Hiab’s MULTILIFT launches two new hooklifts

Hiab part of Cargotec launches MULTILIFT Optima S and MULTILIFT Optima 25S hooklifts for two and four axle trucks to complete the MULTILIFT Optima product range. The Optima range has an updated easy-to-use controller with one additional function. There are now three levers and one button available to control up to four options. The hooklift can be customised with optional features such as automatic sequence control hydraulic locks and fast speed functions for greater ease-of-use safety and productivity. Optima hooklifts have a light yet robust construction to provide better fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. All Optima hooklifts offer great value and deliver quality safety and reliability. The MULTILIFT Optima 20s for three axle trucks was launched in 2016 and offers a 20 tonne capacity while the 15S and 25S offer 15 and 25 tonne capacity for two and four axle trucks respectively. “The MULTILIFT Optima hooklift range gives our customers the ability to work faster and carry more payload while reducing their CO2 emissions. This is the cost-efficient choice for customers who need the right functions for safe reliable and fast performance for repetitive everyday loading tasks” says Henri Jahnonen Director Sales and Product Business Management Hiab. Customers within Hiab’s service network area have the option of signing a Hiab ProCare™ service contract for their equipment. Hiab ProCare offers scheduled and preventive maintenance using original spare parts to retain the high quality of the equipment and reduce the risk of costly breakdowns and unexpected downtime.

New AEBS-3 for DAF LF CF and XF trucks

To further increase vehicle and road safety DAF Trucks introduces an improved AEBS system for its complete range of LF CF and XF models: AEBS-3. This third generation Advanced Emergency Braking System can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of both stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 kmh. The sophisticated safety system is offered in combination with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). For its next generation of AEBS system DAF Trucks is using a high precision dual radar with 16 antennas (previously: 7) for far and near range detection. It holds the best-in-class long range sensor with the longest detection range in the industry of up to 250 metres (previously: 200). This enables earlier recognition of potentially critical situations. An unparalleled 120˚ (previously: 50˚) near range angle of view enables earlier prediction of cut-in situations – even in harsh weather conditions and in situations with poor visibility such as fog and low sun. Emergency stop AEBS operates together with the vehicle’s braking and stability control systems. Via audible and visual alerts and a firm haptic brake pulse the system prompts the driver to react to an imminent potential collision. If the driver fails to react the truck automatically initiates emergency braking to avoid or mitigate the impact of a rear-end collision. Up to 80 kilometres per hour AEBS-3 can provide up to full autonomous emergency braking to assist with collision avoidance of both stationary and moving vehicles from a speed of up to 80 kmh. As a result DAF’s new AEBS-3 automatically reduces the speed of impact as much as possible with a moving or a stationary object ahead of the vehicle if a driver is inattentive to dangerous situations. AEBS-3 is standard on all DAF LF CF and XF trucks. The introduction of the sophisticated AEBS-3 technology illustrates once again DAF Trucks is delivering Pure Excellence also in safety.

The Volvo FMX celebrates 10 years of driving in harsh conditions

FMX one of the toughest construction trucks on the market. In 2010 Volvo Trucks introduced the Volvo FMX – a truck specifically developed for the demanding construction industry. Its ability to cope with tough conditions has evolved over the years as a result of the introduction of many innovative features. After a decade in the mud it has a solid reputation as one of the toughest construction trucks on the market. Before the launch of the Volvo FMX different variants of the Volvo FM and Volvo FH were used in the construction industry. In 2010 many years of feedback from customers led to the successful launch of a Volvo truck developed specifically for construction work. “The Volvo FMX was a game changer and it soon became very popular among both haulage operators and drivers” says Eric Parry Product Manager at Volvo Trucks Southern Africa. Designed for rough road conditions The robust modern exterior of the first Volvo FMX which clearly showed the truck’s relationship with Volvo Construction Equipment machines was an attractive feature. The functionality of the Volvo FMX included a strong towing eye headlamp protection new anti-slip steps and a handy ladder. With a three-piece steel bumper corners made from 3-mm-thick steel a solid crankcase protection plate and a protective bullbar this was a sturdy construction truck. The tough got tougher after only three years Only three years after the introduction of the Volvo FMX Volvo Trucks released a new version. The cab was modified and all the components in the front structure were redesigned. New air suspension gave an increased ground clearance of 300 mm. The towing eye could now tow up to 32 tons. “We were encouraged by the immediate success of the Volvo FMX so we launched a new version as early as 2013. It was an even more robust solution for challenging construction environments” adds Parry. Volvo Dynamic Steering – effortless and precise driving In that same year Volvo Dynamic Steering was introduced in various markets around the world unfortunately this has not been available in Southern Africa as of yet. This feature another patented technical innovation made it possible to drive a truck with minimal effort. Volvo Dynamic Steering combines conventional hydraulic power steering with an electronically regulated electric motor fitted to the steering gear. “The steering system is perfect for a construction truck. At low speeds it makes steering effortless and precise and removes the strain on the driver’s arms and shoulders. This means improved safety and a reduced risk of occupational injury” says Parry. I-Shift gearbox for heavy loads The construction version of the leading Volvo I-Shift gearbox allows the Volvo FMX to handle tough and hilly terrain with high levels of productivity and driver comfort. In 2016 Volvo Trucks introduced I-Shift with crawler gears which enables the truck to pull away from a standstill with loads of up to 325 tonnes. It also allows truck operators to drive at speeds as low as 0.5 km per hour – a huge help during precision manoeuvring. The innovative features of the Volvo FMX have been presented in many YouTube videos: Look Who's Driving Four-year-old Sophie remotely controls the Volvo FMX thanks to Volvo Dynamic Steering. The Hook Volvo Trucks' former CEO Claes Nilsson illustrates the power of the towing eye of the Volvo FMX. The Technician This video demonstrates the ground clearance of the Volvo FMX. The Hamster A hamster controls a Volvo FMX thanks to Volvo Dynamic Steering. The Epic Split Volvo Dynamic Steering became well-known throughout the world following the stunt by Jean-Claude Van Damme who performs an epic split between two reversing Volvo FM trucks. The video which has almost one hundred million views on YouTube is regarded by many as one of the best commercials ever made.