THERE are increasing indications of the begin nings of a slight recovery in the earthmoving industry. This is partly reflected in rising equipment purchases in some sectors.

Case Construction Equipment has seen higher than average sales of skidsteer loaders in recent months due both to the recovering earth moving industry and the government’s Investment Allowance.

“We’ve seen a real increase in confidence over the past few months and there are signs the industry is starting to recover,” says Case product manager, Kevin Pritchard. “The Invest ment Allowance, which fin ishes at the end of December 2009, has certainly helped.”

“The new Case 400 Series 3 machines feature Tier lll-certified clean-burning, turbo charged engines that deliver more power and torque. The redesigned cab delivers more room and better all around visibility, so these machines are comfortable and safe as well as incredibly strong,” Pritchard said.

The Case 400 Series 3 skid steer loaders range from 680 kg to 1,361 kg, while the compact track loaders range from 3,783 kg to 4,955 kg.

Bobcat extends line

Bobcat Australia has launched a new more powerful compact track loader that extends the line of Bobcat compact track loaders to six, and is designed to increase the productivity of pushing, digging and grading functions.

The T320 vertical lift loader has a 92 hp (69 kW) motor and a 1,451 kg rated operating capacity together with 457 mm wide rubber tracks to provide extraction, reduced ground pressure of just 29 kpa, and low ground disturbance.

With a lift height of 3,276 mm that follows a vertical lift path, good visibility is provided to load trucks, and view the attachment and work area.

The company says that with the standard Bob-Tach attachment mounting system or the optional Power Bob-Tach, over 40 approved attachments can be easily changed by operators.

Bobcat Australia has also introduced the first all-steel track option for compact loaders, which is designed for work exclusively in earth moving or abrasive environments such as demolition, and is available on the Bobcat T320.

The company points out that steel tracks are best suited to conditions where rubber or steel-reinforced rubber tracks could become damaged. They can be of benefit to earth moving contractors because of the increased traction of the compact loader.

A new compact track loader suspension system that utilises all-steel components, with a view to increasing operator comfort without sacrificing durability, has been developed by Bobcat. This is now avail able as an option on the T190, T300 and T320 compact track loaders.

The new system features rollers that are suspended by high-strength steel leaf springs to reduce vibration, and the track idlers on the roller suspension system have been raised to make the loaders easier to turn.

Easier maintenance has also been built into the roller suspension system with the area around the drive sprocket increased to enable improved cleaning.

Trenchless technology

Vermeer has launched a new machine called the Axis Guided Boring System that it believes will have a significant impact in the trenchless technology market.

Company marketing manager, Ben Sheehan, says the machine is designed for installing underground infra structure in situations where trenches cannot be dug, such as some sealed roadways, airport areas and under rivers. “Open cut methods can have a high social and restoration cost, and are not always possible,” he said.

“The AXIS system provides an accurate high speed on- grade solution for installation of pipe sizes up to 20 inch (508 mm) diameter. This system, which is laser accurate to plus/minus 10 mm over 100m, ensures limited surface disruption and there is minimal side-load due to vacuum removal of spoil.

“Both forward and back ward pipe installations are possible with the strong push and pull force available, and bit changes can be made quickly and easily.

“Depending on soil conditions and project specifications, a wide variety of pipe types can be installed, and drill capabilities average 100m to 120m long with an average drilling time of 3 to 5 minutes per 2m.”

AXIS system package components include a drill and power pack, vacuum unit, a 2m drill head, laser with stand, strike alert and remote lock- out, camera, control module and 96m of rod.