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Industry News - February, 2021 - Page 3 of 5

  • Keestrack Looks Back On 2020: Successfully Fighting The Crisis

    Keestrack Looks Back On 2020 Successfully Fighting The Crisis
    Two in one: With the new track-mobile reversible impact crusher Keestrack I4e RIC, the international processing specialist is presenting a powerful solution for secondary and tertiary crushing, which is particularly suitable for highly economical sand production (0-2 mm).

     

    Despite significant national and international restrictions caused by the corona pandemic, the Keestrack Group can look back on an overall satisfactory business year. Positive feedback from distributors and many new products announced for 2021 indicate a sustainable improvement in business for the coming year.
    "Like many other international manufacturers of construction machinery and equipment, Keestrack was significantly struck by the effects of the corona pandemic," says Frederik Hoogendoorn, Managing Director at the Belgian headquarters and responsible for worldwide sales and marketing within the Keestrack Group. "The developments at our international  production facilities took a very different course. Which not only presented us with major challenges in their local market regions but also in maintaining our internal and external delivery flows as well as our end-customer-oriented incoming and outgoing logistics for machines and spare parts."
    Already in January COVID-19 affected the Chinese production site in Chuzhou, which like many of its local suppliers, had to close until mid-February as a consequence of the national shutdown measures. The same then from mid-March for six weeks in the Italian Keestrack plant and almost simultaneously in the assembly plant of the Indian Keestrack subsidiary Etrack Crushers, which only opened in 2019. "Our main European plant in the Czech Republic and our headquarters in Belgium remained operative. Despite the corona related restrictions in work organization and transport logistics, we were able to maintain production, spare parts supply and services thanks to the great commitment of our own staff and external partners. Furthermore we greatly benefited from the large investments we have made in recent years in the digital networking of our own processes, also in the global connection of our dealers and service partners as well as in the remote access to existing fleets and individual machines of our end customers.” explains Frederik Hoogendoorn.
    When asked about the economic result, Frederik Hoogendoorn emphasizes: “It is currently still too early to accurately balance the course of business for all regions, the effects of the Covid pandemic on the individual markets and their industries were too different. Although we only lost a few international orders, we do notice certain reluctance to make long-term investments. Planned renewals or expansions have been postponed, which has led us to revise our forecasts downwards.” Instead of originally 20% sales growth compared to 2019 (approx. 116 million euros), the Keestrack Group now expects an 7% increase in global turnover for 2020.
    “Based on the positive feedback from our worldwide distributors, who are consistently fighting the crisis as well, we remain optimistic for 2021. In addition, in the coming year we will be – once more – expanding our range to include important additional machine solutions and completely new product lines,” says Frederik Hoogendoorn. The family-run group expects to increase its worldwide turnover by another 20 percent, which goes hand in hand with the expansion of its own workforce of currently more than 770 employees, the international distribution network with more than 65 dealers and service partners in 46 countries.

    Revolution And Evolution
    One of the key products that Keestrack will be presenting in spring 2021 is the completely new designed Keestrack I4e tracked mobile reversible impact crusher. Thanks to the innovative RIC (Reversible Impact Crusher) technology, this machine can be used very flexible in the secondary crushing of rock and recycling building materials (eg.  asphalt, slag). The specific design of the reversible horizontal impact crusher with a large variable crushing chamber, powerful rotor (Ø 1100 mm; 4 blow bars) and electronically monitored hydraulic gap adjustment (+80 to -220 mm with new tools) allows feed sizes of up to 250 mm and ensures consistently high-quality end products of up to -2 mm in closed circuit. Secondary and tertiary crushing can now be combined in one highly mobile solution, which makes the Keestrack I4e a very good alternative to mobile cone crushers or vertical impact crushers, especially with regard to its outstanding production capacities from 100 to 250 t/h. According to Keestrack, the system also offers lower wear, better quality of the end products (grain shape) and significant energy savings in typical applications (eg. sand production -4 mm: approx. -30% compared to cone crushers; -30 to -40% compared to VSI impact crushers). This is also due to the advanced diesel-electric drive concept of the compact system (transport dimensions: 15.05 m x 3.00 m x 3.23 m), weighing 41 tonnes including the single-deck afterscreen with return conveyor. As with other Keestrack large crushers (H4e / H6e, B7e), the drive unit with 447 kW diesel engine and 300 kVa generator is designed as a removable drop-off module. Electric drives for the crusher (160 kW), feeders and conveyor belts as well as the system hydraulics enable particularly cost-efficient and emission-free plug-in network operation. Three specific patents illustrate the innovative potential of the new Keestrack I4e concept.
    As an important addition to its low-emission diesel-electric plug-in crushers and screening plants, Keestrack is now presenting the battery-powered, track mobile stacker Keestrack S5e. As an alternative to the diesel-hydraulic/diesel-electric versions S5/S5e, the 23 m stockpile conveyor is equipped with a 22.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides the energy for fully self-sufficient electrical operation of the tracks and the lifting hydraulics. This enables the 12.7 tonnes machine to be independently unloaded and loaded, moved and positioned on the construction site. 
    The electric conveyor belt drive (max. 300 t/h at 2.2 m/s) is still powered via the standard plug-in mains connection or via the external power supply of the upstream crushing or screening plant. The new model is a further contribution by the manufacturer to reducing local exhaust emissions on construction sites, in the production or recycling of construction materials and offers advantages in handling and maintenance by replacing the diesel engine and large-volume on-board hydraulics by a battery.
    Literally new ground Keestrack is breaking with its new range of road milling machines. Coordinated by Keestrack-China, an international team of internal and external specialists worked on the cold milling concept for a total of five years, now presenting the Keestrack F6 as its first production model. At the heart of this, is the new milling drum unit with its specific pick design, intended to guarantee high milling performance, fast material discharge, less wear and this results in a long service life. The working width of the 30 t model with 447 kW Cummins engine is 2000 mm, working depth up to 320 mm. According to Keestrack, other features are a modern, ergonomic design, large angles of the swiveling discharge belt and efficient dust suppression systems. For over two years, prototypes and pre-series models of the Keestrack road milling machines have proven themselves in large-scale practical tests throughout Asia, where the new series is also being produced. Parallel to their introduction on the high-volume market there, Keestrack is working on strategies for other global regions. These will combine the set-up of a specific sales and service network with the medium-term expansion of the model range. 
    Source: Keestrack

