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Vermeer's commanding rock trencher


The T-1255 Commander is Vermeer's largest rock trencher. It's designed for contractors installing large diameter pipe for energy pipelines or deep sewer and water applications.

Vermeer Manufacturing Co. has introduced the heavy-duty T-1255 Commander rock trencher, designed for trenching through solid rock to install large diameter pipe for contractors in the energy pipeline business, trenching cross-country, or working drainage and utility projects on roadways. The T-1255 has several boom options available for versatile digging production, with a mass of 79,380-83,915 kg (175,000-185,000 lb), depending on the boom size.

A Caterpillar 3456 ATAAC engine powers the trencher with 447 kW (600 hp). Vermeer engineers designed the Commander with two headshaft motors to accommodate the high-powered engine. As a result, the cab was placed behind the rock trencher's conveyor and mounted on a pair of parallel arms that can lift the cab 0.91 m (3 ft) vertically and 0.6 m (2 ft) horizontally from the trencher. The rotary power headshaft motors and splined headshaft produce lower speeds and high torques for enhanced rock penetration and low chain wear.

The T-1255 features the patented Vermeer TEC 2000.2 microprocessor-based trencher electronic system that integrates separate, stand-alone components into fewer, simpler controls. An exclusive feature of the new TEC 2000.2 is Auto Plunge. With the flip of a switch, operators are able to engage the automatic plunge cutting feature to reduce the number of manual adjustments and decrease chain stalls and engine kills. The system automatically adjusts the trencher to varying conditions with minimum need for operator input. It also monitors trenching operation and displays data on an LCD screen.

Dual-track drive with full counter-rotation is provided on the T-1255. A standard feature on the trencher is a 910-mm (36-in) wide conveyor large enough for high-volume spoil removal. The machine can dig trenches 760 to 1220 mm (30 to 48 in) wide at depths ranging from 2.4-5.4 m (8-18 ft).

A new cooling system featuring dual fans conserves up to 7-11 kW (10-15 hp) in moderate weather compared to a single fan method. Vermeer has also added a thermostatically controlled air cooler.



Yanmar adds to excavator class


Yanmar's new zero-tail swing, 7710-kg (17,500-lb) excavator features an offset-track design for increased stability and reduced vibration.

Yanmar has added to its line of mini- and medium-class excavators with the introduction of a B7S offset-boom, zero-tail swing model. Maximum dig length is 4.3 and 4.2 m (14.25 and 13.9 ft) at the full left offset position. A pump hydraulic system with two variable displacement pumps maintains straight and accurate travel speed, even when operating other hydraulic functions. Greater attachment utilization is made possible with a hydraulic PTO at the arm end. A hydraulic pilot and wrist-control lever system is standard. The B7S features Yanmar's patented VICTAS offset track design for enhanced stability and reduced vibration, especially when working to the side of the unit.

The newly designed cabin is wider inside with greater room for operator comfort. The front windshield locks overhead, and the bottom windshield is removable and can be stowed inside the cabin. A joystick control with armrest adds to productivity while a two-way multi-pattern ISO/SAE operating pattern is standard. The excavator is powered by Yanmar's reliable Clean & Silent 43-kW (57-hp) 4TN 98 direct-injected, four-cylinder diesel engine.



Gradall's excavator with a crawler undercarriage


Gradall's new 15,650-kg (34,000-lb) XL 3200 hydraulic excavator features a rough-terrain crawler undercarriage.

The boom of The Gradall Co.'s XL 3200 hydraulic excavator imitates the movements of the human arm and wrist and is able to swing from side to side, reach up for loading and unloading, and dig straight down. The 220° boom rotation allows the machine to handle delicate work quickly and easily, while the telescoping action, rather than conventional knuckle boom movements, maintains full power throughout the entire digging cycle. According to the company, the telescopic boom action requires no extra overhead room, making the 15,650-kg (34,500-lb) XL 3200 suitable for work under bridges and trees and in tunnels.

The standard engine for the crawler excavator is a Deere 4045 that develops 85 kW (114 hp) at 2200 rpm and 446 N•m (329 lb•ft) at 1500 rpm. The four-cylinder diesel engine is turbocharged and liquid cooled. Maximum digging depth for the XL 3200 is 6.2 m (20.2 ft), while the boom radius at groundline is 8.4 m (27.6 ft). According to the company, the rated boom force of 90 kN (20,150 lb) combined with the 220° boom rotation maximizes productivity for applications including trenching, excavating, ditching, pavement removal, and dredging.

Without the need for a "mode" selection, the Gradall's XL Series high-pressure, load sensing hydraulics system automatically adjusts for each job, eliminating the need for operator guesswork and conserving fuel. The system supplies automatically the correct measure of power for a particular application, such as mass excavation, sloping, cleanup, or vegetation control. The excavator's four hydraulic motors include the 38-kW (51-hp) swing, the 13-kW (18-hp) tilt, and two 69-kW (93-hp) crawler-drive motors.

The XL 3200 is controlled with joysticks that are built into the armrests of the seating module, including a hydraulic joystick for both the hoist and bucket and the telescope and swing, as well as one rocker switch for the tilt. Two hydraulically damped foot pedals control crawler steering, travel, and brakes. A toggle switch on the armrest is used to determine the crawler speed range.

Because of the telescopic boom movements, the operator can see the entire length of the boom during the full digging cycle. The clear-span window design and low machine profile provides a better view to the rear of the machine, enhancing jobsite visibility. The machine also features an overhead skylight, removable front window, operational air conditioning, and other options.



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