Heavy Weight Equipment

Compact excavator

2008-04-11T07:59:00.001+07:00

Compact excavator

A compact hydraulic excavator or mini excavator is a tracked or wheeled vehicle with an approximate operating weight from .7 to 7.5 metric tons. It generally includes a standard backfill blade and features independent boom swing. The compact hydraulic excavator is also referred to as a mini excavator.

The compact hydraulic excavator is somewhat unique from other construction equipment in that all movement and functions of the machine are accomplished through the transfer of hydraulic fluid. The compact excavator's work group and blade are activated by hydraulic fluid acting upon hydraulic cylinders. The excavator's slew (rotation) and travel functions are also activated by hydraulic fluid powering hydraulic motors.

House

The house structure contains the operator's compartment, engine compartment, hydraulic pump and distribution components. The house structure is attached to the top of the undercarriage via a swing bearing. The house, along with the workgroup, is able to rotate or slew upon the undercarriage without limit due to a hydraulic distribution valve which supplies oil to the undercarriage components.

Slew

Slewing refers to rotating the excavator's house assembly. Unlike a conventional backhoe, the operator can slew the entire house and workgroup upon the undercarriage for spoil placement.

Undercarriage

The undercarriage consists of rubber or steel tracks, drive sprockets, rollers, idlers and associated components/structures. The undercarriage supports the house structure and the workgroup.

Workgroup

The workgroup of a compact hydraulic excavator consists of the boom, dipper or arm, and attachment (i.e. auger, bucket, breaker, etc.). It is connected to the front of the excavator's house structure via a swing frame that allows the workgroup to be hydraulically pivoted left or right to achieve offset digging for trenching parallel with the tracks.

Independent Boom Swing

The primary purpose of boom swing is for offset digging around obstacles or along foundations, walls or forms. A secondary use is cycling in areas too narrow for cab rotation. Independent boom swing is one of the major advantages of a compact excavator over other excavation equipment.

Backfill blade

The backfill blade is used for grading, leveling, backfilling, trenching, and general dozer work. The blade can be used to increase dump height and digging depth depending on its position in relation to the excavator's workgroup, this makes it very versatile.

Mechanical principles of Tower Crane

2008-04-11T07:55:00.001+07:00

Mechanical principles of Tower Crane

Crane at scyscraper construction in Barcelona, Spain

There are two major considerations that are taken into account in the design of cranes. The first is that the crane must be able to lift a load of a specified weight and the second is that the crane must remain stable and not topple over when the load is lifted and moved to another location.

Lifting capacity

Cranes illustrate the use of one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage.
The lever. A balance crane contains a horizontal beam (the lever) pivoted about a point called the fulcrum. The principle of the lever allows a heavy load attached to the shorter end of the beam to be lifted by a smaller force applied in the opposite direction to the longer end of the beam. The ratio of the load's weight to the applied force is equal to the ratio of the lengths of the longer arm and the shorter arm, and is called the mechanical advantage.
The pulley. A jib crane contains a tilted strut (the jib) that supports a fixed pulley block. Cables are wrapped multiple times round the fixed block and round another block attached to the load. When the free end of the cable is pulled by hand or by a winding machine, the pulley system delivers a force to the load that is equal to the applied force multiplied by the number of lengths of cable passing between the two blocks. This number is the mechanical advantage.
The hydraulic cylinder. This can be used directly to lift the load (as with a HIAB), or indirectly to move the jib or beam that carries another lifting device.

Cranes, like all machines, obey the principle of conservation of energy. This means that the energy delivered to the load cannot exceed the energy put into the machine. For example, if a pulley system multiplies the applied force by ten, then the load moves only one tenth as far as the applied force. Since energy is proportional to force multiplied by distance, the output energy is kept roughly equal to the input energy (in practice slightly less, because some energy is lost to friction and other inefficiencies).

Stability of crane

In order for a crane to be stable, the sum of all moments about any point such as the base of the crane must equate to zero. In practice, the magnitude of load that is permitted to be lifted (called the "rated load" in the US) is some value less than the load that will cause the crane to tip.

Under US standards for mobile cranes, the stability-limited rated load for a crawler crane is 75% of the tipping load. The stability-limited rated load for a mobile crane supported on outriggers is 85% of the tipping load.

Standards for cranes mounted on ships or offshore platforms are somewhat stricter due to the dynamic load on the crane due to vessel motion. Additionally, the stability of the vessel or platform must be considered.

For stationary pedestal or kingpost mounted cranes, the moment created by the boom, jib, and load is resisted by the pedestal base or kingpost. Stress within the base must be less than the yield stress of the material or the crane will fail.