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    Feb 15, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Vermeer Corporation Acquires Electric Horizontal Directional Drill And Fluid Management Technology

    Vermeer Corporation Acquires Electric Horizontal Directional Drill And Fluid Management Technology

    Vermeer Corporation has announced it has acquired electric-powered horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and fluid systems technology from Normag. Through this acquisition, Vermeer assumes the rights to develop, manufacture and distribute the proven fully electric HDD rigs, generator sets and fluid management systems, which are currently operating across Europe under the Normag brand.
    As a world leader in the HDD and fluid management industry, this acquisition is a key part of the Vermeer strategy to meet growing demand for electric-powered worksite solutions.
    The Normag electric HDD technology offers a unique integrated electric power system that optimizes efficiency across the generator set, drill rig and fluid management systems during operations. When connected to the electric grid, the system can operate as a fuel-free system. All systems have also been designed to match standard international shipping container dimensions to reduce the machine footprint, jobsite set-up time, complexity and cost.
    “With this technology already proven in operations across Europe, our Vermeer team can now fast-track an electric HDD offering that helps operators better control their cost of operations and worksite impacts through reduced fuel use, near-zero emissions, limited noise and an overall smaller rig footprint,” said Vermeer President and CEO Jason Andringa. “This investment critically supports our innovation and product development focus to continually help customers optimize their worksite efficiency, while limiting environmental impact.”
    The Normag HDD system technology has been in development for more than eight years in the Netherlands. It was purpose-built to help companies comply with European transportation and worksite regulations and meet their goals to lower their environmental and worksite impacts. Drill rig and fluid packages have been piloted with customers across Europe for the last several years. Because they are European-market ready and tested, Vermeer will focus first on introducing the products to the European customer base to support large-diameter underground infrastructure projects. Products will be sold under the Vermeer brand in partnership with Vermeer dealers.
    All product development, engineering, marketing and production for the technology will immediately move to the Vermeer EMEA headquarters in Goes, Netherlands. Vermeer expects that its first rigs and fluid systems will be in production and ready for distribution in Europe by late 2021. That will likely include a system built around a 120-metric ton HDD rig, a 2,500-liter reclaimer and high-pressure pump. The company also plans to offer additional fluid systems in the first year to establish a range of reclaimers ranging from 750 to 3,000 liters per minute of cleaning capacity.
    As the products get established in Europe, the company will look to introduce them in key global markets where electric systems are desired, including North America and Australia. The intent is to bring the products to those markets within the next 24-36 months.
    Learn more about this acquisition at vermeer.com. 
    Source: Vermeer

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    Feb 12, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • The Kenworth T680 Next Generation: Kenworth Launches New On-Highway Flagship

    Next Generation Kenworth T680

    Kenworth launched the new Kenworth T680 Next Generation on-highway flagship during a virtual introduction today. The T680 Next Gen establishes a powerful new industry standard, and significantly expands upon the success of the classic Kenworth T680.

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    Feb 11, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Kenworth & Peterbilt Zero Emissions Trucks Summit 14,115-Foot Pikes Peak

    Peterbilt-Zero-Emissions-Truck-Summits-14115-foot-Pikes-Peak
    Peterbilt 579EV and its integrated battery-electric technology.

     

    PACCAR has announced that a Kenworth T680 fuel cell electric vehicle and a battery electric Peterbilt Model 579EV became the first Class 8 zero emissions vehicles to drive to the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado.

    Both vehicles displayed superb power and exhibited excellent drivability over the 156 twisting turns and switchbacks during the 4,700-foot elevation gain to the summit. The trucks handily negotiated grades between 7 to 10 percent over the famous 12.42-mile Pikes Peak International Hill Climb course.

