Volvo CE in Field Trials for Excavator System That Cuts Energy Losses
A Volvo Construction Equipment team from Sweden and South Korea has been quietly working with Finnish company Norrhydro to develop an electro-hydraulic system that promises to drastically cut energy losses and improve fuel efficiency in its excavators.
In a manner similar to common rail fuel systems, all the excavator’s work functions are connected to a hydraulic accumulator via a common pressure rail and two or more pressure lines. These accumulators recover kinetic energy and peak power supply that is normally lost in a conventional system. For cylinder-driven work, “smart actuators” convert hydraulic power to variable force and speed. Energy recovery through the system also boosts the performance and efficiency of the machine’s swing function.
All this energy efficiency translates into a smaller engine and cooling system doing the same work as a larger system, which ultimately results in more work done for less fuel and fewer greenhouse gasses. Additionally, with greater power on tap, cycle times can be shortened, for example when loading a truck, which contributes overall efficiency to the work and cost benefits to the contractor.
Volvo is currently conducting customer trials in the field, and it is expected to accelerate the introduction of the system across Volvo CE’s large excavator platform, with availability coming in the near future. The new electro-hydraulic system is part of Volvo’s e-mobility program to increase fuel efficiency and reach the Volvo’s ultimate goal of net-zero emissions operations.
Contractor Faces $1.35M in Fines After 2 Die in Dump Truck Incident
A Boston area contractor faces $1.35 million in penalties following the death of two workers who were hit by a dump truck and then fell into a 9-foot-deep excavation, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The trenching, excavation and underground construction contractor was cited with 28 violations. OSHA also used its “egregious citation policy” to propose additional penalties due to the company’s history of infractions and the severity of the incident, the agency said. The policy enables OSHA to issue a separate financial penalty for each of the 28 violations.
OSHA said the contractor had been fined for 14 previous violations for a total of $81,242. However, $73,542 of those fines were unpaid and referred to debt collection. OSHA is also investigating another incident involving alleged excavation violations on August 13 on a utilities project in East Boston.
Atlantic Coast Utilities/Advanced Utilities of Wayland, Massachusetts, was the contractor on a sewer repair project in downtown Boston on February 24 when Jordy Alexander Castaneda Romero, 27, and Juan Carlos Figueroa Gutierrez, 33, died. OSHA says the penalties also affect predecessor company Shannon Construction Corporation, owner Laurence Moloney and successor company Sterling Excavation. Sterling was also the contractor on the August 13 project being investigated.
“While two families still mourn the loss of their loved ones, this employer has ignored safety violations, failed to pay fines and shown a total disregard for the safety of its employees,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health James Frederick. “OSHA will use every enforcement and legal tool available to hold scofflaw companies such as this and their owners accountable.”
OSHA issues citations
On February 24, Romero and Gutierrez were working on an emergency sewer repair project when an Atlantic Coast Utilities dump truck struck them while backing up and caused them to fall into the excavation.
Emergency responders found them in the hole, and they were pronounced dead on the scene.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating the incident.
The bulk of the proposed financial penalties, which total $1,350,884, were related to failing to train workers on excavation and road work hazards.
“When you fail to train your employees properly, you deny them the most valuable tool they can have, knowledge. Knowledge to do their work correctly and safely, knowledge to understand the hazards that accompany their job and knowledge of how to identify and eliminate those hazards before they injure, sicken or kill workers,” said OSHA Acting Regional Administrator Jeffrey Erskine in Boston.
OSHA also issued the following safety and health violations for the incident:
Inadequate cave-in protection. Failing to protect workers from potentially hazardous gases in the excavation. Repeat violation for workers in a trench where the pavement has been undermined.Ladder did not extend at least 3 feet above street level.No inspections program for worksites.Traffic control measures did not meet standards.Defects had not been corrected on dump truck before incident.Workers were not wearing high-visibility vests.Failure to properly document and report the two deaths to OSHA.
D.C. DOT Opens Triple-Arch Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
Vehicles can now travel the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., marking the end of the largest construction project in the District Department of Transportation’s history.
Work began in 2018 on the triple-arch bridge over the Anacostia River. It replaces a 70-year-old bridge to provide an updated link between Maryland and D.C. It is part of a program to improve safety and traffic on the I-295/D.C. 295 corridor. The next phase involves reconstructing the Suitland Parkway/I-295 interchange.
A year ago, the city celebrated the last piece of the final arch being placed. The new bridge is 100 feet parallel to the old bridge, which has been traveled by 77,000 vehicles a day, mostly of Maryland commuters to D.C. It was deemed to be functionally obsolete. All traffic had been shifted from the old bridge to the new one by September 12.
The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., being prepared for its opening.District Department of TransportationAlong with the arches, features on the new bridge include four pedestrian overlooks and two piers that appear to float on the river. Six lanes of traffic now span the bridge, as well as new biking and walking paths.
