Sold! Bauma delivery for Mastenbroek
German drainage specialist Karl Möhle was one satisfied visitor to Bauma, the World's biggest construction plant show, when the company took delivery of a new Mastenbroek M3500 trencher, the latest model to roll off the European manufacturer's production line.
Mastenbroek reported keen interest in the stand's main exhibit as visitors overcame travel chaos after volcanic ash grounded flights to the event's earlier days. The show ultimately was hailed a success by organisers, who put on a record 555,000 square metres and more of indoor and outdoor exhibition space (gross) at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre.
Thomas MÖhle is seen receiving the trencher, which had been specially commissioned. The handover marked the second sale of a M3500, a new generation of drainage trenchers which complements an already impressive line-up from Mastenbroek. The first M3500 was delivered to German drainage specialist Mors GmbH, in February.
The M3500 features a mechanically driven trencher chain, simplified controls and an all-new operator's cab designed to be ergonomically efficient. The machine took to the Bauma stand complete with GPS grade control for drainage trenchers. The latter was developed by Trimble with close cooperation from Mastenbroek. The system enables surveying through to as-laid plans.
With a gross weight of 22 tonnes, the machine comes with a European tier three Cummins QSM 11 construction diesel engine delivering 350hp (260kW). Digging depth is up to 2.6m, with trench widths of between 160mm and 400mm.
The new machine is designed to cope with difficult terrain and comes with side slope levelling; additionally, it can be slewed for curved trenching applications. Undercarriage features independent hydrostatic track drive and 650mm wide triple grouser pads on oscillating tracks.
Inside the rise-and-fall operator's cabin there is single lever joystick control of the digging mechanism and electronic machine display and controls. The machine also features independent liftable pipe boxes, two independent folding pipe reels and machine walkways complying with the latest safety regulations to assist loading pipes, etc.
General Manager Christopher Pett says the M3500 was developed specifically in response to calls for a mechanically driven trenching chain and side slope operation. The German market has traditionally favoured such machines. "There are some key advantages using mechanical drive, as more engine power goes straight to the chain. It's comparatively more fuel efficient and delivers impressive productivity rates. Single joystick control means that setting-in is much quicker, which itself can lead to better productivity."
Mastenbroek specialises in the design and manufacture of trenching and ancillary equipment for the worldwide pipeline and cable laying industries. The product range includes rock trenchers, drainage trenchers/plows, dewatering trenchers, subsea machinery and custom-built hydrostatic machinery. Founded in 1965, Mastenbroek has achieved pre-eminence in trenching technology through innovation brought about by continuing investment in research and development.