Weekly recap: Zero-emission vehicle incentives, Caterpillar’s new hydraulic excavator, and more

Zero-emission technology is starting to become more prevalent and easier to access. One of the ways this technology has become more accessible is through the Government of Canada's new incentives for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. This week also saw several equipment releases with Caterpillar's 336 hydraulic excavator and ASV's updated RT-50 Posi-Track compact track loader. Plus, Rokbak presented its Dealer of the Year award to both Hills Machinery and Shafer Equipment Company. Lafarge Canada also acquired Mathers' St-Eustache quarry and asphalt operations. Here are five articles from this week you won't want to miss.

Caterpillar hydraulic excavator offers productivity increase and lower operating costs

The new Cat 336 hydraulic excavator offers improved production and low-cost operation. Its hydraulic system delivers ideal digging forces and swing torque in all applications. The excavator can operate in three different engine modes: Power, Smart, and Eco. Power mode delivers power to complete tasks when more power is needed and Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption. Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption by reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm.

Learn more about the Cat 336 hydraulic excavator in the full article.

New incentives for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles; check out the whole list

The Government of Canada will be introducing a medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (iMHZEV) incentive program, which will provide approximately 50 percent of the cost difference between traditional diesel vehicles and a zero-emission alternative to assist trucking fleets in reducing their carbon footprint. The program introduction follows through on the commitment by the Canadian federal government to provide $547.5 million over four years to launch the new purchase incentive program for zero-emission vehicles.

Find a searchable list of which vehicles are eligible for the iMHZEV program in the full article.

Lafarge Canada acquires Mathers' St-Eustache quarry and asphalt operations in Quebec

Lafarge Canada has acquired Mathers' St-Eustache quarry and asphalt operations in Quebec. The acquisition will further complement Lafarge's aggregates network and reinforce the company's presence in Montreal and the Lower Laurentians regions. The deal reiterates the company's 2025 strategy to expand its aggregates business through acquisitions of pits, quarries, docks, and depots in high-growth markets.

Learn more about Lafarge Canada's quarry and asphalt acquisition in the full article.

Two U.S. dealerships share Rokbak's Dealer of the Year award

Rokbak's Dealer of the Year award has been presented to two U.S. companies. The award was split into two categories, covering the highest volume and highest market share, which were won by Hills Machinery and Shafer Equipment Company respectively. Serving north-western Nevada and north-eastern California from its base in Sparks, N.V., Shafer Equipment Company won the award for Highest Market Share in 2021. Hills Machinery, which serves customers from seven locations across North and South Carolina, won the Highest Volume award.

Learn more about the Rokbak Dealer of the Year winners in the full article.

Yanmar engine powers next-generation ASV compact track loader, increasing service options

ASV Holdings Inc. has introduced a new generation of the company's RT-50 Posi-Track compact track loader, now powered by a Yanmar engine. The new machine has 53.8 horsepower, up a full eight percent from the previous model. The repowered RT-50 also offers improved serviceability, allowing owners to have the Yanmar engine serviced at ASV dealers. In addition to these benefits, the new RT-50 features new comfort, visibility, and performance features. The Yanmar-powered RT-50 is suited for work in tight spaces, such as landscaping, construction, and snow clearing.

Find out all the new features of ASV's updated RT-50 Posi-Track compact track loader in the full article.