The new skidder transmission assurance program provides up to six years or 12,000 hours of coverage on all qualifying skidder models.
The new assurance program covers all qualified skidder models, providing loggers with greater confidence and dependable support. Demonstrating its commitment to delivering top-tier forestry equipment to create an excellent customer experience, John Deere now offers extended transmission coverage, at no additional cost, through its skidder transmission assurance program. This new program provides coverage up to six years or 12,000 hours on all eligible skidder models and helps to maximize the machine lifespan with warrantable transmission repairs and replacements. The assurance program applies to all qualified skidders built on or after January 1, 2020, and is transferrable to subsequent purchasers.
John Deere is giving customers added peace-of-mind knowing that their new machines are backed by a robust transmission assurance program. This is another way John Deere is helping their customers excel in the woods and in their businesses, no matter the challenge at hand.
Eligible machines include qualified skidder models (640L-II, 648L-II, 748L-II, 768L-II, 848L-II, or 948L-II) built on or after January 1, 2020, and purchased prior to December 31, 2026. Source
JCB celebrated a major machine milestone with the production of its one millionth Backhoe Loader.
The first JCB Backhoe rolled off the production line in Rocester, Staffordshire in 1953. Called the Mark One, it brought the new wonder of hydraulic power to construction equipment for the first time.
In the first full year of production in 1954 just 35 of the machines were built and it took more than 20 years for the first 50,000 to be made. It took 59 years for the first half million JCB Backhoes to be manufactured – but less than 13 years for the next half million to be produced, culminating in today’s celebrations.
JCB now manufactures Backhoe Loaders in the UK, India, Brazil and it remains one of the most versatile and productive machines in the world. Despite the maturity of the versatile Backhoe Loader, it is still one of the biggest selling pieces of construction machinery and it remains the world’s 4th most popular machine in the construction equipment sales league table.
JCB has always invested heavily in its Backhoe Loader range and an early catalyst for growth was in 1980 which saw the £24 million launch of the technologically advanced 3CX. Customers then went on to reap the fuel saving benefits of the launch of JCB Backhoes powered by the JCB Dieselmax, a development which saves up to 11% in fuel costs. Today’s 3CX Pro is the fastest Backhoe Loader in the world, capable of speeds up to 50kph, reducing travel time between sites.
As well as Backhoes, JCB also manufactures Loadall telescopic handers, tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loading shovels, mini and micro excavators, skid steer loaders, track loaders, compaction equipment, rough terrain forklifts and Fastrac tractors.
JCB Backhoes are manufactured in the UK, India and Brazil and the company sells the product in 120 different countries. The business unit which manufactures the machines has previously won six Queen’s Awards.
The one millionth JCB Backhoe to be produced was a 4CX model, which has been decorated in graffiti art by London-based artist and illustrator Dave Smith and presented to Lord Bamford at today’s celebrations. Source
The market leader and inventor of the articulated hauler, Volvo CE today unveiled its biggest and boldest articulated hauler launch to date.
Volvo CE’s update represents a complete overhaul of its existing, globally recognized, best-in-class articulated hauler lineup, now ranging in size from A25-A60. An entirely new model, the A50, has been introduced, increasing customer opportunities in the demanding hauler segment. The range delivers key innovations, such as a new electronic system, upgraded cab for superior operator comfort and safety, and an in-house developed transmission designed to adapt to future drivetrains. With over 35% of its total range renewed over the last 12 months, this marks the latest step in Volvo CE´s largest product portfolio renewal in decades.
The updated models mark a significant technological leap forward thanks to key innovations such as a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15% depending on model and industrial application. Furthermore, the machines’ new state-of-the-art design has been constructed in such a way as to adapt over time to fit future drivetrains.
A highlight of this launch is the all-new A50 model, which expands customer opportunities in the demanding hauler segment. This addition, available in selected markets, underscores Volvo CE’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers by enhancing operational capabilities and offering more choices.
The result is cutting-edge, safe, and productive machines that have been purpose-built to lower total cost of ownership and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow across the toughest of worksites, especially when combined with Volvo CE’s pioneering digital solutions, such as Haul Assist with onboard weighing.
Developed to be among the most fuel-efficient hauling solutions on the market, the new models have also been built with a focus on sustainability. This includes the introduction of low carbon emission steel made from recycled materials and produced using fossil free electricity and biogas – in serial production of haulers manufactured at the Braås site. Given steel is a major component in Volvo CE products – and traditionally generates significant carbon emissions – material circularity is another example of Volvo CE taking action across its operations to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
This launch is part of Volvo CE's most extensive product portfolio overhaul in decades, with over 35% of its range renewed in the past 12 months. It marks a pivotal step in the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in the construction equipment industry.
