Tag Archives: CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023

Rokbak emphasises innovation, sustainability, connected services and efficiencies at CONEXPO

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Rokbak is highlighting its four product focus areas – innovation, sustainability, connected services and efficiencies – at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, in Las Vegas, this week, as the articulated hauler manufacturer says it continues to prioritise the customer and environment to meet industry challenges head-on.

Rokbak is using its presence at CONEXPO to highlight four connected product focus areas that will continue to shape the company’s development journey and have been created from customer feedback, market research, technology advancements and product performance improvements. The four themes are innovation, sustainability, connected services and efficiencies – and they encompass everything from future product developments to reducing operational costs, it explained.

“We’re always innovating, designing and building to keep our haulers rock solid,” Rokbak’s Senior Product Manager, Scott Pollock, said. “Since the success of our rebrand 18 months ago, we are now moving into the next phase of the Rokbak development journey. Our four product themes will be used to develop both Rokbak’s future product and product services offerings, aligned to customer needs.”

Innovation

One of the future developments that Rokbak is currently working on is its next generation cab for the RA30 (30-t payload) and RA40 (40-t payload) articulated haulers. Key benefits of the new design include higher levels of operator comfort and improved performance, modern ergonomic layout and displays, ease of operation and future proofing functionalities for automation and connectivity.

Other areas under this theme include using technological advances, modern component specifications and fuel economy to reduce customer operating costs. These reductions have been achieved through things including extended time between scheduled maintenance, fuel efficiencies, longer life fluids and filter systems. This has led to an average cost reduction for the EU Stage V/US Tier 4 Final RA30 of 19%/h, and 10%/h for the RA40, the company claims.

Sustainability

As part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak’s long-term plans are aligned with the group’s sustainability values. This includes the Volvo Group target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Rokbak is reviewing technical solutions that will allow it to achieve its sustainability goals. All Rokbak haulers are built for low fuel consumption and global CO2 emissions compliance. Both the RA30 and RA40 are compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil, which allows customers to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Connected services

Rokbak’s improved Haul Track telematics system is helping machine owners manage total cost of ownership by keeping an eye on everything from fuel consumption and machine usage, to problems that if neglected could lead to repairs or unplanned downtime. The bespoke system gives customers more visibility and control of their machines with live data viewable on desktop computers and mobile devices, according to Rokbak. This includes: locating equipment and monitoring productivity and operational costs by keeping track of everything from scheduled maintenance planning, early fault warning and performance management information.

Haul Track is now AEMP-enabled, allowing for mixed fleet management via a single communication platform, Rokbak says.

Efficiencies

Rokbak says its fuel-efficient drivetrains deliver powerful performance and meet worldwide emission standards with low cost of operation and low environmental impact. The high performance drivetrain has responsive, usable power with adaptive shifting for low fuel consumption and operating costs.

Another efficiency aspect of the Rokbak design is easy service access, making the RA30 and RA40 quick and simple to maintain with ground-level test points, electric-lift hoods and tilting cabs, enabling high uptime and productivity.

“Rokbak haulers deliver new benchmarks in both performance and total cost of ownership, and reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability and journey to net-zero as part of the Volvo Group,” Pollock concludes. “Customer needs will continue to guide our product strategy and we will continue to invest in our Rokbak products and services.”

HARD-LINE adds Bucket Assist to TeleOp system offering

Automation, Communications in mining, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, Mining software, , , , ,

HARD-LINE, aligning with its brand-agnostic prowess, has launched Bucket Assist at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, USA, an add-on feature to its TeleOp systems that gives the TeleOp operator a visual representation of the position of the boom and bucket in relation to the ground.

The company’s current and new clients can opt for this feature that, HARD-LINE says, will bring the machine operator closer to the machine without leaving their TeleOp control stations, increasing productivity while continuing to keep the machine operator at a safe distance.

Phil Pelland, Vice President, Sales, HARD-LINE, says: “Tactile feedback from the machine is crucial for any machine operator to judge the position and placement for optimum productivity. This is a solution our customers needed, and we are pleased to deliver.”

In addition to this new feature, HARD-LINE has made an announcement on a new product that, it says, will revolutionise teleoperation. The new product is a compact box that CONNECTs everything from the machine to its operator by enabling successful collaboration between HARD-LINE and its clients. This new product will continue to keep safety at the forefront while also shining the light on a core company value – collaboration – it says.

