Taking advantage of on-board technology features can ensure groundworks on housebuilding sites are completed efficiently and by cutting emissions and improving on-site safety. We caught up with resident operator trainer expert at Finning UK & Ireland, Alex Clarke, who gives us the low down on the latest technology features that are now available on selected Cat mini-excavators.

The new features, Indicate, EFence, Swing Assist and Bucket Assist, come as an optional extra on Cat mini excavators and are currently available on the six to ten tonne range of excavators. The in-built technology package has been specifically developed to enhance the skills of the operator and improve machine performance, increase productivity and improve site safety.

Indicate
This is an entry-level grading system that enables operators to select a target depth and slope from a benchmark position via the in-cab guidance system, with visual and audio feedback. Particularly suitable for footings, septic systems and digging out foundations.

Using Indicate on groundworks improves accuracy, reduces operator fatigue (from not over cutting, over swinging and reworking) and is much safer for those on site, as it significantly reduces the need for on-the-ground grade checking.

E-fence
E-fence acts as a motion control function, which removes a lot of risk from typical site tasks, especially when working near electrical utilities. Operators can simply pre-set a maximum depth, height, wall or swing boundary and the system automatically restricts the machine from going beyond the set fields.

Swing Assist
This feature automatically stops the machine swing at set points. Operators can swing out and activate the stopping point on the control panel. As the swing approaches the limit, the machine will automatically decelerate so it doesn’t go past its set point. This feature really comes into its own for those highly repetitive tasks, and drastically improves operator speed and accuracy, which in turn improves efficiency and reduces fuel usage.

Bucket Assist
When enabled, Bucket Assist will maintain the current bucket angle, relative to true level. This helps keep the cut accurate when grading, and also helps reduce operator fatigue, while maintaining accuracy during sloping, levelling and trenching.

Used in combination, these efficiency friendly features can significantly reduce the day-to-day operating costs of a machine and impact the total cost of ownership. But training is really the key factor. Having a good understanding of what the features are and how to use the controls effectively to get the most out of a machine is so important, helping operators to complete tasks more quickly and effectively.

As standard Finning provides a full overview of the built-in technology features when handing over new equipment to customers. We’ve also developed a series of short instruction videos that are on YouTube to show step-by-step how the features work and how operators can get the most out of them.

Check them out here

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Adam Walker, engine and drivetrain product manager at Finning, exclusive dealer of Cat equipment and parts in the UK & Ireland, provides an insight into why more companies are choosing to have a machine rebuilt instead of buying new.

The plant sector is shedding its dirty image as it pushes ahead to implement more sustainable practices. It’s no surprise therefore that companies are looking at alternative options when it comes to their machinery – with demand for rebuild machines beginning to grow in popularity.

The demolition sector is going through its own transition, now known as deconstruction, which prioritises extraction and removal of components and materials so they can be reused elsewhere instead of ending up in landfill or being incinerated. This circular approach significantly reduces emissions generated by landfills and reusing materials instead of manufacturing or extracting new, as well as generating wider environment impacts.

With sustainability now at the fore of these industries we’ve seen a shift in demand for a similar approach to machines with companies requesting not just remanufactured or reconditioned parts for their machines, but for the entire machine to be rebuilt.

It’s well known that Cat machines are built to be rebuilt, with some machines having the capacity for a second, third or even fourth life. Over the last few years this is an area we’ve seen significant growth in. Between 2019 and 2021 we have seen the number of machine rebuilds double year on year – with the specialist rebuild engineers completing just under 220 over the three-year period. During the first half of this year alone, the team of service engineers have already clocked up more than 110 rebuilds across the company’s five rebuild, repair and response facilities located in Cannock, Leeds, Glasgow, Llantrisant and Dublin

For example, we’ve recently completed a full rebuild of a Cat D9 dozer for Stokey Plant Hire, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of material handling and earthmoving services. The firm originally purchased the machine from Finning in 2007 and towards the end of 2021 decided to go ahead with a certified powertrain (CPT) rebuild rather than purchasing a new dozer. This was the first rebuild that they had commissioned and have been so impressed with the quality and performance they’ve already commissioned additional similar projects.

Sustainability
Rebuilding a machine is by far the most sustainable choice. If we look at the environmental impact of manufacturing a new cylinder head compared with using a remanufactured one, it generates 61% fewer greenhouse gases, requires 85% less energy and uses 86% less water. A remanufactured cylinder head also requires 85% less material than a new manufactured product and means there’s 85% less waste being sent to landfill.

A large proportion of the parts removed from the original machine are recovered, restored, and reused as a standard part of the rebuild process – creating a circular economy of sorts. Any new components and parts for the rebuilt machine, such as the engine and hydraulics, are sourced through a combination of remanufactured parts fully certified through Caterpillar, via the Finning parts service exchange programme, or bought new.

Better value for money
Customers choosing a rebuild machine option will typically save around 55-60% on the cost compared with buying a new machine, which can be significant across an annual CAPEX spend. In Stokey’s case, the total investment on the D9 was just under £300,000 which is significantly less than what it would cost to buy a brand-new equivalent machine.

Availability
The industry is facing many challenges, one of which is lengthier lead times for new machines and equipment – an issue that’s affecting all machine manufacturers and suppliers. Choosing to rebuild a machine is a viable alternative and gives customers an additional option when they’re looking at renewing or replacing equipment in their fleets. The length of time it takes to rebuild a machine varies according to the scope of the work and can be dependent on the availability of reconditioned and remanufactured parts.

The duration of a rebuild, as is the case for Stokey, can be minimised by carefully planning the availability of any reconditioned or new components so that there is limited downtime on the rebuild.

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