Tech
The Cordless Jobsite: New Concrete Tools Jack Up the Battery Power
The typical sounds of the World of Concrete filled the air of the Diamond Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center as the pounding and whining of metal handheld tools on concrete enveloped visitors.
The main difference from shows past was the amount of tools that didn’t require power cords. Major tool manufacturers used the January show to demonstrate their latest advancements in battery technology for handheld concrete tools, able to achieve as much or more power than their corded counterparts.
And the level of tool capabilities continues to increase, with everything from concrete saws and drills to battery-powered jackhammers. Companies are also rolling out battery-powered vacuums and water tanks for handling dust while using their battery-powered tools.
Contractors can now in many cases run jobsites without electrical cords, reducing tripping, electrocution and fire hazards and also making for much smoother and maneuverable work spaces.
“On a jobsite, power tends to be unpredictable,” says Chris Gregory, Bosch product marketing manager.
Should a power overload occur, in many cases an electrician has to come out to fix it, causing downtime, he explains. Power cords can get run over by scissor lifts and other equipment causing them to break. Cords should be also hung up overhead rather than lying on the ground to prevent workers from tripping over them.
“You’re spending a whole lot of time and energy and money just to set that site up with temporary corded power,” Gregory says. “So what’s happening is guys have gotten so used to running without a cord, they just don’t even want to fight them anymore.”
The driver behind the cord cutting comes in advanced lithium-ion battery packs with longer run periods and shorter recharging times. The powerful batteries range from 8 to 80 volts, depending on the manufacturer, the type of tool and the task at hand.
Not only do the batteries pack the needed power to slice, drill and break concrete, but they are more compact, weigh less and provide cooling technology to increase run time.
DeWalt was demonstrating its new 60-volt battery-powered chippers to add to its lineup of cordless hammers, drills and other tools. The tools can be connected to DeWalt’s battery-powered vacuum, and when the tool trigger is pulled, the vacuum automatically starts removing dust.
“The dedicated chippers, we’ve never had anything like that in the 60-volt line, and that’s really our commitment to pursuing the cordless jobsite,” said Jake Sullivan, director of channel marketing for Black & Decker, DeWalt’s parent company. “So now you have your cordless chipper, your cordless hammers, your cordless vac. You could really do most applications as a cordless function.”
“Five years ago, we weren’t doing this,” he adds. “It’s been a fun show so far to show off a lot of this stuff. Guys have been clamoring for these demolition tools that we’ve never been able to have before.”
So here’s a look at some of the latest battery offerings for handheld tools shown at this year’s World of Concrete to help contractors on the way, or those considering the leap, to a cordless jobsite:
Bosch
At the heart of Bosch’s cordless advancement is the new Core18V battery system, which has ushered in the ProFactor lineup of power tools. The battery technology features Bosch’s CoolPack 2.0, which reduces heat that can sap battery power and allows the tools to draw more current from the battery, the company says.
The new Core18V batteries from Bosch deliver more power than their corded counterparts, the company says.BoschProFactor tools also feature BiTurbo brushless motors and drivetrains that use powerful magnets and in-tool electronics for increased power. The batteries come in 8- and 12-amp-hour versions.
The Core18V offers a single power platform, eliminating the need for multiple battery packs. The company says its Hell-ion Turbo Charger can get a battery up and running to 50% charge in 15 minutes for an 8 Ah battery, and 22 minutes for a 12 Ah battery.
The new battery system works on the company’s older tool models yet is specifically designed to increase the performance in an 18-volt platform for its high-powered hammers, grinders, high-impact torque wrenches and drills. The battery also runs dust-extraction vacuums for the tools.
Among the new cordless tools at the Bosch booth were its GDS18V-740C 1/2-inch and GDS18V-770C 3/4-inch impact wrenches. They deliver 740 to 770 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 1,180 to 1,250 foot-pounds of breakaway torque, depending on the model.
DeWalt
DeWalt has also been advancing battery technology, as it prepares to launch its 60V Max Cordless chipping hammers in 15- and 22-pound models. The company says they are ideal for highway jobs, delivering 10.5 to 19.4 joules of impact energy, depending on the model.
Powering the new chippers is the company’s new 15 Ah 20V/60V Max Flexvolt battery, offering the company’s highest-powered battery to date. The Flexvolt battery system enables up to 60 volts of power, but it can also operate at 20 volts for longer runtime of smaller tools. It also comes in a 9 Ah version. Check out the video below of the new chipper in action:
DeWalt also touted its 20V Max Powerstack compact batteries at 1.7 Ah for smaller tools. The batteries deliver 50% more power in a 25% smaller footprint, the company says.
Sullivan says the company’s cell technology allows more power in a compact size, and the batteries run cooler to deliver more uptime.
