A double header!

Last issue my letter was titled “What an issue!” Well, now it is a double header. Another large issue packed with interesting products, articles and show information.

The cover story about the John Deere 644K Hybrid Wheel Loader is important news for value-focused buyers who want to save on owning and operating costs. Our coverage on page 14 explains its operation. One of the features of the 644K Hybrid is that it has four operating speed ranges but no reverse gear or clutches as direction changes are performed by the electric motor. Of course, it still has a diesel engine, along with the electric drive. 

And diesel engines are big news this year as we move through Tier 4 Interim and into Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. Our Engines & Drivetrains section starts on page 34 with a detailed look at the Scania Tier 4i engines used by Terex for their articulated trucks, and the reasons and benefits for using SCR for this type of application. The article also gives an overview of the characteristics of both EGR and SCR. We also have a look at some other Tier 4 Interim and Final engines, some of which will be on display at bauma 2013 in Germany. 

Show organizers say bauma is the largest and perhaps the most impressive trade fair in the world. It is huge, with over 3,000 exhibitors in more than half-a-million square metres of exhibition space, and over 400,000 visitors from around the world. You can read more about the show and some of the exhibitors in our bauma feature starting on page 40. And of course, I will be covering equipment launched at the show in upcoming issues.

Canada’s largest heavy equipment show is occurring the same week as bauma so some people may have to choose one or the other, or leave bauma early to get back to The National Heavy Equipment Show in Mississauga, Ontario. An impressive number of visitors attended the 2011 event, almost 11,000 in all and I hope it will be another strong showing this year.

One of the things I enjoy as editor of Heavy Equipment Guide is learning about companies and equipment. BMH Systems is one such company. Located in Boucherville, Quebec, and operating since 1979, they have concrete batch plants around the world. They have the lead story this issue (page 6) featuring two projects in Canada. 

I also found the E-Crane transloading article on page 12 to be fascinating. The crane uses an hydraulically pivoting, mechanically linked boom design that keeps the machine in near perfect balance throughout its full working range. It combines an uncomplicated equilibrium design with high capacity, simple maintenance, long service life and ease of operation.

Of course, the whole magazine is filled with interesting equipment. I can’t highlight it all here so all I can say is “Enjoy!”