News: Construction

2022-08-20

Hyundai Doosan Infracore Plans Hydrogen Engine

FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT

Hyundai Doosan Infracore announced that it has been selected as the lead company for the national project “Development of Hydrogen Engine System and Storage and Supply System for Construction Machinery and Commercial Vehicles” by the Industrial Technology Evaluation and Management Agency.

Through this project, the company plans to develop a 300kW, 11-liter class hydrogen engine and hydrogen tank system with zero carbon emissions, which will be installed in commercial vehicles such as trucks and large buses, and construction equipment such as excavators by 2024. After verification, the company aims to begin full-scale mass production in 2025.

“Although hydrogen engines have high energy density, they are expensive and require technological maturity to ensure durability under adverse operating conditions,” said a company official. “For this reason, the engine system is more suitable for construction machinery and medium- to large-sized commercial vehicles than for passenger cars.”

Source: Wow! Korea

PSR Analysis: Hydrogen products in Korea are still far from practical at this point. Hydrogen can be classified as green, blue, or gray depending on the cleanliness of the production process, and the hydrogen fuel cell power plant in Korea that began operating in June emits 10 tons of carbon for every ton of hydrogen it produces. At this point, Korea’s hydrogen industry is still in the gray stage, but I do not think it is time to discuss whether the technology is good or bad, as it will take time for the technology to become more advanced.

The idea that hydrogen is better suited for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles than for passenger cars makes a lot of sense. However, mass production of a commercial model by 2024 is certainly a very high goal. With the lithium-ion battery industry currently thriving in South Korea, I will keep a close eye on the future development of hydrogen in the country. PSR

Chinese IV Standard for Off-road Machinery To Be Implemented Dec. 1, 2022

CHINA REPORT
Jack Hao
Jack Hao

On Dec. 29, 2020, the Ministry of ecology and environment announced that Dec. 1, 2022, all off-road mobile machines below 560kw (including 560kw) produced, imported and sold and their diesel engines installed shall meet the requirements of the Chinese IV emission standard.

The implementation time of Chinese IV emission of off-road mobile machinery above 560kw and its installed diesel engines will be announced separately.

In 2022, due to adverse factors at home and abroad, enterprises in the industry will generally face market pressure. In order to better switch the upgrading of Chinese IV emission standards from the aspects of supply chain and industrial chain, steadily promote the implementation of Chinese IV emission standards, reduce the operating pressure of enterprises, and maintain the stable and sustainable development of the industry, the Association recently submitted the “request for instructions on the implementation time delay of Chinese IV emission standards for off- road mobile construction machinery” to the atmospheric environment department of the Ministry of ecological environment according to the policy advice and suggestions of enterprises on Chinese IV emission, It is suggested that the conversion time of the whole machine products with the national three emission standards for construction machinery to the national four emission standards be postponed from December 1, 2022 to April 1, 2023.  Regarding the application submitted by the association to the Ministry of ecology and environment for “postponing the implementation time of the ‘National four’ emission standard for off-road mobile construction machinery”, the Association received a clear reply: it will not be further extended! Therefore, the “national four” emission standards for off-road mobile machinery will be switched as scheduled from December 1, 2022.

Source: Sohu     Read The Article

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2022-06-25

Komatsu Provides Hybrid CE To Southeast Asia

INDONESIA REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Komatsu began introducing hybrid construction equipment in Indonesia this spring. Equipped with an engine and electric motor as the power source, these machines can improve fuel efficiency by 20-30%, compared to conventional machines.

Chinese manufacturers are pushing low-priced construction equipment, and are now rivaling Komatsu, which has a stronghold in Indonesia, in terms of market share. With fuel prices rising sharply, emerging countries are also becoming more environmentally conscious. Komatsu is fending off Chinese competition with its highly fuel-efficient construction equipment and is tapping into demand for decarbonization.

In Indonesia, the largest construction equipment market in Southeast Asia, Komatsu has launched a hybrid hydraulic excavator. Equipped with a hybrid system developed in-house, the excavator’s swing unit is electrically powered. When turning the body, including the arm and driver’s seat, from side to side, the energy generated during deceleration is used to generate electricity, which is stored for future use. The company plans to market the system to nickel mine developers and others, where demand for EV batteries is growing.

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Show Report: 2022 NEW Environmental Exposition

FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT

Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Last month, I visited the three-day 2022 NEW Environmental Exposition, an exhibition of environment-related equipment in Tokyo. The show promoted the effective use of resources, new energy and energy reduction, and the utilization of CO2 emission reduction technologies

Source: Official Website

PSR Analysis: The exhibition featured many environment-related devices for waste treatment, demolition, bioplastics, water treatment and purification, heat utilization systems, recycling, and more.

Large equipment such as those that crush and efficiently separate debris mixed with earth, sand, and wood; metal recovery systems from seawater using special fibers, and equipment related to crushing wood, stone, and other materials were eye-catching in variety and size.

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Volvo CE Pushing Alternative Powertrains

EUROPE REPORT

Emiliano Marzoli
Emiliano Marzoli

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has started testing its prototype “HX04” Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Articulated truck.  Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE expects that this prototype will “give valuable insights into the opportunities of hydrogen in the energy transformation alongside battery-electric solutions.”

