Modern Marvels

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Chassis Choice This M Series Has Digs Euro Technologies Drill Master Report Mud, Sweat and Gears Workers Comp Equipped for New Standards in Quality Snow Patrol Definitive Implements Smart OEM Solutions

Innovation isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of a plan — the product of years of development, consistent creativity and 25-hour days of think time, revision and elbow grease. Companies that continue to be innovative always keep one eye on the possibility of their next big product, unique design or original service. Companies like Kubota, Gehl, Bobcat, Loftness and Navistar are firm believers of the innovative ideas of tomorrow.

These are manufacturing leaders that strive to not only make the best work tool for the end-user, but create a new category for the market. To celebrate such innovation, Compact Equipment is honoring the most inventive machine ideas we’ve seen so far in 2010 — released at trade shows like World of

Concrete (Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas) and the Work Truck Show (March 9-12 in St. Louis) or recently by big and small manufacturers to individual industries.

All of these companies have designed and marketed the next big product in their machine category — excavators, compact track loaders, trucks, tractors, wheel loaders and onward. This is the equipment that breaks new ground and sets a new benchmark for excellence in 2010. Find a local dealer and enlist the help of one of these machines and start off the spring work season ahead of the competition. Just remember to return to Compact Equipment, so you can continue to discover the next genesis of equipment innovation.

Keith Gribbins is managing editor of Compact Equipment, based in Peninsula, Ohio.

The Chassis Choice

Navistar Unveils International TerraStar Class 4 & 5 Work Wagon

Ever since GM dropped out of the medium-duty truck business, there’s been a void in the Class 4 and 5 segments (supposedly GM had 20 percent of that market). So as one of the few reigning commercial truck heavyweights left, Navistar took the opportunity to release an excellent addition to the professional’s arena of Class 4 and 5 construction work vehicles — the futuristically named TerraStar.

At a press event at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in early March, Navistar unveiled the International TerraStar accompanied by smoke, lights, music and applause. With a wide range of commercial-duty features — from its MaxxForce 7 V-8 diesel engine to one of the largest, roomiest cabs available — the TerraStar sets a new standard for world-to-come work trucks, using a mixture of old genes.

“The International TerraStar comes from the same blood lines as the rest of our commercial truck lineup,” says Jack Allen, president, Navistar’s North American Truck Group. “Its commercial-duty design will change the game in the work truck market by offering one of the most capable, most versatile and most drivable trucks in its class.”

At the heart of the new International TerraStar is its all-new 300-hp, 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 V-8 engine, delivering 660 lb-ft torque. The MaxxForce 7 will be matched with a commercial-duty Allison 1000 transmission to optimize its power output. The TerraStar features MaxxForce Advanced EGR emissions technology, the only no-hassle emissions technology in its class, says the company. The TerraStar features best-in-class visibility — 28 percent more than the market leader. And, with an industry-best 107-in. bumper to back-of-cab (BBC) length and a 44-ft curb-to-curb turning radius, it offers outstanding maneuverability in even the tightest work environments.

The TerraStar features a true commercial-duty truck cab with 30 percent more cab interior space than the market leader, allowing plenty of room for three adults to fit comfortably in the front seat. The TerraStar will also be offered with optional extended cab or crew cab configurations. The TerraStar will initially be available with a 4×2 drive train, with a 4×4 drive train planned for 2011. RS#50 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

This M Series Has Digs

The New Mid-Size E-42 Model Joins Bobcat’s Growing and Impressive M Units

Brand equity is meaningless without a progressive product range. Even though Bobcat is the Kleenex of compact construction equipment (inventor of the skid steer), without constantly updating and innovating its mechanized portfolio, the company would certainly go the way of the dodo in today’s fierce economic climate.

It’s why Bobcat (today a Doosan company) has completely revamped both its skid steer and compact excavator lineup, starting last year and continuing today. Known as the M-Series, these new tool carriers are reengineered to deliver greater strength in a lighter machine for tomorrow’s market. The new E42 model joins the Bobcat M-Series compact excavator line in the 4- to 5-ton weight class. The E42 is a conventional tail swing unit with a 41.8-hp, liquid-cooled diesel engine and an operating weight of 9,246 lbs. Redesigned hydraulics with a load-sensing pump and closed center-valve system provide improved, refined control of machine travel and work-group operation. The E42 even comes with an auto-idle feature that, if activated by the operator, automatically returns the engine to idle if excavator functions are not used for a period of four seconds, saving fuel and reducing jobsite noise.