The contractor for the new bridge consists of a joint venture of Archer Western Construction and Granite Construction companies. AECOM is the lead designer, and HNTB is assisting the District Department of Transportation with program and construction management.
Check out this DDOT video of the final arch piece being installed:
CMSBrowserComponents.load({ el: ‘#vue-1631567026295-618’, name: ‘OEmbed’, props: {“mountPoint”:”/__oembed”,”url”:”https://youtu.be/zPzxs1Ausg4″,”attrs”:{“type”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://youtu.be/zPzxs1Ausg4″,”element”:”aside”}}, hydrate: false });
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=250
When a Compact Loader Just Won’t Do: Wheel Loaders Still Hold Sway on Jobsite
Though compact loaders continue to gain in popularity, standard wheel loaders are still a staple on the jobsite, thanks to their heavy-duty loading abilities.
But just as their compact equivalents are becoming more versatile and adding new technology, so too are these trusty workhorses.
The newest models are coming with such features as obstacle detection, tablet-like touchscreen displays and a variety of attachments.
Juston Thompson, senior product manager, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, says machines up to 3.5 cubic yards are more likely to be used with attachments such as mulchers, buckets with thumbs or grapples, and rakes. “Compared to compact equipment, small- to mid-size wheel loaders offer more capacity in these applications,” he says.
And speaking of buckets, one manufacturer has even come out with a “transparent” one, using advanced technology that enables the operator views into the typical blind spots.
For customers considering a wheel loader in addition to or instead of a compact loader, John Dotto, product application and training specialist, Wacker Neuson, suggests three key considerations:
First, is the wheel loader compatible with the attachment now in use or projected for future use?
Two, can you trailer a wheel loader, which is likely longer, wider and taller than a skid steer?
Three, given that the learning curve to operate a wheel loader is shorter than for a skid steer or compact track loader, is that an advantage for your operation? If you have frequent turnover and often have lesser-skilled operators, the relative simplicity of a wheel loader can be a real advantage.
Here’s a look at the latest models and features from some of the top manufacturers:
Cat’s new models
The new Cat 980 and 982 have Cat Payload, which includes low-lift-weigh and manual tip-off functions. Optional Cat Advanced Payload adds Lists-Management, Multitask- and Manual-Add Modes and Tip-off assist.
The 980 XE and 982 XE models have continuously variable transmissions, the first in this size class. The design uses a direct mechanical path from the engine to the wheels with a Hystat variator and can improve fuel efficiency up to 35%.
The 980 and 982 models have 1,000-hour maintenance intervals. Remote Troubleshoot allows remote diagnostics, while Remote Flash ensures machines are running the most up-to-date software. Customers can install updates at the best time for their operations through the Cat Remote Services Web Portal.
With Autodig, the entire bucket loading cycle can be automated, while Autodig with Auto Set Tires can significantly reduce tire slip.
Doosan’s “transparent bucket”
Cabs on the new -7 Series machines from Doosan have 14% more glass, improved HVAC airflow and an adjustable 8-inch monitor with integrated rear-camera view.
All Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders have the same cab layout with important and frequently used controls relocated for more intuitive access, a standard variable-speed, reversible fan that is adjustable from the Doosan Smart Touch screen, an optional automatic lubrication system and the Doosan Smart Guidance System that helps operators improve their efficiency.DoosanDoosan’s Situation Awareness Technology (SAT) 2.0 monitors multiple systems to provide optimal performance and fuel efficiency. The operator can tap a button or push the accelerator past a detent to move up one mode (Economy to Normal or Normal to Power).
Doosan’s Transparent Bucket uses one camera mounted low on the frame and a second mounted high on the cab. Software stitches together the two views to enhance visibility in front of the bucket. The system also has object detection.
Transparent Bucket can be retrofitted to existing machines with a kit that includes a monitor and an electronics module that interfaces with the loader’s CAN bus.
“Doosan is working toward our Concept-X integration and automation of the worksite,” says Aaron Kleingartner, dealer and product marketing manager, Doosan Infracore North America. “Our Transparent Bucket feature fits right in with that.”
Customer feedback drives Case updates
Case G Series loaders have updated features including a tablet-like touchscreen display, configurable buttons in the armrest, adjustable electrohydraulic controls and a fully integrated OEM payload system that improves load accuracy and provides detailed reporting.
Case G Series loaders have a new touchscreen display that provides machine information and convenient access to operational controls, a new Smart Power Mode with enhanced communication between the engine and transmission to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear, and enhanced telematics and integration with the Case North American Uptime Center.Case CEAlso new is the tire pressure monitoring system that shows pressures on the display and issues an alert for out-of-range readings. Power modes have been reduced to two: Smart and Max.
“These features came from feedback from customers and dealers,” says Andrew Dargatz, product manager, Case. “The result is increased productivity and uptime with decreased operational elements that hinder performance and profitability.”
Mecalac goes bigger
The AS1600 swing loader has been Mecalac’s only non-compact model. The company is now bringing its larger AS210 swing loader to North America.
