The technology provides a solution for operators working in dangerous or difficult job sites.

An advanced Short Range Remote Control solution designed by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and CE Engineering Solutions is opening up new opportunities for excavator operation, delivering increased safety, visibility and flexibility.

Now offered on request on the EC250E, EC300E and EC350E excavators, the technology provides a solution for customers working in dangerous or difficult jobsites or for those working in environments where operators need an up-close view of the task itself. With this solution, customers can operate their excavator in areas where there is a risk of falling objects or where the machine may roll over, such as in forestry. It is also useful for applications where there is a risk of dangerous movement of the machine, for example in areas with poor ground conditions.

Other situations where the Short Range Remote Control can be put to use include tasks where operators need to keep a closer eye on the tool attached to the excavator, for example in piling and drilling applications. This not only provides a better view with increased precision, but also replaces the need for another worker. In addition, the system also enables an improved view for the operator in situations where the view from the cab is deficient, such as during demolition.

The function can operate over a 100-meter (109 yd) distance – more than sufficient in order to still maintain a close eye on the machine during remote operation. Two-way communication via a radio transmitter and radio receiver allows the operator to communicate electronically with the machine.

The system can be easily turned on and off via a switch inside the cab and a light beacon on the outside of the machine alerts those on site as to whether or not the remote operation mode is in use. The agile system development by CE Engineering Solutions allows for the remote control solution to be completely customized and adapted for unique customer specifications on request.

While it is so far only available on the EC250E, EC300E and EC350E excavators, it is expected that the range will be increased in the future. For now, the Short Range Remote Control is offered on request to Volvo dealers in global markets where these excavator models are available. Source

E-Drive machines feature an electrified drivetrain with an engine as the primary power source.

John Deere will offer E-Power machines utilising battery solutions from Kreisel Electric. This hybrid solution enables better fuel economy, improved powertrain component life and stronger pushing power on the job than traditional models.

The John Deere electrification/hybrid journey began in 2013 with the introduction of the 644K Hybrid wheel loader, which has since evolved into today's 644 X-Tier. The 644 X-Tier is notable for its robust performance with its combined E-Drive and Power Shift™ transmission system. In addition, the 944 X-Tier wheel loader is newly rebranded from the 944K Hybrid to align with the John Deere performance tiering strategy. With over 3 million collective customer hours since entering the market, John Deere E-Drive machines are built on customer experience and field proven electric technology.

The 850 X-Tier dozer provides customers with multiple operating modes to tailor performance and fuel consumption to their specific jobsite needs. The less complex drivetrain powers each track with an electric motor to maintain the maneuverability and control of a traditional hydrostatic John Deere dozer. Lastly, the 744 X-Tier E-Drive wheel loader, featuring an electric variable transmission, provides improved performance with increased fuel efficiency.

In 2021, John Deere tested and showcased the 310 X-Tier E-Power electric backhoe. E-Power technology provides lower daily operating costs, lower jobsite noise, and zero tailpipe emissions. In 2023, the 310 X-Tier E-Power backhoe model will enter the next phase of development and will continue to improve as a result of customer feedback.

John Deere is also developing electrification infrastructure solutions to address the energy replenishment challenges faced by battery electric vehicles in off-road production environments. A John Deere electrification ecosystem will offer a wide array of solutions to address needs for charging, data and connectivity, machine support, and financial services. The charging ecosystem will include a range of solutions for overnight and fast charging. All John Deere machines and charging stations will use common automotive style charging connections, helping to simplify the re-charge process for electric equipment. In addition, John Deere is developing new features, such as an Operations Center specific to battery-electric equipment to help customers monitor usage remotely and manage work while charging their equipment with confidence and ease. Source

The new models span the range of sorting grapples, including for timber.

Expanding the Cat Demolition and Sorting Grapple line, the new G306 and G308 models are specifically designed for 5- to 6-ton and 7- to 10-ton mini hydraulic excavators respectively. With open and close functions controlled by the machine’s first auxiliary function and rotation head handled by the second, these grapples deliver fast and productive material handling with 360-degrees of bidirectional rotation.

A slim design makes it easier to get into tight spaces, and material capacities range from 160 l (0.21 yd³) with the G306 to 240 l (0.31 yd³) for the G308. Vertical perforated shelves offer high wear resistance, positive penetration, good load visibility and easy positioning, while the oversized heavy-duty cylinder with load holding valve delivers constant clamping force, even when maneuvering the grapple or machine. Providing reliable operation with low maintenance intervals, the swing bearing features a single-ball heavy-duty, internally driven design. For longer life, the weld-on base edge design is made of HB500 Brinell equivalent material and bolt-on cutting edge (BOCE) from high-strength, abrasion-resistant steel. 

The grapple design is optimally matched to the tilt rotate system, and the rotation of the TRS allows for quick and easy material engagement. To avoid any bending torques in radial direction, these grapples feature a welded box structure. With grapple arms and arm edges built with AR450 steel, the arm offers high abrasion resistance for longer wear in extreme conditions. All models can be equipped with a backfill blade to help spread out material in the ditch prior to compaction, and a swivel mount rotates 90 degrees in each direction to minimize machine movements. Source

Volvo Trucks have now sold more than 4 300 electric trucks globally in more than 38 countries.

