February 2021 Vol. 76 No. 2
New Products
New Products
John Deere Launches Pipelayer-Ready Crawler, Tests Electric Backhoe
Rounding out John Deere’s lineup of pipelayer machines – also including the 850L PL100, 1050K PL170 and 1050K PL220 – the powerful 700L PL40 Crawler, with 40,000-pound lift capacity, provides customers with operating ease and exceptional durability.
Equipped with a 135-horsepower John Deere PowerTech PVS 6068 engine, the 700L PL40 model boasts more hydraulic power compared to the base machine, improving overall engine performance and increasing peak torque in the pipelayer-ready model. The closed-center, load-sensing hydraulic system includes a variable-displacement pump, and the amplified flow rates boost hydraulic performance.
In addition, various controls can be enabled through the sealed switch module to maintain productivity while reducing costs. For example, Eco Mode optimizes fuel economy by seamlessly adjusting the engine speed to meet the load; Auto Idle and Auto Shutdown timers lower fuel costs and save warranty hours during inactivity or low use.
The John Deere-designed and -manufactured cab significantly reduces noise, increases visibility and enhances operator comfort in pipelaying applications. Further enhancing productivity on the job site, the electrohydraulic sideboom control joystick, combined with a proportional roller, gives the operator complete control while using one hand to maneuver.
Dual-path hydrostatic transmissions and the neutral counter-rotate setting deliver precise, predictable control along the trench without triggering abrupt movements. Built-in, front console storage was conveniently designed so operators can cleanly install load-monitoring displays for easy viewing. The decel pedal with selectable modes for multiple operators, offers a customizable experience and increased ease of use.
Built at the John Deere factory in Dubuque, Iowa, the pipelayer-ready machine is designed to maximize uptime. The bolt-on design of the platform and mounting plates simplifies installation of the customer’s preferred sideboom. Other features include standard reversing fans with large fin spacings and improved idler shims, preload springs and easier track cleanout.
Additionally, improvements to the hose and harness routings over the previous models reduce wear and leak points. Extended service intervals and grouped maintenance points, and fast fuel and quick fluid service options reduce time, getting the machine back on the job sooner, and/or costs.
“Our customers face a multitude of challenges, from tight deadlines and budgets to adverse conditions, making it critical to have a dependable solution that can withstand the demands of the application,” said Matt Goedert, solutions marketing manager, John Deere. “With the 700L PL40, we are delivering a purpose-built solution that instills confidence in the operator while also tackling challenges headfirst.
“There is no need for fabrication work, as the 700L PL40 comes ready to bolt on the customer’s choice of sideboom. From increased visibility to enhanced controllability, the 700L PL40 delivers the performance our customers need on tough jobs.”
Another milestone in John Deere product development is testing of its battery-powered, electric vehicle design – E-Power – with its diesel-powered 100-horsepower 310L backhoe, in real-world conditions.
Working on job sites of National Grid, an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people throughout the Northeast, the electric backhoe concept will prove its ease of operation and performance level, in terms of providing substantially lower daily operating costs, lower job-site noise, enhanced machine reliability, and zero emissions.
The testing period will also enable National Grid to expand its use of electric equipment on job sites, reaffirming its commitment to leading the industry in the use of clean and resilient energy solutions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
John Deere, (844) 809-1508, johndeere.com
Safe, Smooth Pipe Bevels with REED Bevel Boss
Job-site pipe beveling requires a quick and consistent method. When operators need to move fast from one pipe to the next, a lightweight solution is desired. Also ideal are cordless methods, with no gas fumes and no exposed blades.
Reed Manufacturing Company’s battery-powered Bevel Boss is that solution, providing a safe, quick and consistent way for operators to bevel pipe in the field. It trims small-diameter (2-inch) and is especially suited for large-diameter plastic pipe, including pipe that is already in the ditch.
Powered by a die grinder of the operator’s choice, this lightweight system significantly reduces prep time. Adjustable for bevel length up to 1-inch, the required carbide router bits cut evenly and efficiently. Plus, the guide plate eliminates guesswork and yields a consistent result over multiple cuts.
Bevel Boss adapts to shape pipe interiors, too. For instance, electrical and utility contractors deburr to make pipe interiors snag-free for running wires. To create internal bevels on plastic pipe or conduit of 2-inch inside diameter (ID) or larger, add the REED interior beveler shroud with guide plate, CPBIDS.