The AS210 is Mecalac’s largest swing loader. Bucket capacity range is 2.7 to 3.9 cubic yards. Operating weight is 33,069 pounds. It is powered by a Deutz turbo diesel engine rated at 175 horsepower. Dump height is 134 inches. Turning radius is 16 feet 4 inches, thanks to four-wheel steering.MecalacThe appearance of the AS210 is unlike other Mecalac models, more angular and less flowing. “It was always intended to be a machine for heavier-duty applications, and it looks the part,” says Peter Bigwood, general manager, Mecalac North America.
As with other Mecalac swing loaders, the AS210 provides 90 degrees of loader swing left and right, has a non-articulated frame, and three-mode, four-wheel steering.
“The AS210 brings extra capacity to applications where the swing design is especially helpful such as backfilling and road jobs where it reduces the need for lane closures,” Bigwood says.
Deere’s three tiers
Deere is introducing its performance tiering strategy with wheel loaders. The G, P and X tier progress from basic, economical machines through machines with improved performance and comfort to machines with the latest features and technology Deere offers.
The 644 is the first John Deere wheel loader to be available in G, P and X tiers. The 644 X and P machines are now available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada; the 644 G machine is available in Canada and other global markets. Bucket capacities for the P and X tier machines are 4 to 4.75 cubic yards. (4.25 cubic yards G tier). Net power is 249 horsepower for the P and 231 for the X (227 horsepower for G tier).John DeereAs with its predecessors the 644K and 644L, the current 644 is an E-Drive hybrid with an engine-driven generator, an inverter, an electric motor and a PowerShift transmission specially optimized for use with the hybrid design. The 944K is also an E-Drive machine but uses four electric wheel motors.
Current Deere models 444 through 744 will be available in G, P and X tiers. “Those are recent models with no need for extensive modification to fit into Deere’s new tier structure,” says Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager, Deere.
Komatsu’s transmission advancements
“Most wheel loaders are used as loaders and are designed to feed a process,” says Nathan Repp, product marketing manager of Komatsu’s WA200-8 through WA320-8. “However, all Komatsu loaders have optional auxiliary hydraulics for use with attachments and specialty buckets.”
The Komatsu WA475-10 has 22% more horsepower than the WA470-8 yet achieves up to 30% better fuel efficiency, thanks to the Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission. KHMT also offers dynamic braking to reduce brake wear. Boom lift force is increased by 20% and breakout force by 8%. The new bucket design improves pile penetration and material retention.KomatsuAdam Brown, product marketing manager for Komatsu models WA320-8 through WA500-8, says the WA475-10 is the first of a new design and features the Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission. The KHMT is a planetary gear design and provides stepless shifting. A dial sets a maximum travel speed while allowing full stroke of the accelerator for more precise control.
Other improvements include better ergonomics for the controls and switches, more glass area in the cab, and placement of the mirrors and rearview camera monitor at eye level.
Hyundai’s All-Around View
Hyundai HL900 series loaders have standard bucket capacities of 3 to 7.1 cubic yards. All models are available with standard or extended reach (XT) Z-bar linkage configuration. The HL940TM and HL955TM Tool Master models use a parallel linkage for greater lift capacity, improved load stability, rapid dumping capability and enhanced visibility.HyundaiHyundai Construction Equipment Americas’ A Series loaders feature enhanced onboard weighing that displays what’s in the bucket plus what’s in the truck. Names and target loads can be assigned to individual trucks.
An optional second monitor can be dedicated to the 360-degree, four-camera All-Around View Monitoring (AAVM) feature. The rearview system includes object detection. An optional radar further enhances safety.
Liebherr camera technology
The L580 features Liebherr’s XPower continuous power split driveline. XPower is fully automatic and has no traction interruptions across the entire speed range (up to 24.9 mph forward and reverse). Power is from an inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 312 horsepower. Bucket capacity is 7.5 cubic yards, and operating weight is up to 63,490 pounds.LiebherrOptional Active Personnel Detection is now available on Liebherr wheel loaders to monitor the area behind the loader.
Brake assistant uses camera technology and distinguishes between people and inanimate objects. Warnings can be evaluated using LiDAT, Liebherr’s telematics system.
Optional joystick steering is available, and customers can opt for joystick steering only, with no steering wheel or column.
LiuGong’s gradual rollout
“Demand for new applications started coming in late 2018,” says Hugo Chang, wheel loader product manager, LiuGong North America.
All LiuGong wheel loaders have third-spool hydraulics. Smaller models are plumbed to the end of the loader arms because they use quick connects, which require hydraulics.
The LiuGong 848H is powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 engine rated at 175 horsepower and has a ZF powershift transmission. Operating weight is 35,260 pounds, and bucket capacity is 3.5 cubic yards. Switching attachments is easy with the quick coupler, and the Z-bar linkage yields high breakout forces and stable material transport with minimal spillage.LiuGongLarger machines, which use pin-on buckets, are plumbed to a midpoint on the arms. Pilot controls are used for lift and tilt while an electrohydraulic thumbwheel controls the third valve. The company’s two largest models, the 877H and 890H, are fully electrohydraulic.
