Capital Equipment News November 2016

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

MERC SHOWS NEW OFF-ROAD VEHICLES AT IAA

Mercedes-Benz used the 66 th IAA Interna- tional Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles to present a cross-section of its wide range of two, three, and four-axle chassis, trac- tor units and tippers for the construction industry and ancillary trades. The range of models on show featured a wealth of tech- nical innovations and customer-oriented advancements. The centrepiece was the Arocs – the specialist construction vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. It is available with two, three or four axles, with drive configurations from 4x2 to 8x8. With versions ranging from the Arocs Loader tractor unit and concrete mixer for on-road use to the Arocs Grounder for frequent off-road use, it covers all the bases for building contractors. Meanwhile, the latest generation of heavy- duty OM 470 and OM 471 diesel engines are now available as standard for the Mercedes- Benz Arocs, too. The OM 936 and OM 473 engine families remain part of the line-up. New flagship versions include the Arocs “46” models with 335 kW (460 hp/2200 Nm) OM 470 and the “53” models with 390 kW (530 hp/2600 Nm), powered by the latest generation of the OM 471. Both six-cylinder in-line common-rail engines Bell launches new L-series TLB Bell Equipment has launched its new L-Se- ries Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB). Though regarded as an entry-level machine for gen-

have been optimised by implementing a raft of technical measures for even lower fuel consumption and improved performance characteristics. Examples include the new X-Pulse injection system with enhanced pressure boosting, an asymmetrical exhaust gas turbocharger produced in-house at Mercedes-Benz and the use of new low- friction engine oils. When paired with the Mercedes-Benz PowerShift transmissions, which have been further optimised in terms of efficiency, the new six-cylinder engines can reduce fuel consumption and therefore carbon emissions by up to 3%. For low-body applications with an overall height below that of the Arocs cab roof, ap- plications with roof recesses such as timber or crane transporters, as well as applications on routes with limited headroom due to low bridges or height restrictions at construction site or yard entrances, the Mercedes-Benz Arocs is now also available with a lower driver’s cab. The M and L versions of the new ClassicSpace LowRoof cab with a width of 2 300 mm feature an all-new design in the roof area. It is 100 mm lower than the ClassicSpace cab and will bridge the gap between the ClassicSpace cab and the

The new Mercedes-Benz Uptime service increases vehicle availability.

26 mm lower CompactSpace cab. Features that enhance comfort and enhance resale value include the new- ly introduced SoloStar-Concept for the Mercedes-Benz Arocs StreamSpace and Big- Space cabs. Numerous configuration options in the cab allow a combination of workplace and comfortable, generously proportioned living and sleeping quarters. b pletely sealed to protect against moisture, dust and debris. The SSM comes standard with keyless start and a machine-security system, which requires a passcode to pre- vent unauthorised operation of the TLB. To boost productivity, the new L-series TLB has improved cab ergonomics, making the operator’s workspace even more us- er-friendly. “An enhanced Loader control grip has a new ergonomic design that in- tegrates fingertip controls into the grip for ease of use. Additionally a multi-function lever has been introduced on the steering column to control lights, wipers and indi- cators to create a feel more like a modern car, keeping the operator focused on his surrounds while operating in the Loader po- sition,” says Oldridge. In keeping with proven concepts from the very first Bell TLBs, the L-series retains its unitised mainframe and excavator-style boxed structures which are light weight to provide maximum rigidity and structur- al integrity for the life of the machine. A welcome enhancement is the addition of external shimming of the stabiliser legs to reduce machine movement and improve accuracy during backhoe operation. b

eral earthworks, the newly launched Bell L-series TLB is said to come with a wide range of features often found on much larg- er and more sophisticated equip- ment.

Driven by a John Deere Pow- erTech engine, the 315SL has a top speed of 40km/h when travelling to a jobsite. The five-speed Power- Shift transmission provides smooth shifting and reliable performance with on-the-fly all-wheel drive en- gagement. These features, togeth- er with the standard limited-slip differential on the front axle and fully locking differential on the rear, deliver greater tractive effort and overall 4WD performance. The rear differential lock protection can also be enabled through the machine’s monitor, which prevents potential damage from rear differential lock engagement at high speeds. According to Dale Oldridge, Bell product manager, the Sealed Switch Module (SSM) in the cab offers a central location for the machine’s functions and is com-

The Bell 315SL is an entry-level machine ideal for general earthworks.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 8