Loader crane

2008-04-11T07:52:00.002+07:00

Loader crane

A loader crane (also called a knuckle-boom crane) is a hydraulically-powered articulated arm fitted to a truck or trailer, and is used for loading/unloading the vehicle. The numerous jointed sections can be folded into a small space when the crane is not in use. One or more of the sections may be telescopic. Often the crane will have a degree of automation and be able to unload or stow itself without an operator's instruction.

Unlike most cranes, the operator must move around the vehicle to be able to view his load; hence modern cranes may be fitted with a portable cabled or radio-linked control system to supplement the crane-mounted hydraulic control levers.

In the UK, this type of crane is almost invariably known colloquially as a "Hiab", partly because this manufacturer invented the loader crane and was first into the UK market, and partly because the distinctive name was displayed prominently on the boom arm.

Tower crane

2008-04-11T07:50:00.001+07:00

Tower crane

The tower crane is a modern form of balance crane. Fixed to the ground (or "jacked up" and supported by the structure as the structure is being built), tower cranes often give the best combination of height and lifting capacity and are used in the construction of tall buildings. To save space and to provide stability the vertical part of the crane is often braced onto the completed structure which is normally the concrete lift shaft in the center of the building. A horizontal boom is balanced asymmetrically across the top of the tower. Its short arm carries a counterweight of concrete blocks, and its long arm carries the lifting gear. The crane operator either sits in a cabin at the top of the tower or controls the crane by radio remote control from the ground, usually standing near the load. In the first case the operator's cabin is located at the top of the tower just below the horizontal boom. The boom is mounted on a slewing bearing and is rotated by means of a slewing motor. The lifting hook is operated by a system of sheaves.

A tower crane is usually assembled by a telescopic crane of smaller lifting capacity but greater height and in the case of tower cranes that have risen while constructing very tall skyscrapers, a smaller crane (or derrick) will sometimes be lifted to the roof of the completed tower to dismantle the tower crane afterwards. A self-assembling tower crane lifts itself off the ground using jacks, allowing the next section of the tower to be inserted at ground level. It is often claimed that a large fraction of the tower cranes in the world are in use in Dubai. The exact percentage remains an open question.

Hammerhead crane

The hammerhead, or giant cantilever, crane is a fixed-jib crane consisting of a steel-braced tower on which revolves a large, horizontal, double cantilever; the forward part of this cantilever or jib carries the lifting trolley, the jib is extended backwards in order to form a support for the machinery and counter-balancing weight. In addition to the motions of lifting and revolving, there is provided a so-called "racking " motion, by which the lifting trolley, with the load suspended, can be moved in and out along the jib without altering the level of the load. Such horizontal movement of the load is a marked feature of later crane design. Hammerhead cranes are generally constructed in large sizes, up to 350 tons.

The design evolved first in Germany around the turn of the 19th century and was adopted for use in British shipyards to support the battleship construction program from 1904-1914. The ability of the hammerhead crane to lift heavy weights was useful for installing large pieces of battleships such as armour plate and gun barrels. Hammerhead cranes were also installed in naval shipyards in Japan and in the USA. The British Government also installed a hammerhead crane at the Singapore Naval Base (1938) and later a copy of the crane was installed at Garden Island Naval Dockyard in Sydney (1951). These cranes provided repair support for the battle fleet operating far from Great Britain.

The principal engineering firm for hammerhead cranes in the British Empire was Sir William Arrol & Co Ltd

Thanks to wiki.

TL642 w/Outriggers Telehandler, Caterpillar

2007-12-28T19:08:00.002+07:00

TL642 w/Outriggers Telehandler

The TL642 is a highly versatile machine, designed to deliver maximum performance with traditional Cat reliability, durability and productivity in the toughest working conditions.

730 Articulated Truck

2007-12-28T19:06:00.001+07:00

730 Articulated Truck

The 730 offers proven reliability and durability, high performance, low fuel consumption, operator comfort and low operating costs.

MPH362/364-R/S/SDM-2

2007-12-28T18:59:00.001+07:00

■ Designed and built for the most demanding applications...

Increased traffic volume, greater traffic axle loads and shortage of funds for roadway maintenance are some of the primary causesfor premature failure of roadway surfaces in many areas of the country. As a result, road repair requirements stretch financial resources to, or beyond, their budgetary limits. With the BOMAG MPH 362 & 364-2 Recycler, old and deteriorated asphalt pavements can be cut, pulverized and mixed with new binding agents. This RAP ( Recycled Asphalt Product) material is reused to provide a new road base material. This ecological and economical alternative of recycling pre-existing surfaces

BOMAG's BW190AD-4 AM Tandem Vibratory Roller

2007-12-28T18:22:00.001+07:00

Features Asphalt Manager Technology

KEWANEE, Ill. - Thanks to BOMAG's exclusive Asphalt Manager technology, the BW190AD-4 AM tandem vibratory roller delivers continuously optimized compaction performance, regardless of operator experience.