Chang says new model introductions usually coincide with emerging emissions regulations. Their current Tier 4 Final models came to market in 2016 and are being replaced with European Stage V machines. Because there is no U.S. equivalent to Stage V – that is, no Tier 5 – there is no deadline for introduction and therefore no urgency to bring these models to market.
“This gradual rollout allows us to implement the change to best benefit LiuGong, our dealers and our customers,” says Chang. “All our North America wheel loaders will likely be Stage V machines by 2023.”
Volvo boom kickout, return-to-dig
Boom kickout and return-to-dig are key features on Volvo loaders. Boom kickout height is set by the operator and is operated with a single stroke of the lever.
Volvo Construction Equipment is making its Load Assist machine control compatible with wheel loaders from the L60H to the L350H, including the L220H shown. Load Assist apps are operated via the Volvo Co-Pilot through the in-cab, 10-inch, high-resolution monitor. Calculator, Notes and Weather are called Toolbox Applications; tire pressure monitoring is also included. The Map app gives machine position and inter-machine telecommunication to provide real-time site activity.Volvo CE“It’s especially helpful when loading trucks at the same height for extended periods of time,” says Eric Yeomans, product manager for wheel loaders, Volvo CE North America.
Return-to-dig puts the bucket at the same position, again with a single lever stroke. Control sensitivity can be set to Soft, Normal or Active.
Lockup characteristics of Volvo models L110H through L260H can be set by the operator using OptiShift. The new lockup torque converter coupled with Volvo’s Reverse By Braking feature provides smoother directional changes, less driveline strain and greater fuel efficiency.
Wacker Neuson eases attachment switches
The largest Wacker Neuson articulated loader, the WL95, has a 2-cubic-yard bucket, 136-horsepower engine and Ecospeed PRO continuously variable hydrostatic transmission providing travel speeds of up to 24.8 mph. Flow to attachments can be easily adjusted using a jog dial. The articulation joint and pendulum rear axle provide a 96.5-inch inside turning radius with optimal traction.Wacker NeusonWacker Neuson puts a universal skid-style plate on smaller loaders, allowing attachments to be changed from the operator’s seat.
As the name suggests, this mounting plate is compatible with a range of attachments and work tools used with skid steer and compact track loaders.
Electrical and hydraulic connectors are standardized across Wacker Neuson models to further enhance compatibility.
Hitachi offers control options
Michael Winfield, product and applications manager, Hitachi Construction Machinery America (HCMA), says control configuration options vary by model. They can include three-spool control valve with multifunction and auxiliary levers; three-spool with two levers; four-spool with multifunction and auxiliary joystick; and four-spool with two levers and two auxiliary levers.
Key features on the Hitachi ZW220-6 include lift arm auto lever that allows the operator to set boom kickout via the multifunction screen, joystick steering, parallel/tandem hydraulics for more efficient lifting and dumping and a shift-to-hold switch that overrides automatic settings and allows the operator to hold the transmission in its current gear.HitachiApproach Speed Control automatically increases lift-arm speed while maintaining drive speed, and Intuitive Rim Pull Control provides additional power as required to boost breakout force in digging applications. Torque proportioned differentials minimize wheel slippage.
HCMA features also include ground-level-accessible grease points and an automatic reversible cooling fan and wide-fin cooling core.
Yanmar adds comfort
The V12 is Yanmar’s biggest wheel loader. Bucket capacity if from 1.57 to 2.35 cubic yards. Operating weight of this 100-horsepower loader is 15,432 pounds. A quick coupler is standard as is joystick control with third and fourth control circuit in one hand. Both axles have automatic-locking differentials. Hydrostatic drive provides infinitely variable speed control forward and reverse as well as an inching pedal.YanmarYanmar has one model in this size class, the V12. Its rubber-mounted cab includes HVAC, extra high-back suspension seating with lumbar support and two doors for easy access.
The joystick provides third- and fourth-spool controls. A central lubrication system is available.
Takeuchi focuses on owner-operators
Takeuchi also has one model in this range, the TW95. Features include a cab with air-ride suspension seating, two-speed travel and an inching pedal.
Top travel speed is nearly 25 mph; the inching pedal maintains engine speed while metering travel speed.
The Takeuchi TW95 is powered by a Deutz TCD 3.6 liter inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 114 horsepower. Differentials are 100% locking; 12 degrees of center pin oscillation allows equipment movement while keeping the operator’s station stable. Hydrostatic drive provides up to 24.8 mph travel speed and dynamic braking, slowing the loader as the operator backs off the throttle. Linkage is Z-bar for greater breakout and loader arm forces.TakeuchiStandard automation features include boom height kickout, return-to-dig and automatic bucket positioning.
“We make all our wheel loaders comfortable and easy to operate since many are purchased by owner-operators,” says Lee Padgett, product manager.
