 The Oshkosh Highland chassis was designed specifically for the ready-mix concrete market and other applications where the ability to bring equipment to difficult or remote locations is important. |
Oshkosh Truck Corp. has introduced a new heavy-duty truck chassis on a factory built all-wheel-drive platform rather than as a conversion of a rear-wheel-drive chassis. The new Highland chassis was designed specifically for the rigorous conditions of the ready-mix concrete market and other applications including dump, block, logging, and electrical and water utility. "Our customers need a truck that can take them where the work is - whether that means rough building sites, down gravel roads, or to remote utility easements," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Truck Chairman, CEO, and President.
The company claims that the Highland's cab interior is among the largest on the market and provides the most headroom of any chassis in its class, 1955-mm (77-in) wide and 1525-mm (60-in) high. In addition, the doors are oversized, providing 1.2 m2 (1859 in2) of room for easy entry and exit. The controls of the wraparound dashboard are grouped by function, and the oversized gauges are 127 mm (5 in) in diameter for easier reading.
 The molded ABS dashboard features two power ports for cell phones and 12-V accessories, AM/FM radio with auxiliary radio panel, tilt and telescoping steering column, a 47,000 BTU HVAC system, and backlit rocker switches. |
The cab offers 61% more visibility than its predecessor, the Oshkosh F-Series, because of a total of 2.2 m2 (3400 in2) of glass. The sharp, 16° sloped hood, combined with a short 2920-mm (115-in) bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement, result in enhanced forward visibility. Rear corner windows and an extra drop-down area on the side windows provide extended rear and side visibility. Mirrors are mounted on the cab instead of the door, allowing them to stay adjusted longer, even with repeated door closings.
The heavy-duty aluminum and fiberglass cab construction is engineered to remain virtually corrosion free for a longer life-cycle while offering an enhanced strength-to-weight ratio. It incorporates extrusions in the cab structure and door construction for tight production tolerances, increasing quality and consistency. Oshkosh engineers use adhesive technology to create the bond for the cab's skin, eliminating crevice corrosion created by riveted panels. The company originally developed the adhesive technology and application method for the U.S. Marine Corp.'s medium tactical truck, which has a 22-year corrosion resistance requirement.
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| Oversized doors allow easy entry and exit and feature easy-to-reach, rubber-coated grab handles and drop-down side windows for enhanced visibility. | |
The Highland is offered with several drivetrain options to handle different job requirements. As standard, it is powered by a Cummins ISM diesel engine rated at 227 kW (305 hp) at 2100 rpm and generating 1559 N•m (1150 lb•ft). Other engines with power ratings of 250 to 275 kW (335 to 370 hp) are available. It can be equipped with manual and automatic transmissions from Fuller and Allison, such as the standard Fuller RT-11609A nine-speed manual. An Oshkosh 55000 two-speed, three shaft transfer case is standard.
 Komatsu's new Laterra motor grader line features a dual-mode transmission that allows the operator to move from torque converter to direct-drive mode by the flick of a switch. |
Komatsu America International Co.'s new Laterra line of motor graders for use in the construction, aggregate, utilities, and public works industries consists of three motor grader models, the GD555A-3, the GD655A-3, and the GD675A-3. The models range in operating mass from 13,845 to 15,600 kg (30,525 to 34,390 lb) and in power from 105 to 135 kW (140 to 180 hp). Variable power is available for all models.
"These machines are the first of their kind," said Jenkins Davis, Director, Sales & Distributor Development, Komatsu America International Co. "They provide operators one transmission with torque converter, direct drive lock-up and auto-shift modes, a unique blade geometry, and unmatched hydraulic performance."
The Laterra series' unique dual-mode transmission allows the operator to move from torque converter to direct-drive mode by a simple flick of a switch. "The benefits of incorporating this technology are numerous," Davis said. "Among them are a fully modulated inching pedal that delivers ultimate control in fine-grading applications and Laterra's U-gate shifter, which provides exceptional flexibility with its full powershift operation featuring eight forward and four reverse gears." The elimination of stalling out on heavy loads and the quick and easy shifting into gears five through eight for speed ups to 42.2 km/h (26.2 mph) are other benefits afforded by the all-new motor grader line, claims Davis.
The circular geometry blade suspension system of the Laterra enables true 90° banksloping, which makes for easy positioning while providing enhanced reach and ground clearance. The design also situates two pinions on top of the circle for ultimate support. The Laterra series features retractable indicators providing a clear view of pin engagement - eliminating guesswork.
Innovative hydraulics maximize speed and responsiveness in the Laterra series motor graders. A closed-center system of valves allows fluid to flow to each individual implement, simplifying the operation of multiple controls. Laterra also incorporates a variable displacement pump and a load-sensing system that give the operator the right amount of power needed for the particular situation.
An ergonomically designed cab offers enhanced visibility of the blade, front tire, tandem tires, and rear ripper from both the front and rear windshields, which extend all the way down the side of the door. Control levers are configured to industry standards, and all gauges are positioned in front of the operator. A deluxe suspension, cloth-covered seat, and backrest with swing-up armrests enhance operator comfort.
"The brake system on the Laterra series has three safety levels that ensure braking even if the engine is dead," said Davis. "A standard foot-operated, sealed-oil disc brake is hydraulically actuated on four tandem wheels. If the operator encounters a hydraulic pressure loss, there is a nitrogen-accumulator safety system that backs up the power. The operator has the parking brake as well, which is activated automatically."
Other safety features on the Laterra motor graders include a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a falling-object protective structure (FOPS). The access steps on either side of the machine are also constructed with a belted-type material to minimize the chance of injury when the operator enters and exits.
Komatsu's all-new motor grader line is equipped with a digital message center that minimizes unplanned downtime by monitoring and tracking the operating condition of the machine and providing diagnostic data that assures optimum performance. The system constantly monitors different elements of the machine such as engine coolant level, engine coolant temperature, hydraulic oil temperature, transmission oil temperature, transmission clutch pressure, and the entire brake system.
