flow and the whole stand was not just a ‘Tent in a field’ but a truly impressive stand.”

Kevin Lynch, Marketing Communications Manager for Develon, said: “We are delighted to win The Best Live Demonstration Award, especially with the transition we are making with the Develon brand and making its first appearance at Plantworx. The excellent Demo show on the stand carried out by our operators, Nigel Horton and Alex Humpage, brings across the high performance, innovation, versatility and durability of Develon equipment in an exciting and very watchable way.”

The Demonstration area on the Develon stand at Plantworx features the new DX250WMH-7 material handler being launched at the show. Joining the DX250WMH-7 in the Demonstration area is the Develon DL80-7 compact wheel loader, the DX55R-7 5.7 tonne mini-excavator, the DX225LC-7 23 tonne crawler excavator and the DL420CVT-7 wheel loader.

The DX250WMH-7 is one of several products on display being seen for the first time in the UK. They include the new DX63-7 6 tonne mini-excavator and the new 14.6 tonne DX140LC-7K crawler excavator in the Static section of the stand.

New Develon Excavators

Together with the DX62R-7, the DX63-7 is one of two new 6 tonne mini-excavators from Develon, completing the roll out of the next generation of machines from the company, with a new shared global styling design. Both models are powered by the D24 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 44.3 kW (59.4 HP) of power. Despite offering an 8% increased torque of 26.5 kgm/rpm, the D24 engine still provides a 7% decrease in engine fuel consumption. Like all of Develon’s new generation mini-excavators, the DX63-7 is designed to offer maximum performance, optimum stability, increased versatility, enhanced operator comfort, controllability, durability, ease of maintenance and serviceability.

The new DX140LC-7K 14.6 tonne crawler excavator, replaces the company’s successful DX140LC-7 model.

Whilst the performance and working range are the same as the DX140LC-7, the new machine incorporates many improvements that enhance safety and convenience both for the operator and for working on site, together with a better operator experience, particularly from a maintenance point of view.  

The upgraded serviceability of the DX140LC-7K includes better access to the DEF tank and the fuel refilling hose. This is combined with a much easier approach for the operator to the engine compartment via new anti-slip steps and handrails positioned behind the cab. The DX140LC-7K also has a new flattened engine cover design that has reduced the maximum height of cover components on the back of the machine from 1285.5 mm and 1320 mm down to a uniform 1070 mm across all of the back of the machine. This now offers much better visibility for the operator both to the rear and to the right hand side of the machine. 

Joining the DX63-7 and DX140LC-7K in the Static area of the Develon stand is the DX27Z-7 and DX85R-7 mini-excavators, the DX100W-7 wheeled excavator, the DL80TL-7 compact wheel loader and the DL280-7 wheel loader.

New DX250WMH-7 Material Handler

Equipped with an MG22 Sorting Grapple, the new DX250WMH-7 25 tonne Stage V compliant material handler is being demonstrated by Develon for the first time in the UK, for use in the solid waste, recycling, demolition and forestry industries. Designed to carry out the toughest tasks, the DX250WMH-7 is built with front and rear stabilizers, and a boom and arm specifically designed for material handling tasks. A standard feature is the hydraulic cab riser, which gives the operator better all-around visibility of the attachment and work area.

The DX250WMH-7 material handler is easy to operate with ergonomic joysticks and a steering wheel. The machine comes equipped with two-way auxiliary and rotate circuit hydraulics to improve efficiency. The operator can use buttons on the joysticks or an optional foot pedal to control auxiliary attachments. The new DX250WMH-7 material handler is powered by the 6-cylinder, turbocharged Develon DL06V water-cooled diesel engine, providing an output (SAE J1995) of 141 kW (189 HP) at 1900 RPM.

For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

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Located on a 7-acre site in Wymondham, Norfolk, and producing thousands of tonnes of bituminous materials each year, forklifts play an important part in KHS inventory management. KHS also sells roofing felts, sealants, solutions, tools, and PPE.

It approached GAP to learn more about the potential carbon savings associated with transitioning its forklift fleet.

By switching from diesel to electric, KHS has removed fumes and carbon emissions from its forklift fleet. KHS chose the Baoli KBE52N 2.5tonne model, which is powered by a 48x 625 AH battery. This is also fitted with automatic electric braking when the accelerator is released. This enhances driver safety, and the recovery of part of the braking energy is also converted into electricity and made available again.

The new models will create annual carbon savings of up to 71,270 kgCO₂e (based on an 8 hr shift) across Kier Highways Solutions’ forklift fleet.