Last year, the number of heavy electric trucks on the roads in Europe and the United States grew faster than ever before. In Europe, Volvo Trucks is the market leader with a 32% share of the market for heavy electric trucks, and in North America, nearly half of all heavy electric trucks registered in 2022 were Volvo trucks.

In 2022 the market for heavy (≥16 tonnes) electric trucks in Europe, grew by 200% to 1,041 trucks, and Volvo Trucks holds the highest share of this market. Although, the market for electric trucks is still small, the trend is clear: many customers are now starting their own shift to electric. Volvo aims to be the catalyst for this transition and aims for 50% of their global sales of new trucks to be electric in 2030.

Since Volvo Trucks started production of fully electric trucks in 2019, the company has sold more than 4 300 electric trucks in more than 38 countries around the world. Volvo currently offers the industry´s broadest product line-up with six products in series production, catering to a very wide variety of transports in and between cities. Source

The new S7 medium-power mulcher series is now available.

These flail mulchers are used for forestry and green space maintenance due to their robust structure through the use of high-strength S420 steel. The result is a clean cut with higher working speeds, minimal fuel consumption, simple maintenance and long machine life. The letter "S" comes from the German "Schlägelmulcher”, which translates as flail mulcher, while the number “7” indicates the maximum diameter of the branches to be mulched, expressed in centimetres. The differences between the S7 classic and S7 dyna are as follows:

• S7 classic (ex SMO): for rear attachment only and a hydraulic linkage side-shift, with a working width from 125 to 250 cm (49 to 98 in).
• S7 dyna: reversible front, rear and reverse attachment with a dynamic hydraulic linear side-shift, with a working width from 150 to 275 cm (59 to 108 in).

Due to the high rotor speed, results are optimal even at high travel speeds of up to 10 km/h.

The features of these two new mulchers are listed below along with the differences compared to the previous SMO series:

• The two rows of tempered counter-cutters are now interchangeable and can be easily replaced in case of wear.
• The standard chassis is made of high-resistant steel S420 and can be equipped with additional interchangeable wear plates for work in more difficult conditions, making it even more resistant.
• The protective chains are combined with flaps. As such, during mulching, the flaps tilt and move the chains, creating a barrier that prevents the material from getting jammed inside the chains, allowing it to pass through and be mulched by the rotor.
• New: belt protection with deflector to reduce the risk of damage to plants and the machine itself
• The lubrication points are external and, therefore, easy to reach.
• Greater side-shift for both models. The S7 classic model with P-SHIFT linkage can be equipped with “extreme” side-shift, with the possibility to shift the mulcher sideways by up to one metre. The safety of the linkage is guaranteed by the new trapezoidal arms. The 3-point linkage is less stressed thanks to the optimised distribution of the lifting forces.
• Rear hood improvements. The chassis is slightly more closed and the hood is fitted with a new manual adjustment system allowing it to be opened directly on-site, without the need for any tools.
• The height of the robust support roller is now easier to adjust, and the 4D bearing guarantees smooth working even on rough terrain.
• Both the S7 mulchers are modular and designed to be equipped with under canopy accessories.

Mulchers in the S7 series mulch grass, branches, brush and wood up to a diameter of 7 cm (3 in). The quality of the final result is now improved by the adjustable hood and support roller, which can therefore adapt to any material. The rotor comes standard with high-quality multipurpose flails. The helical layout of the flails (HELIX rotor) ensures even power distribution. Like its predecessor, the rotor bearing system is optimised for quiet, vibration-free operation even with large working widths. Source

Logset announces the new official colours for their machines

Logset celebrated their 30-year anniversary last year. For this occasion, they manufactured forwarders and harvesters with a special full black edition with gold decals. The success was such that Logset decided to continue the black style of the machine. Decals and trims go back to their former colour. Source

Nokian Tyres introduces a new off road tyre for wheeled excavators in the 9 to 15-ton range

Nokian Tyres Ground Kare products are used to replace twin-wheel configuration, which is prone to stone-trapping that can cause downtime. The steel fortifications of Nokian Tyres Ground Kare makes it very resistant against puncture damage, while its wide block pattern with large contact area enables good traction on soft soil. The wheels for excavators are reinforced to provide sufficient stability. The wheel is also equipped with a valve protection plug to prevent damage to the valve. Source

Stihl increases production capabilities with a planned takeover of muffler manufacturer Cosmos

The Stihl Group is planning to acquire Cosmos Manufacturing Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of mufflers. Cosmos, a current Stihl development partner and major supplier of mufflers, is headquartered in South Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA and employs some 200 people in the development, production, and sale of muffler systems and stamped components for small and medium-sized engines. Source

“Operational Analysis of Grapple Yarding in New Zealand: A Case Study of Three Mechanized Harvesting Operations”

Forests 2023, 14(2). Rien Visser, Hunter Harrill, Okey Francis and Luke Holmes. Source

“Rail transport in Swedish wood supply – seasonal variation, system risks and mitigation costs”

International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2023. Ida Sjölling, Erik Rönnqvist and Dag Fjeld. Source