These pipe bevelers are used on PVC and CPVC plastic pipe including, C900, Corzan CPVC, Bionax PVCO (C909) and ABS, as well as on most PVC glued joints and some sizes of bell and gasket joints. Always defer to pipe manufacturer specifications for bevel recommendations
In addition to complete beveling kits, Reed offers Beveler Adapters to fit Milwaukee, Bosch or DeWalt die grinders. Beveler adapters permit temporary conversion of the die grinder to serve as a beveler.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Reed Manufacturing, (800) 666-3691, reedmfgco.com
United Poly Systems Introduces Crystal Line HDPE Pipe for Water, Sewer
unitedpolysystems.com
United Poly Systems has added a new product line to its growing family of quality HDPE pipes for water. Available in Copper Tube Sizes (CTS) from ¾ to 2 inches and Iron Pipe Size (IPS) from ¾ to 6 inches, and in three color-coded variations, Crystal Line is ideal for potable (blue), reclaimed (lavender) and sewer (green) water applications. The pipe can also be customized with additional information, such as project name, distributor, end customer or municipality.
It’s manufactured at United Poly Systems’ Springfield, Mo., and Albuquerque, N.M. locations, which have been upgraded with new extruders and other modification to produce high-quality HDPE pipe at the tighter tolerances and smaller sizes necessary for CTS dimensions.
Crystal Line is also made to meet or exceed industry standards, including American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) C901 for water pressure lines ¾ inches through 3 inches and C906 for water pressure lines 4 inches and larger, and American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM) F714 standard for outside diameter in water, sewer and industrial applications and D2737 for polyethylene (PE) plastic tubing for water.
Using HDPE 4710 as the base material, pipe from the Crystal Line family meets or exceeds ASTM D3350 standard for cell classification of materials and conforms to pressure standards as specified by ASTM D3035.
“Customers who choose Crystal Line pipe over traditional copper can enjoy the many benefits of corrosion-free HDPE, including 50- to 100-year life span, elimination of solder joints, ease of installation, and shipment on coils or reels,” said Chris Reiter, CEO, United Poly Systems. “Crystal Line complements our extensive range of HDPE pressure pipe and conduit and will help us serve our customers better, while extending our reach into new market segments.”
HydraBed
hydrabeds.com
Industry-leading utility hydraulics manufacturer HydraBed introduced a new version of its popular lifting unit, the ReelLift Reel Management System, a full-capability solution that performs all the major functions of reel and cable handling.
Enabling utility workers and contractors to reduce their reel and cable handling time by up to 50 percent, the new system combines the functions of reel pickup and transport with semi-autonomous hydraulic cable in one compact, truck bed-based package.
Featuring an industry-best 5,000-pound reel capacity, the ReelLift System eliminates the need for a dedicated reel trailer, while enabling a cable crew to transport and position reels of telecom wire, fiber-optic cable and other reel-based connective media to job sites. Crews can then precisely pay out, retrieve and even create figure-8 patterns via its variable-speed, easy-to-use controls.
It also has a contractor-tested, quick-release axle security latch, built-in 20,000-pound-rated tow hitch and unmatched five-year structural warranty. This ReelLift system is available through HydraBed’s national dealer network as a turnkey, customized solution or can be factory-installed at the Sabetha, Kan., headquarters.
Vermeer Adds Replaceable Wing PDC Hole Opener
vermeer.com
The replaceable wing PDC hole opener has completed rigorous field tests and is now available for order through Vermeer dealers and the BORESTORE HDD tooling and accessories warehouse (borestore.com). This ground-up design joins the growing line of rock-focused tooling from Vermeer, targeting consolidated rock formations less than 25,000 psi.
From a single 2.875-inch API box body, contractors can interchange wing sets for cutting diameters of 8 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches. And with the ability to change sizes, users can maximize their investment in the single body.
According to Jason Zylstra, Vermeer lifecycle product manager, having replaceable wings can also help maximize efficiency in the field. “In the event of a damaged wing, a single replacement wing can be installed on the job site,” he said. “If a standard hole opener gets damaged, the entire tool is out of commission until it’s repaired.”
Vermeer has sourced premium PDC inserts that, in an independent study, showed significantly better wear characteristics than the inserts commonly found in PDC pilot bits.
“Each wing is designed with a row of carbide buttons strategically placed to help protect the stability of the PDC inserts,” explained Zylstra.
The PDC insert pitch has been industry research-informed to optimize the balance rate of penetration and impact resistance. In the event pushback is needed during reaming, rotary backout cutters have been welded to the backside of each wing.
Volvo
volvoce.com
A bottleneck of haulers waiting to be loaded is inefficient. Volvo’s new, massive EC950F crawler excavator, however, enables faster truck loading. Made for large haulers, the EC950F can use a 10-yard bucket to fill a 60-ton-capacity A60H articulated hauler in only four passes, with an average cycle time of just over a minute.
Reducing passes lowers fuel consumption and drastically speeds up cycle times to boost profitability. And by complementing the machines with ActiveCare Direct 24/7 fleet monitoring and monthly reporting, owners/operators can get insights that help further improve productivity.
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