HE construction industry is beginning to buzz throughout Europe in the run-up to Intermat 2006. Early indications are that the show will feature many more new introductions than was expected. With sluggish economies generally throughout Europe, it was originally believed the show would be lacking in new introductions.

According to Off-Highway Research, 2006 is not going to be a dynamic year for construction equipment unit sales in Europe. David Phillips, managing director says in a recent report "The last peak came in 2000 when almost 152,000 units were sold, but this was followed by a fall to 148,000 units in 2001.

Off Highway Research believes that the market in 2006 will fall to a similar level, and if this does indeed prove to be the case it should be seen as a gentle cooling of demand, and not the beginning of a major cyclical downturn." According to Off-Highway research forecasts, most equipment sectors will see a small decline in demand or little change.

Because of this, it could be that the major manufacturers are trying to stimulate demand through the introduction of new models and there are over 1,300 exhibitors all vying for attention. Of all exhibitors, Caterpillar , with over 20, probably has the largest number of new introductions as previously mentioned, but other companies are also planning major announcements.

Greater precision

Major players are taking the opportunity to introduce their new Tier III compliant engines to models. Caterpillar is also promoting its latest developments in GPS applications, which is becoming more and more integrated into the machine operations. With improvements in hydraulics and control systems, machines today can operate with much greater precision and GPS with appropriate screen displays is contributing to faster, more accurate material handling.

This Intermat will see the largest contingent of Chinese companies participating. Although many of the 60 Chinese companies exhibiting are promoting components, there are several that appear to be showing full machines. It is interesting to note that China has the largest number of exhibitors from Asia, Korea is the second largest contributor and Japan is third.

New kid on the block, Doosan, is getting a lot of attention in Europe. The company, formed from the Daewoo Heavy Industries, which closed last year, is to put on a major display of over 30 machines, most powered by the company's own Tier III engine, from the range of excavators and wheel loaders. Not to be outdone, Korean company, Hyundai, is to launch a new 50t excavator as well as featuring other products from the range.

Crane displays

Intermat always has a good display from the many crane manufacturers. The largest stand in this sector is taken by Manitowoc and will feature seven new products or models making their first appearance at a trade show in Europe.

The Model 16000 crawler crane will make its European debut at Intermat 2006 following a successful introduction in America and Asia last year. It combines heavy lifting with long reach and boasts a maximum lift capacity of 400t and a maximum heavy-lift main boom reach of 96m.

Manitowoc 's Crane CARE services are also being heavily promoted. Thibaut Le Besnerais, general manager for Manitowoc Crane CARE Europe, Middle East and Africa says, "We are now offering more support services than ever before. We have the best-trained staff in the business and are expanding rapidly as more and more people realise that Manitowoc Crane CARE is more than just a spare parts supplier."

As part of the Manitowoc stand, the Grove brand will display three new all-terrain cranes - the GMK2035E, GMK4080-1 and GMK5220. All manufactured in Europe, the largest is the GMK5220, a five-axle crane with a capacity rating of 220t and a 68m main boom.

New in the four-axle category is the GMK4080-1 with an 80t capacity rating and six-section 51m main boom. It lifts 6.6t at its maximum boom point of 51m and out to a radius of 20m. The third new model from Grove is the GMK2035E, an updated version of the company's 35t GMK2035.

In the RT range, Grove is to introduce the RT530E with a 30t maximum capacity and a full power boom, which can extend to 29m. The new model, the first to be produced from the Italian production facility, offers a maximum tip height with full boom of 31.2m, as well as 7.9m swingaway or a 7.9m to 13.7m telescopic swingaway.

Telescoping system

Potain will unveil two new self-erecting cranes - the Igo 11 and Igo 22. The Igo 22 is available with either a 26m or 28m jib. Potain believe this to be the only crane in its class to be powered by 230V single-phase or 400V electricity supply as standard. The Igo 11, which has a maximum capacity of 1.3t and a jib of 18m. It can lift up to 650 kg at its jib end and has a 16m height under hook.

Crane manufacturer Terex is also unveiling new machines. The new AC 55-1 replaces the AC 55, which was introduced in 2003. On the new model the axle weight has been reduced substantially by installing a new telescoping system, while lifting capacity was increased. At 40m main boom length and 10m radius the increase in lifting capacity amounts to more than 20 per cent.

From Terex Demag is the new AC 160-2. This compact 5-axle crane has of an enormous 64m main boom; the four-segment main boom extension ranges from 9m through 33m and enables a total boom length of 96m. The heavy-duty crawler crane sector will see the new Kobelco CKE2500-2 with a 250t. lifting capacity.

Hitachi Sumitomo will display its two new crawler cranes for the European market - the new SCX2800-2 (capacity 275t) and the SCX800 HD-2 (capacity 80t) heavy-duty model. The SCX2800-2 succeeds the SCX2500 and is designed for easy self-assembly and transport - maximum component weight is 45t and maximum width is 3m.

Much more to see

Although pre-exhibition information focuses on larger equipment manufacturers, companies such as Sandvik Tamrock, Atlas Copco , and Metso will inevitably have some interesting introduction in rock drilling and crushing.

Visitors to Intermat will find the exhibition laid out in industry sectors to make product evaluation and comparisons as easy as possible. However, for those companies with a broad product offering this is not always possible. The largest stand will probably be Caterpillar who traditionally dominate Europe trade events. However, visitors will also find many interesting products from little known manufacturers.

Roger Lindley, Construction Contractor's UK-based correspondent, looks at recent developments in Europe that may impact on the Australian market.

Source: Construction Contractor

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