Convention Highlights
National Demolition Association’s expo showcases new equipment from Montabert, Lehnhoff, Komatsu
The National Demolition Association (NDA) recently hosted its annual convention and expo in Phoenix. The four-day event consisted of live demos, training seminars and equipment walkarounds.
“NDA’s annual show is a great opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their equipment and interact with customers,” said Aaron Scarfia, General Manager of Montabert USA. “At the show, we introduced the new Lehnhoff SQ80V fully hydraulic symmetric quick coupler system, which is generating a lot of interest. We’re excited to bring it to market.”
The SQ80V was mounted on a Komatsu PC360LC-11 excavator for the NDA’s Live DEMOlition Event. Experienced operators tested the SQ80V’s capabilities by switching between four attachments: a Tramac TR40 plate compactor, a Montabert V46 hydraulic rock breaker, a Montabert HCM750M multiprocessor, and a Montabert 32-1200 grapple. Once familiar with the controls, operators were able to switch attachments in roughly 30 seconds.
“One of the primary benefits of the fully automatic quick coupler is the orientation of the valve block,” explained Scarfia. “The valve block from the S side of the coupler connects directly in the center of the attachment. When the coupler comes down on top of the adapters, which are mounted to each attachment, it creates a vertical connection versus a horizontal connection. This creates a fully symmetrical connection, so the attachments can be used 180 degrees in either direction.”
New Komatsu WA475-10 WH
Throughout the expo, attendees could check out the new Komatsu WA475-10 WH wheel loader, which is outfitted with a waste package that features a protective rear guard, underframe guard, axle seal guards, and stainless-steel-wrapped cylinder hoses.
“With à la carte guarding options, the WA475-10 WH can be customized and used for any number of applications, such as aggregates, waste handling or scrap handling,” noted Scott Ruderman, Product Marketing Manager, Komatsu. “The machine is fully guarded to protect vital machine components and helps keep the operator protected while working in harsh environments. The WA475 also has great bucket capacity. It can handle large quantities of material or switch to a trash grapple and clamp down on oversized and odd-shaped material.”
As the newest wheel loader developed by Komatsu, the machine features several technical capabilities ideally suited for waste and scrap applications.
“When the machine is equipped with smooth, solid tires, the Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission helps prevent wheel slippage or spin, extending the life of your tires,” explained Ruderman. “The WA475 also has independent work equipment controls, so regardless of whether the operator is in neutral, stopped or operating at full speed, you have full power, speed and flow to your work equipment. The machine also includes an auto-dig feature, which automatically lifts the bucket when an operator enters a pile to provide a full bucket every cycle.”
Ruderman added, “It’s an ergonomic cab — very comfortable, very spacious, and great visibility. It’s very important to help protect the operator’s ears, and the nice, quiet cab can help keep operators happy.”