A new truck-mounted concrete pump was presented by Putzmeister at Bauma, which took place in Munich in April.Named BSF 47-5, the new truck features a five-arm placing boom mounted on a four-axle chassis and weighs less than 32t, including the reserves for payload, water, fuel and other functional fluids. It is one of the most lightweight machines in its class, says Putzmeister.The flexible five-arm boom with the roll-Z fold system has excellent slip characteristics; it can be deployed quickly and makes optimal use of the available space, thanks to its new flexible support, a base structure that follows the new I-frame concept. An 800l water tank can be easily attached to it. Vibrations in the boom remain at a low level, achieved through an intelligent laying of the delivery line and a balanced progression of stiffness in the steel structure. The concrete distribution is then safer and more efficient. In addition, the machine operator is provided with an image of the working area live on display of the remote control. The improved S transfer tube bearing, the heart of the machine, has a delivery rate of up to 160m³/h.The Ergonic 2.0 control system, an upgraded version of the Ergonic Boom Control system (EBC) used to control the placing boom, was also presented to the public in the trade show. The truck’s operation costs have been reduced, as its components are highly resistant with some being maintenance-free.
ThyssenKrupp launched its biggest gyratory crusher, which the company says is the world’s largest, at Bauma in April. The German-based engineering, construction and service provider welcomed visitors to the 220sq m booth with numerous 3D models and a virtual stimulation of the brand-new gyratory crusher.The crusher’s throughput can go up to 14,000t/h, 30% higher than the previous version, and has a driving rate of 1,500kw. It is also much lighter than its predecessor, despite being 130 inches in diameter. These changes are expected to increase its performance at a lower weight.Other products shown by ThyssenKrupp at the trade show included the modernized and standardised cone crushers, RollSizers, and the Barracuda and Mine Shark compact bucket wheel excavators.
Caterpillar’s CEO Doug Oberhelman introduced “The age of smart iron” at Bauma last month.“The age of smart iron” describes Caterpillar’s strategy to be the industry leader in digital solutions designed to improve productivity, efficiency, safety and profitability.The company’s main attractions at the trade show were the Cat Connect technology, hardware and software for Cat or competitive equipment to help optimise operations; the Cat 360° Advantage, which delivers a full complement of expertise, technology-enabled equipment and support services; and Leverage Every Litre, an educational initiative that helps improve the fuel efficiency of their products.Caterpillar’s Group President Rob Charter said: “While we always love to showcase our machines and engines, we’re equally excited about what’s at the center of our exhibit: Caterpillar technology.“This is not technology for technology’s sake. It is technology that’s focused on solving, and even anticipating, customer problems. “We’re taking the machines, locomotives, engines and parts we’re so well known for and making them smarter, while also equipping the people who operate them with data that makes them more productive, enhances safety and improves sustainability.”Caterpillar also showcased more than 60 products, a large selection of work tools and support services in the 12,000sq m exhibit space shared with Zeppelin Cat.
Bosch’s futuristic driver’s cab has won the Bauma innovation award at the Bauma 2016 trade show, in Germany.
A new report from Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center has identified four national markets as key growth regions for the construction industry to 2020.
Global construction output will reach US$10 trillion by 2020, driven by Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, according to a new report from Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center.The Global Construction Outlook 2020 report forecasts that expansion will increase by an annual average of 3.4% from 2015 to 2020, leading to the overall market value growing from $8.5tr to $10tr. In the previous five years annual average growth was 2.4%, with output increasing from the 2010 total of $7.5tr.Emerging markets will account for more than half of the global construction output in 2020, rising to 51.9% from its 43.9% share in 2010, despite the annual average rate of growth slowing to 4.2%, from 5.2% in 2011-2015.Growth in the Asia-Pacific region is set to slow, due in part to the slowdown in China’s construction sector, exacerbated by a glut of new residential property being completed. However, the region will still account for the largest share of the global construction industry, with South-East Asia investing heavily in new infrastructure projects funded by private investment.Western European markets will continue to recover, the report states, although investor confidence is fragile due to ongoing troubles in the Eurozone, and the crisis involving Russia and Ukraine. The German construction industry will remain slow, due partly to the government’s focus on austerity.