HARD-LINE-Polymath

HARD-LINE and Polymath Robotics team up to automate dozer operation

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

Polymath Robotics and HARD-LINE, on the opening of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, USA, have announced a collaboration on a solution for autonomous dozing.

In line with this collaboration, HARD-LINE has been added to Polymath’s network of hardware integration partners and Polymath has joined HARD-LINE’s software integration ecosystem.

HARD-LINE is an OEM-agnostic leading supplier of automation, teleoperation and remote-control technology. Polymath Robotics makes safety-critical autonomous navigation software for heavy machinery.

Stefan Seltz-Axmacher, CEO of Polymath Robotics, said: “We are excited to add HARD-LINE to our network of hardware integration partners and join their software ecosystem. Our collaboration brings autonomous solutions to the heavy equipment industry as part of each other’s partner ecosystems.”

The dozing technology is vehicle agnostic and can be implemented on any heavy equipment regardless of make, model, or type of machine, according to the companies. The solution leverages HARD-LINE’s hardware integration, remote operation capabilities, and machine control API, integrated with Polymath’s autonomous navigation tools.

The companies said: “The autonomous dozer is built to tackle important but repetitive tasks, like dewatering, planting and heap leaching. This exciting new technology will be made available for any bulldozer, whether new or existing.”

Ryan Siggelkow, SVP Technology at HARD-LINE, said: “We are proud to have Polymath join our software integration ecosystem, in addition to collaborating on an autonomous solution for remote dozer operations. We see these solutions as a way to further enhance productivity and efficiency by bringing remote autonomous dozing to the market.”

Polymath and HARD-LINE are collaborating on the implementation and are taking pre-orders expected to ship in the second half of 2023, they say. They will be demonstrating elements of the autonomous dozer solution during the event, which runs from March 14-18.

Philippi-Hagenbuch to talk up HiVol Water Tank longevity at CONEXPO

Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , ,

Philippi-Hagenbuch is planning to highlight its patented HiVol® Water Tanks, along with other custom-engineered off-highway haul truck solutions, at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 event in Las Vegas this week.

HiVol Water Tanks feature a stable, square design that improves stability and maximises hauling capacity, according to the company. Each tank is custom engineered to haul the greatest possible volume for the specific make and model of off-highway articulated or rigid frame haul truck.

The tanks also feature easy-to-use, operator-friendly controls and the ability to spray the entire width of a haul road with one pass. HiVol Water Tanks are built with a superior-grade steel for increased longevity and maximum return on investment, the company says.

Philippi-Hagenbuch engineers HiVol Water Tanks for new haul trucks and as a retrofit for older trucks. Operations often incorporate the tanks onto their ageing haul trucks to convert them to water trucks, extending equipment life.

“After years of hauling heavy material and absorbing loading impact, even the sturdiest haul trucks experience wear on the suspension, frame and tyres,” the company says. “Making the change to hauling water eases this burden and extends the life of the haul truck, helping operations maximise their equipment investment.”

Unlike traditional round and trapezoidal water tanks, which typically use only 80% of the truck’s capacity to prevent dangerous churning, HiVol Water Tanks incorporate a square design that lowers the centre of gravity and maximises the haul truck’s capabilities, according to Philippi-Hagenbuch. The company engineers each tank to achieve the lowest weight and greatest possible hauling capacity. This can range up to 60,000 gallons (272,765 litres) – more than half the capacity of a water tower.

The square design, along with internal side-surge stabilisers and a baffling system that results in full compartmentalisation of the water, minimises churning to improve vehicle stability, the company added.

Philippi-Hagenbuch custom engineers each HiVol Water Tank to fit the specific make and model of the haul truck and to match the unique needs of the operation. Each tank features corrosion-resistant Hardox® 450 steel from SSAB, which is over 300% harder and more corrosion-resistant than the steel used in most other water tanks on the market, equating to an exceptionally long water tank life, the company claims.

Philippi-Hagenbuch water tanks feature rear-mounted spray heads, an optional remote-controlled water cannon and individual in-cab analogue controls that are straightforward and easy to use, the company says

HiVol Water Tanks utilising Hardox HiAce acidic-resistant steel are also available as an option for highly acidic environments. Philippi-Hagenbuch also offers an insulated water tank design for cold weather conditions, with optional heating for use in environments as cold as -40°F/C.

