Nabekai , Japanese largest demolition contractor, is the proud owner
of a second Kobelco SK1600D High Reach Demolition machine. The
machine can reach as high as 50.86mtr., a length long enough to
reach a 17-story building. The two machines are specially "Nabekai
painted". More info about the SK1600D can be found at HRD
news 2002.
no.1
no.2
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to enlarge
England
12-09-'03
UK’s
biggest excavator-based demolition machine
UK’s
largest excavator-based machine, incorporating a 50-meter working
pin height will be used to demolish the ancient Norfolk and Norwich
hospital
The monster demolition machine has just been put into operation by
the contracted National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC)
member-company 777
Demolition and Haulage Limited. It was recently purchased from HM
Plant, who is the sole distributor of Hitachi construction
equipment in the UK.
The decision to purchase the huge machine was based on the Kocurek
design. It was necessary for the machine to be modified. Kocurek
Excavators Ltd. carried out the essential work. The machine, a
Hitachi EX1200-5C, has an operating weight of 130 tones and is
fitted with 50-meter “Ultra High Reach” demolition equipment.
The telescopic section can be fully extended in less than three
minutes from a working pin height of 32 to 50 meters.
Although the imposing machine matches the largest working unit
already in existence – a more expensive 170-tonne crane-based
machine incorporating fixed extensions – Kocurek opted for a
design with a compact telescopic boom, which allows the use of a
smaller base machine, resulting in considerably reduced capital
outlay. The comprehensive single-rigging package also eliminates the
time-consuming need to remove and store fixed sections that are
capable of reaching different working heights.
One of the impending tasks for the excavator, once delivered to the
client, will be the demolition of the old Norfolk and Norwich
hospital. Due to the brief received for the contract, 777 required a
machine that would be suitable in order for them to tender. The
machine, which was modified specifically with this contract in mind,
will demolish the site’s two tower blocks to make way for a new
housing development.
Sales Director of Kocurek Ron Callan, is delighted to have had the
heavy responsibility of producing the record-breaking machine:
“When we entered preliminary discussions with HM Plant and 777,
the initial plan was an 80-tonne base unit to carry 40-meter
“Ultra High Reach” Demolition Equipment. Over time this grew and
the specification for the EX1200-5C was agreed. Working closely with
the customer and HM Plant we have achieved our joint goal and
Kocurek is extremely pleased with the result.”
Managing
Director of 777 Michael Pearce said: “We are very pleased with the
relationship and proactive attitude of Kocurek. We needed to get
details of the machine finalized in order to tender for the contract
in Norwich. Without the advice and support from HM Plant and Kocurek, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this. It has been a
fantastic, challenging project… and I am delighted with the
finished product.”
Peter O’Malley, Sales
executive of HM Plant, echoed the above: “777 Demolition and
Haulage is a well established company and we are pleased that they
chose HM Plant for their purchase. HM Plant’s extensive knowledge
of the industry, coupled with the reliability and performance of the
precision-manufactured Zaxis machines, allowed all objectives to be
met successfully. The EX1200-5C is an ideal unit for demolition and
dismantling projects. The modifications… by Kocurek will allow 777
to adhere to all their contract requirements. We look forward to
working with those involved in this exciting project in the
future.’’
Source: HM
Plant
This EX1200-5C HRD excavator will replace the Komatsu PC750SE-6 that
was sold to Brown
& Mason. This company now owns two Komatsu PC750SE-6's and
one PC450-6 High Reach Demolition excavators.
Italy
12-09-'03
Rumors
about very high HRD excavator The Italy based
boom-manufacturer CMO2
is still leading the HRD height records. With the construction of
the 55mtr. HRD excavator for Despe,
(which we still haven't seen in action) and the PMI 980 with 50mtr.
HRD-boom, they produced the impossible. To stay ahead of the
competition they now are building an even higher custom build HRD
excavator. Rumors spread say it will be well above 65mtr. Even
heights of 83mtr. are being told.
We will wait and see.