Like in 1966, the new generation haulers once again set the industry benchmark for innovation and best-in-class operation. Source
The European consumer test organization Euro NCAP has for the first time ever assessed the safety of heavy-duty trucks.
Volvo's best-selling models, the Volvo FH and the Volvo FM, both received the top rating of five stars. The Volvo FM also had the best overall test result among all tested trucks. Volvo Trucks' FM and FH Aero models both scored the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP's first safety test for trucks.
Euro NCAP’s five-star rating means that Volvo has shown excellent performance on criteria such as driver support and collision avoidance, delivering traffic safety for the driver and surrounding road users. Additionally, both Volvo models fulfil the so-called City Safe criteria, thanks to good vision and good performance of Volvo’s active safety systems, designed to protect vulnerable road users in city traffic situations.
The European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), based in Belgium, was first established in 1996 and quickly became the European industry standard for assessing the safety of passenger cars. It is supported by multiple European governments, including the European Union.
As for the truck test, each safety system was given a score, which was aggregated for each area. These scores were then used to calculate a star rating of one to five stars for the whole vehicle. The scope of the truck test was as follows:
- Safe driving: Occupant monitoring, vision (both direct and indirect) and vehicle assistance (e.g. speed assistance)
- Collision avoidance: Frontal collisions (car, pedestrian and cyclist), low speed maneuvering collisions and lane departure collisions
- Post-crash: Rescue information.
Euro NCAP’s aim is to gradually expand the test scope to also include crash protection at a later stage, as well as testing trucks in different transport segments. Source
The Microsoil rc is a compact yet robust stone crusher designed for radio-controlled crawler vehicles or mini loaders.
The unit is available in working widths of 85 cm (35 in) and 105 cm (41 in), making it ideal for various applications. It can crush stones up to 15 cm (6 in) in size and works to a depth of up to 10 cm (4 in). The Microsoil rc is perfect for hilly terrain and mountainous regions, especially when paired with a radio-controlled crawler.
Safety features include front chains and a rear rubber protection with flaps, enhancing operational safety. The skid shoes are height-adjustable for depth control, tapering to a sharp edge for clean material handling.
The housing is constructed from high-strength, wear-resistant AR400 steel and is equipped with replaceable wear plates. Its robust construction and stone-crushing tools, similar to those used in larger tractor-mounted machines, ensure a long service life.
The Microsoil rc is powered by a high-performance M-Boost motor, offering automatically regulated intake volume and 40% higher torque compared to standard engines. CarbonChain timing belts ensure efficient transmission of high torque.
The fixed wide tools Super Duo Protect feature double tips and tungsten carbide inserts, while the outer tools Super Duo Protect Extreme have additional side inserts. Carbide makes the tools highly effective for breaking hard rock. For smooth operation, the fixed tools are arranged in a spiral on the rotor. (Helix Wave Technology). The rotor housing includes two crushing bars made of AR400 steel and an adjustable anvil for determining the degree of crushing.
As an accessory, a movable mounting plate with side shift is available, which can be configured with a Max le radio-controlled crawler from Seppi M. This attachment allows the stone crusher to move laterally to the right and left and tilt forward and upward during operation, enabling the Microsoil rc to adapt flexibly to different terrains. Source
Visit the FUTA Expo Demonstration and Fair in the centre of Italy
On Monday, January 13 potential exhibitors visited the site where the FUTA Expo Demonstration and Fair will be held next July. That will be hosted by Azienda Agrituristica La Dogana, in Barberino di Mugello, right in the center of Italy and a 20 minutes’ drive from the A1 highway exits of Barberino di Mugello (for those coming from the south) and Roncobilaccio (for those coming from the north). By the end of the month, the organizing secretariate will circulate the application forms, so that interested exhibitors can finally lock in their selection and choose the type of service they want (booth space, additional services, possible lodging on the farm site etc.). Interested exhibitors should contact Raffaele Spinelli at raffaele.spinelli@ibe.cnr.it
Caterpillar to Offer Cat® Limited Edition Machines to Honor Centennial Celebration
In honour of its 100 Year Anniversary, Caterpillar Inc. is pleased to announce Cat® Limited Edition machines are available for purchase through select Cat dealers around the world. Along with the latest machine technologies that Cat customers have come to expect, the Limited Edition models feature a custom “Centennial Grey” paint scheme to recognize the original colour of Caterpillar’s first products. Source
Read MoreTo see the full list of international logging, roading and trucking conferences and expo’s, please click the “Events” tab at the top of the page.
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