The triennial CONEXPO event opened its doors this week in Las Vegas and visitors were treated to a flurry of new launches powered by new technology and new regulations.
January saw new regulations come into effect with both the US’ Tier 4 Interim and Europe’s Stage IIIB engine emission laws being introduced to the industry.
All eyes were on the engine-makers and both Perkins and Cummins revealed their latest generation of engines. Perkins chose the event to showcase its Industrial Open Power Units (IOPU), “a turnkey power package comprising engine, after treatment, radiator, air cleaner and optional compressor”. Meanwhile Cummins debuted its QSL9 engine – a 9-litre engine it claims is capable of meeting near-zero emissions levels
Among the new technology available was the Stonego robot, a construction robot the company said is designed to enhance “urban construction, demolition and tunneling projects”. Previous generations of robots have been limited by small areas of coverage and agility while being relatively weak compared to manual alternatives. Stonego claims its robot is capable of 360-degree rotation, and “drills, breaks, bolts, scales and more”.
Bauer launched its new engine emission BG 24 H and BG 28 rotary drilling rigs. Inertia Machine is exhibiting three new mobile crushing and screening plants at the show.
Elliott Equipment Company showed its new 34127R boom truck with rear-mounted 127 ft (39 m) boom and 34 ton (31 tonne) rated capacity.
Zoomlion unveiled its 55 tonne capacity RT 55 and the 75 tonne RT 75, while JCB will launched its new line of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders.
Snorkel which is present with its double deck rough terrain scissor range also revealed the first big articulating boom to be used with its new Polaris chassis.