Netherlands
12-09-'03
H.J. van
Vliet builds Etec 834 HRD excavator Etec dealer H.J.
van Vliet was contacted earlier this year to build a High Reach
Demolition excavator for a Russian demolition contractor. Van
Vliet used it know-how to build them "the 40 tons workhorse
Etec 834" fitted with a 22mtr. CMO2-based HRD-boom. The machine
was build at van Vliet's headquarters in Zevenhuizen in Holland. It
was finished well in time to ship it to Russia to it's proud new
owner, which already completed two jobs whit it's new tool.
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to enlarge
Belgium
12-09-'03
New
boom for Cat 345B
Series II UHD
Caterpillar launches the new improved 345B series II UHD excavator.
This 50/64 tons machine is presented with a certain number of
improvements intended to increase the productivity and to simplify
transport between the demolition sites. Among these improvements:
The
new Cat 345B-II UHD simply build for demolition
Ultra
High Demolition boom.
With its maximum pin
height of 25,6mtr. and a forward reach of 16,1mtr, it is build
for durability in tough demolition applications.
Boom Hook system.
It reduces the time needed to remove and refit the ultra-high and
short nose boom Linkages. Also hydraulic quick disconnects to reduce
removal/refit times. Hydraulic tilting cabin.
Which is completely integrated in the higher frame in order to
improve the visibility without increasing the height during
transportation. Hydraulic adjustable undercarriage.
This option makes it possible to improve stability and reduce
time necessary to adjust it from working to transport position.
Sweden
12-09-'03
Volvo's
new B-series... Following on
from the launch of the Volvo B-series excavators at the beginning of
this year, Volvo Construction Equipment now offers their EC290B,
EC360B and EC460B models with modular equipment systems (Kocurek).
This can enable them to be changed from standard to high reach 3-
piece demolition equipment configuration.
When rigged for demolition duties with the three-piece high reach
configuration on the EC460B, maximum pin height is 26 meters and
forward reach is 14mtr. The machine can operate safely 30
degree’s left and right of centerline over the front of the
undercarriage allowing attachments with a maximum weight of 2500kg
to be deployed. The machine also features a full dust suppression
system, hose rupture valves and a Prolec Total Moment Indicator. To
protect the underside of the superstructure, additional 12mm belly
plates have been fitted and the additional counterweight weighs in
at 5500kg, which gives an operating weight of 54.6 tones without
attachment.
The maximum pin heights
for the EC290B and EC360B are 17m and 20m with operating weights
increased to 35.6 tones and 45.0 tones respectively, without
attachment.
The operator cab has also been extensively modified on all models.
The seat now tilts hydraulically and to give excellent upward
visibility the cab has a three quarter glazed roof complete with
wiper. A full demolition guard is fitted. The B-series cab includes
features that enhance operator comfort and convenience.
Ergonomically designed, the seat and joystick control consoles can
be adjusted independently to conform to individual operators
requirements. The cab also has an electronic climate control (ECC)
as standard.
An expanded window area without crossbar and with larger window
wiping area with parallel working wipers means the B-series
excavators have improved visibility and operating safety.
Additional features include shock reducing mounts and
sound-absorbing material for minimal noise and shock levels; an
additional rear-view mirror with a extended viewing area; operator
friendly instrument panel; and extra storage behind the seat and
more leg room. The new over-pressurized cab and highly efficient
ventilation system also provides a more comfortable and cleaner
operating environment.
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to enlarge
Germany
30-08-'03
Demolition
of Administrative multistoried building C 660 Free space for developing new center in the industrial park
Höchst
The demolition of the former
Administrative multistory building C 660 is one of the largest
demolition projects in Germany at this moment. The first new
buildings at the new, trailblazing future project for the industrial
estate, should be finished at the end of 2005, demolition should be
finished at the end of 2003.
The project is led by Infraserv,and demolition contractor Laubscher
GmbH is asked to bring down the 54 meters high C 660 building.
The highest floors are being demolished using the top-down method.
Small excavators together with bobcats and taking down 3 floors.
Together with a crane to take down large pieces to reduce possible
large vibrations.
One of the companies HRD excavators is then used to take down the
next floors.
This Cat 5080 UHD excavator reaches 43 meters high and will eat down
the multistory building. For the minimization of dust the High Reach
Demolition excavator is equipped with water nozzles, which strike
down resulting dust immediately.
