Equipment roundup: Chevy unveils 2019 Silverado; Case updates N Series backhoes; Cat intros INV2000 inverter generator; Komatsu brings AI to equipment; Mechanic ponders a Tesla future

Chevy unveils 2019 Silverado with a jaw-dropping redesign

“No it’s not.”

“Holy crud.”

Those were just a couple of the exclamations coming from the stands as Chevy introduced its 2019 Silverado by helicopter at the Texas Motor Speedway over the weekend.

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Case updates N Series backhoes with several improvements including drivetrain, hydraulics, electrical

Case CE says it has updated its entire five machine lineup of N Series backhoes with several updates, including making standard a few features that used to be optional.

Case N Series machines now feature a new Pilot Control hydraulic system. Case says this new hydraulic system provides an operator with more control and precision in critical applications. The system also reduces cab noise.

Case has also made its fuel economy package, which used to be optional, a standard feature.

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Cat intros INV2000 inverter generator for pro and home use

Caterpillar is again expanding its Home and Outdoor Power lineup of generators with a portable inverter generator.

The INV2000 represents the first inverter generator Cat has produced.

The compact model weighs only 49 pounds for easy storage and around-the-house use, but boasts enough power for contractor and other professional uses.

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Komatsu brings artificial intelligence to heavy equipment with NVIDIA-powered cameras

Komatsu wants to bring artificial intelligence to construction sites to boost safety and productivity and it’s working with a company primarily known for video games to do it.

Komatsu and graphics processing unit (GPU) manufacturer NVIDIA have announced a partnership to develop construction AI solutions for the jobsite by deploying intelligent cameras. On these jobsites, NVIDIA’s Jetson AI platform “will serve as the brain of heavy machinery.”

The two companies say AI can go a long way in addressing the “safety risks and inefficiencies” in construction. The hope is that data-gathering cameras on heavy equipment, drones and elsewhere throughout the jobsite will make operators better informed, more aware of their surroundings and more efficient.

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VIDEO: Diesel mechanic ponders what Tesla Semi means for his future, goes viral

While electric trucks and vans are generating a lot of headlines lately, they’re still a long, long way from running internal combustion engines out of the market.

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In the interim, there are mechanics out there wondering what their future might look like in a world of electric powertrains. For instance, a semi mechanic recently posted a video on YouTube carefully recalling Elon Musk’s talking points while pointing out the minimal maintenance issues of battery-powered propulsion.

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