Neil Faulkes, Major Account Director at GAP, commented: “Both Kier and GAP have been delighted with the build quality and operational longevity of the Battery powered Baoli forklifts. Coupled with the support from DAB Handling, the UK Baoli stockist, the hand-over familiarisation given as part of the overall supply and support package GAP offered to Kier, the experience has been seamless and has enabled GAP to support Kier in reducing their environmental impact.”

Lee Draper, general manager at KHS, said: “At Kier Highways, our sustainability strategy sets out how we plan to reach net-zero on our scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030. A key part of this is transitioning to alternative, non-fossil fuels across our fleet.

“This empowers all of us to look at how we do business, and make the necessary steps to reduce our environmental impact, while ensuring the same quality product. We’re pleased that GAP could support us to find a solution with considerable long-term carbon savings.”

GAP continues to work closely with Kier Highways Solutions to support its decarbonisation efforts across the business.

If you’d like to learn more about GAP Hire Solutions, visit https://www.gap-group.co.uk/. 

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This year’s Bobcat Demo Days event is playing host to customers, dealers and the press from all over Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who have come to see the latest that Bobcat has to offer. This includes the first look at Bobcat’s S7X, the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader, one of three new loader concepts being shown at the event. Visitors can also experience exciting new technology developments, including the exciting MaxControl system with the new Kishi physical remote.   

Bobcat Demo Days 2023 Highlights

Blending established products with new developments, Demo Days 2023 provides an industry unique opportunity to try out the full range of Bobcat wheeled and tracked loaders, mini-excavators, telehandlers, light compaction products and attachments in working conditions. Bobcat is also showing how the recently acquired Doosan Industrial Vehicle forklifts and Doosan Portable Power products will look in signature Bobcat white and orange branding. 

Highlights of the product array at the 2023 Bobcat Demo Days

• Preview: L95 compact wheel loader
• Material handling and Portable Power products with first view of Bobcat branding

Concept machines and technology

• L35 Small articulated loader
• L40 Compact wheel loader
• MaxControl with new Kishi physical remote 
• S7X – The World’s First All-Electric Skid-Steer Loader
• T-OLED (Transparent Touch OLED Display) mounted on a loader cab
• E35z Electro-hydraulic Mini-Excavator with MaxControl remote operation

Bobcat Wheel Loader Portfolio Continues to Expand

Bobcat is showing both smaller and larger sized models in line with the company‘s commitment to become a compact wheel loader full liner in the near future.

New L95 Compact Wheel Loader  

The new L95 model being previewed at Demo Days will be the next addition to the Bobcat compact wheel loader line-up, following on from the original L85 machine launched in 2021. The L95 is powered by a powerful Bobcat 75 HP engine and offers a top speed of 40 km/h and an increased lift capacity. 

Like the L85, there are multiple Bobcat loader attachments approved for use on the L95. Among the new attachments are a 1.0 m³ general purpose bucket and a 1.5 m³ light material bucket and new grapple bucket and tines attachments for agriculture. Other new features include an air-ride heated seat; DAB+ radio with phone connectivity and improved automatic ride control, high flow and quick tach systems.

Bobcat Wheel Loader Portfolio Tests Market Interest With Two New Concepts 

At the smaller end of the range, the company is displaying a new concept machine – the L40 – in the 2-3 tonne category. The L40 weighs less than 2.5 tonne and is designed as a powerful load and carry, application-focused machine. Whilst it is simple, robust, and easy to operate, the L40 is designed for heavy duty applications such as road maintenance and construction.

Bobcat is also showing the L35, a new small articulated loader (SAL) concept machine, which is an extension of the existing SAL portfolio to cover the market segment for high performance machines which are easy to transport on a trailer. The machine weight is again below 2.5 tonne, which allows easy transportation and a high lift capacity. The engine power on the L35 is 57 HP, which allows for higher travel speeds and pushing power. The L35 is designed to be a tool carrier machine with high hydraulic power available for demanding attachments such as snow blowers, sweepers or angle brooms and it is equipped with a telescopic boom as standard to ensure a higher working range.

Jaroslav Fiser, Product Line Director Loaders for Doosan Bobcat EMEA, says: “With the new L95 loader and the smaller wheeled loader concepts, we are once again demonstrating our commitment to offer the most complete loader portfolio in the world. Demo Days also provides our dealers and customers with an exclusive first look at the new L35 and L40 concept machines that enables them to participate in the development process as well as provide us with their valued assessments and feedback.“

Demonstrating Super Flow on T86 Compact Track Loader  

One of the most exciting aspects of the new top-of-the-range T86 compact track and S86 skid-steer loaders is that both machines have for the first time three different auxiliary flow outputs, including a new, industry unique Super Flow function taking auxiliary flow to 159 l/min.

