Cat MH3037

The new Cat MH3037 is the third member of the new wheeled material handler line that Peoria-based Caterpillar has introduced in the greater-than-25-ton size class. The new Cat material handlers are purpose-built to work productively and durably in industrial, scrap recycling, millyard and waterway applications, while affording maximum protection and convenience for the operator, the company says. A patented “ground entry and exit” with a step-in cab that lowers to the front or the side of the machine is designed to enhance convenience and safety for operators and service personnel.

The MH3037 has an operating weight of 82,900 pounds and is powered by the Cat ACERT C7 engine featuring an electronically controlled, mechanically actuated, unit-injector fuel system that uses multiple-injection fuel delivery for optimum power and economy in all operating situations. The MH3037 configuration is rated at 225 horsepower.

High-strength structural steel and advanced welding techniques were used to add structural integrity. A powerful hydraulic system provides rapid response with efficiency, and new serviceability features simplify maintenance, Caterpillar adds. These design elements combine to provide what the company says is low-cost operation and maximum value for MH3037 owners.

Major structures use continuous welds that incorporate extensive chamfering and beveling to reduce stress concentration. Booms and sticks are constructed from single-piece top and side plates to eliminate the need for seams and internal baffles. The upper frame is designed specifically to dissipate loads transferred through the front linkage and counterweight, and the lower frame has a tapered design to evenly distribute loads and reduces stress. Oversized pins and bushings are used to strengthen pivot points. Along with a 29-foot boom, the MH3037 can be equipped with a short 19-foot-8-inch or long 23-foot-6-inch front configuration to best fit the application.

Using a closed-center, one-pump, load-sensing implement hydraulic system with electro-hydraulic pilot control, the hydraulic pump generates only as much oil flow and pressure as required for the application, yielding powerful, rapid response and fuel-saving efficiency. To further enhance overall hydraulic power and efficiency, the machine regenerates boom-down oil flow, reducing the volume of oil the pump must produce.

Reflecting the precise hydraulic design, the MH3037 divides hydraulic functions between the upper and lower main control valves, with the upper valve managing the boom, stick, work tools, cab riser and cooling circuits, and the lower valve controlling travel, steering and outriggers. This provides optimal flow management to allow multiple machine functions to operate at the same time without compromising performance. An independent, closed-loop swing system maintains swing priority at all times.

The hydraulic oil cooler, air-to-air aftercooler (ATAAC), and engine radiator are all mounted side-by-side to reduce clogging caused by airborne debris and to provide better access for cleaning when necessary. Working with an auto-reversing fan, the cooling system ensures optimum operating temperatures between 140 and 160 F are maintained—which protects oil quality, extends component life and promotes optimum machine performance.

The power train of the MH3037 incorporates limited-slip differentials on both the front and rear axles to provide true all-wheel-drive performance. A variable displacement hydraulic motor coupled with a two-speed transmission provides high- and low-speed travel with creeper speed capability for excellent control due to the infinitely variable travel speed. An oscillating rear axle with oscillation lock provides the capability to work on rough, uneven terrain while maintaining the stability to work free on wheels without outriggers deployed, Caterpillar says.

The hydraulic cab-riser system features patented “ground entry and exit" with a step-in cab, designed to enhance safety for operators and service personnel. The cab height is adjustable up to an eye level of 18 feet. On the MH3037, raise time from ground level to maximum height is approximately 8 seconds; lowering time from maximum height to ground level is 10 seconds. Adjustable sensors control the height of the cab above the ground. Manual safety override valves in the cab and at ground level are designed to enable the cab to be lowered safely in the event of engine power loss. This allows the operator to exit the cab safely.

The MH3037 can be equipped with an optional impact-absorbing falling objects guarding system (FOGS). This includes a top guard to protect the operator from falling debris and a front guard to protect from flying debris in the work area. An adjustable limiter prevents work tool contact with the cab, and load-holding valves on hydraulic cylinders prevent sudden uncontrolled drop of the boom, stick, cab or outriggers in the event of a failed hydraulic hose.

Images from the standard rearview camera are displayed via a high-definition color monitor. A separate monitor displays operating parameters, starting fluid level, machine warnings and activated work functions, which are conveniently controlled with the joysticks. The system allows operators to set functions according to preference and provides maintenance reminders, diagnostic capabilities and out-of-specification alerts.

Joystick controls in lieu of a steering wheel enable operators to experience smoother, faster production and allow better sight lines to the work area. The cab includes a polycarbonate skylight, removable panes and a rear window that serves as an emergency exit.

Durable fiberglass gull-wing panels supported by gas-filled cylinders provide ready access to the routine maintenance points in spacious, lighted compartments. Service panels are located on the top, left and right side of the machine. Handrails and anti-slip surfaces help technicians perform their work safely and efficiently.

The MH3037 comes equipped with PL522 Cat Product Link designed to provide timely, useful information about machine status and utilization.