Cummins: Check the Health of Your Engines Anytime, Anyplace
Given that engines are the main focus of heavy equipment maintenance, it only makes sense to stay connected to them with the latest telematics.
That’s why Cummins has announced that its connected engine solutions are now integrated with some of the top telematics providers including Topcon, Trimble, Saucon and TelliQ.
Cummins Connected Solutions offers two telematics applications for off-highway machines; Connected Diagnostics and Connected Software Updates. Both improve operating performance, boost asset utilization and uptime, increase efficiency and reduce costs.
By wirelessly connecting engines to enable continuous monitoring and diagnosis of system faults, site managers can make informed decisions on whether to stop machine operation or continue to the end of the shift when fault codes appear. Diagnostics also enable managers to understand how long they have before an issue is likely to cause a breakdown or critical failure. This maximizes uptime by making sure the correct parts, tools, and technician can be slotted into the maintenance schedule and resolve issues with minimal disruptions.
Connected Software Updates deliver over-the-air engine software updates and product enhancements to Cummins Performance Series engines from anywhere, using integrated telematics systems and over-the-air connectivity services. This eliminates the need for on-site technician visits typically associated with this task. ECMs can be calibrated while the equipment is on site, using as little as five minutes of stationary downtime.
Cummins recognizes that a number of Cummins engine customers have their own telematics capability and has designed their digital applications to integrate with customer systems as well. This ensures that the OEM and Cummins telematics feeds can be accessed on one web portal via a single interface. OEMs that don’t have a telematics system of their own, can select one of the telematics service providers that Cummins is working with to gain easy access to all the J1939 public data to manage the engines in their machines.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=234
Quick Data: What’s Happening with Used Wheel Loaders?
There’s the usual cast of players when looking at auction results during the past 12 months.
Caterpillar dominated the wheel loader auction pricing for the 12-month period of Sept. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2021, according to Randall-Reilly’s Top Bid auction price guide.
In total, there were 428 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time. (This does not include any units that sold for less than $5,000.)
To make this a bit more interesting, we’re including two charts that highlight which wheel loader models generated the highest prices on the auction block: one featuring the top Cat models and one showing the top non-Cat models.
For the Cat models, a 2019 Cat 966M with 730 hours had the top spot, selling for $370,000 at a Ritchie Bros auction in Denver, Colorado on Mar. 3.
The Cat wheel loader chart also shows a curiosity, especially in this day of equipment shortages: a 6-hour, 2021 Cat 926M that sold Aug.10th at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Equipment World
Looking at the non-Cat wheel loader chart, auction prices start at $196,000 and the models tend to have more hours an average of 5,533 hours, compared with the 1,036-hour average of the top Cat models.
Two Volvo models garnered top prices: a 2018 L180H with 6,241 hours, which sold for $196,000 at an IronPlanet sale on Jun. 6th and a 2016 Volvo L250H with 5,702 hours, which sold for $180,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Fort Worth, Texas, on Jul. 20th.
Deere models made the most appearances on the non-Cat chart, ranging from a $165,000 2016 Deere 624K at Hunyady Auction sale in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to a 2017 Deere 844III with 7,632 hours that sold for $142,500 at the Ritchie Bros. Orlando sale in February.
Financed used sales
Cat also took the top position in financed used wheel loader sales from Jan. 1-Jun. 30 this year, as reported by EDA. Approximately 31% of total loaders sold were Cat, followed by Deere (25%), Case (13%) and Komatsu (13%).
Equipment World
Top used unit financed sales went to the Cat 938M at 124 units sold, followed by the Case 921F (103 units) and the Deere 544K (also 103 units). 
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=230
Work to Widen and Upgrade One of Wisconsin’s Busiest Highways Begins
Work has begun on widening one of the busiest highways in Wisconsin.
The I-43 North-South Freeway provides a link in the southeastern section of the state between the Milwaukee area, Chicago and Green Bay. The 50-year-old freeway has exceeded its design life, says the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The project, estimated to cost $551.3 million, involves widening 14 miles from four to six lanes between Glendale and Grafton in Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties. Other planned improvements include reconstructing five interchanges and replacing a railroad bridge over the freeway in Glendale.
The freeway handles 49,000 vehicles a day near Grafton to 85,460 vehicles a day near Glendale, leading to “regular and significant congestion,” WisDOT says. That traffic is expected to increase to 65,000 and 112,500, respectively, by 2040.
Along with alleviating congestion, the project is designed to address pavement and structural needs, safety issues, bridge clearances, driver visibility and merging and weaving distances.
The project will also include a diverging diamond interchange at I-43 and WIS 100 and a new interchange at Highland Road.
Work zone preparations began last month. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2024, according to WisDOT.
A map and schedule of the I-43 North-South Freeway expansion project, in which work zone preparation began in August.Wisconsin DOT
Brent Spence Bridge Emergency Repair, 5 Other Road Projects Win Awards
Six road projects, including the emergency repair of the Brent Spence Bridge after it was damaged in a fiery tractor trailer crash, have won awards from the Mid America Association of Transportation Officials.