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    Feb 11, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Pioneering Electro-Hydraulic Solutions In Construction Equipment

    Pioneering Electro-Hydraulic Solutions In Construction Equipment

    Volvo Construction Equipment and Finland’s Norrhydro have developed a digital hydraulic actuator that increases productivity while radically cutting fuel bills and CO2 emissions in construction applications. If widely adopted, it could help the industry meet its sustainability ambitions while at the same time improving machine performance.
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is committed to a sustainable future – achieved through internal developments and external partnerships. As part of this strategy Volvo CE, in cooperation with Finland’s Norrhydro, is developing a new technology that is set to revolutionize machine hydraulic performance. When commercialized, the potential customer and climate benefits are expected to be radical, with machine fuel efficiency significantly increased and CO2 emissions being cut. 
    While the full details of the revolutionary technology are closely guarded, the Norrhydro patented system, NorrDigiTM, uses a multi-chamber digital hydraulic actuator that improves system efficiency that much of a machine’s hydraulic system can be discarded or downsized. It removes the need for a main control valve – the heart of a traditional hydraulic system – along with excessive pump capacity, piping and hoses. It uses less energy and offers the prospect for downsizing the engine capacity. 
    The ongoing validations of the solution have demonstrated both efficiency improvement and an increased machine productivity. With carbon dioxide emissions reduced, it is making a radical cut in the machine’s carbon footprint. Volvo CE and Norrhydro have signed a multi-year agreement where Volvo CE will continue to develop the technology in partnership with Norrhydro, and subsequently aim for first mover advantage. Volvo CE has exclusive rights to its use in its products during the development process.

    Smart Cylinders 
    Unlike traditional cylinders with two chambers – one pushing, one pulling – the digital hydraulic actuator uses four chambers that can be connected in up to 16 different permutations, depending on the load required by the desired operation. “It’s a bit like a 16-speed linear transmission,” says Peter Stambro, Vice President Business Development at Norrhydro. “Multi-chamber cylinders have been around for a while, but what makes our ones exceptional is the way they have been combined with advanced electronic control systems, whose complex algorithms and computational speed allow for instant response, but using only a fraction of the energy for the same machine maneuver or action compared to a traditional system.” 
    “This is a prime example of how partnerships with outside experts can accelerate our own sustainability journey through technical innovation,” says Thomas Bitter, Head of Technology at Volvo CE. “In research so far, the system shows greatest benefits in larger machines – in the case of excavators, those 30 tons and above. However, in the future, the technology could also be used in electric machines, where its much greater hydraulic system efficiency would effectively extend the battery life and operating window,” concludes Bitter. 

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    Feb 10, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Boosting Alberta Trucking Jobs, Training

    Boosting Alberta Trucking Jobs, Training

    New programs will improve access to trucking jobs and address driver shortages while keeping Albertans safe on the road.
    The new Driving Back to Work grant program will make the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) required to earn a Class 1 commercial licence more affordable. The new Experience and Equivalency program will reduce the time it takes for Class 3 drivers to upgrade to a Class 1 licence. These changes do not affect the high training and safety standards required by MELT in order to keep Alberta’s roads safe.
    “Farmers, foresters, roughnecks and truckers made it clear that cost is the major barrier to hiring Albertans. Providing better paths to earn a Class 1 licence will help deal with a shortage of truckers, getting our goods to market safely. These programs are designed to put Albertans back to work today to build our economy tomorrow,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.
    “Creating good-paying jobs for Albertans has never been more important. Providing hundreds of unemployed Albertans with financial support so they can train to get behind the wheel safely, and recognizing safe drivers’ experience, will create jobs now and in the future and will ensure that critical supplies continue to flow across our province,” stated Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation.
    “These programs break down costly barriers for unemployed Albertans to gain the skills needed to help address labour shortages in the trucking industry and gets Albertans back to work. By doing so, it also helps to broadly support Alberta’s economic recovery, as trucking connects businesses and communities with the goods they need to succeed,” quoted Jason Copping, Minister of Labour and Immigration.
    “Assisting with training costs for entry-level commercial drivers and specific programs to upskill and promote experienced commercial drivers will help put Albertans back to work while ensuring essential supply chains remain resilient. This grant will ensure that the new transportation workforce is trained by professional road and safety experts while we continue to address the issue of driver shortages and support Alberta’s economic recovery and diversification. The Alberta Motor Transport Association will continue to advocate for new ways to meet the demands of a more sophisticated and data-driven global supply chain while ensuring the utmost in safety training,” said Chris Nash, president, Alberta Motor Transport Association.
    The $3-million Driving Back to Work grant program will cover up to 90 per cent of the cost of the MELT program for 300 unemployed Albertans to earn a Class 1 commercial truck driver licence.
    The Experience and Equivalency Class 1 MELT Training Program will give Class 3 drivers with a minimum of two years of experience the opportunity to take a 40-hour Class 1 training upgrade instead of the 113-hour Class 1 MELT Program, which is focused on brand new drivers.
    Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

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    Feb 9, 2021 - 4 years ago

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