by Kyle Molyneux | Thu 03 Dec 2020
YEAR IN REVIEW: February 2020
2020 is a leap year, which meant an extra day in February and another chance for companies to hit the headlines. Here's what was brewing in the construction machinery industry during the second month of the year. From HS2 to Topcon tech and a hotel refurb turned demolition - there was lots to talk about!
1) TOPCON TAKES CHARGE AT FOSSE PARK
McDermotts Building & Civil Engineering Ltd prepares land for Leicester's multi-million-pound Fosse Shopping Park extension with help from Topcon Positioning. Read more.
2) DANGEROUS DEMOLITION HALTED BY HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and safety executives were forced to step in at a demolition job in Fleetwood, Blackpool after members of the public reported improper practices on the site. Read more.
3) HS2 GETS GREEN LIGHT
After months of speculation, the government confirmed the first phases of HS2 would go ahead, linking London to Birmingham, along with Birmingham to Crewe. Read more.
4) NEW CAT TROLLEY ASSIST FOR MINING TRUCKS
Innovative Cat trolley assist system for Cat electric drive mining trucks promises to cut carbon emissions, reduce fuel and engine costs, and increase speed-on-grade for greater productivity on site. Read more.
5) ELECTRIC JCB 19C-1E DEBUTS AT EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW
Coventry's premier construction machinery show, held at the vast Ricoh Arena, witnessed the debut of JCB's brand new electric mini-excavator, the 19C-1E. Read more.
6) NEW KOMATSU BACKHOE LOADER
During the second week of February, Komatsu announced its new WB97S-8 backhoe loader with an operating weight of just under 9 tonnes and a 101hp engine. Read more.
7) WORLD'S LARGEST HYDROGEN-POWERED MINE TRUCK
Anglo American and Williams Advanced Engineering described their plans to develop an enormous new mining truck with fuel cell technology. Read more.
8) NEW KOMATSU MINI-EXCAVATORS
A wheel loader wasn't the only thing Komatsu launched in Februrary 2020 - the manufacturer also revealed new PC18MR-5, PC22MR-5, PC26MR-5 and PC58MR-5 mini excavators. Read more.
9) BOBCAT E10e
Another battery-powered mini-excavator spotted at this year's Executive Hire Show was Bobcat's E10e, based on the highly popular E10 1-tonne digger. Read more.
10) DIGGER OPERATOR JAILED
Following a dispute about pay, one digger operator in Liverpool took it upon himself to undo refurbishment work at a Travelodge hotel. In February, he was forced to face the consequences of his actions. Read more.
EARTHMOVERS MAGAZINE: FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE
Highlights in this month's edition of Earthmovers Magazine included Site Visit: JCB 150X HD - Report on a demolition version of JCB’s new 150X HD excavator; First Impressions: Kobelco SK85MSR-7 - One firm’s first Kobelco midi, equipped with their first tilt-rotator; Product Launch: Komatsu WA475-10 - 25-tonne wheel loader features a new type of mechanical-hydraulic transmission; New Product: Hyundai HX900 - The first 90-tonne Hyundai excavator to be put to work in Ireland; Fleet Focus: MJL Contractors - Latest fleet additions at one of the big three players in the south-west.
Buy the back issue here
