SED 2008 preview: Site Equipment Zone

Tag: Cordless Mini Drill

From very little to very large, there is a lot to see in the Site Equipment Zone. On the small side, two micro excavators will take centre stage on the Bobcat stand. The E08 and E10 weigh 1,028kg and 1,066kg, though they share the same 1.82m digging depth. Both have a retractable undercarriage, dropping to 710mm to allow access through a doorway, with the E08 extending to 1m and the E10 to 1.1m.

Volvo will be showing its short-radius ECR48C, which has automatic two-speed tracking as standard. Options include a hydraulic angle blade, a hydraulic thumb attachment, or a second double-acting auxiliary hydraulic circuit.

Yanmar will launch its fourth generation of zero-tailswing machines: the Universal ViO50 and Universal ViO57. Both have a new boom design, weigh 4.6t and 5.3t respectively, and are powered by Yanmar's 4TNV88 engine. The cab now has an air suspension seat with an automatic engine cut-out if the operator stands up.JCB is back at the show with new machines and the JCB Backhoe Operator Challenge. This competition will take place alongside the demonstration area and operators can test their skills with prizes for the fastest round of the day.

Machines will include the 8055, available in reduced tailswing (RTS) or zero tailswing (ZTS) versions. It will also be showing the largest 8020 model that can be transported on a plant trailer behind a van.

Hyundai is back with the Dash 7A upgrade to its range of 5.5t wheeled and tracked excavators. The company aims to have an R55-7A crawler on the stand and is releasing the R80-7A midi excavator, which has the same cab as full-size Dash 7A machines.

Takeuchi is launching 3t, 4t and 5t minis, the TB228, TB235 and TB250, which come with increased performance, improved operator comfort and an anti-theft system. A reduced tailswing cuts the rear by 36mm, although operators benefit from a 12% increase in foot space.

Operators with a CPCS card have a chance to try the machines in a competition. The challenge combines offset operation with reduced tail-swing and full 360º performance.Marubeni-Komatsu will have the PC16R-3, PC26MR-3, PC30MR-3, PC35MR-3 and PC45MR-3 mini excavators on show, along with a PC80MR-3 roadliner midi. The firm will be showing models from the skid steer and backhoe loader lines, and this year's focus will be on the Komtrax system, which is being launched on the Utility range and the roadliners.

Doosan has added the zero-tailswing DX30Z 3-tonner, the larger DX60R and DX80R to its range, and will also show a conventional DX55 midi. Those looking for larger machinery will not be disappointed, as Doosan will also have the DL450 wheeled loader and the DX140LC, the firm's latest 14t crawler excavator.
Excavators

Volvo will complete its C series line-up with the EC140C. This 14t model is powered by a Volvo engine that offers more torque, up from 390Nm to 472Nm.

The company will unveil the ECR235C short-radius excavator, a 21t machine with improved stability and weight distribution, and superior swing performance.

Higher up the range, Volvo will be showing a high-reach demolition version of the EC360C, with a 21m boom and will launch high-reach equipment for the EC290C and the EC460C later this year.

JCB will be showing additions to its JS Auto line, including the 29t JS290, filling the gap between the firm's 26t and 33t machines and offering customers a lower cost option in the 28t-33t sector.

Chinese manufacturer Topcatt will make an appearance at this year's SED. The company will have a 15t TC150 crawler excavator and a 21t TC210. Also on display will be the 29t TD7 dozer. Topcatt says these machines are available without any computers or electronic control systems.

Case will be upgrading its 13t excavator - the CX130B joins an increasing number of B-series machines, featuring a larger cab, improved performance, lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Liebherr is showing the first in a new generation of crawler excavators. The R906 Classic weighs 22t and boasts low noise and exhaust emissions. With a four-mode hydraulic system and a 105kW engine, the R906 is offered with monoboom or two-piece main booms and a choice of dipper sticks.
Telehandlers

Liebherr's TL435-13 telehandler will make an appearance and is one of four models available, all powered by the firm's 80kW motor. The machines use an oviform boom from the telescopic crane division. Hydrostatic drive is said to give smooth and stepless speed control and the TL435-13 has a turning circle of just 3.8m.

Caterpillar dealer Finning will have its TH255 and TH414 telehandlers on the stand, alongside the 319D tracked excavator and a 930H wheel loader. Finning will also use the event as the launch of the UK heats for this year's Caterpillar European Operator Challenge. The company is expecting a lot of interest in the Challenge, with up to 200 drivers taking part each day.

JCB's HiViz teleshandlers will make their first UK appearance. The HiViz Loadalls have a lower boom mounting point and smaller boom cross-section, offering the operator an improved view to the rear and to the right of the machine.