Within the operator’s area, the boom swing control has been moved from the floor and placed on a thumb switch on the left joystick, making it easier to operate and opening up space on the floor for the operator’s feet. A TOPS/ROPS canopy with high-back suspension seat, retractable seat belt, cup holder, adjustable armrests and lockable toolbox is standard on the E42 while a quiet, comfortable enclosed radio-ready cab with heat and air conditioning is available as an option. RS#51 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Euro Technologies

Turn the Corner Wacker Neuson’s 1.5-Ton Articulated Wheel Dumper

In Europe, dedicated dumpers replace skid steers in busy, urban carry-and-load operations. They have huge capacities, great maneuverability, comfort, speed and the cool factor. Wacker Neuson is looking to expand the American loader mindset with its versatile new 1501 articulated wheel dumper — an ideal multipurpose material mover.

Its overall compact size and swivel tipping bucket allows it to reach and drop material in precise and confined areas but does not damage established landscaping. Made to travel and work over rough terrain, the 1501 features an innovative hydraulic twin-lock, all-wheel-drive system that allows for optimum performance. The 1501 dumper offers big machine performance with 3,307-lbs payload capacity and 1.05-cu yd of bucket capacity. It is powered by a rugged, economical Yanmar, three-cylinder, 22.8-hp diesel engine and with its swivel tipping bucket, it is perfect for general jobsite cleanup and for landscapers moving material. The folding ROPS provides necessary security, but it can be easily folded down for easy transporting.

Operators will find the 1501 easy and comfortable to operate. The operator’s station is easily accessible from both sides and is positioned to allow the operator excellent, all around visibility. The dashboard displays a full range of dials/indictor lights such as fuel gauge, engine oil pressure and parking brake light for operator convenience.

Articulated wheel dumpers are quietly becoming the bulk material mover of choice and Wacker Neuson leads the way with the most complete line available. The 1501 joins the 1001, 3001 and 6001 introduced to the U.S. market in 2008. These versatile off-road machines are ideal for landscape, rental, cemetery and contractor markets. Featuring payload capacities up to 13,280 lbs and bucket capacities up to 4.2 cu yds, these units are easier on the landscape than trucks, while their maneuverability including dumping from both sides saves time and money. RS#52 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Drill Master Report

Atlas Copco Introduces the ROC T15 Compact Hydraulic Surface Drill

Vertical drilling is becoming a popular addition to the small contractor’s attaché of applications. Geothermal, water wells, anchors, foundation work and anything that needs a clean precise hole are becoming interesting alternatives for professionals who need to diversify their construction workload.

Enter a machine like the ROC T15, which is the smallest hydraulic rig in Atlas Copco’s surface drill product line. The ROC T15 is a compact rig only weighing 6,172 lbs, completely operated by radio remote control for tramming, boom functions and drilling. The ROC T15 can drill holes between 7/8 and 1 3/4 in. in diameter to a maximum depth of 30 ft. Small in size but not small in power, it is easily transported to the jobsite and is ideal for a number of construction and small-blasting applications, excavating building foundations, trench blasting and installing self-drilling anchors. The ROC T15 can replace breakers in small aggregate quarries, drill for rock bolts and be used for boulder blasting in both surface and underground environments.