At Demo Days, Bobcat is presenting the T86 in a forestry application that amply demonstrates the Super Flow function by equipping the machine with the new XT FRC extra torque forestry cutter. Supplied as a plug and play solution, the new forestry cutter with 2 m width is perfect for mulching tree sections into smaller chips.

The XT FRC can even operate below grade to process mulch into the soil. Despite the power of the attachment, the compact size and manoeuvrability of the T86 allow the operator to easily move between trees and surgically cut only the damaged/unwanted tree sections.

S7X: The World’s First All-Electric Skid-Steer Loader with 8 Hour Run Time

Like the T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader unveiled last year, the S7X prototype is all electric, as it is powered by a 60.5-kWh, lithium-ion battery, features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions.

Together, the battery and electrical powertrain generate incredible performance characteristics, with instantaneous torque that is as much as three times greater than traditional loaders. The powerful loader balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions and is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent.

This all-electric skid-steer loader offers operators a smooth and comfortable experience with minimal vibration and nearly silent operation.

“The S7X can operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge depending on the application, giving most operators more than a full day’s work when breaks and downtime are considered. A full charge takes approximately 10 hours,” adds Joel Honeyman, VP Global Innovation, Doosan Bobcat.

Bobcat MaxControl with New Razer Kishi Gaming Controller

Bobcat MaxControl Remote Operation provides convenient, easily accessible remote-control operation using an app on an iPhone. As is being demonstrated at Demo Days, Bobcat has combined MaxControl with the universal Razer Kishi mobile gaming controller designed to bring console-level comfort in controlling the machine.

“At Bobcat, we like packaging complex solutions into simple and easy to use products. With this solution, one can simply enable physical joysticks for Bobcat MaxControl Remote Operation by plugging the phone into the Razer Kishi mobile gaming controller,” adds Vijay Nerva.

Achieving Full Transparency on the Jobsite

Mounted on a compact loader, Bobcat is showcasing its T-OLED touchscreen, an advance in transparent display technology developed together with LG that gives operators the ability to touch and customize their user interface with smart widgets and interactive applications. This transparent, multifunction set-up, delivers jobsite-specific data, providing vital information and machine insights for users in real-time. Moreover, thanks to its transparent nature, operators can simply refocus their vision to see everything that is going on around them on site.

E35z Electro-hydraulic Mini-Excavator with added MaxControl Remote Operation

At Demo Days, visitors can see the Bobcat E35z electro-hydraulic mini-excavator in combination for the first time with the company’s MaxControl remote operation system. Bobcat MaxControl enables operators to control their Bobcat excavator from outside of the cab at a variety of distances using their iPhone to maximize versatility on the jobsite.

The 3.5-tonne E35z features an electro-hydraulic control system rather than conventional hydraulic joysticks, meaning it can be customized and programmed to suit all levels of operator skill. Thanks to its integrated sensors, the model can perform a variety of semi-automated tasks, helping users to conduct precise grading, levelling and trenching activities in addition to other repetitive operations such as return-to-dig movements.

Doosan Bobcat’s New Global Brand Expansion

Bobcat has broadened its product portfolio significantly within the past five years, launching more machines and attachments during this period than previously in its entire history. The brand has successfully expanded its offerings with new technologies and innovations and expanded product lines, such as compact wheel loaders, light compaction or ground maintenance equipment, including compact tractors, mowers and turf equipment.  

Doosan Bobcat recently announced a new global branding strategy to create business and growth opportunities for the Bobcat product portfolio. This initiative includes rebranding of the product offering of Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV), a supplier of quality material handling equipment, including forklifts and Doosan Portable Power (DPP), an industry-leading global manufacturer of air compressors, mobile generators and light towers under the Bobcat brand. At Demo Days 2023, visitors can see the first products with new Bobcat trade dress that will enter the market in the near future.

The Bobcat branded forklifts are represented by the D30S-9 model, part of the 9-Series of high performance and fuel-efficient premium diesel forklifts. The ergonomic operator compartment ensures control, productivity and reduced fatigue.

Doosan Portable Power products on display at Demo Days include the new PG100 100 kVA Stage V Generator and the PL01 and PL40 lighting towers. All displayed DPP products are already using the new, simplified product naming – Compressors use the designation PA (Portable Air), Generators will use the designation PG (Portable Generator) and Lighting Systems will use the designation PL (Portable Light).

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