C 660 will altogether leave approximately 26,000 tons of building
debris. Approximately 80 percent of it can be recycled. This is
20,000 tons of clean, re-usable building material.
Source: http://www.infraserv.comClick here to see demolition in progress: (photo-album)
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to enlarge
England
30-08-'03
Exploding
job for Hofstede-Groep After a Gas explosion the Hofstede-group
was called in to take out the blown away section and stabilize the
surrounded sections of a 5-story apartment building. Before
beginning with the actual demolition, the blown-away section was
secured to search for the cause of this major explosion.
Hofstede was called in an hour after the actual explosion, and
brought in their special equipment. One of them is the Hitachi
EX400LC-2 High Reach Demolition excavator.
"This tool is the safest demolition method. Everything is at
point of collapsing, so eating small pieces from a save distance is
the only way to do this job." According to a spokesman from the
company.
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to enlarge
France
03-06-'03
Intermat
2003 After the Bauma, Intemat is the most important exhibition.
Also for the demolition-industry , Intermat provides it visitors
with many new products.
As for HRD technology there were 6 new machines at Intermat. Many of
these machines were also at the FIDER 2003 Exhibition in Spain.
The fist HRD machine was the Komatsu PC340LCD-7.
This machine is the first Dash 7 HRD excavator from Komatsu. The
dash 7 will provide it's new owner with all the new improved
specialties.
One of the first PC340LCD-7 HRD excavators was sold at the FIDER
2003 exhibition in Pamplona (Spain) 3 - 6 April. It was sold to
Derribos Arper SL. in Spain, a company that already owned a Komatsu
PC340LCD-6 HRD excavator.
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to enlarge
Outside we
found the second HRD machine; the Liebherr R934B-V.
This new machine from Liebherr is with it's 18mtr. the smallest
Liebherr HRD excavator.
It has an adjustable undercarriage, tilting cab and many other
features can be fitted like a dust suspension system (shown here at
Intermat).
Several R934B-V HRD excavators are already sold. Companies like
Stork, Adec-Démolition, Toscana Scavi, and others, are using this
new Liebherr demolition machine.
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to enlarge
At the
demonstration area outside we found another HRD machine.
The Volvo EC360BLC is only one of the 3 B-series HRD machines Volvo
is manufacturing at the moment.
At the demonstration area they showed how fast the standard boom
could be replaced with the HRD boom. Kocurek is the builder of this
special boom system. More news on the new HRD Volvo B-series later.
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to enlarge
When we went
back in we entered the Caterpillar dome.
Cat has brought it's CAT 330CL HRD excavator to Intermat. there are
already working 12 of these machines in Europe. The release of the
new Cat 385B HRD excavator will probably be at Bauma 2004.
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to enlarge
As we
mentioned earlier Case is manufacturing a full range package of HRD
excavators now. At Intermat they showed the CX330. All the new HRD
excavators from Case are being fitted with a Kocurek Demolition boom
system.
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to enlarge
The last HRD
machine shown on Intermat was the Kobelco SK330LC.
This machine went to Poullard (France demolition contractor).
Kobelco also showed pictures at Intermat of it's larger HRD
excavators in Japan (the SK1000DW and SK1600D) to see if there was
any interest in this machines in Europe.
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to enlarge
Japan
01-05-'03
Hitachi
reaches for the highest... After Kobelco, Hitachi now sold it's first HRD rig that
reaches well above 50mtr. With the EX1400K, Hitachi puts itself on
the highest place.
The machine, that reaches 52mtr. was sold last month to the Japanese
contactor; Marutoku
Corporation, and provides it's owner with the latest HRD technology.
This company already owned several Hitachi HRD excavators with
different heights.
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to enlarge
Meanwhile in
Europe Kocurek is currently making a multi-section HRD boom on a
Hitachi EX1200. This boom will also be higher than 50mtr. More info
will appear as the machine is being delivered.
Netherlands
14-03-'03
Large
scale Demolition in Maastricht (The Netherlands) The historic city center of
Maastricht is undergoing major demolition-action. One of the largest
projects, is the demolition of the old State buildings. Sagro, one
of the Netherlands biggest demolition contractors, is chosen as
contractor to do the job. It has several pieces of equipment at the
site. One of them is the Hitachi EX550LCH with it's Verachtert
3-piece High Reach Demolition boom. The machine is capable of
reaching 27mtr. above ground level.