Josh Swank, Philippi-Hagenbuch Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said: “After more than 23 years on the market, none of our water tanks are showing signs of rust, corrosion or failure. The high-quality steel ensures they won’t rust or wear down quickly. Most water tanks on the market only last 5-7 years, but the first water tanks we engineered are still out on the job site today.

“We are proud to explain why we exclusively use Hardox steel throughout our water tanks, and that we have decades worth of water tanks still operating around the world. This proves why our design coupled with superior steel create a water tank that is second to none.”

Philippi-Hagenbuch water tanks feature rear-mounted spray heads, an optional remote-controlled water cannon and individual in-cab analogue controls that are straightforward and easy to use, the company says. This provides the operator with precise – yet simplified – water control. The horizontal spray heads operate separately, allowing the use of any or all spray heads at the same time. The remote-controlled water cannon enables operators to spray water from 150-200 ft (46-61 m) away.

The HiVol Water Tanks’ patented design minimises confined space issues and provides easy maintenance access by incorporating full-sized exterior and interior access doors as well as access points at the top of the tank. All interior doors include rustproof pivots and allow unobstructed flow of clean air and natural light throughout the tank, according to Philippi-Hagenbuch. To negate potential fall risks, the tanks incorporate a unique flat-top design that is easy to walk on when personnel are required to gain access to the top of the tank.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 runs from March 14-18 in Las Vegas, USA.

SSAB to showcase benefits of Strenx steel at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023

Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , ,

SSAB, a global leader in high-strength steel production, will be featurung Strenx® performance steel and the benefits it brings to construction equipment at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 event in Las Vegas, next week.

Strenx is a high-strength structural steel that, SSAB says, successfully helps manufacturers around the world build stronger, lighter and more sustainable equipment. Its uses range from lifting and land clearing to earthmoving, material handling, hauling and trucking.

As a steel with high yield strength, Strenx has proven successful in lifting equipment, bringing more power, reach and flexibility to the job site. It is designed to work under high load stresses without compromising on safety or causing equipment failure, providing maximum strength, lift height and lift capacity at less weight.

Strenx high-strength steel plate, tubes and hollow sections in reduced thicknesses can benefit cranes, hoists, spider lifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers, telehandlers and more, according to the company. Thanks to its tight thickness and flatness tolerances, Strenx steel enables fabricators to accurately bend the components needed.

Strenx is made in a steelmaking process that is already the world’s most CO2 efficient, according to the manufacturer. By specifying Strenx in thinner steel gauges, manufacturers can use less steel. Switching to Strenx steel also makes equipment lighter and more efficient in terms of both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By 2026, “fossil-free” Strenx will be available from a process that virtually eliminates CO2 emissions, SSAB added.

“Our theme is Think Thinner, Get Stronger,” Magnus Carlsson, Product Manager for Strenx performance steel, said. “We’ll be showcasing our range of steels that can help manufacturers, fleet owners and operators become more productive in challenging environments, and in changing industries that are becoming more focused on sustainability.”

OEMs and steel buyers can purchase Strenx performance steel directly from SSAB. If fabricated components are needed, a new network of Strenx Certified Fabricators has been launched to provide the market with experienced certified specialists in Strenx parts fabrication and services. The G.E. Mathis Company, based in Chicago, is the first certified member of this network.

Strenx is available in yield strengths of 600-1,300 MPa as plate, sheet, tube and hollow section. It is available from local distributors worldwide, and comes with guaranteed properties and tolerances.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG takes place on March 14-18, 2023.

Caterpillar gears up for SME and CONEXPO-CON/AGG shows

Automation, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar has a busy few months lined up on the conference circuit, with major product releases, service options and technologies to be highlighted at the SME MINEXCHANGE 2023 event in Denver, Colorado, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Focusing beyond the iron, the Caterpillar MINEXCHANGE 2023 exhibit will highlight the company’s innovation, technological advancements, and how Caterpillar is solving mining challenges today and innovating for the future. With its “Big Difference” theme, the company will showcase how it positively impacts miners and offers a range of careers within the mining industry at the event, which runs from February 26-March 1.

This includes:

  • Big Innovation – details how Caterpillar commits significant R&D investment to technology and automation that help mining customers succeed and contribute to a better, more sustainable world; and
  • Big Opportunities – covers career opportunities at Caterpillar for creating high-tech solutions.

