Capital Equipment News February 2022

Caterpillar’s motor graders feature an optional air suspension seat

Easier operation helps keep contracts on track Chaffardon says Caterpillar’s motor graders feature an optional air suspension seat and heating and cooling system to improve operator comfort. A rear-view camera option is also available. “The optional Digital Blade Slope Meter on our graders displays the grade on the screen without relying on manual grade checkers and the torque converter eliminates the need for an inching pedal, making the machine easier to operate with no risk of stalling,” he says. Ergonomics for efficient and produc- tive sites Graders by John Deere feature dual-joystick controls to help reduce operator fatigue by eliminating twisting wrist motion. The new-generation cab, says Makgate, provides optimal view of the blade. Meanwhile, the SANY SMG200 is equipped with adjustable suspension seat, air-conditioning with heater, LED work lights and a rear camera. “The Sany SMG200 is a powerful and reliable grader, but without all the extraneous equipment that adds unnecessary complexity and cost. Its super-friendly price tag renders it the best value for money,” he says. It is evident that South African civil- engineering contractors and builders, mines and farms are spoilt for choice when it comes to motor grader technology. Suppliers of this equipment are responding to the demands of high-performance worksites where efficiency and productivity are key through to less onerous applications where durability and price are more important considerations when purchasing graders. b

The 885B model motor grader from CASE Construction features a multi-radius moldboard design which improves blade life

pump adjusts the displacement based on the cylinder load to reduce power consumption. On the SMG200, the unique enclosed circle is maintenance-free and delivers an ultra-long service life of 10 000 hours. “The radiator fan on this machine is hydraulically controlled and can adjust its revolutions automatically according to the actual temperature, so reducing energy consumption and noise,” says Wei. He says the fan can also reverse rotate automatically at intervals to achieve improved cooling. Superior fuel economy and streamlined maintenance Forte says the Tier 3 Fiat Power Train Technologies’ engine on the Case Construction 885B grader is a 6,7 ℓ workhorse offering superior fuel economy coupled with a variable power curve innovation allowing for better fuel consumption. “A key selling point is the streamlined maintenance with easy access panels and ground level serviceability.” Managing operator fatigue for improved productivity and safety on sites He says the new models by CASE feature ergonomically designed operator stations with eight variable settings on the operator seat allowing for comfort and a wider cab view with 360° visibility from the seat. Optional cameras can be installed to further enhance operator visibility. The front articulation on CASE’s graders allows the operator to view the blade section from the seat without having to stand in the cab. “These features, along with the massive rear-mounted cab design, allow operators to minimise muscle and neck fatigue as they do not have to constantly look over their shoulders or back and forth.”

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