A special front drum designed to work with the Asphalt Manager system automatically measures and controls compaction performance. As the material becomes stiffer, Asphalt Manager begins to adjust the angle/vector of the drum's output energy from fully vertical to fully horizontal. This helps ensure that optimum compaction results are achieved, while avoiding asphalt-damaging over-compaction.

Vital information, including the current effective amplitude, asphalt surface temperature and vibration values for compaction increases, is available to the operator at all times. Asphalt Manager also allows the operator to determine the exact number of passes needed to meet density and quality requirements.

The BW190AD-4 AM offers 79-inch wide drums and features slanted drum support legs, high curb clearance and a clear view of the entire drum surface. Additionally, the open design of the front and rear frames not only allows for an unrestricted view of both drums, but the sprinkler system as well, enabling operators to quickly spot potential asphalt pickup.

A fuel-efficient, 131-horsepower Deutz water-cooled diesel engine powers the BW190AD-4 AM. The front drum delivers 35,550 pounds of centrifugal force in high frequency (3,000 vpm) and 55,575 pounds of centrifugal force in low frequency (2,400 vpm). The maximum centrifugal force provided by the front drum is 35-percent higher than units without Asphalt Manager, allowing the roller to complete compaction in fewer passes.

The rear drum of the BW190AD-4 AM produces 24,525 pounds of centrifugal force in low amplitude/high frequency (3,420 vpm) and 37,575 pounds of centrifugal force in high amplitude/low frequency (2,760 vpm). Independent drum vibration control allows the roller to handle a variety of lift thicknesses and applications ranging from granular bases to Superpave.

Understanding that increased operator comfort leads to greater overall productivity, BOMAG has designed the operator's compartment to allow for instinctive control of all roller functions. Dual steering wheel positions provide optimum visibility on either side of the roller. Additionally, the operator's station includes a single, sliding and swiveling seating position. Featuring integrated travel/vibration controls with thumb-tip actuation, the seat offers simple and complete control no matter where the operator is positioned.

BOMAG Cold Planer Milling Machines

2007-12-28T18:21:00.001+07:00

BOMAG Cold Planer Milling Machines

[2006-07-06]

Offer Centrally Mounted Cutting Drums for Work Next to Walls, Curbs

KEWANEE, Ill. - BOMAG's BM1000/30 and BM1300/30 cold planer milling machines feature centrally mounted cutting drums that allow precise milling next to walls, curbs and other obstructions. Highly versatile and easy to operate, the BM1000/30 and BM1300/30 are ideally suited for utility and general surface milling, and shoulder repair applications.

The BM1000/30 offers a standard cutting width of 39.6 inches, while a 51.4-inch cutting width is standard on the BM1300/30. Both machines are powered by 275-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines and offer a high horsepower-per-cutting-tooth delivery ratio for maximum productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the direct mechanical drive design of the cutting drum provides maximum power transfer while reducing any external losses. Both units are capable of milling depths up to 12.6 inches.

The BM1000/30 and BM1300/30's centrally mounted cutting drum eliminates the need to move the right rear track away from the cut line, which provides the machines with improved overall balance. Compared with competitive units, the BM1000/30 and BM1300/30's centrally positioned drum makes it possible to use a much shorter take-off belt, resulting in lower maintenance costs and more uptime.

Featuring a centrally located "over-the-cut" operator's position, the BM1000/30 and BM1300/30 offer exceptional job-site visibility. Furthermore, the operator's seat can slide out over the right edge of the machine, offering excellent visibility of the cutting drum's leading edge and the line or curb to be followed during the cut. User-friendly controls make the mills easy to operate either via the operator's station or from ground level with remote-mount controls.

The front-loading conveyor swings 36 degrees to the right or left of center for ease of loading, and folds for simple transport to and from the job site. With the conveyor folded, the unit can be hauled using any standard configuration, 25-ton capacity single-drop or ramped trailer.

Four-track stability with standard polyurethane wear pads and independent or coordinated front and rear steering provide optimum travel performance. For fast, on-the-job-site maintenance, the BM1000/30 and BM1300/30 feature quick-change cutting teeth and holders.

Optional equipment includes water fill and high-pressure wash-down systems, and a hydraulically folding operator's station canopy complete with front and rear windscreens. Additionally, 24-inch offset and 39-inch drums are available on the BM1300/30 for pipe contractors to surgically grind through a limited portion of the road surface, minimizing the amount of required repaving. The 24-inch offset drum is available on the BM1000/30.

