Wheeled Excavator: Redesigned Coupler
The Cat M316F is one of three new F-Series wheeled excavators from Caterpillar. The F-Series machines now have fully enclosed ROPS cabins and redesigned quick couplers, which are compatible with the new Cat pin-grabber coupler. It has an operating weight of 33,973 lb to 38,559 lb, depending on options. Powered by a 141-hp Cat C4.4 Acert engine, the excavator has a top travel speed of 21 mph. The F-Series excavators all feature a new PIN-based anti-theft system. Caterpillar; www.cat.com
SMarter Crane Controls: Monitoring System Reduces Sway and Snags
Konecranes has introduced new options for the Smart Features software on its SMARTON line of cranes. Automatic hook centering prevents dangerous side-pull situations by detecting when a load is not below the hook and, as necessary, adjusting the crane before performing the lift. Snag prevention halts the crane when, while moving the crane, it detects that the rope is caught on an obstacle. Another new safety feature is active sway control, which reads the operators inputs for moving the crane and calculates the optimal acceleration to minimize swaying of loads. Konecranes; www.konecranesusa.com