A spokesman said; "It's a mean Demolition Machine". The
machine was brought in because of the height of these buildings. Due
to the many safety regulations balling is in these cases no option.
The many stores and market are making this site a very popular
public area. The church and other old buildings near the demolition
site are another problem. Dust and seismic activity therefore had to
be reduced to almost zero. More pictures in HRD
photo album
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to enlarge
England
08-03-'03
Controlled
Demolition Group in city centre demolition Controlled Demolition Group found
themselves in a series of 'tight spots' during their demolition work
on the 800,000 sq ft Central shopping center development – but
none of them posed a problem.
The £1.5 million contract involved demolishing a former C&A
store, a multi-story car park and the Mecca Bingo Hall beneath it,
as well as demolishing adjacent shops and the dismantling of a
pedestrian footbridge – all just meters away from Croydon's
tramway and bus routes.
Controlled Demolition Group employed a wide range of demolition
techniques to complete the contract with minimum disruption to the
public and transport systems.
Operatives worked painstakingly by hand, using hand tools and small
machines, to demolish the top two stores of the car park while bingo
sessions and parking continued undisturbed beneath.
And the firm's custom-made 105 ton super long reach machine, plus a
whole arsenal of smaller long reach machines, were brought in to
demolish huge sections of the structure swiftly, safely and with
minimum disruption to the public. Source: Controlled
Demolition
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to enlarge
Netherlands
31-01-'03
First
job for Cat 330C UHD Dutch demolition contractor Vermeulen BV. ,as mentioned
earlier, bought one of Caterpillar's new Ultra High Demolition
machines; the Cat 330C UHD.
Time for us to go out and see what this machine is capable of.
The first job for this 330C UHD is the demolition of an old military
site in the center of Middelburg.
The highest building at the site is only 17mtr. high, so it is a
piece of cake for this 21mtr. machine. It also picks up large pieces
of steel at ground level. A very well balanced machine, with great
reach at ground level as well as in height.
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to enlarge
United
States
03-01-'03
Jewell
Manufacturing largest Excavator converter in North America The background on Jewell Manufacturing is anchored in
building extreme duty excavator conversions for the logging
industry of the Northwest United States and Canada. They
have nearly 20 years experience in building complete "shovel
logger extreme" packages, which are the workhorse of the
woods. In addition they've also built long reach fronts,
dredging fronts, scrap fronts, material handler fronts, mass
excavator fronts, other special fronts, grapples, clamshell buckets,
pile drivers, etc.
Jewell Manufacturing is the leading North American source for high
reach demolition conversions. Manufacturers like Cat, Komatsu,
Liebherr all have their factory packages, but Jewell seems
to be quite successful competing when their in on the
deal. They offer tremendous flexibility and are able to adapt and
adjust their offering to exactly meet the requirements of each
individual customer. Some of our recent projects include:
HITACHI EX450LC w/140' telescoping 3 piece high reach front
(w/transport joint & custom drop deck boom transport trailer),
lift & tilt cab positioner, cab & machinery guarding,
hydraulic extend undercarriage, additional counterweight, cctv 2
camera color attachment monitor, attachment hydraulics &
controls, machine stability alarm, 0-400 gpm dust control/wash
down/fire fighting pump, etc. KOMATSU PC750LC w/150' telescoping 3 piece high reach front
(w/transport joint & custom drop deck boom transport trailer),
jointed excavator main boom w/cradle, lift & tilt cab
positioner, cab & machinery guarding, hydraulic extend
undercarriage, additional counterweight, cctv attachment/backup 4
camera/2 color monitor, attachment hydraulics & controls,
machine stability alarm, 0-400 gpm dust control/wash down/fire
fighting pump, etc.
KOMATSU PC450LC w/90' 3 piece high reach front (w/transport
joint & cradle), jointed excavator main boom, tilt-back cab
positioner, cab & machinery guarding, additional counterweight,
cctv 2 camera color attachment monitor, etc. For more information visit the Jewell
manufacturing website.