Tech
Mill, Mix and More with 12 Attachments for Concrete, Asphalt Jobs
When it’s time to build a driveway or patch a road, you might be able to save yourself the expense of buying or renting a designated machine. Instead, these attachments allow you to use your skid steer, compact track loader or other construction equipment for the task.
Danuser’s Mega Mixer material handling bucket for mixing and spreading concrete has some recent improvements, including a discharge end that is easier to operate. The 8-inch-diameter, 8-inch pitch auger improves mixing and dispensing. The motor gets a boost in torque and power and can dispense ¾ cubic yards of material in 26 seconds. Mounts on both sides enable the operator to dispense either left or right of the host machine. Other features include pin holders, easy-to-read yardage markers and two 2-foot multi-link chutes that can be stored on the bucket.
The Edge Cold Planer features high torque to quickly mill concrete and asphalt. It comes in standard and high-flow versions for skid steers, track loaders and articulated loaders. The standard model has hydraulic side-shift controls and manual tilt and depth controls. The high-flow option has electric-hydraulic side-shift and tilt and depth controls. Three hydraulic lines feed a single circuit. Both versions come with wire harness and control box, hoses, hose saver kit, flat face couplers and asphalt picks. A dust control kit is optional.
The CC30 Concrete Claw, manufactured by Kubota’s Land Pride subsidiary, is used for removing large sections of concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks and other large slabs. The teeth are slid under the concrete slab, then the slab can be lifted and loaded. The Concrete Claw has a universal quick-attach hitch that fits a variety of loaders. Its side panels are made of high-strength T1 steel to resist bending while prying concrete slabs, and they are reinforced for added strength and rigidity. The attachment matches Kubota’s SSV and SVL Series loaders.
Loegering Attachments, a subsidiary of ASV, has combined milling and stabilizing functions into its ST1000 attachment for compact track loaders and skid steers. The attachment can mill to a depth of 9 inches. Independent level control on both sides enables it to follow the contour of the pavement. Its large mixing chamber can combine binders into cut pavement. Ports are built into the cutter box for spraying stabilizer fluid or binding. It also has a dust-suppression system. The ST1000 is 39 inches wide and is designed for such jobs as large parking lots.
Minnich Manufacturing’s A3/A6 machine-mounted drills are designed to increase productivity on patchwork jobs, able to perform full-depth repair. The pneumatic attachment, which can have as many as six drills, can be linked to an excavator, backhoe, skid steer or compact track loader. A side-shift function enables a second set of holes to be drilled without repositioning the host machine. A dust-collection system is optional to meet OSHA silica dust regulations for dowel pins. Minnich says the attachment also increases safety by reducing operator fatigue.
Vacuworx RC Series vacuum lifters can be used with the company’s Octapad lifting system to remove concrete slabs during road and bridge construction projects. On an excavator or crane, RC lifters equipped with the Octapad can lift and place materials directly into a truck for removal from the jobsite without rehandling. The vacuum technology allows for the slab’s complete removal from the roadbed without disturbing the sub-base for the subsequent patch pour. Each of the eight pads has an individual vacuum that can be shut off for slab areas too damaged for lifting.
Worksaver’s SS-590 Hydraulic Cement Mixer eliminates chain and sprocket maintenance thanks to a direct hydraulic line to the gearbox. The attachment’s 11-cubic-foot drum can mix and place 5 cubic feet of concrete at a time. The drum is constructed of welded steel and has internal angled paddles for uniform concrete mixing and clean dumping. Standard features include connect-under-pressure couplers, flow control valve to control mixer speed, and a single lever to engage and disengage the drum. The attachment is designed for fence posts, footings, sidewalls and hard-to-reach areas.
Case says its hydraulic hammers have only two moving parts and low recoil, which provide reliability and smooth operation. The hammers are made for Case heavy and compact excavators, tractor loader backhoes, compact tractor loaders and skid steer loaders. The hammers’ cushion chamber isolates blows from the operator and host machines and recycles energy for the next blow. The hammers come with install kits for easy mounting with pre-assembled hoses and service tools. They also come with a gas recharge kit.
The new Toro grapple bucket attachment is designed for simplified handling of various materials, including concrete, with the company’s stand-on compact utility loaders. It is constructed of high-strength steel and can also be used for hauling and grading tasks. The 34-inch-wide bucket weighs 238 pounds. It is compatible with the company’s Dingo 320-D, 323, TX 427, TX 525 and TX 1000 models and the electric e-Dingo. Along with concrete, the attachment can handle boulders, timber, scrap, waste and other debris.
Blastcrete’s RD6536 Skid Steer Pump attachment is designed to provide a fast, efficient way to pump grout materials, 3/8-inch shotcrete and 3/4-inch structural concrete mixes in a variety of concrete and shotcrete applications. It is compatible with any skid steer, the company says. The RD6536 pumps at speeds up to 25 cubic yards per hour. Contractors can pump materials 250 feet horizontally and as high as 50 feet with the use of a rubber delivery line. The receiving hopper’s hydraulic agitator is designed to keep the mix well-blended.
The Bobcat planer attachment enables your skid steer to cut and mill concrete and asphalt. The milling process involves low-angle, high-velocity blows in a controlled pattern to uniformly chip pavement. Depth, width and slope control are easy to set and maintain by the operator. Milled material can be immediately recycled to finish asphalt or repair jobs. The planer attachment costs less to maintain and is easier to maneuver than dedicated planers, Bobcat says. It comes in four models, including high-flow versions.
Road Widener’s FH-R model for skid steers and compact track loaders is designed for road shoulder work and aggregate dispersal. It can lay down asphalt in widths of 1 to 4 feet and can be ordered for left- or right-side discharge. A closure plate blocks material from spilling out of the side that is not being discharged from. The attachment comes with remote control, enabling the operator to control the Road Widener from a safe distance. The attachment requires hydraulic flows of 17.5 to 24.2 gallons per minute.
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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