Capital Equipment News January 2019

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

New Cat app for simplified, streamlined equipment data

Brokk, a leading manufacturer of re- mote-controlled demolition machines, has introduced the Brokk 170. With SmartPower – the company’s signature intelligent power management system – the new machine of- fers 15% more power than its predecessor, the Brokk 160, but retains the same compact dimensions. The Brokk 170 is one of four new next generation remote-controlled demolition machines Brokk is launching at World of Concrete 2019 at booth C4249 in Las Vegas. “Contractors work in some of the most confined spaces, and to get their jobs done successfully they can’t sacrifice power or safety,” says Martin Krupicka, president and CEO of Brokk Group. “That’s why maintain- ing the same footprint as the former model and boosting the machine’s power was a must. This new machine truly tests the limits of compact power.” The Brokk 170 incorporates the revolu- tionary new SmartConcept system, which ensures improved performance and uptime. SmartConcept comprises three features: SmartPower, SmartDesign and SmartRem- ote. SmartPower senses when the power supply is poor or faulty then compensates before damage to components occurs. This allows contractors to use the machine with Caterpillar has launched a mobile app de- signed to allow customers who spend their time in a truck, at the job site and on-the-go to take advantage of equipment telematics data. The new Cat App delivers simplified, streamlined data directly to mobile devices, helping customers monitor machine location and health, react faster to fault codes and maximise uptime. A culmination of a targeted voice-of-cus- tomer programme, the new Cat App is optimised for contractors who need to track critical machine operating data from the field. “App development included 150 customers and dealers from around the world to learn what they considered most important from their telematics data,” says Fred Rio, director of digital and technology for Caterpillar Construction Industries. “The vast majority of the feedback, regardless of brand, fell into three customer challenges: tracking machine hours and location, receiving equipment fault codes and managing maintenance without being tied to the computer back at the office.” This new mobile equipment management tool gives customers an easy way to monitor

their entire fleet, request parts and service and connect with their Cat dealer from the work site. The exact location of all equipment tracked by the app is displayed on the mobile device, along with the machine’s operating hours, health and utilisation data. It enables operations to get the most from their equip- ment by moving an under-utilised asset to precisely where it is needed most. Customisable push notifications alert Cat App users of machine operating condition, even if they don’t check into the app every day. Upcoming planned service indicators, based on machine operating hours, are sent to the user, so service can be scheduled for when it doesn’t impact production. Fault codes, such as engine alerts, provide warnings of critical service issues that need to be addressed before a downtime event occurs. The flexible app allows users to establish different thresholds for when an event notification is sent. b

Fault codes, such as engine alerts, provide warnings of critical service issues that need to be addressed before a downtime event occurs.

• App development included 150 customers and dealers • Cat App users can choose from 35 different languages • Can be downloaded from Apple iTunes or Google Play store

New Brokk 170 offers 15% more power

Bobcat Rental runs large skidsteer fleet in South Africa Whether it’s the economic climate or the desire to ensure business continuity throughout projects, Bobcat Rental gives the assurance of new, regularly-serviced plant that is ready to take on any job. “All our rental machines are serviced and repaired at our workshops at each branch to ensure maximum uptime, while equipment is replaced continuously to ensure business continuity for our clients,” says Vanessa Koszulinski, Bobcat Rental GM. The rental division procures new machines from Bobcat Equipment South Africa itself, and older machines are retired from the rental fleet in good working order, whereupon they are made available for sale, promoting the second-hand sales division in turn. Rental contracts are flexible in line with customers’ diverse requirements and applications. “Evergreen contracts are the most economical for our clients,” says Ko- szulinski, highlighting that Bobcat provides full maintenance and servicing of all units as part of its rental service. “All our rental machines are offered with operators, again ensuring maximum operability for clients.” Evergreen contracts are renewed auto-

generators or unreliable power sources. SmartDesign extends machine life and provides unprecedented ease of mainte- nance due to 70% fewer cables, hardened components, LED headlights and easily accessible grease points and hydraulic hoses. An ergonomic remote-control, the SmartRemote, incorporates adjustable straps, intuitive controls and profession- al-grade radio technology with a 300 m working range. b

The Brokk 170 incorporates new SmartConcept system, which ensures improved performance and uptime.

• Brokk 170 is equipped with a 205-kg BHB 205 hydraulic breaker • Delivers 406 joules with each blow. • The three-part arm extends to 4,8 m vertically and 4,4 m horizontally. • The machine features 360 degrees of continuous rotation for optimal versatility on the jobsite

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JANUARY 2019 30