The awards are part of the run-up to the America’s Transportation Awards. The winning road projects are as follows:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Brent Spence Bridge Emergency Repair Project (Operations Excellence, Small category)
The Indiana Department of Transportation opened the Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge on June 15, 2020, in Martinsville. Replacing a section of four-lane State Road 37, the bridge gives drivers and pedestrians a safe connection to neighborhoods, schools and businesses.Indiana Department of TransportationIndiana Department of Transportation — Grand Valley Boulevard Bridge (Quality of Life/Community Development, Small category—TIE)
The Ohio Department of Transportation’s $27 million rehabilitation project for the Charles Berry Memorial Bridge in Lorain provided needed mechanical updates that increased the bascule bridge’s safety.Ohio Department of TransportationOhio Department of Transportation — Charles Berry Memorial Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation (Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium category)
Originally designed as a toll road in the 1960s but toll booths were never installed, the Turner Diagonal Interchange in Kansas City had three miles of obsolete and hazardous ramps. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s $30.3 million project increased safety and economic development.Kansas DOTKansas Department of Transportation — Turner Diagonal Project (Operations Excellence, Medium category)
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation began work on a $410.5 million upgrade of I-94 South Freeway that passes through Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties that improved safety and saved time and money by using techniques such as placing ground heaters to control frost so construction could continue in the colder months.Wisconsin DOTWisconsin Department of Transportation — I-94 North South Freeway Project (Operations Excellence, Large category)
Interstate 255 in Metro East ranked as one of the worst roads in the state until the Illinois Department of Transportation’s $67 million rehabilitation. The project included bridge repairs, resurfacing, better highway lighting, and guardrail, safety and drainage upgrades.Illinois DOTIllinois Department of Transportation — Remaking I-255 in the Metro East (Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Medium category)
This is the third of four regional contests within the national America’s Transportation Awards competition. The three highest-scoring projects from each regional competition earn a place on a “Top 12” list of projects, which will compete for the Grand Prize – selected by an independent panel of industry judges – and the People’s Choice Award, chosen by the public through online voting.
The top two winners also receive $10,000 cash awards, to be donated to a charity or scholarship of the state DOT’s choosing.
The “Top 12 finalists” vying for the Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards will be announced this month, with online voting for the People’s Choice award beginning at the same time.
The winners of both Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards will be announced in October at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in San Diego.
The awards are sponsored by AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=223
Slash, Rip, Rake and Grab with These 13 Attachments for Clearing Land
When it comes time to slash and grab, check out these 13 construction equipment attachments for clearing land.
Our product roundup includes a variety of brush and forestry cutters for chopping through thick vegetation and small trees with your construction equipment.
Then when it’s time to clean out the felled debris, several types of rakes and grapples for excavators, compact equipment and dozers can help you tackle the job.
Mowing and Mulching
John Deere’s RX72 and RX84 rotary cutters are designed for heavy-duty vegetation management, including property maintenance and right-of-way clearing. They are compatible with large-frame Deere skid steer and compact track loaders. Each model uses a skid steer coupler interface to mount to the carrier. They are equipped with high-flow hydraulics and a severe-duty door. The motors have a direct drive bearing for higher efficiency and extended durability. The blade carrier is designed for faster startup and recovery time.
The Bobcat BrushcatBobcatThe Brushcat rotary cutter from Bobcat can mulch branches and saplings up to 3 inches in diameter, as well as cut through thick grass and brush. It is designed to follow the contours of the ground for a clean, even cut, including on slopes. High-flow models are available for brush-cutting jobs that require extra torque, such as clearing construction sites and controlling brush and undergrowth. The cutter operates while moving forward or in reverse. Features include an offset dual motor and blade and a short deck for visibility and tight turning.
Case mulching headCase CECase’s mulching head for the company’s skid steers and compact track loaders features a two-speed motor that automatically adjusts motor displacement to maximize rotor speed and torque to the material load. The mulcher comes standard in a high-flow configuration but can be converted at dealerships to “enhanced high flow” for machines of 90 horsepower and up. It comes standard with double-carbide teeth. A Samurai knife tool for finer chip sizes is optional. A deflector is also an available option for containing and fine-cutting debris.
Eterra Typhoon Clearing MowerEterraThe Eterra Typhoon Clearing Mower for skid steers and compact track loaders is designed to be an industrial grade cutter for a lower price. It features a large, heavy drive system to achieve professional grade performance. The blade bar is a double-reverse diamond shape for easy startup and to deliver a powerful spinning action while maintaining moderate mulching ability. The blade holder is made of 1-inch-thick T1 structural steel that has been laser cut and computer numerical control machined.