The MH3037 can handle a variety of work tools, according to Caterpillar. The machine features medium-pressure flow from a separate valve for tool rotation and a high-pressure circuit from the main pump to operate the open/close functions of typical tools, such as orange-peel grapples, clamshells and log grapples. A separate pump is used to provide hydraulic power to operate a generator for an optional scrap magnet. The generator features a patented Cat solid-state magnet controller that eliminates typical maintenance issues and is supported and warranted through Cat dealers.

More information is available at www.cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/material-handlers.html.
 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Northern District of Alabama, has announced that Edward Hindman, the owner of the scrap yard Hindman’s Wrecker Service & Salvage, Talladega, Ala., has pled guilty to one count of structuring $119,400 in cash transactions.

The DOJ says that as part of his plea deal Hindman is required to forfeit $119,400 to the government. He is scheduled for sentencing June 26.

As part of the deal Hindman also agreed to civilly forfeit $1.1 million in a civil forfeiture action brought by the United States against money seized from Hindman's bank account in March 2011. In a Stipulation of Settlement filed in the civil case, Hindman admitted no wrongdoing, but acknowledged that the government had reasonable cause to seize the money in 2011 and commence the forfeiture proceedings.

In the plea agreement, Hindman acknowledges that he intentionally structured, and directed others to structure, cash withdrawals at First National Bank Talladega in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering the bank's requirement to file a Currency Transaction Report with the U.S. Treasury Department on all transactions greater than $10,000.

Between Feb. 23, 2011, and March 5, 2011, Hindman wrote or directed others to write 16 checks payable to "cash," which were cashed at the Talladega bank, according to his plea agreement. All the checks were just below the reporting requirement amount and totaled $119,400. The cash withdrawals were used to fund the operation of Hindman's salvage yard, according to his plea.
 

R2 Solutions, based in Boulder, Colo., has added Garth Hickle to its board of directors.

Hickle is involved in the electronics recycling and product stewardship sectors. He is the chair of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials Product Stewardship Task Force, a board member of the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse and the product stewardship team leader with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He also was honored with a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship in 2001 to pursue research in international product stewardship policy and has published articles in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, the Journal for Cleaner Production, Corporate Environmental Strategy and Environmental Quality Management, among others.

Hickle says, “I am eager to join forces with R2 Solutions. As people around the world gain access to mobile devices and other electronics at an increasing rate, the global need for environmentally and economically sound practices for recycling those devices grows. The R2:2013 Standard provides a sustainable solution for responsible management of end-of-life electronics.”

John Lingelbach, executive director of R2 Solutions, says, “The expertise and diversity of our board uniquely positions us to meet the global need for a safe, sensible and sustainable standard for electronics recycling. Garth's insight in the arena of international product stewardship coupled with his practical, hands-on experience working at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is a valuable asset.”

R2 Solutions is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and outreach services as well as administrative support for the R2 Standard and its Technical Advisory Committee, which is charged with advancing and further developing the standard.

Blancco Oy Ltd., a global leader in data erasure, has announced its purchase by U.K.-based Regenersis Plc, a strategic outsourcing partner to many of the world’s leading consumer technology companies. Regenersis purchased the data erasure software specialist’s entire share capital for the purchase price of approximately 60 million euro, Blancco reports.

Blancco, which will remain headquartered in Finland, will operate as an independent subsidiary of Regenersis. The Blancco name, brand and organization will remain the same, and the company’s acquisition will have no impact on Blancco’s existing customer relationships, according to the company.

Regenersis’ portfolio includes products that will be integrated into Blancco’s portfolio.

“This transaction should have no effect on Blancco’s growth, which should continue at its current impressive rate,” Kim Väisänen, managing director of Blancco says.

Regenersis’ strategy is to grow Blancco operations organically and through other mergers and acquisitions.

Väisänen will continue as managing director of Blancco. In addition, he also will be the head of software services for Regenersis.

According to the Regenersis board of directors, Regenersis will be able to build on existing customer relationships with Blancco’s data erasure products. 

Regenersis says it believes erasure demand will continue to grow based on the upcoming EU tightening of data protection legislation, among other things. Blancco estimates that in the EU, less than 10 percent of companies use a proper data destruction service provider.

Blancco Group’s total sales in 2013 was 15 million euros, with sales outside Finland accounting for 97.6 per cent of the total. Operating profit was approximately 5.3 million euro. Until the acquisition, Blancco's primary owners were Kim Väisänen (43 percent share), Michael Röchner (34 percent) and Ari Hakkarainen (12 percent). Väisänen will invest a portion of the sale price by purchasing back a portion of shares of Regenersis. 

Regenersis is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a British global outsourcing services provider with operations in 25 locations in 13 different countries. Regenersis specializes in mobile phones and other consumer electronics service and repair activities. The company's customers include Nokia, Samsung and HTC. Regenersis’ sales totaled 220 million euro in fiscal year 2013.

Mathew Peacock, executive chairman of Regenersis, says, “I am delighted with this acquisition. Blancco is a great business with an excellent fit, and at a price that works for our shareholders. Most importantly it moves the center of gravity of the group clearly into advanced solutions, with a majority of our profits in this segment, and opens up a variety of possibilities for future development.”