Caterpillar Sponsored Team Takes Top Spot at Historic Robotic Race

2007-12-28T00:09:00.001+07:00

Cat stand wow's visitors with new machines, acrobatic show and freestyle motorcross jumping!

Carnegie Mellon awarded 1st Place; Virginia Tech 3rd at DARPA Urban Challenge

Victorville, CA. - The Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) sponsored robotic vehicle of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) was awarded first place at the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. The "Urban Challenge" featured autonomous ground vehicles maneuvering in a mock city environment, executing simulated military supply missions while merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections, and avoiding obstacles. The teams had six hours to complete the 60-mile course. The challenge is sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to help the Defense Department develop a fleet of autonomous ground vehicles to improve troop safety.

CMU received the $2 million cash prize along with the recognition as a national leader in robotic engineering. CMU's "Tartan Racing" victory was based on three criteria: data collected during the competition, race time and its ability to comply with California traffic laws.
"Team Caterpillar is tremendously proud to be involved as a sponsor of CMU's Tartan Racing team. This victory represents what can happen when business and academia combine forces and work toward a shared goal of advancing technology," said Tana Utley, Vice President of Caterpillar's Technology & Solutions Division and Chief Technology Officer.

As part of the sponsorship, Caterpillar provides advanced technologies such as drive-by-wire steering, sensing and software. Additionally, Caterpillar has an embedded engineer working full-time with CMU's "Tartan Racing" team. Electronics control the engines and Caterpillar's MorElectricTM system generates the electrical power and air conditioning for the on-board navigation, control, and guidance systems. The "Tartan Racing" team is led by Carnegie Mellon robotics professor William "Red" Whittaker.

"Because Caterpillar is in the business of developing innovative equipment to perform in rugged work conditions, this partnership made perfect sense," said Whittaker. "Tartan Racing's performance in the Urban Challenge left no questions unanswered. We out-performed everyone in the field with the best driving, maneuverability and speed." Nearly 60 participants applied for this year's event with the field narrowed to eleven following a series of qualifying events. Also receiving high honors was Caterpillar sponsored Virginia Tech's "Victor Tango" and Oshkosh Truck's (NYSE: OSK) "TerraMax." Virginia Tech was awarded 3rd place with a cash prize of $500,000, and Oshkosh was one of the eleven finalists.

"By aligning ourselves with the best and the brightest minds in the fields of science and engineering, Caterpillar continues to make progress possible here and around the world," said Utley.

The teams use a systems integration approach including: global positioning systems, sensors, lasers, radar, and other technologies that feed information to computers to guide the robot through the course. The competition is an outgrowth of two previous DARPA autonomous vehicle competitions. The first Grand Challenge event was held in March 2004 and featured a 142-mile desert course. Fifteen autonomous ground vehicles attempted the course and no vehicle finished. In the 2005 Grand Challenge, four autonomous vehicles successfully completed a 132-mile desert route under the required 10-hour limit.

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2006 sales and revenues of $41.517 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/

Contact:
Kate Kenny
Corporate Public Affairs
(309) 636-5253
kenny_kate@cat.com

The Cat® 770 & 772 (Caterpillar Inc)

2007-12-27T23:57:00.002+07:00

The Cat® 770 & 772 have what it takes to complete more cycles per hour carrying more payload than previous models, yet they cost less to operate and maintain.

Moving More Per Hour

Moving More Per Hour
The potent C15 and C18 engines with integrated seven-speed, planetary power-shift transmission and torque converter always deliver maximum torque to the ground. Automatic Retarder Control improves cycle times by letting the truck travel up to 15 percent faster on downhill slopes, and an optional Compression Brake Increases downhill speeds by up to 35 percent. The precise steering of the kingpin suspension system also helps operators maneuver around the work site efficiently.

Reducing Costs
The ACERT Technology in the C15 and C18 Engines not only reduces emissions but also saves fuel in the process. A lock-up clutch provides superior fuel efficiency over the torque converter at higher speeds, and an on-demand hydraulic fan helps reduce parasitic engine loads that contribute to to fuel consumption.

Caterpillar has also put a great deal of effort into reducing service costs. The most important advancement in this area is the increased standard maintenance interval (from 250 to 500 hours), which significantly reduces downtime-as well as parts and labor expenses-over the course of a year. Daily and regular maintenance procedures have been simplified thanks to conveniences like easily accessible checkpoints, service lockout switches, ecology drains and an on-board QuickEvac system. The Next Generation Modular Radiator (NGMR) is easier to flush and can be removed in sections for faster servicing, and a simpler, symmetrical wheel station design also helps reduce service expenses.