Plant Equipment and Hire May 2018 | Page 11

WORLD NEWS New utility compacters from Cat excellent compaction performance. With automatic activation and front or both drum vibratory capabilities, this machine provides the results that job sites require. These new models are designed to easily fit in the rental fleet. Product Link™ capability enables close monitoring to keep owners informed of machine location and service needs. The simple control panel and spacious platform offer comfort to suit a variety of operators. Durable components and the fuel- efficient engine maximise uptime and lower lifetime operating costs. Full access to remote drains, sampling ports, and filters make service fast and easy. Long service intervals for the engine oil and vibratory drums keeps the machine on the job site longer for optimal operational needs. As the construction industry looks to new methods for efficient production, equipment manufacturers are likewise exploring additional ways to boost productivity. Volvo CE has introduced 3-D printing in order to deliver spare parts to customers more quickly and efficiently. The company is also investing in 3-D printing methods in the research and development of its prototype machinery. Parts can be made of any shape and size, and for any unit in Volvo CE’s range of off-road machinery. Typical parts made by 3-D printing so far include parts of a cabin, plastic coverings, and sections of air-conditioning units. The company uses its own archive of drawings, 3-D models, and product information to feed into the printer to produce the correct new part. “We are supporting customers through the life cycle of their equipment,” says Jasenko Lagumdzija, manager of Business Support at Volvo CE. “It’s especially good for older machines where the parts that have worn out are no longer made efficiently in traditional production methods. Producing new parts by 3-D printing cuts down on time and costs, so it’s an efficient way of helping customers.” Cat Paving products’ new utility compactors come with simplicity in mind, assisting with efficiency and profitability. Easy to operate, simple to transport, and quick to service, the new CB1.7 and CB1.8 use a weight- based terminology that signifies its standard operating weight in metric tonnes, making it easy for customers to choose the machine that best fits their needs. These new models provide excellent versatility in the 1.7mt to 1.8mt size class. Typical applications include bike paths, courtyards, patchwork, parking lots, driveways, town centres, and shoulder work. Simple operating features include toggle- type switches for quick and easy activation of machine functions. The mechanical propel lever provides quick reaction for precise control, while vibrant LED lights on the console simplify operation in low light conditions. The single point lifting option and durable hitch design make hoisting these machines onto transports quick and easy, while the foldable ROPS option provides a short height and enables the machine to move under and around low structures when performing compaction procedures. The high-amplitude vibratory system, combined with large diameter drums and the exclusive, eccentric weight design, delivers Simple operating features include toggle-type switches for quick and easy activation of machine functions. 3-D printing includes parts of a cabin, plastic coverings, and sections of air- conditioning units. MAY 2018 9