The ROC T15 features the same type of stiff folding boom and durable aluminum feed as the larger models in the ROC line. Unique for a rig this size, the ROC T15 provides more than 60 sq ft of horizontal coverage area. Designed for stability, the ROC T15 can move quickly and safely over rough terrain. It can also be equipped with a hydraulic winch that has a variable line pull for working in extreme conditions and three different rock drills are available. RS#53 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Mud, Sweat and Gears

Gehl Rolls into an All New Articulated Loader Lineup

Every job is a self portrait of the contractor who does it, so why not autograph your work with excellence. It’s those types of signature utility machines that Gehl Co. is envisioning for its brand new articulated loader models 140, 340 and 540. Landscapers, farmers, ranchers, stable operators, fertilizer and feed plants, municipalities and grounds maintenance crews worldwide can utilize these three different size loaders to paint the ultimate project. A heavy-duty oscillating joint offers 45-degree turning angles to the left and right and 10 degrees of oscillation in both directions for optimal stability and maneuverability. The bucket and tires follow a constant turn radius, so the rear tires of the loader follow the path of the front tires.

Gehl articulated loaders feature tipping loads ranging from 1,900 to more than 5,100 lbs (when not articulated) and rated operating capacities from 950 to more than 2,550 lbs. These multi-talented machines can run virtually all universal-type skid steer attachments, putting tools customers already own to good use. Compact sizes, from as narrow as 41 in. on the model 140, allow easy access to extremely tight spaces. Articulated steering allows for turns up to 45 degrees, which further enables these compact loaders to navigate confined spaces while minimizing damage to sensitive surfaces and reducing tire wear. RS#54 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Workers Comp

Massey Ferguson HD Series 2600 Utility Tractors Extend Your Professional Acumen

We love tractors of all sorts, but when it comes to tackling commercial work for an entire season, professional grade is the ideal implement level for a chore tractor. Massey Ferguson (an AGCO brand) has been attracting contractors with its new and magnetic HD Series brand of tractors (using all-steel components that eliminate the need for a bulky frame, and no frame means easier servicing). New for 2010, Massey Ferguson introduced the hard-working HD Series 2600 utility tractor for contracting, landscaping and grounds maintenance, enhancing productivity with the push, pull, shove and lift needed to easily polish off any job.

The HD Series features four models from 74 to 97 gross engine hp (62 to 83 PTO hp) available in two- or four-wheel drive with independent PTO and a choice of two transmissions. All models are available in platform, cab or low-profile styles — ideal for work environments with low overhead clearance. Powered by the Perkins 1104-44T four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine, the new series provides the highest weight-to-horsepower ratio in its class. Across the board, extra steps have been taken to make the HD Series hard-working, yet easy on the operator. The tractor’s platform features a new mat with an extra layer of shock absorption to help minimize vibration, dampen noise and significantly reduce operator fatigue. The new, improved seat offers more cushioning for a softer ride, as well as weight adjustment, fore and aft adjustment and armrests. RS#55 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Equipped for New Standards in Quality

Kubota SVL75 and SVL90 Compact Track Loaders

Kubota may have its roots planted in the Japanese farm industry, but its next-generation machines are more apt to work on an American construction site with a mini excavator, backhoe, wheel loader and now its newest SVL75 and SVL90 Kubota compact track loader product lineup. Shown to the public at the World of Concrete trade show in early February, Kubota showcased its “all-Kubota” designed, engineered and manufactured compact track loader, powered by its own Kubota diesel engine. The new 75- and 90-hp SVL models will be arriving at Kubota dealerships this summer, offering outstanding performance, exceptional comfort, easy maintenance and impressive durability that Kubota is known for engineering. The all-new SVL75 compact track loader will actually deliver best-in-class, 6,530-lb bucket breakout force and a 4,881-lb lifting capacity. The SVL90 has a bucket-breakout force of 7,961 lbs and a lift capacity of 5,869 lbs. Both models come with plenty of choices in attachments from buckets to augers to pallet forks. And the Kubota cab model compact track loaders, sporting an enclosed/pressurized cab, will be available early in 2011. RS#56 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Doosan Infracore Portable Power P185 Air Compressor

