Machinery Premieres 2017

What’s new and improved in the multifaceted world of heavy vehicles and special equipment? We’ve analysed the latest additions to the market and collected the most prominent offers for our eager-to-know readers.

You won’t notice here any breathtaking concepts, but what you will see is the selection of very practical technical solutions, aimed to increase business potential in construction, farming and transport operations.

10. Volvo SD160B: a 16-tonne soil compactor

The new SD160B single drum soil compactor stands out from the range of Volvo’s recently launched construction machines. The vehicle’s design is based on two interconnected approaches. First, a 16-tonne class compactor is made to be highly productive irrespective of the operating conditions. For that purpose, the engine’s power is increased to 147.5 hp. Besides, the engine features the automatic passive regeneration system and lower fan speeds.

Second, the scope of the operating conditions is extended to the utmost. As a result, such challenging applications as working on sharp inclines or slippery surfaces are not challenging anymore. The on-site flexibility is boosted by the possible change of a smooth drum to a padfoot drum. The drum, for its parts, features a 2.1-meter width and impressive adjustability with regard to the operating frequency and amplitude.

9. Volvo FH16-750 Tridem 8x4 tractor unit

The new Volvo FH16-750 Tridem 8x4 truck is intended to advance extra heavy haulage. To manage this task, the Volvo truck is equipped with a super powerful engine, enhanced by the brand’s engine brake system (VEB). Such a beneficial technical combination enables the brakes to stay cool even after driving a fully-loaded vehicle down the hill. Above all, this is not just a mere manufacturer’s promise. This is the daily routine for Buckingham Plant Hire, which uses the beast of a machine from Volvo Trucks to transport construction units around the UK.

8. Massey Ferguson 4610M: a high-clearance tractor

Massey Ferguson launched its high-clearance utility tractor at the beginning of 2017 to help specialty crop growers improve their yields during the ongoing farming season. The fresh offer is tailor made for such crops as berries, broccoli, potatoes and other high-value species that demand careful treatment. The tractor’s special mission is going to be fulfilled by means of a 100-hp engine, a long wheelbase, two different tire sizes (with drawbar ground clearance up to 31 inches) and as many as seven track settings regarding axle extensions.

7. MAN TGE: the brand’s first van range

The much-anticipated MAN’s debut as a manufacturer of light commercial vehicles is a real milestone in the brand’s development. Stimulated by the increasing use of large vans and encouraged by the demand from numerous loyal customers, the MAN TGE range is ready to compete with the best offers on the market.

The TGE follows the quality traditions of its heavier brothers from the MAN trucks. The new offering is focused on robustness, functionality and first-class service solutions. Available in different body variants (panel/combi/platform) and all types of wheel drives, the lion-labelled vans have the potential to set new standards in the sector. There is no doubt that the engine selection from such a proficient manufacturer (which pioneered with the first direct-injection diesel engine in 1924) will be as durable and efficient as it is promised. The power range starts from 100 hp and finishes with 175 hp.

6. Renault Master ZE and New Kangoo ZE

Through its Renault Pro+ specialist network, Renault forges ahead with its zero-emission vans. The 2017 updates and fresh offers contribute to the brand’s line-up of electric light commercial vehicles, making it fully unique.

But the electric LCV sector is not only about vehicles. It’s more about connectivity solutions and charging capabilities. So, together with the launch of the first electric Master ZE and the new Kangoo ZE, the producer has introduced the Fleet Management service and the Predictive Maintenance solution. As for the charge stations, there is a total of 80,000 locations across Europe. The updated version of the Kangoo ZE van has got a new battery and power unit, which increases a travel range up to 270 km. Meanwhile, the electric Renault Master has debuted with a travel range of 200 km. Both vehicles need less than six hours for a full charge.

5. Kongskilde Vibro Master 3055: a 5.5-metre cultivator

In response to the increasing market demand for agile seedbed cultivators, Kongskilde Agriculture has presented a smaller version of the popular Vibro Master 3000. The addition to the brand’s cultivator selection, the Vibro Master 3055, features a working width of 5.5 metres. It is aimed at providing exceptional performance in terms of versatility. The new cultivator is available for customisation according to specific customer demands through the range of accessories. As well as wider versions, which managed to win recognition from the experts, the Vibro Master 3055 is designed to be fully mounted and to arrange a 3-metre transport width.

4. John Deere 950K crawler dozer

The new John Deere’s offer is another example of close cooperation with customers and the result of gathering all their prevailing requirements for bulldozers. Therefore, the 950K is distinguished by the improved level of grading precision and the number of enhancements that boost productivity and uptime in a range of such large-scale applications, as road building or site development.

One of the focal points of the construction is the dual-path hydrostatic transmission, combined with a 265-hp engine. In comparison with a conventional torque-converter driveline, the hydrostatic design directs about 15% more power to the ground. Moreover, it is beneficial in regard to full load handling as it eliminates the loss of material while pushing it through turns.

As for the advanced grading precision, it is ensured by a specially developed six-way power-angle-tilt (PAT) blade.

3. John Deere 5R Series: premium utility tractors

The premium character of the John Deere 5R utility series comes out of the fact that the newly-released tractors beneficially incorporate the productive technologies normally used in large row crop tractors.

Manoeuvrability, advanced visibility and loader integration are claimed to be the major virtues of the 5R series, making this offering significant among other John Deere tractors. Another merit is associated with the available choice between two electronic transmissions: CommandQuad Manual and Command8. The powertrain is further improved with the AutoClutch tech, which eliminates the need for clutching, activating disengagement of the clutch automatically.

The power output varies from 90 to 125 hp.

2. Krone EasyCut R 400: a 4-metre rear disc mower

Krone Group’s agricultural division, which is specialised in forage harvesting equipment, has increased its line-up of rear mounted disc mowers. The new EasyCut R 400 features an operating width of 4.04 metres, making it the widest version in the EasyCut R range. Despite the extended width, the new disc mower is designed without any compromise according to versatility and safety. The built-in hydraulic mechanism turns the mower into a narrow transport unit, acceptable for passing underneath bridges and through gates.

Productivity is guaranteed by such brand’s solutions as the SmartCut cutterbar (which is responsible for optimum contouring), the individually protected SafeCut discs, the spring suspension system (which adjusts the pressure) and the dependable break-back system (which prevents machine damage if colliding with an obstacle).

1. JCB Teleskid: the world’s first skid steer with a telescopic boom

The new JCB Teleskid, debuted at this year’s Conexpo show in Las Vegas, has truly deserved to be the most outstanding premiere from the world of heavy and special machinery. This is the first machine of its kind in the world. The reputable brand used its expertise as the world’s leading manufacturer of telehandlers and created an engineering sensation. Designed primarily as a skid steer loaders, the JCB Teleskid can be also successfully used as a telescopic handler, masted forklift or a compact loader. Such a wide range of applications is possible due to an implemented telescopic boom. Thus, the Teleskid’s performance is second-to-none. Comparing to its rivals, JCB’s revolutionary skid steer reaches 60% further forward (2.4 metres), 8% higher (4 metres) and is able to dig below its chassis (1 meter).

The JCB Teleskid is offered in 2 versions: tracked and wheeled. Both variants will be available in North America, while Europe will benefit from the wheeled version due to its exceeding popularity in the region.