JCB forestry cutting headJCBJCB’s forestry cutting head can cut down trees up to 8 inches in diameter, as well as shred and mulch them. Operators of skid steers and compact track loaders can control material discharge speed and material size from the cab with the hydraulic, adjustable deflector door. An in-line hydraulic oil cooler reduces heat in the hydraulic system. Available in a 60-inch-wide cutting width, the cutting head runs on a high-output variable-displacement piston motor with a self-aligning belt. A heavy-duty adjustable push bar helps topple trees and protects the carrier machine.
Ammbusher AC AC720 Brush CutterPremier AttachmentsPremier Attachment’s Ammbusher AC720 Brush Cutter is made for high-flow skid steers clearing medium to heavy brush and hardwoods up to 8 inches in diameter. It can handle road right-of-way, pipeline maintenance, forestry and land management operations. The 2,400-pound AC720 can cut, mulch, shred and grind brush and trees. Features include a hydraulic pressure gauge for the operator to monitor the cutting load, four ¾-inch-thick blades, and spindle interrupters to prevent wire, twine and vegetation from wrapping around the drive shaft.
Takeuchi Fixed-Tooth Forestry MulcherTakeuchiTakeuchi’s Fixed-Tooth Forestry Mulcher is available for compact track loaders with flow rates of 16 to 55 gallons per minute. It comes in widths of 69 to 83 inches. It can also be equipped with Takeuchi IQ, an intelligent speed-management system that helps maintain rotor speed and prevents stalling. It also allows operators to calibrate the mulcher to the CTL with the touch of a button; no tools are required. A protruding rotor lets the mulcher process more material without dragging it. An enclosed-door drive prevents dirt from entering the machine’s service area.
Woods Equipment TurfKeeper Pro MowerWoods EquipmentThe TurfKeeper Pro is Woods Equipment’s premium-duty rear-mount finish mower for tractors of 15 to 50 PTO horsepower. It comes ready for quick hitch and has an improved driveline holder for ease of attachment. It also features new high-lift blades, under-deck baffling and a wider discharge outlet. It is available in cutting widths of 60, 72 or 84 inches. Other new features include belt shields that attach by thumbscrew with no tools required and ductile iron sheaves for better belt grip. It has a gearbox warranty of six years.
Raking and Grabbing
Berlon Root Rake GrappleBerlonThe Berlon Root Rake Grapple is designed for mini skid steers, also known as compact utility loaders, and compact tractors. It can be used to clean up brush and debris, pull out vines and remove the upper root layer to prepare the ground for seed or sod. It is designed to be lightweight and durable. Its reinforced 3/8-inch tines are spaced 8 inches apart. The end tines are serrated for grabbing small logs. The grapple opens 50 inches wide for handling large loads. Cylinders are protected and hoses are enclosed to reduce maintenance.
Danuser Multi-Purpose GrappleDanuserDanuser’s Multi-Purpose Grapple expands the use of pallet forks for carrying such items as logs, rocks, brush and debris. It can be pinned in an upright position, allowing for normal pallet fork use without having to remove the grapple from the frame. No tools are required for this. Other features include a heavy-duty rail-style frame that supports up to 6,000 pounds, 48-inch-long tines with 3,500- or 5,500-pound capacity and skid steer and front-end loader mounting options. It delivers up to 9,500 pounds of force at 3,000 psi.
Rockland Krypto Klaw Grapple RakeRockland ManufacturingRockland’s new Krypto Klaw Grapple Rake for excavators allows operators to grab large, bulky materials and debris. Its dual-cylinder clamp delivers more force in all positions than a bucket thumb, as well as better control, the company says. It uses 100% of the excavator’s reach. It attaches to the excavator stick with a pin or excavator coupler; no welding is required. The standard design has a cutting edge. It can also be configured with pin-on, replaceable teeth. It comes with a two-year, 4,000-hour warranty.
Werk-Brau Hydra-clampWerk-BrauThe Werk-Brau Hydra-clamp bucket for excavators is designed for handling heavy, awkward or bulky items that can be encountered when moving debris. It delivers a clamping force of up to 54,000 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 psi. That force is delivered consistently throughout the attachment’s 120-degree range of motion. There are no exposed cylinders. Serrated side plates help secure debris when moving and are available in a variety of sizes. The bucket is constructed of wear-resistant, high-strength steel in critical areas. It is also available as a rake.
Bedrock Attachments’ ripper for Cat dozersBedrock AttachmentsBedrock Attachments2BBL Multi-Shank Ripper fits Cat D7R and D7H dozers. The parallelogram style ripper has two lift cylinders. It can accept OEM style parts, including cylinder and seal kit. The ripper ships assembled and includes mounting bolts, three ripper tines with three tips, transmission guard and cylinder hoses. It is 7.9 feet long, 7.2 feet wide, 4.4 feet tall and weighs 3.8 tons.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=205
Five charged with manslaughter after Washington trench death
Five employees on a jobsite in Washington where a worker died in a trench collapse have been charged with manslaughter.
The jobsite’s foreman, site supervisor and site manager are charged with second-degree manslaughter, while two workers who were buried in the trench and survived have been charged with first-degree manslaughter.