Air power is essential on busy jobsites, places where jackhammers, sand blasters, air nailers, painting systems, pressure washers and welders work to bring a whole subset of jobs into one big finished project. When it comes to portable air power, no brand backs up its reputation more that Ingersoll Rand — now Doosan Infracore Portable Power. The company just released its new Platinum Series P185 portable air compressor, combining the most valued features of the P185 legacy air compressors with design advancements that offer superior performance and value for rental customers. Powered by a high-performance, 48-hp, Interim Tier 4-compliant John Deere or Yanmar diesel engine, the new P185 air compressor provides 185 cfm at 100 to 125 psi. The noise level of the P185 air compressor has been reduced by 50 percent. Fuel efficiency has been increased by 21 percent, providing for a best-in-class, 10-hour full load runtime on one tank of fuel. Both cooling capacity and altitude performance have been improved to make the P185 air compressor an indispensable solution in more geographic areas than ever before. RS#57 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

JCB’s 515-40 Compact Telehandler

Small telehandlers haven’t really caught on in the American marketplace, but that’s not stopping JCB from “raising” the profile of the industry with key product launches like the 515-40. Often called telescopic tool carriers, these dune buggy-looking units utilize a long, telescoping, two-stage boom that takes pallet forks, buckets and attachments, working like a skid steer in elevated environments (construction, masonry, farming, municipalities and a host of other applications). JCB has become one of the leaders, especially with its new JCB 515-40, which uses an innovative design that keeps the machine’s overall height under 6 ft (5 ft, 11 in. tall, 5 ft, 2 in. wide and 9 ft, 6 in. long, weighing 7,672 lbs). With a turning radius of just 9 ft and compact dimensions, the JCB 515-40 can maneuver in even the smallest work environments. Equipped with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive, a hydrostatic transmission and great ground clearance, the machine can easily traverse the challenging outdoor conditions often found at a landscaping jobsite or on the farm (new markets for these machines in America). Its four-wheel drive system and hydrostatic transmission are designed to get the most power to each wheel, giving you the most maneuverable high-reach muscle around. RS#58 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Snow Patrol

Buyer’s SnowDogg Wing Plow

It sounds like some Star Wars attack fighter — the wing snowplow blade — and you might actually feel like you’re in an icy Hoth snow battle when you use these industry-unique SnowDogg expanding wing snowplows, just released at the Work Truck Show 2010. Hydraulically expanding wings offer the flexibility for width adjustment on the fly. With 10 ft of plow in an 8-ft package, operators are able to plow large areas and quickly reduce the plow width for drive-thrus, driveways or other narrow spots with the push of a button. The wings include a 20-degree scoop, which provides excellent snow-pushing action and still allows for flawless throwing while windrowing. Tests have shown a time-savings of 20 to 25 percent compared to standard fixed blade plows. Easy-to-use hydraulics with full-size SAE cartridge valves and oversized 3/8-in. hoses provide smooth operation. The rugged stainless steel moldboard construction spreads loads across components, not connection points. The is a great wing man to end the winter work season. RS#59 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

SnowEx Mini Pro Tailgate Spreader

Snow isn’t relegated to just roads, which is why utility vehicles and tractors are popular winter utility players. To help outfit for the white season, SnowEx is now offering the Mini Pro 575 tailgate Spreader. Intended for spreading salt, sand and de-icing materials on roads, driveways, parking lots and recreational paths, the Mini Pro 575 comes standard with a receiver hitch mount (a three-point mount for tractors is optional).

Built with a low-maintenance, direct-drive system, the Mini Pro 575 offers trouble free operation. With no belts, pulleys or chains, downtime is minimized. The direct-drive system includes a 12-volt DC motor and revolutionary maximum torque transmission. Spread width is infinitely variable from 4 to 40 ft. The Mini Pro 575 features a heavy-duty modular steel frame with a high-density polymer, UV-protected material hopper. This durable construction holds up to 5.75 cu ft of material, which is moved by a welded-steel flighted auger system with agitator and spread using a 10-in., powder-coated steel spinner. RS#60 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Definitive Implements

Loftness PTO-Driven Tree Hammer Mulcher

When it comes to the gnarly applications of the R.O.W. market, the Loftness PTO-driven Tree Hammer Mulcher is a robust 4700-lb mower that can tackle the extreme nature of brush sawing. Mounted on tractors from 80 up to 160 hp, the mulcher serves as an extreme-duty grass and brush mower when pulled behind as a conventional three-point mower. The optional hydraulically-operated rear mulching door and tree-pusher bar allow the operator to cut down and mulch large standing trees by backing into the work or by hooking to a tractor equipped with a front three-point hitch and PTO. An innovative new rotor design (Patent Pending) will change the way the industry looks at swing hammer machines. The hammers are individually bolted on for ease of service and replacement. No more full length shafts to pull, pound or cut out in order to replace a single knife. RS#61 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

