Intermat: a guide for equipment rental companies

Photo: Intermat

Intermat organisers have said that this years show will reflect how much construction has changed since the last event in 2018. And, while sustainability was also a theme back then, there have been significant developments in a number of areas. 

Speaking to KHL at the pre-Intermat event in January, Christophe Lecarpentier, director of Intermat, said the industry is in a transition phase where innovation is very important; “Its very different to before when innovation was how I make my machine more productive, more comfortable and more safe.

“There’s still this part, but I think beyond that it is how do we build better with new machinery, new energies? That is where Intermat wants to respond.”

That change was reflected among the exhibitors at Intermat Press Days and, with a number of OEMs telling IRN they will use the show to educate users on the benefits of utilising sustainable equipment and technology.

Since then, further OEMs have confirmed their exhibits, with many set to showcase the latest developments in environmentally-friendly solutions. 

New technologies

Komatsu will be showing nearly 30 machines at Intermat: (Photo: Komatsu)

For example, alongside showing nearly 30 machines, Komatsu said its stand will incorporate new technologies and services intended to support digitalisation and electrification.

Visitors will be able to explore excavators equipped with the Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit, a tech system which is said to support productivity gains across a series of crawlers and wheeled excavators.

Machines being launched include a series of new electric excavators, such as the 210LCE-11 (20-tonne range), the 13-tonne PC138E-11, with reduced rear radius, and the PC33E-6.

The PC88MR-11, the company’s latest introduction to the midi excavator sector, includes a series of features to help boost productivity, reduce fuel consumption and deliver faster work speeds.

To improve productivity, the new excavator has hoist and swing operations which are 7% faster than the out-going model. A tight tail swing helps to improve machine rotation and reduce the chance of impacts. In addition, there is the option of a factory-fitted Lehnhoff Powertilt function.

Power is delivered from a Stage V-compliant engine which has a maximum output of 50.7kW. The engine is described as having a low fuel consumption, using 6% less fuel than the PC88MR-10. The engine further includes a diesel particulate filter, eliminating the need for SCR.

A redesigned blade offers improved dozing capability, while a repositioned low/high gear switch delivers better ergonomics. Levelling speeds are said to be 14% better than those of the out-going excavator model.

Atlas Weyhousen shows its Weycor machines for the first time. The company will display three of its existing models on a 160m2 stand, including the 14 tonne AR 660 wheeled loader, the 6 tonne class AR 480S swing loader, and its long-established AW 260 tandem roller.

The 14 tonne AR 660 wheeled loader. (Photo: Atlas Weyhousen)

Turkish manufacturer Hidromek says it used Bauma to ‘dream’ about future possibilities, but at Intermat the focus will be on machines that it can sell now. That means no electric models, but a number of updated machines.

For example, it is now fitting dozer blades to its excavators up to 30 tonne in size – in the past blades went up to its 25 tonne model. Also on show will be the 600MG grader, which was developed in Thailand by Mitsubishi (which sold its motor grader business to Hidromek in 2013), but is now also being made in Ankara.

Also new is a two-piece boom version of its 40 tonne crawler excavator, which was requested by an Italian customer. Hidromek will also show the new generation of its backhoe loaders, which were launched in the summer of 2023.

Finally, the company will showcase its HMK 6tTC, a tracker loader backhoe which can be used in agriculture with the backhoe removed and replaced with multiple agricultural attachments.

Electric dreams

Ausa says it will use the show to highlight its range of zero-emission vehicles, with particular focus on sustainability, efficiency and customer profitability.

Dumpers, rough terrain forklifts and compact telehandlers will take up the Ausa stand. (Photo: Ausa)

Dumpers, rough terrain forklifts and compact telehandlers will make up the Spain-based OEMs stand at the show. In a press release, the company says it will be “putting the spotlight” on its electric range of dumpers and telescopic handlers and the “ease with which they can be recharged in almost any location.

Sunward will have 26 products on its stand with a number of new electric machines on show, including a wheeled excavator, two new electric excavators, an all-electric scissor lift and a drilling rig.

The new electric excavators, both short tailswing, are the 6 tonne rated SWE 60UFED and the SWE 10FED, which is a 1 tonne model. These join the company’s SWE 20FED and SWE 240FED electric excavators already available.