The charges were filed August 9 in Lewis County Superior Court for a trench collapse January 9, 2020, in Washington that killed 24-year-old William Franklin Stringer. Stringer’s family received a $12 million settlement following his death from British conglomerate Renewable Energy Systems and its U.S. subsidiaries. RES and affiliates have also been fined $555,674 by Washington State Labor & Industries for the cave-in that occurred at the Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project.
The five men criminally charged in the case are as follows, according to affidavits:
Worker Kenneth Phillip DeShazer, 52, California, first-degree manslaughter.Excavator operator Paul Steele Csizsmar, 25, Brantingham, New York, first-degree manslaughter.Site foreman Matthew P. Buckles, 43, Edmond, Oklahoma, second-degree manslaughter. Site manager Kurt D. Schwarting, 32, West Lowville, New York, second-degree manslaughter.Site supervisor Joel Thome, 46, Bakersfield, California, second-degree manslaughter.
First-degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. The charge is defined in the affidavits as “recklessly cause the death of another.” Second-degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The charge is defined in the affidavits as “with criminal negligence, did cause the death of another person.”
Attempts to reach attorneys for those charged were not successful.
What happened?
The probable cause affidavits described the incident as follows:
On January 9, 2020, Paul Csizsmar, Kenneth DeShazer and Jonathan Stringer were digging a trench to install conduit under a culvert. Joel Thume, site supervisor, outlined the day’s work at a morning meeting. Matthew Buckles was the site foreman. Kurt Schwarting was the site manager.
Thome, Buckles and Schwarting were aware of the depth of the trench to be dug and state requirements for cave-in protection for trenches deeper than 4 feet, and they were aware there was no trench box or other cave-in protection on site, the affidavits said.
Csizsmar was operating an excavator. The trench depth varied from 14 to 15 feet deep.
Before this day, the conduit was being installed with a bore machine. The decision was made to stop using it because of poor weather. This would be the first trench dug at this point on the job for installing conduit.
The conduit got jammed, and DeShazer entered the trench to set up rigging to allow them to pull the conduit under the culvert using the excavator.
Due to poor weather and soil conditions, the trench walls collapsed onto DeShazer, burying him in about one and a half feet of dirt.
Csizsmar and Stringer then jumped in the trench to free DeShazer. That led to a secondary collapse that buried all three men in various depths of soil. Csizsmar freed himself and called for help. DeShazer was able to stay alive by a pocket of air and was rescued. He was flown to a hospital with serious injuries.
Stringer’s body was recovered the next day. He died of asphyxiation due to chest compression by the weight of the soil on top of him.
Fines issued
“At one point, nine or more people took turns entering the still unprotected trench to dig out the buried workers,” the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries said in its July 16, 2020, news release about the violations.
In interviews with the Department of Labor and Industries, DeShazer and Csizsmar said they were longtime employees of the company and were aware no one was supposed to enter a trench deeper than 4 feet without collapse-prevention, and they also acknowledged that such protection was not provided, the affidavits said.
Stringer had been employed for a few months by Aerotek, a temporary agency hired by RES System 3, which was a subcontractor on the project. The general contractor was RES America Construction, according to the Department of Labor & Industries.
The agency said in the release that the soil was unstable from heavy rains and that no trench box or other protections were in place.
The agency proposed the following fines in July 2020 for the incident:
$360,874 for RES System 3 for the following alleged violations: no cave-in protection, no competent person trained on trench safety on site, no written safety program tailored to the project, inadequate training, improper ladder extension, and no means of getting out of the trench.$184,800 for RES America Construction for the following alleged violations: not ensuring the subcontractor used cave-in protection, not having a written safety program tailored to the project, inadequate training programs and improper ladder extension.
On February 26, 2021, Stringer’s estate settled for $12 million with RES and affiliates after filing a wrongful-death lawsuit. It is one of the largest wrongful-death settlements for an individual in Washington State history.
Criminal charges infrequent
Criminal charges for a trench collapse are not typical, but in the past six years, prosecutors have been more willing to press charges in trench collapse cases because they are seen as preventable if proper protective measures are put in place.
This marks the second case of criminal charges being filed in Washington. In 2018, a contractor was charged with second-degree manslaughter after one of his workers died in a trench collapse in West Seattle in 2016. That case is still working its way through the court.
In July, a Colorado contractor was sentenced to 10 months in jail after one of his workers died in a trench collapse.
In 2020, a supervisor on the site of a fatal trench collapse in 2017 in Pennsylvania was indicted on a federal charge of making false statements to the government.
In 2019, two separate cases in Virginia and in New York City resulted in manslaughter charges against contractors. That same year, the owner of a Boston drain service company was sentenced to two years in prison for the deaths of two of his workers during a 2016 trench collapse in the city.
Other criminal cases in trench collapses have occurred in Santa Clara County, California (2015), New York City (2016), Ventura County, California (2017), two cases in Pennsylvania (2018), and Morris County, New Jersey (2018).
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.tortowheaton.com/?p=202