DeWalt has a fast-charging option that can a charge a 20-volt battery in 30 minutes and can charge four batteries at the same time, Sullivan says. The charging is simultaneous for each battery, instead of one at a time. Charging and runtimes for the 60-volt chipper were not yet available.
Hilti
Hilti rolled out its new 22-volt cordless battery platform, Nuron, for light-duty drilling to heavy concrete breaking. In all, the company is launching more than 60 tools with the Nuron release, including jackhammers, angle grinders and large combi-hammers.
The company says all its battery packs and chargers work interchangeably under a single system and have double the power of current 22-volt tools. “The redesigned battery interface ensures higher performance and longer operating times by allowing a significantly higher power transfer,” the company says.
Hilti’s new Nuron 22-volt battery lineup displayed at World of Concrete.Equipment WorldThe Nuron batteries store tool data, such as usage, charging location and battery health, and then send it to the cloud automatically during every charge. The information is available on mobile phone, tablet or computer and sends alerts if immediate action is needed.
The Nuron batteries are designed to be more durable, with fiberglass-reinforced housing and external shock-absorbing bumpers. The electronics are fully sealed to protect against moisture, dust and other jobsite contaminants, the company says.
Hilti’s Dust Removal Systems are available for all Nuron tools, and Active Vibration Reduction comes standard.
“Now our customers can work construction sites fully cordless without compromising performance or health and safety,” says Tassilo Deinzer, head of the Power Tools & Accessories Business Unit.
Hilti says orders are being taken now, and shipments of its Nuron products will begin in March. The product rollout will occur throughout 2022.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna Construction Products has launched a range of batteries for its power tools and dust extractors through its 36-volt i-Series system.
The new DE 110i dust extractor has a space for an extra battery. At full power, the battery vac runs for about 20 minutes, but power can be reduced for longer run time. The additional battery option also extends runtime, according to Mark Michaels, director of product management.
The company also offers a battery-powered 3-gallon WT 15i water tank for power cutters, drills and any of the smaller equipment that uses water for lubrication. It also has a hose attachment you can clean equipment with.
Along with its battery-powered DM 540i drill, Husqvarna offers cordless dust-extraction and water-tank solutions with its i-Series batteries.HusqvarnaOther products running on the i-Series batteries include the DM540i drill. The lightweight handheld drill and can be linked to the company’s battery-powered dust extractor or water tank. Michaels says that with a 3-inch bit the drill can cut three holes 8 inches deep through concrete on one charge. He adds that the battery can be fully recharged in 45 minutes, and up to 80% in 30 to 35 minutes. The drill package comes with two batteries and a charger.
“With two batteries you can keep up with any job you have,” he says.
Husqvarna has also recently released its PACE battery system to provide a battery-powered alternative to a gas-powered cutter.
Makita
Makita’s new cordless 80-volt demolition hammer was the centerpiece of the company’s booth at World of Concrete.MakitaMakita also brought heavy-duty concrete tools to its booth, placing its new 80-volt cordless Demo Hammer front and center. The 23-pound hammer runs on two 40-volt XGT batteries for breaking, chipping, scraping and trenching.
XGT is the company’s newest advancement for the cordless jobsite, designed for high-powered tasks that typically required power cords, gas or air pressure. The base battery in the system is 40 volts and it can be combined with another 40-volt battery to achieve 80 volts with Makita’s brushless motor. Makita says the 80-volt option rivals corded and gas tools.
Charge times for a 40-volt XGT battery are 28 minutes for the 2.5 AH model, 45 minutes for the 4 Ah and 50 minutes for the 5 Ah. The Makita DC40RA rapid charger can also charge the company’s 18-volt LXT batteries, designed to handle most standard tasks.
The XGT battery system powers more than 50 Makita cordless products, including rotary hammers and impact wrenches.
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool continues to advance its MX Fuel RedLithium battery technology, releasing a new cordless jackhammer that can break 2 tons of concrete per charge.
The company says the new MX Fuel Breaker MXF368-1XC is the lightest in its class and produces the least vibrations. It uses an MX Fuel RedLithium XC406 battery and a PowerState Brushless Motor. It produces 50 foot-pounds of impact energy. The battery recharges in 90 minutes.
Milwaukee Tool’s cordless MX Fuel Breaker MXF368-1XC.Milwaukee ToolOther MX Fuel tools include the Handheld Core Drill that cores up to 6-inch holes in reinforced concrete as an alternative to gas-powered saws, and a 14-inch cut-off saw that on one charge can cut 6 feet of concrete or make 72 cuts in No. 5 rebar. The cut-off saw also produces half as much noise as a gas-powered one, reduces vibration and eliminates emissions for working indoors, the company says.
Milwaukee Tool says it MX Fuel system also outproduces the tools’ gas or power-cord counterparts. The company says it will continue to improve and expand its battery-powered systems.
“The future of the jobsite is cordless,” the company declares.
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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