The on-going development of the hauler began in 2018 and experienced partnerships with different Swedish institutions and companies.  Fun fact: The machine is nicknamed “Electric Charlie,” a homage to “Gravel Charlie,” the world’s first Articulated hauler produced by Volvo in 1966. 

Shell has been involved in the project, supplying the Hydrogen refuelling station for Volvo’s test track.  The Volvo HX04 is charged with 12 kg hydrogen in about 7.5 minutes, enabling it to operate for approximately four hours. Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen and the resulting chemical reaction produces electricity which powers the machine.

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2022-05-23

Komatsu Announces Expansion in Brazil

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT  
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

Komatsu announced planned investment of US$ 30 million (R$ 158 M) for a second cycle of production capacity expansion of its Suzano Plant in Brazil. According to Komatsu, production capacity will be increased 26%. Komatsu has invested US$ 20 million (R$ 100 M) during the last three years for 32% capacity expansion and improvements in safety and environmental impact.

Source: M&T Magazine      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The expansion meets Komatsu and Brazilian CE market growth during the last three years and the forecast for growth in the coming years. Komatsu has been producing strong business in Construction Equipment and especially in mining equipment in Brazil. Komatsu has been emphasizing high value added products in service and after sales. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

2022-03-20

Caterpillar Plans To Stop Production in Russia

RUSSIA REPORT

March 10, 2022—The American company Caterpillar, specializing in construction and mining machines, has suspended work at its plants in Russia because of the situation in Ukraine. Caterpillar said it is donating more than US$ 1 million to the victims of the crisis.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events continuing to occur in Ukraine and hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Through the Caterpillar Foundation, we are donating more than $1 million to support both urgent and long-term needs of the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. We are complying with all applicable laws and evolving sanctions, while remaining focused on our employees, dealers and customers. Operations in Russia have become increasingly challenging, including supply chain disruptions and sanctions, and we are suspending operations in our Russian manufacturing facilities” – said in the company statement.

According to the company website, it has a production plant in Tosno (Leningrad region) and a distribution center in Moscow region.

Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Evidently, Cat business in Russia continues, however in reduced size. It’s not possible to maintain production operation with absence of parts. Same reasons were stated in press-release of Hitachi, which has also suspended production in Russia with Cat and Komatsu.   PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations, for Power Systems Research

2022-02-20

Union Budget Push To Expand Highways and EVs

INDIA REPORT 
Aditya Kondejkar

The 2022-2023 Budget is focused on building long-term strength using investment as the growth lever while maintaining policy stability and inclusivity. The 35% increased capex outlay, major infrastructure projects like 25,000 km road construction, 100 Cargo terminals, Project GatiShakti, 5G network, optic fiber cable laying and the recent PLI schemes are major positives.

Source: Auto Guide India    Read The Article

 “The blueprint of a digitally enabled, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, coupled with measures that will drive sustainable yet inclusive growth at a rapid pace for the next twenty-five years. These are the bedrock of the proposals announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, as we redefine our economy in a post-pandemic world. Setting the direction for creation of urban fossil fuel free zones, policy for battery swapping and energy as service and incentives for creating a vibrant start-up eco system, India could soon emerge as a fore-runner of green mobility solutions for the world” – Sunjay J Kapur, President ACMA (Automobile component manufacturers association of India)

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Doosan Bobcat Aims at NA Market with Fully Electric T7X

SOUTH KOREA REPORT

Doosan Bobcat unveiled the world’s first fully electric construction equipment to the global market through CES 2022, the world’s largest technology exhibition.  

Doosan Bobcat held a media day event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas to introduce the T7X, which won two CES 2022 Innovation Awards.  

The T7X is the world’s first fully electric construction equipment that eliminates all hydraulic components. It is comparable in performance to existing internal combustion engine equipment and emits no harmful substances. Noise has been greatly reduced to one-tenth the level, and energy efficiency has been maximized. 

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2022-01-22

North American Rollers 2021 Production: 6,245 Units

DATAPOINT

6,245 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of rollers to be produced in North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico)  during 2021.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share:  With 48.5% of total units produced, U.S. based Wacker Neuson leads in production of Rollers in North America.  In second position is Caterpillar’s combined plant totals of 21%; third, is Volvo Construction with 15.5%. 

Export: Collectively, up to 50% worldwide.

Trends: In 2020, production of Rollers in North America dropped 31.5%, but production is expected to rebound 16% in 2021 over 2020.  The decline in 2020 is solely based on COVID-19 related factors that impacted the global supply chain.  There are material shortages (parts/supplies), shipping issues (moving goods is slow paced), material prices increased and workforce matters (due to company shutdowns or can’t find workers).

With supply chain problems gradually being resolved, the 2021 increase is also attributed to the launching and demand for new, more versatile products, along with the stabilization of the overall economy, mostly regarding the housing/construction markets.  The demand for rental machinery is also on the rise.  

Many new models are boasting increased fuel efficiency that are desirable to operate.  Tandem drum vibratory rollers account for nearly half of all compactors produced and sold each year that range from 5-8 metric tons.  Expect the production of rollers in NA to increase an additional 10% by 2025.   PSR

Carol Turner, is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research