CEAttachments EDGE Grader Blade

Repeating grade school will not be necessary with the CEAttachments’ new EDGE grader blade and its laser system for skid steer loaders. The new EDGE grader blade is now smoother than ever, featuring an in-cab control box with a new proportional current valve. This new feature allows you to hydraulically control the movement of oil to gradually enter the cylinder, resulting in consistent, steady adjustments made to blade height, angle and tilt. The 96-in. blade is perfect for sub-grading and blacktop preparation, and it features a reversible and replaceable cutting edge with an optional end plate kit. The EDGE grader blade also comes complete with hoses and flat face couplers. Combine the new blade with an optional laser system for a perfect grade every time. RS#62 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Vacuworx International Vacuum Lifting System

Vacuworx International has been offering solutions when it comes to vacuum lifting for a myriad of industries, including construction. The lifters can be attached to a number of carriers such as wheel or track type loaders, cranes, pipe layers, forklifts and mini excavators to lift pipes and other products. The new MC3 is a groundbreaking fully self-contained lifter designed with the underground utility contractor in mind. Since the lifter is self-contained, your options for the host machine are endless. The lifter attaches to normal size host machines, as well as mini excavators, skid steer loaders and others, thanks to its light dry weight of 900 lbs. The MC 3 is a rated up to 3-ton capacity, enabling you to lift and move steel plate, concrete slab, landscape rock, steel and poly pipe and plenty of other types of material. RS#63 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Smart OEM Solutions

Kohler Launches Diesel Engine/Transmission Combination

A complete propulsion system is an ideal power solution for off-road vehicles like hard-working UTVs. To meet these new rugged demands, Kohler Co. announced in February an expansion of its North American diesel engine product line, which now features a combination diesel engine/transmission package with continuous variable transmission (CVT), ideal for powering off-road utility vehicles. The Kohler KDW 1003 diesel power train with CVT is a complete propulsion system that combines the simplicity of driving a traditional automatic transmission with the precision of a typical automotive gearbox. Rated at 26.1 hp at 3,600 rpm, this three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel package delivers a smooth and quiet power source for multiple off-road vehicles such as UTVs, quads and snow machines, as well as wheeled or tracked off-road equipment. RS#64 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

STRATTEC BOLT Series of Locks

Sometimes keys can multiple like amoeba, and before your know it you look like a janitor at the science center instead of a top notch contractor. The solution is the STRATTEC BOLT Series of locks, aimed at simplifying your keys to business. Targeting commercial truck drivers, fleet operators, trade professionals and heavy truck users (or anyone else who’s ever searched a giant key ring for that one elusive key) STRATTEC Security Corp. has just launched a series of locks that open with their owner’s truck or sport utility vehicle key. The BOLT Series of locks incorporate a patented, automotive-style cylinder that enables users to insert their truck key, turn once and program the lock to that key. Any number of padlocks or other locks in the series can be set by the owner to a single key. In addition, since the BOLT Series of locks use an automotive-grade cylinder with a shutter and six-plate tumbler, they have the highest corrosion resistance rating and are nearly impossible to pick or bump. RS#65 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.

Check Corporate Seat Heaters

A comfortable seat means a confident and productive contractor. Check Corp., a leading manufacturing of flexible heating products, now offers a built-in seat heater to provide luxurious comfort and warmth to the operators of agricultural, industrial and construction equipment. Designed to adhere directly to the back of the cover material as seat cushions are formed, the Check Seat Heater systems feature one, two or three temperature levels for driver comfort. The heat system is electronically controlled and features an automatic one-hour shut off for safety. Waterproof controls and connectors are ideal for equipment with an open-cab design. Manufactured from high-quality material, Check Seat Heaters deliver lasting performance, passing off-road durability tests in accordance with SAE J1454 standards. RS#66 For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.