Tag: construction technology: Page 5

Autonomous

Daimler, Torc Robotics to begin testing autonomous Class 8 trucks on public roads

Daimler Truck North America, makers of the Freightliner and Western Star brands of heavy trucks, says its Torc Robotics team is ready to move development and testing of autonomous trucks to public roads in Virginia. Developed by Torc, part of Daimler’s new Autonomous Technology Group, the trucks are equipped with autonomous driving technology that meets […]

September 11, 2019

Machine control

Komatsu unveils Proactive Dozing Control, dozer machine control that can be used “100% of the time”

Komatsu has upped the ante in machine control—again. Six years after the company became the first equipment OEM to bring a fully-integrated machine control system for dozers to market, called intelligent Machine Control, Komatsu is back with an update that is “far more advanced” than other systems on the market today, says Derek Morris marketing […]

August 15, 2019

Construction Equipment

German heavy truck battery supplier plans Detroit production facility

Darmstadt, Germany-based electric systems company AKASOL is planning a production facility in metro Detroit with production slated to begin next year. AKASOL, founded in 1990, is Europe’s largest supplier of battery systems for commercial vehicles and buses with hybrid or all-electric drives and is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, lithium-ion battery systems for buses, commercial […]

August 15, 2019

Vocational

Cemen Tech’s cloud-based Accu-Pour software now works with more volumetric concrete mixers—including competing models

Cemen Tech, makers of volumetric concrete mixers and technology, has announced expanded compatibility of its Accu-Pour cloud software suite. Unlike drum mixers, volumetric concrete mixers act as mobile batch plants mounted to a truck chassis or a trailer. Using a segmented body, they carry unmixed sand, cement, coarse aggregates, water, and any other admixtures or […]

August 12, 2019

Safety

Sony’s portable air conditioner could become a sought-after gadget on construction jobsites

You probably know this already but it’s hot outside. Record-breaking hot, actually. This past June is now the hottest June on record. Beyond that, it was “the 414th consecutive month recording above-average global temperatures,” according to weather data reported on by CNN. And few people know this harsh reality more than the folks working on […]

August 2, 2019

Dealers

Equipment Roundup: Hitachi intros “do-it-all” ZW220-6 loader; State-of-the-Art Dozers; 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 towing test; Electric Ford F-150 tows 1 million lbs.; Pettibone intros Extendo 1246X telehandler

Pettibone Extendo 1246X telehandler boasts 12,000-lb. lift capacity Pettibone’s new Extendo 1246X Telehandler features 12,000-pound lifting capacity for contractors and rental users working in demanding construction jobsite conditions. The telehandler has a max lift height of 46 feet, 6 inches and forward reach of 30 feet. A 30-gallon fuel tank allows for a full workday […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to calculate your DEF use

Running out of diesel exhaust fluid is about as dumb as running out of diesel fuel. Engine manufacturers set DEF burn rates at about 2 to 5 percent of fuel burned. (For every 100 gallons of diesel a machine consumes, it will burn 2 to 5 gallons of DEF.) So multiply the fuel consumption of […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to adjust the tension on your tracks

Almost all tracks are tensioned by pumping grease into a piston. The grease fitting is typically located behind a cover plate in the center of the undercarriage. This extends the piston and stretches the tracks. (You let grease out of the fitting to reduce tension on the tracks.) Your owner’s manual will give you specs […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to repair a grease zerk

When a grease zerk won’t accept grease from your grease gun, the simplest solution is to unscrew the zerk, clean it out with a wire, brake cleaner or compressed air, reinstall the zerk and try it again. If it still won’t work, you have bigger problems and may need to call in a mechanic. As […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to get a good oil sample on construction equipment

According to Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Lubricants, an engine oil analysis program requires users to follow a few fundamental procedures that often don’t get the attention they deserve. Some tips: • Provide a proper oil sample to the lab. If you take your sample when the oil is being drained, catch […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

7 things to do before an equipment auction

If you want to get a good deal buying heavy equipment at auction, doing your homework – hours of homework – is essential. Things happen fast at these auctions and you can miss out on great opportunities or overplay your hand if you’re not ready. Here are some tips: Identify your needs. Make a list […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to calculate construction owning and operating costs

Owning costs = purchase price of machine + financing + taxes – disposal price (what you get for that machine when you resell it). Operating costs = labor + fuel + maintenance + replacement costs of tires, tracks and other components + overhead. Add the owning to the operating costs and you have your O&O […]

July 29, 2019