Both, says Sunward, will offer 4 to 6 hour duty cycles in “real world conditions” and can be fully charged in two hours using a fast charger. The company now offers electric excavators in the 1 tonne to 24 tonne range.

In terms of diesel-powered excavators, on display will be the new SWE 155FW wheeled excavator – a 15 tonne model powered by a Cummins QSF3.8 EU engine.

Sunward is also plugging a gap in its excavator range, with the new zero-tailswing SWE 50UF mini excavator, which is a 5 tonne model positioned between its existing 35UF and 60UF machines. The 5OUF has a Kubota D1803-T engine and bucket capacity of 0.14 m³.

The SL 06W will make its European debut. (Photo: Sunward)

Rental companies will also be interested in an updated version of the SWE 08 micro excavator, which moves from B series to F series with the addition of better seating and greater reliability with cast iron parts replacing some welded components. Weight, size and engine are all the same.

Also on show will be the 20 tonne rated SWE 215F05A excavator which was seen at Bauma in 2022 but which is shown at Intermat in its fully-commercial format, with a new cab offering and improved operator comfort.

Making their European premiere will be the first two of a range of compact wheeled loaders, with the SL 10W and SL 06W models on display. A larger model, the 1.6 tonne SL 16W, will be available later this year.

Develon will have a wide range of products on show, ranging from compact equipment to heavy machinery. In the demonstration area, it will present the DA30-7 articulated dump truck for the first time. With a 28-tonne payload, this is powered by the Scania DC09 9.0-litre Stage 5-compliant engine which produces up to 276 kW.

This will be joined by the DL420CVT-7 wheeled loader. With a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 cubic metres, the model features a CVT transmission to improve overall fuel economy (a series of Develon machines are now compatible with HVO).

Expansive range

Sany will show 90% of its range of wheeled and crawler excavators, as well as three of its compaction machines.

Electric machines on show include the SY19E electric mini excavator and its 5 tonne electric tandem roller, the STR50E. Also new will be Sany’s first all-electric milling machine, the 0.5m width SCM500C10E, targeted at municipal construction applications. Also making its debut in Europe will be a 36 tonne demolition excavator.

Highlights among the 10 Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) machines on show include the ZX26U-6 and ZX33U-6 mini excavators, ZX390TC-7 special application excavator and ZW310-7 wheeled loader.

The ZX55-6EB and ZE135-7EB electric mini’s will also be on show, alongside the ZX95W-7 and ZX135W-7 wheeled, and ZX95USB-7 and ZX225USLC-7 crawler excavators from its Zaxis-7 range.

Visitors can also find out more about the Hitachi Construction Machinery Premium Rental programme.

The DA30-7 articulated dump truck. (Photo: Develon)

In the demonstration area, Develon will present the DA30-7 articulated dump truck for the first time. With a 28 tonne payload, this is powered by the Scania DC09 9.0-litre Stage V-compliant engine which produces up to 276kW.

This will be joined by the DL420CVT-7 wheel loader with a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 cubic metres, CVT transmission and ‘Transparent Bucket’ tech.

Static machines on display include the DX530LC-7K 53-tonne crawler excavator, which will be shown for the first time.

Liebherr will be displaying a range of different power technologies, such as the Liduro Power Port, a mobile energy storage system for supplying power to construction sites in remote locations which do not have an adequate e-infrastructure, a solution that is provided from Liebherr’s electrified product programme of the components product segment.

With that, hybrid or fully electric construction machines and cranes can be operated or charged with zero local emissions.

Other products on display include the R 972 of the generation 6.2 crawler excavator with operational capability of approx. 72 tonnes featuring the Liebherr assistance system Bucket Fill Assist (BFA).

A host of electric machines will be displayed including the MK 140-5.1 mobile construction crane; the first electric Liebherr wheel loader, the L 507 E; the Electric truck mixer: ETM 1205 featuring electric drum drive; and the T 33-10 telescopic handler that has three drive options: hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) as a low-emission counterpart or additive to fossil fuels, a battery-electric drive; or a hybrid drive consisting of a combustion engine and an electric motor.

The first electric Liebherr wheel loader, the L 507 E.

Bobcat will be unveiling the new RogueX2 autonomous loader concept, as well as new additions such as forklifts, portable power and ground maintenance equipment. All of these will proudly carry the Bobcat logo and signature colours in line with the company’s global branding strategy.

RogueX2 is an all-electric and autonomous concept machine that produces zero emissions, and features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive system and electric actuated lift and tilt kinematics with no hydraulics. 

Specifically designed and built without a cab, the RogueX2 and RogueX concept machines address the challenges of workforce shortages by eliminating the need for an operator.

They also provide the blueprint for how work machines of the future can be designed and optimized for new technologies and enable an entirely new work experience.

In RogueX2, the internal combustion engine is replaced with an electric powertrain for power and drive. This machine also eliminates 100% of the hydraulics, including all connectors, hoses, tubelines and fittings that are common failure points.

Bobcat will be unveiling the new RogueX2 autonomous loader concept. (Photo: Bobcat)

The absence of hydraulics and fluids in its design not only reduces ICE emissions but also minimizes noise pollution and the risk of all environmental pollution.

The machine is designed with wheels instead of tracks to optimize the electric battery run time.

Earthmoving equipment

There will be five models on the Bergerat Monnoyeur stand, including the Cat 906 compact wheel loader, Cat 950 GC medium wheel loader and Cat 301.9 mini excavator.

Bergerat Monnoyeur will also present its Cat Certified Rebuild Programme, illustrated by having a rebuilt D6 dozer on the stand.

Kobelco’s stand will be dominated by the all-new SK520LC-11E, making its European debut. The machine has a 53 tonne operating weight, giving improved stability, and offers increased bucket and arm force for better lifting performance. It now uses an Isuzu engine rather than the Hino fitted to the SK500. Also new is its largest short radius excavator the SK380SRLC-7.

The new generation SK380SRLC will be shown by Kobelco. It is the company’s largest short tail swing excavator. 

Hitachi will show 10 machines, from the smallest – two recently updated mini excavators, the ZX26U-6 and ZX33U-6 – to the largest, the ZX390TC-7 special application excavator and ZW310-7 wheeled loader.

Its sustainable construction solutions will also be under the spotlight with two new electric models, the ZX55-6EB and ZE135-7EB. Visitors can also find out more about the Hitachi Construction Machinery Premium Rental programme.

Construction technology

French machine control specialist iDig will be showing its excavator digging control systems at Intermat, including the standard iDig launched in 2007 and the more recent iDig 2D, 2D+ and 3D products.

The 2D is especially valuable for contractors who don’t have surveyors on site, giving operators a tool to control digging depths. The 2D+ incorporates a GPS sensor, and the 3D – first seen at Bauma – is similar to the 2D+ but with the additional capability of generating 3D diagrams.

The focus at Intermat will be on the 2D+, which the company says is probably the biggest market opportunity.

HCME will promote a variety of innovative solutions on its stand, including the ConSite remote monitoring system designed to reduce life-cycle costs, and factory-fitted machine control systems from Leica Geosystems (installed on the ZX225USLC-7) and Trimble (fitted to the ZX135W-7).

It will also highlight Zaxis Finance – a wide range of flexible finance solutions available for new and used Zaxis excavators and ZW wheel loaders.

Moog Construction, part of Moog Inc will showcase two solutions – one of these is its next generation of TerraTech, an ecosystem combining power management and control software, hardware, and digital insights via IoT that manufacturers of construction machines can use to design and build electric machines.

The other solution is ZQuip, a modular energy solution to convert diesel-powered construction fleets into zero-emissions machines that create all-electric job sites.

Telematics and tagging specialist Trackunit will use Intermat to showcase its latest technology, including its recently introduced emissions reporting system, which collects data from its telematics system and presents carbon emissions data.

The company will also show its K300 access control system, which allows equipment owners and managers to control who can use machines.

French Caterpillar dealer Bergerat Monnoyeur will showcase the Cat Command remote operation system, which allows machines to be operated remotely from a safe workspace, and its Service Digitalisation offer, with subscriptions to Connectivity and Services, using machine connectivity, artificial intelligence and augmented reality to customers as part of the fleet management service.

Power play

Exhibiting on the stand of parent company Monnoyeur, power generation specialist Eneria will demonstrate the Cat XES60 battery energy storage system with a 45kVA maximum output and 56.8kWh lithium ion battery.

Also on show will be hydrogen fuel cell powered GEH2 generator, developed with design partner EODev.

Volvo Penta BESS, produced in partnership with TechnoGen.

Volvo Penta is to show a new battery electric storage system (BESS) produced in partnership with TechnoGen. Featuring six individual battery packs, the new BESS will have a total capacity of 540kWh. Recharge rates will have a peak of about 70kW.

Cummins will unveil a version of the new H2 IC engine which with changes to support use in off-highway applications.

E-Neo, part of the Vensys Group, will unveil its new battery energy storage system. The BESS will help to support recharging of vehicles using retrofitted electrical drive systems. The BESS has a choice of three power delivery configurations to support onsite work.

Telehandlers

Bobcat will show a new range of Rotary Telehandlers for the first time. The range offers nine Stage V powered models for the European market (for lifting heights from 18 to 39m) and four Stage IIIA machines for sale in the Middle East and Africa (from 18 to 26m).

The models with lifting heights from 18 to 26m are Deutz engine powered, with the higher lift models from 26 to 39m are powered by Volvo engines.

Magni will debut its new TH3.6 fixed telescopic handler. The company said it is “the most compact” unit it has ever produced, with a load capacity of 3 tonnes and 5.9m maximum height.

The compactness is what makes the machine ideal for work in tight spaces, the company said, while the ROPS/Level 2 FOPS certified cab with large windscreen gives the operators full visibility of the working area.

Bobcat will be showing a new range of Rotary Telehandlers for the first time at Intermat.

Elsewhere on the Magni stand, the company will launch its new RTH 6.31 elevating cab model. The machine comes with a ROPS/Level 2 FOPS elevating cab and is mounted on a mobile hydraulic support.

Merlo will show its TF30.7 telehandler. The machine is available in three heights, low-profile (1980mm), standard (2120mm) and suspended cabin (2210mm) and comes with a 360° LED pack, wide-angle cameras and MAPS device for detecting surrounding people.

The model is the only telescopic handler of its size with its patented cabin suspension. Merlo will also highlight an electric power solution for the ROTO range that reduces polluting emissions, fuel consumption and noise alongside the P40.13 and P40.17 telehandlers.

Sany will bring three Chinese-made telehandlers - 7m, 14m and 18m models – two of which, the STH1440 and STH1840, will be full production machines by April.

Attachments

Montabert will be introducing five new models of heavy hydraulic breakers: The XL2700, V4700, V47, V57 and V67.

These new rock breakers benefit from a series of technical advances developed by the company, which in turn deliver higher performance on the worksite. The new versions have also been designed to support low-cost maintenance, supported by the use of components which can be replaced or repaired.

French attachments business Arden Equipment will be at Intermat alongside its subsidiary IEV. At the show, the company will highlight the Mini-Blue sorting grab for use on mini-excavators in the 0.8 to 6 tonnes range. Self-lubricating rings ensuring no lubrication is needed on the frame, cylinder, rod or shells while a 360° hydraulic rotation designed to adapt to all load-bearing torques up to 6 tonnes is also a key feature.

Meanwhile, IEV will bring three new products to Intermat, including its GPS-controlled rotary bucket. Developed alongside Skyliners, the bucket is designed for wheel loaders and comes with a hydraulic quick coupler that enables it to be fitted with different types of equipment.

The company will also show an earthmoving and dredging grab with a capacity of 2 to 10 m3 and a new optimised design for simplified maintenance.

Another Sweden-based OEM, Steelwrist, will reveal its third generation tiltrotator at Intermat, although it will officially launch in March.

The company said the titrolator will come with “several innovative features both from a hardware and software perspective” and features for coupler locking safety and maintenance.

In addition to this, a new range of lightweight grapples and hydraulic compactors with low oil flow to compaction power ratio will feature.

A preview of access equipment can be found on the Access Briefing website.