Weekly recap: Sandvik approves HVO fuel use, virtual reality simulator can certify MEWP operators, and more

As virtual reality is further developed, more options for operator training present themselves. One of these options is Serious Labs' MEWP training simulator which is now able to certify operators to ISO and ANSI standards. This week also saw Sandvik confirm that its mobile crushers and screeners can operate using HVO fuels. Hilti has released new features to the company's semi-autonomous Jaibot drilling robot. Plus, Kubota Canada appointed a new company president and a Rokbak articulated hauler helped keep a groundworks project on track. Here are five articles from this week you won't want to miss.

Sandvik mobile crushers and screeners can now operate using HVO fuels

Sandvik has completed testing on its range of machines to confirm that Sandvik's mobile crushers and screeners can operate using HVO fuel without modifications to either the engines or the fuel tanks. This helps Sandvik users reduce net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 90 percent compared with conventional diesel. Sandvik decided to invest in HVO as a renewable fuel and turned to Cat dealer, Finning U.K. and Ireland, to supply compatible engines, like Caterpillar's Cat C-Series engines.

Find out more about using HVO fuel in Sandvik machines in the full article.

Rokbak articulated hauler keeps Browning Excavation groundworks project on course

Browning Excavation had to act quickly when groundworks on a major housing project turned up acres of overspill from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Browning Excavation needed a machine to move all the overspill granite material and turned to a local Rokbak dealer for that need. They arranged a lease on an RA30 articulated hauler. So far, the hauler has clocked up over 500 operating hours with the foundations of 375 houses still to dig.

Learn more about how Rokbak's RA30 helped Browning Excavation's housing project in the full article.

Serious Labs' virtual reality training simulator can certify MEWP operators

Serious Labs' ANSI Compliant Assessment Scenario is now an ANSI and ISO compliant virtual reality operator training simulator for articulated and telescopic boom lifts. Operators who test on the Serious Labs ANSI Compliant Assessment Scenario are no longer required to operate physical equipment to finalize their training. If an operator passes the Serious Labs ANSI Compliant Assessment Scenario with a minimum of 80 percent proficiency, they will have demonstrated sufficient skill, ability, and awareness to become certified.

Find out more about Serious Labs' MEWP virtual reality training simulator in the full article.

Drill on corrugated metal deck ceilings and concrete walls with Hilti's updated semi-autonomous robot

Hilti Group has released new features to the Hilti Jaibot, a semi-autonomous, mobile-drilling robot. The Jaibot now has the capability to drill on corrugated metal deck ceilings and concrete walls. The robot also has several new features that improve operator safety, ease of use, and accuracy. Hilti's Jaibot can drill and mark holes in vertical concrete walls at heights between 0.9 and 4.8 metres

Discover all the updates of Hilti's Jaibot mobile-drilling robot in the full article.

Kubota Canada appoints Yannick Montagano as president

Yannick Montagano will succeed Bob Hickey in his role as president of Kubota Canada Ltd. Yannick Montagano is a 25-year veteran of Canada's industrial sector and steps into the role from his current position as Kubota Canada's vice president of sales, marketing, service, and engineering – a role he's held since December 2018. Hickey will work closely with Montagano until the end of June to ensure an orderly transition in Kubota Canada's leadership.

Find out more about Kubota Canada's leadership transition in the full article.