Komatsu America Corp. Introduces The WA50-6 Compact Wheel Loader

Komatsu America Corp. has introduced the WA50-6 compact wheel loader, equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology.

Photo Credit: Komatsu America Corp.

Data such as operating hours, machine location and machine utilization are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.

The standard auxiliary hydraulics simplify hydraulic attachment installation enhancing the capability and versatility of the machine. The automatic electronic bucket leveling is controlled by the bucket control lever and increases the productivity of the compact wheel loader.

Source: Komatsu America Corp

New Bobcat M-Series Excavator Design Improves Performance, Operator Comfort and Maintenance

Bobcat recently introduced new M-Series excavators, re-engineered to deliver increased performance in a lighter machine.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

According to Bobcat, it has completely re-engineered the design of M-Series excavators, reducing the weight to create a lighter machine. A new load-sensing piston pump and closed center-valve system deliver exceptional metering for smooth control of machine functions. With the new advanced hydraulic system, Bobcat was able to increase the arm breakout force by 10 percent over previous models.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

The E32 is a Conventional Tail Swing excavator, and the re-engineered house has reduced the overhang by 45 percent from previous excavators of comparable size. The E35 is a Zero Tail Swing excavator that excels at working on space-constrained jobsites, such as next to buildings or other obstacles.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

Bobcat designed the M-Series excavators to use X-frame undercarriages. This new undercarriage has increased ground clearance and enables better shedding of debris for easier cleanup when work is finished. Dirt and other debris easily pass through this undercarriage, making cleanup faster and leaving less debris on the trailers.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

The new Auto-Shift travel on the E32 and E35 boost the machines' productivity. Auto-Shift travel shifts the machine out of high range and back automatically, which provides an on-demand power boost when pushing into a pile. Operators get more tractive effort without having to manually control the throttle or drive.

Source: Bobcat

Caterpillar Launches Blog Via Their Power Generation Online Community

Caterpillar has announced the launch the first blog within their new Power Generation Online Community.

According to Caterpillar, the community can be described as an interactive forum where consulting specifying engineers, operators and other power generation professionals can exchange ideas and best practices. Past experience purchasing or working with Cat power generation equipment is not required to participate and there are no registration fees.

Photo Credit: Caterpillar

“The primary goal of the online community is to help people in our industry connect with each other around the clock and around the world,” said Dave Lucas, Manager of Marketing Communications, Caterpillar Electric Power Division. “By expanding the community to feature blogs written by Caterpillar subject matter experts, we hope to provide an avenue for the exploration of new technology and trends.

We want to launch a platform to discuss not only best practices, but also address real challenges in the field by encouraging peer-generated solutions.”

Launched June 8, 2009, the first blog discusses landfill-gas-to-energy, where Richard Crump of Caterpillar outlines the economic benefits and offers advice on how to get started.

Source: Caterpillar

RESOURCES

• Caterpillar Power Perspectives
• Caterpillar Generators on Equipment Trader

Power Lift Competition Goes Live On Skid Steer Smackdown

John Deere reports on the latest video posted to John Deere's www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, as real-life contractors use competitor units to challenge a Deere compact track loader (CTL) in an exciting "Power Lift" competition.

Photo Credit: John Deere

The Power Lift, part of Episode Two's "Battle in Bowling Green," was filmed live in front of 1,000 fans during The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown's Season Two "Prove It Tour."

Deere is taking these unique head-to-head battles on the road to visit job sites, tradeshow lots and dealerships throughout the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in various events inspired by the tasks and conditions real operators face.

Source: John Deere

Heavy Equipment Operator Voted “Toughest Job” in America

The Working Person’s Store and Wolverine invited the working people of America to tell their stories and then vote on "What’s the toughest job in America?"

Brian Blosser, a heavy equipment operator from southern Indiana was the 2009 winner of the Toughest Jobs in America competition.

“From big rigs to construction sites we recognize and appreciate the people doing the work that keeps America running,” said Eric Deniger, CEO of Working Person’s Store. “The Toughest Jobs competition is our way of honoring these millions of unsung heroes.”

The winner of the company received a $1,000 “work wardrobe makeover” compliments of Working Person’s Store and Wolverine.

Source: The Working Persons Store

John Deere And Orthman Expand Agreement To Offer Custom-Built Planters To Cotton And Corn Producers

John Deere and Orthman Manufacturing have announced that they will begin co-producing custom-built planter configurations for customers.

Photo Credit: John Deere

This agreement benefits cotton and corn producers in the Mississippi Delta and in West Texas where they farm on 36-, 38-, or 40-inch row spacing.

The two companies have had a supplier agreement for stack-fold toolbars for 17 years. According to Rob Rippchen, division manager, John Deere Seeding Group, the new, expanded agreement will be beneficial and seamless to customers.

"Today, customers and dealers can order planter row units from John Deere and toolbars from other suppliers, and assemble their own planters to fit their specific row counts and row-spacing needs. This can be a time-consuming process. By expanding upon our current supplier agreement with Orthman, customers can now order a custom-built planter — straight from the factory," Rippchen explains.

The new agreement allows producers in regional markets to be able to order fully assembled planters with some not-so-typical row spacing and working widths from their local John Deere dealer.

Source: John Deere

Case Throws Rockin’ Block Parties To Celebrate Skid Steer 40th Anniversary

Case Construction Equipment has announced in celebration of its 40th year manufacturing skid steer loaders, the launch of the Case Rockin' Block Party campaign. This year-long series of events will be held at Case dealerships across North America.

Case began producing skid steers in 1969 after acquiring the Uni-Loader line from Universal Industries. During the past 40 years, Case has sold nearly 250,000 skid steers. "We're an industry leader and proud of our heritage," said Jim Hasler, Case vice president. "Our tough, compact and versatile skid steers are found on landscaping, highway and construction projects everywhere. We're celebrating this milestone with customers at Case dealerships across the United States and Canada."

Case expects 40 or more Rockin' Block Parties to be thrown by Case dealers this summer. "Customers, co-workers and family members will be invited to celebrate our 40th anniversary with a day of music, prizes, food and fun," explained Hasler. "Plus, we're inviting customers to climb in the cab of a skid steer for a demo - and a chance to win a new skid steer, valued at more than $47,000."

The Case Rockin' Block Party events also promote local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Both Case and its dealers are donating funds towards their local Habitat for Humanity organizations. Plus, businesses will be encouraged to volunteer manpower and other in-kind support at the Case events.

Case and its dealers have supported Habitat for Humanity for several years. Not only have they donated more than $140,000 during this time, but they also helped build several homes. "Contractors have incredible impact on local Habitat for Humanity affiliates." Hasler added, "We will help several dozen communities this year through donations from Case, our dealers and contractors at the Rockin' Block Parties. Together, we hope to generate an additional $80,000 for Habitat for Humanity."

Source and Photo Credit: Case Construction Equipment

Caterpillar Offers Undercarriage for Compact OEM Machines

Caterpillar reports that Cat 301.6 and 301.8 undercarriages including carbody are now available to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group.

OEMs who produce machines with a gross vehicle weight up to 4330 lb (1964 kg) are key targets for the new undercarriage offering. Applications such as drills for geothermal installations, stump grinding, small auger drills or small pile drivers are typical of this weight class.

The new undercarriage is assembled at the same facility where larger Cat Undercarriage (312 - 375) is built and to the same demanding standards that Caterpillar expects for its end user customers.

Source: Caterpillar