Inside the Cat exhibit, a Cat D8 simulator will allow conference attendees to experience operating the dozer in a virtual environment. A video wall features the themed “Big” messages that include more details on Caterpillar and its mining solutions, autonomy leadership, a real-world sustainability journey and testimonials from Cat employees. Subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss Caterpillar’s latest technology, autonomy and equipment solutions for the mining industry. In addition, seven Caterpillar subject matter experts have been selected to present eight technical abstracts at MINEXCHANGE covering diversity in the workplace to technology and automation to implementing change management.

In Las Vegas at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 from March 14-18, meanwhile, Caterpillar will highlight its latest products, services and technologies while paying tribute to those who build the world’s infrastructure in what is its largest exhibit to date at the event.

The company’s 6,500 sq.m outdoor demonstration arena will anchor the massive display known as Operator Stadium (visualisation pictured below)

New Caterpillar Technology, Services and Sustainability hubs provide visitors the opportunity to look for ways to increase operating efficiencies and improve machine uptime, while new and current models and battery-electric machine prototypes will be highlighted.

The extensive Cat® equipment display in the Festival Lot is set to include more than 30 machines, including model unveilings and battery-electric model prototypes with charging stations. Visitors will see two main equipment demonstrations each day; one focused on the latest Cat technology, and one that will spotlight the company’s full equipment line up. Additionally, Caterpillar will be providing daily spotlight demonstrations that will take a deep dive into key industry topics including improving fuel efficiency and job site efficiency, the evolution of technology, and convenient, scalable solutions for all customers.

The new Cat 950 medium wheel loader on display offers, Cat says, premium performance and simple-to-use technologies to help boost operator efficiency and increase productivity, while extended service intervals help lower maintenance costs. Visitors will be treated to a preview of the Next Generation Cat 926, 930 and 938 small wheel loaders – slated for production in late 2023 – which feature new technologies designed to make work easier, a reimagined operator environment and extended service intervals.

Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division, meanwhile, will exhibit a wide and rapidly growing portfolio of high-efficiency Cat industrial power solutions. The exhibit includes the unveiling of a new high power internal combustion engine, as well as lithium-ion battery technologies under development. Engines on display, such as the C3.6 IPU, C7.1 and C9.3B, meet EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards and are compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940. The booth will also showcase Caterpillar’s technical services and market expertise leveraged by the global Cat dealer network to maximise the efficiency and extend the lifecycles of off-highway equipment, including Cat remanufactured and service replacement engines.

Caterpillar says it offers a range of service options that are easy, convenient, flexible and sustainable, and will be featured in the Services Hub at the event. The new Cat Central app is the latest tool for convenient access to genuine Cat parts and support. Another new service-related solution is the new Cat SIS2GO app which, Caterpillar says, takes the guesswork out of maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Cat equipment. Both apps are available on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

Team members from Cat Financial will also be available to discuss the latest leasing and financing programs.

The Caterpillar Technology Hub will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of new and existing Cat technologies – VisionLink, Cat Command, VisionLink Productivity, Cat Detect, Cat Grade and Cat Payload. Caterpillar SMEs will be on hand to assist each customer in finding a scalable solution designed to fit the business’s needs and budget.

Its centerpiece exhibit, the “Looking Glass” cube, displays and interactively showcases the five key capabilities of the new Cat VisionLink® application – Geofence & Location, Fuel Theft Alerts, Diagnostics, Idle Time/Fuel Burn, and Maintenance. An interactive wall will invite visitors to explore the full suite of VisionLink capabilities for both Cat and non-Cat equipment and non-machine assets.

The hub’s multiple Cat Command stations allow attendees to remotely operate Cat machines located more than 640 km away at the Tinaja Hills Demonstration and Learning Center. They are positioned to allow attendees to better experience and learn more about the Command for Dozing, Excavating and Loading technologies.

The Caterpillar Sustainability Hub will spotlight fuel efficiency and alternative power sources; technologies to fit every operation and budget; and parts and service designed to make uptime fast and easy, the company says. Plus, customers will learn about sustainability benefits they can choose today and plan for tomorrow.

Outside the Sustainability Hub, exhibit attendees can view components of Caterpillar’s total site solution for the energy transition, including four battery-electric machine prototypes – the Cat 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader – in addition to AC and DC charging solutions. The Caterpillar-designed batteries powering these battery-electric machines are built on lithium-ion Cat technology with a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications.