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KZCO, Inc. Introduces Their New EH5 Electric Actuator

KZCO, Inc., a manufacturer of low voltage electric ball and butterfly valves, has introduced their new EH5 electric actuator.  The actuator housing is rated NEMA 6P with a torque rating up to 500 in/lbs.  The EH5 can be used with stainless steel and butterfly valves ranging in size from 1.5 to 6 inch.   Features of the EH5 include programmable solid state electronics with wiring options to include on/off, flow control, pot feedback and 4~20mA. 

KZ Valves deliver high performance in some of the world's most challenging applications which include NASA ground support, fire fighting equipment, automated process controls, ammonia controls, HVAC/ Hydronic control valves, mobile construction equipment, RV control valves, marine fuel and bilge systems, home flood control systems and ground or aerial de-icing sprayer controls.

KZCO, in its 32nd year, continues to produce innovative, high quality products for many industrial and agricultural applications.

Melton Technologies Launches Fleet Maintenance Software Enhancements

Kobelco Introduces Compact 17sr Acera Tier III-Certified Excavator

New “Smart Hydraulic System” provides maximum power

Kobelco Construction Machinery America introduces the new 17SR ACERA zero tail swing, compact excavator. The machine delivers more digging performance and an adjustable track gauge that gives easy maneuverability in tight spaces without sacrificing stability when working. The 17SR also features a new “Smart Hydraulic System” fueled by three pumps that ensure maximum power for simultaneous lifting, swinging and travel operations as well as excellent controllability for fine grading.

“When working in close proximity to existing structures, it is important that operators have the power and stability needed to accomplish the job,” said Paul Golevicz, brand marketing manager at Kobelco America. “The 17SR’s zero tail swing in the fully expanded track position and the addition of the ‘Smart Hydraulic System’ ensure that operators have superior flexibility and performance.”

The Kobelco 17SR features a 15.2-horsepower, three-cylinder, Tier III-certified diesel engine. The machine has a bucket breakout force of 2,900 lbf and an arm-crowding force of 2,158 lbf. This is an 11 percent increase in total arm and breakout forces. The 17SR also offers a 10 percent increase in swing torque for a total of 310 lbf and a 7.5 percent increase in draw bar pull force.

The 17SR features an in-cab lever, allowing the operator to move between expanded and contracted configurations without leaving the cab. The 17SR’s cab is comfortable and easy to enter because the design requires only a three-post canopy to meet both ROPS and FOPS standards while providing more room for the operator.

The Kobelco 17SR is manufactured by Kobelco America in the United States at the company’s Calhoun, Ga., factory. The machine has a maximum operating weight of 3,638 lbs. and a maximum digging depth of 7 feet, 1 inch. The bucket capacity is 0.88 to 1.55 cubic feet. The 17SR features easy access to the engine compartment, hydraulics and all routine maintenance checks from the ground. This saves time on daily maintenance checks, increasing productivity.

Kobelco Construction Machinery America manufactures and markets a full line of compact, mid-size and full-size excavators ranging from 1.9 to 88 tons. Kobelco engineering is dedicated to power and precision, and every Kobelco excavator is designed and manufactured by Kobelco America to exceed customer expectations. With over 250 distribution outlets in North America, Kobelco excavators are supported by a network of experienced dealers and field service representatives. For more information, please visit www.kobelcoamerica.com.

Komatsu America Corp. Announces the WA200-6 Wheel Loader

Komatsu America Corp. announces the WA200-6 Wheel Loader with increased loading power and performance for the construction, utility, government, sewer, waste and agricultural markets.  Replacing the WA200-5, this machine includes significant technological enhancements for greater performance, operator comfort and efficiency.

The WA200-6, with an operating weight of 23,160 to 23,457 pounds and a heaped bucket capacity of 2.2 yd3 to 3.1 yd3, gets its power and productivity from a Komatsu SAA4D107E-1 engine.  This engine has a net horsepower of 126 HP, is EPA Tier 3 emissions certified and provides high productivity with low fuel consumption and low noise.

The WA200-6 is equipped with the latest Komtrax technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology.  Data such as operating hours, location and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis.  The Komtrax fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special Features of the New WA200-6 include:

• Increased Power and Performance With Hydrostatic Transmission System

The WA200-6 incorporates Komatsu’s Hydrostatic Transmission System (HST) that allocates only as much power as is needed for a given application.  The engine power is transmitted hydraulically to a transfer case, then mechanically out to the differentials and to the four driving wheels, making the WA200-6 a very powerful yet efficient machine that responds quickly and smoothly to varying job conditions. 

By adjusting automatically to the tractive effort demands of the work at hand, Komatsu’s HST provides for quick travel response and aggressive drive into the pile.  The full auto-shifting feature eliminates gear shifting and the kick-down switch gives the operator the ability to concentrate on digging and loading operations for faster cycle times and increased productivity.

• Variable Traction Control With “S-mode”

The tractive effort of the machine, when traveling at low speeds, can be reduced by using the traction control switch to control tire slippage.  This is especially beneficial for surfaces such as wet concrete or soft ground where tires are more likely to slip.  The traction control system eliminates excessive bucket penetration and tire slippage during operations such as stockpile loading, extending the life-cycle of tires and improving work efficiency.  A new “S-mode” control provides optimum driving force for operations on slippery road surfaces, including snow removal or working on snow-covered surfaces, by controlling the engine speed and HST motor when traveling at a low speed.

• Maximum Breakout Force, Dumping Clearance And Reach

The WA200-6 also has an excellent breakout force of 20,944 pounds and high static tipping loads (21,363 pounds straight and 18,397 pounds at a 40o full turn) to provide superior power and stability during the toughest operations.  The long lift arms provide high dumping clearances and maximum dumping reach so the operator can easily “level” or “even” loads on the body of a dump truck.

• Improved Operator Comfort

Komatsu designed an operator-friendly cab with increased backwards seat slide adjustment and more interior room. The pressurized cab reduces noise levels to a low 70 d[B]A and keeps dust and other particles from the cabs interior.  The rear-hinged cab doors and sloped staircase type steps with large diameter handrails allow for easy entrance and exit and a wide pillar-less glass windshield provides for maximum visibility.  The viscous damping mount system helps to minimize noise, shock and vibration in rough working conditions. For optimum comfort, the WA200-6 features a low effort, multi-function mono lever Pressure Proportional Control (PPC) hydraulic system with a forward, neutral and reverse control switch for smooth and easy directional changes.  There is also a max traction switch on the mono lever to cut traction control on and off easily with the push of a button.

• Easy Maintenance And Serviceability

The WA200-6 allows for easy and maintenance in order to reduce costly downtime.  The large gull-wing type doors open widely and easily (with the assistance of a gas spring) allowing the operator or technician to perform daily service checks from the ground.  The engine fan is hydraulically driven and if the machine is operating in adverse conditions the operator can reverse the hydraulic cooling fan (to blow out debris) from inside the cab by simply pressing a button on the control panel, or the fan can be preset to automatically activate at given intervals.

The wheel loader is equipped with the exclusive Komatsu EMMS Equipment Management Monitoring System (EMMS) which monitors all critical systems and alerting and guiding the operator should an abnormality occur.  Komatsu’s EMMS often prevents a small problem from becoming a major service issue contributing to a reduced cost of operation.  The controller monitors key engine features such as oil pressure, coolant temperature air cleaner clogging, etc.  If the controller finds abnormalities the error is displayed on the LCD.  The EMMS also stores abnormalities and error codes for troubleshooting assistance to mechanics which minimizes diagnosis and repair time.

• Increased Durability And Reliability

The wet multi-disc brakes and fully hydraulic braking system, combined with dynamic braking, mean lower maintenance costs and higher reliability.  The dynamic braking function means you don’t have to use the wet disc brakes as often, increasing overall brake disc life.  The wet disc brakes are fully sealed keeping contaminants out and reducing wear and subsequent maintenance.  This also means no air system to bleed and no condensation of water that can lead to corrosion and freezing.

Highly reliable and exclusively designed electronic components such as controllers, connectors, sensors and wiring have undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability in the harshest of conditions.  The electronic connectors are DT-type and seal against dirt and moisture.  Flat face-to-face O-ring seals are used to securely seal hydraulic hose connections and all hydraulic cylinders are protected by metal guard rings for additional reliability.

Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment.  Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century.  Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.  

Nissan Forklift Platinum II Series Reflects Nissan Global Green Initiatives

The launch of Nissan Forklift’s new lower emission Platinum II Series lift trucks is a reflection of Nissan’s global green philosophy, which seeks “symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature.”  Long considered the leader in clean air engine technology, Nissan Forklift has redesigned its industrial engines to incorporate technological advances that not only increase fuel efficiency and performance, but also deliver greatly reduced exhaust emissions.  These efforts run parallel to Nissan’s automotive emission advances in managing environmental impact and integrating objectives set forth by Nissan’s global Green Program.

The Platinum II Series from Nissan Forklift delivers emission results that are well below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirements established for 2007.  In fact, the Platinum II Series’ current nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emission levels are already below the stringent targets set by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) for 2010 emission goals.  Nissan Forklift is once again the first forklift manufacturer to receive compliance status from both EPA and CARB for its entire line of low emission engines.  In addition, Nissan has expanded its family of diesel industrial engines with the QD32 diesel engine, available in larger capacity pneumatic Platinum II models. The powerful, clean-burning QD32 delivers improved fuel consumption and emission levels well below the 2008 EPA diesel requirements. 

Drawing from Nissan’s vast automotive experience, the Nissan Forklift Platinum II Series’ redesigned K21 and K25 engines feature an all new Electronic Concentrated Control System (ECCS) for gasoline, LPG, and Dual Fuel use.  Nissan achieves these low emissions, along with improved combustion and lower fuel consumption, through the ECCS engines’ closed-loop electronic fuel injection system, electronic ignition, automotive-type oxygen and mass air flow sensors and a three-way catalytic muffler. A new Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors engine functions and controls the air/fuel ratio, torque and speed needed to meet the demands of the application. As an added safeguard, the Platinum II Series’ ECM features an enhanced engine/transmission protection and warning system that automatically reduces engine revolutions in response to excessive heat generation or low oil pressure, extending engine and drive train life.

Available in pneumatic, compact pneumatic, and cushion tire models, the Platinum II Series incorporates new standard features, such as Nissan’s exclusive Vehicle Control Module (VCM), seat-actuated Operator Presence System and LCD display Meter Panel with on-board diagnostics.  New options include Fingertip Controls, Ground Speed and Acceleration Control, Auto-tilt Leveling, Swivel Seat with Rear Assist Grip and Horn Button, Nissan’s exclusive OptiView Mast and a variety of light packages.

Nissan Forklift Corporation is a supplier of engine-powered forklifts, electric sit-down riders, electric pallet trucks, electric tow tractors, electric walkie stackers and manual pallet trucks under the Nissan and Barrett Industrial Truck brands. Nissan and Barrett products are sold and serviced through a dealer network with nearly 200 locations in North America and South America.  For more information, please contact Nissan Forklift Corporation, Marketing Department, 240 North Prospect Street, Marengo, IL, 60152; phone 815.568.0061; fax 815.568.0179; email: djirak@nfcna.com or visit its Web site at www.nissanforklift.com.

Parker TFD Launches Universal Push-to-Connect Assembly

Parker Hannifin’s Tube Fittings Division, in conjunction with the Hose Products Division and Parflex Division, has developed a Universal Push-to-Connect (UPTC) assembly that provides fast and efficient, leak-free connections for compact fluid power systems in industrial, mobile and construction equipment.

Utilizing Parker’s Seal-Lok™ O-ring face seal (ORFS) adapter or EO metric bite-type fittings, the patent-pending UPTC system is suitable for rigid inch and metric tubing, hydraulic hose and thermoplastic hose assemblies involving tube-hose, tube-port and hose-port connections.  Unlike other push-to-connect couplings that require changeovers to new male- and female-end fitting designs, Parker’s UPTC innovative male geometry allows easy substitution on any existing Parker Seal-Lok or EO fitting system.  UPTC is especially advantageous during assembly where simply pushing the hose or tube into the adapter creates a leak-free connection.  This speedy connection creates immediate cost savings in assembly time along with reductions in warranty and rework claims due to improper assembly.

UPTC consists of a base Seal-Lok (ORFS) or EO metric bite-type fitting, a factory assembled UPTC nut with its internal sealing and retaining elements, a dust O-ring and a UPTC hose assembly or rigid tube.  The UPTC nut is assembled to the base ORFS or metric bite-type fitting at the factory to ensure proper torque is applied.  Once fully engaged, the retaining element is positively trapped between the male and the UPTC nut.  It cannot escape, even under vibration and extremely high pressure.

Visual and tactile install indicators on the nut and fitting signify full engagement and a complete connection.  The assembly can be disconnected by using a wrench to loosen the nut, exposing a standard connector end.  If the hose is damaged, the UPTC assembly can be replaced with a standard ORFS hose assembly.  No special connector is required for field repair, but the option of replacing the damaged assembly with a new Parker UPTC connection is still available.

UPTC Features:

• Compatible with any existing Parker Seal-Lok or EO fitting system
• Compatible with rigid inch and metric tubing (adapted by changing the braze sleeve), hydraulic hose and thermoplastic hose assemblies
• Substantial time and cost savings due to elimination of wrenching/torquing

• Faster, easier assemblies, particularly in tight spaces—reduces errors, rework and warranty claims
• Assemblies can be disconnected with a standard wrench
• UPTC technology is available in straights, 45° and 90° elbows, tees and crosses in sizes 1/4" to 1" for ORFS fittings including the most common jump sizes, and 8 mm to 25 mm for metric bite-type fittings
• Connects to most standard port technologies, such as SAE straight thread port (SAE J1926), ISO 6149 port, pipe, and more

For additional information about Parker’s UPTC technology and specific product availability, contact 1-800-C-Parker or your local Parker distributor.

The Tube Fittings Division, Hose Products Division and Parflex Division are units of Parker Hannifin Corporation's Fluid Connectors Group.  The Group is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the world’s leading producer of tube fittings, rubber and thermoplastic hose and fittings, brass fittings and valves, quick-connect couplings and assembly tools.