The strategy, including the G, P and X tiers, offers contractors three choices of solutions to meet their needs.

John Deere launches its Performance Tiering Strategy, delivering a range of products at different levels of capability and user experience. Available first on the wheel loader lineup, the Performance Tiering Strategy supports customers by providing machine solutions built for various applications and jobs to enhance profitability and efficiency. Moving away from the traditional series letter designations, the Performance Tiering Strategy provides three tiers of machines — G tier, P tier and X tier.

The Performance Tiers are defined as:

• Adding a premium edge, the X-tier models are built with the most innovative John Deere technology and features, delivering the highest levels of productivity, efficiency and customer experience.
• P-tier models can be counted on to produce at high levels, day in and day out. Advanced features deliver good performance, efficiency, comfort and service life in demanding, high-production applications.
• The G-tier models are practically equipped and economical, providing proven capabilities with the reliability and ruggedness expected from John Deere. These machines are ideal for customers in need of a reliable machine to complete common light- to medium-duty tasks.

The 444-724 P-tier machines reflect the performance capabilities and features that most customers expect from John Deere, such as those found on the current L-Series wheel loaders, including a redesigned cab, standard parallel lift Z-Bar loader linkage, high-lift plus option, electrohydraulic controls and dual return-to-dig settings. A highly productive and efficient 5-metric-ton wheel loader, the 644 X-tier features E-Drive technology, comprises a diesel-electric drivetrain and exemplifies the type of innovative features that distinguish the X tier.

The 644 G-tier is the first model to be available in the lineup of G-tier Wheel Loaders. Leveraging proven components and technologies, the 644 G-tier is equipped with an all-new cab designed to boost operator comfort and productivity. Customers can customize the machine through a variety of base-level packages, including axles, tires, ride control, seats, radio and rear chassis work-light selections. With the 644 G-tier machine, John Deere delivers a solution ideal for light to medium construction jobs, such as stockpiling, short load-and-carry, truck and hopper loading, and material handling.

Designed and manufactured by John Deere, all tiered machines have John Deere Connected Support™ and a five-year subscription to JDLink™. Customers can distinguish the different levels of tiering by not only the attributes and capabilities, but also by the distinct branding and design cues on the machines.

The John Deere X and P machines are now available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada, and the 644 G machine is available in Canada and other global markets. Other product categories will follow Deere’s Performance Tiering Strategy over time. Source

This conventional mulcher for medium-heavy forestry applications now has a turbo clutch version.

The mulcher pioneer Prinoth has now been producing improved versions of its efficient mulchers for 30 years. In a European context, the M650m mulcher for medium-heavy forestry service is a familiar, well-established machine. Now this best-seller is available with a fluid coupling. The newly-developed mulcher M650M TURBO by Prinoth now offers even greater reliability in service. With a rotor diameter of 650 mm (25.6 inch) from 200 to 400 hp (147 to 294 kW), the mulcher will impress with its patented turbo clutch.

In forestry applications, the gross weight of a vehicle is becoming more and more of a talking point due to changing weather conditions. As a result, customers are asking for machines with less weight that can still be used with up to 300/350 hp (220/257 kW) for relatively hard work such as stump removal and ground clearance. With a weight of 3,700 kg (8157 lbs), the M650M TURBO is lighter than other attachments in its class and thus meets these requirements. The patented synchronized control of the PTO shaft (W-Kinematics) allows maximum digging of the mulch cutter with an optimum PTO shaft path at full engine speed. The main advantage of the turbo coupling is the overload protection, which reduces the risk of damage to the tractor during mulching to a minimum. The turbo coupling compensates for power peaks that occur under tough working conditions and thus protects the entire drive system.

The M650m TURBO is currently available with a working width of 2350 mm (92.5 inch), but the range will include other working widths in the future. The proven UPTs rotor concept with efficient shredding technology can be used on the mulcher as well as the BCS tool system, which scores points above all with its cutting depth limiter. Source

Ideal for 6x4 or 8x4 applications such as timber trucks that often run unladen in one direction, reducing fuel consumption by up to 6 percent.

Scania now introduces the RB662 tandem bogie axle with an optional lift-and-disengage function. The new option, when engaged, can save up to 6 percent on fuel, depending on operation, and reduces the turning radius. Lifting takes less than 25 seconds and, with normal chassis height and tyres, ground clearance is nearly 70 mm (2.6 in).

The liftable and disengageable tandem bogie (LDTA) requires air suspension and will increase the trucks kerb weight by 60 kg (132 lb). Most of the fuel savings can be attributed to the reduced friction inside the second (disconnected) axle gearing and only some 10 percent of the saving derives from reduced rolling resistance. Three bogie weights – 19, 21 and 26 tonnes – are available and load limits with the second axle lifted are 9.5, 10.5 and 13 tonnes respectively.

A dog clutch connection is part of the option that makes Scanias tandem axle RB662 both liftable and disengageable thus offering substantial fuel savings reduced tyre wear and much tighter turning radiuses. The LDTA option can presently not be combined with hub reduction axles or tridem configurations. The driver raises the axle by simply turning a knob. A pop-up warning appears in the instrument cluster if the truck identifies an overload situation, in which case it will not lift the axle. The lifting can be called for at any speed. The disengagement itself is performed via a “dog clutch” connection. The added cost will rapidly be compensated given the highly positive contribution to the total operating economy. Source

It is versatile and suitable for all kinds of waste as well as wood and green cuttings.

The Terminator xtron from Komptech shreds all sorts of materials down to an adjustable grain size. Whether waste wood, green cuttings or household, bulky or commercial waste, this new Terminator version’s high-standing teeth and powerful motor - to the latest exhaust standard - enable it to handle practically any shredding task. Users and contractors benefit from this, as it enables them to react more flexibly and economically to changing orders.

