WHAT’S NEW
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CON EXPO HIGHLIGHT
iVTInternational.com June 2020
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CON EXPO HIGHLIGHT
JOHN DEERE 333G COMPACT TRACK LOADER
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John Deere offered up a wealth of riches at ConExpo including four brand new wheel loaders and
two dozers, but perhaps its standout product was this industry fi rst in operator assistance.
The launch of SmartGrade – the company’s proprietary grade control technology – in the
333G compact track loader is the fi rst time a fully integrated version of this technology will be
available on compact equipment. SmartGrade expands the capabilities of customers working in
site development, road building, landscaping, residential and commercial building operations by
enabling them to take on new tasks and larger jobs that require accuracy.
By leveraging the latest grade control technology, the SmartGrade 333G Compact Track
performance while eliminating vulnerable masts and cables.
CON EXPO HIGHLIGHT
GEHL 165E ELECTRIC SKIDSTEER LOADER
Another electric concept vehicle, this time
from Gehl, operating under the Manitou
Group umbrella. Revealed for the fi rst time
in Las Vegas, the 165e is an exciting new
zero-emission prototype electric skid-steer
loader powered by lithium-ion batteries,
thereby showcasing Manitou’s dedication to
alternative-power machines. It is based on the
R165 compact skid-steer loader and offers the
same rated capacity of 1,650 lb (750kg). Sound
levels are reduced drastically in the machine,
making it ideal for sites where noise emissions
are a particularly sensitive issue, such as near
schools and hospitals, and in indoor applications
like demolition.
“We decided to use 48V batteries,” says
Laurent Bonnaure, executive vice president
for the Manitou Group. “The reason for this is
that everyone can access them and you don’t
need high voltage. In all there are four electric
motors, plus a fi fth to power the hydraulics.”
In all there are 12 easily-removable,
chargeable batteries, each weighing 45 lb
(20.4kg). The machine can run for eight hours
and is designed to be recharged overnight.
“The 165e offers the advantage of simplifi ed
servicing, partly due to reduction in the quantity
of hydraulic oil needed,” said Bonnaure.
“We expect to go into development within the
next 18 months.”
DOOSAN DX17Z5 ELECTRIC
MINI EXCAVATOR
Yet another electric concept machine. Following
requests from customers working in applications
where exhaust gases are prohibitive such as interior
demolition job sites, South Korean manufacturer
Doosan Equipment developed this new zero tail-swing
electric mini excavator with the North American market in
mind. The DX17Z mini excavator enables operators to do
their work in a machine they’re familiar with but without
the inhibitions of diesel exhaust. As Doosan themselves
say, “if you like our new line of mini excavators, you’ll love the DX17Z-5.”
The 1.7-metric ton size class was selected for this fi rst model following requests for
a machine that could work in confi ned spaces and with a narrow width to access tricky sites.
In place of a traditional diesel engine, the DX17Z-5 is powered by batteries located where the
engine and fuel tank would normally sit. The battery supplies power to an electric motor used to
operate the mini excavator’s hydraulic system.
Doosan continues to investigate innovative fully electric and hybrid solutions to best suit the
needs of its customers and is aiming to make the DX17Z-5 commercially available in 2022.
CON EXPO HIGHLIGHT
MANITOWOC GROVE GMK64001
This crane was one of the more interesting vehicle
launches at the Las Vegas Convention Centre,
partly because it wasn’t there. Visitors setting foot
inside the dedicated VR booth on the Manitowoc
stand were instead offered an interactive and
unparalleled look at the new GMK6400-1. Using
VR technology meant the smallest details on
the crane could be brought to life in vivid detail,
allowing the user a multiple-angled view.
The GMK6400-1 follows in the footsteps of
its predecessor, the GMK6400, but includes
additional reach, enabling it to take on jobs
that usually require a seven or even eightaxle
crane. This delivers a clear competitive
advantage, sets new standards in the
competitive 400-450 metric ton class and
ensures an accelerated return
on investment for
customers.
“We have upgraded this crane to use all
of the latest technological advances, including
our Crane Control System (CCS) and MAXbase
variable outrigger system which increases
capacities on the main boom,” said Andreas
Cremer, vice president of product management
for all-terrain cranes at Manitowoc. “On top
of that, its easy and fast setup enables it to
handle more work in a day. We’re excited
to have the crane as our fi rst-ever virtual
Loader levels the playing fi eld for contractors running larger fl eets, increasing productivity by
helping to automatically complete grading tasks faster with fewer passes and less rework
as opposed to working without grade control technology. Moreover, operators can reap the
benefi ts of using a versatile, more transportable piece of equipment where the grade control
system is fully integrated into the machine’s structures and software, delivering precise grading
launch, and through VR technology
visitors can get
a true feel for what
this new machine
can do.” iVT
/iVTInternational.com