The Terminator xtron has a newly developed shredding unit to ensure good intake and efficient shredding with constant output quality. It features 16 specially designed and noticeably longer drum teeth, with a respectable 1.17 m (3.8 ft) outside diameter. The high-standing teeth give constant intake even with bulky waste or green cuttings. The larger outside diameter prevents wraparounds that would otherwise interrupt shredding. 17 teeth on the counter comb boost shredding performance. The cutting gap between the drum and comb is hydraulically adjustable, and stays constant once set. The degree of shredding can thus be adjusted to give the ideal, consistent grain size for downstream processing. A comb system can be used if needed for even finer grains.

By comparison with its stablemates in the Komptech Terminator series, the Terminator xtron has a stronger hydraulic drive and improved control technology. The power plant is a heavy-duty Caterpillar diesel engine that meets the latest exhaust standards. The two-sided drum drive that comes as standard ensures plenty of torque for materials that are difficult to shred.

The load-dependent speed control automatically adjusts the drum speed and force to fit the material. Under high loading this gives the machine 40 percent more torque, making easy and efficient work of even the toughest materials.

The hydraulically folding hopper lets the user adjust the hopper intake to suit the loading method. This enables efficient work, with high throughput and minimal leakage. The wider shredding area makes for problem-free loading even with big wheel loaders.

Road mobility is important for multiple-site use, and the Terminator xtron has it, with triple air-suspended central axles and optional on-site positioning capability. It can also be delivered in hook lift platform or tracked chassis versions. Source

The Future Company is well positioned to lead the industry shift towards increased sustainability based on intelligent solutions.

This press release does not apply to the USA.

Cargotec Corporation (“Cargotec”) and Konecranes Plc (“Konecranes”) announce that their respective Boards of Directors have signed a combination agreement (the “Combination Agreement”) and a merger plan to combine the two companies through a merger (the “Future Company”).

The Future Company will be a customer-focused global leader in sustainable material flow. The Future Company’s illustrative combined annual sales is approximately EUR 7.0 billion and comparable operating profit approximately EUR 565 million based on fiscal year 2019.

The Future Company is well positioned to lead the industry shift towards increased sustainability based on intelligent solutions, by being a lifecycle partner for its customers and prioritizing safety in all its activities.

The Future Company can unlock significant value for its stakeholders by being the lifecycle partner for its customers, solving the sustainability challenge through innovation, positioning itself well to grow in material flow and by creating and combining a team of top global talent.

The Future Company initially aims to achieve a comparable operating profit in excess of 10 percent, supported by synergies expected to be approximately EUR 100 million annually that are expected to be achieved in full within 3 years from the completion.

The proposed combination will be implemented as a statutory absorption merger whereby Konecranes will be merged into Cargotec. Prior to or in connection with the completion of the merger, Cargotec will issue new shares without payment to the shareholders of Cargotec in proportion to their existing shareholding by issuing two (2) new class A shares for each class A share and two (2) new class B shares for each class B share, including new shares to be issued to Cargotec for its treasury shares. Upon completion, Konecranes’ shareholders will receive as merger consideration 0.3611 new class A shares and 2.0834 new class B shares in Cargotec for each share they hold in Konecranes on the record date. This implies that Konecranes shareholders would own approximately 50 percent of the shares and votes of the Future Company, and Cargotec shareholders would own approximately 50 percent of the shares and votes of the Future Company. In addition to the merger consideration shares, all the existing class A shares of Cargotec will be listed on Nasdaq Helsinki in connection with the merger.

Cargotec and Konecranes have obtained necessary commitments for the financing of the completion of the merger.

The combination is subject to, among other items, approval by a majority of two-thirds of votes cast and shares represented at the respective EGMs of Cargotec and Konecranes, and the obtaining of merger control approvals. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to all conditions for completion being fulfilled.

Shareholders representing approximately 44.8 percent of the shares and approximately 76.3 percent of the votes of Cargotec, and shareholders representing approximately 27.4 percent of the shares and votes of Konecranes, have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the combination.

The combination is unanimously recommended by the Boards of Directors of Cargotec and Konecranes to their respective shareholders.

This release is not an offer of merger consideration shares in the United States and it is not intended for distribution in or into the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be prohibited by applicable law. The merger consideration shares have not been and will not be been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered, sold or delivered within or into the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption of, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act. Source

Iveco to launch on-board vocal truck driver companion built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) technology

​Iveco is leading the way in Europe by using AWS’s Machine Learning and serverless capabilities and Amazon Alexa to enhance the driver’s experience. The new innovative voice service enables Iveco drivers to vocally manage their route planning, check the vehicle’s maintenance and health status, and request driving tips. The voice service can also operate cab controls, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road, increasing traffic safety. It also makes it easy for drivers to remain connected with the IVECO driver community. Source

JCB needs a number of new recruitments to cater for a surge in production

JCB is recruiting more than 400 additional UK shop floor employees as the company gears up for a surge in production. The market for construction equipment has rebounded sharply after the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, which halted production at JCB factories around the world. Source

Olofsfors has recruited a new CEO

Olofsfors AB and the P Wikström Jr. Group have experienced good growth in recent years and the need to develop staffing within the Group's leading functions has become necessary. Hence the decision to look for a new CEO for Olofsfors. Göran Nyberg will be Vice President for the Group, where he will work together with the company's owner and the Group's CEO Anders Wikström. Urban Hadarsson is the new CEO of Olofsfors AB. Urban took over as CEO on January 11, 2021. Source

“Lime stabilization to improve clay-textured forest soil road subgrades”

Found in the International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2021. The authors were Soghra Keybondori & Ehsan Abdi. Source