India’s leading material handling and construction equipment manufacturing company Action Construction Equipment Ltd (ACE) enjoys a majority market share in the mobile crane and tower crane segments. It has a consolidated presence in all major infrastructure, construction, heavy engineering and industrial projects across the country. With over nine plants in the Faridabad region of Haryana, ACE boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities employing some of the best technology available in the world. It also maintains superlative quality, safety and service standards, garnering it the position of the No. 1 crane manufacturer in India. Innovation for excellence ACE has introduced new technologies and models across its product range at a phenomenal pace. The company has a diverse portfolio comprising products covering all segments of construction, earthmoving, material handling and agriculture sectors. In the years ahead, we foresee technology-enabled processes percolating all spheres of equipment manufacturing. Of these, predominant technologies include 3D printing, deep learning fed by advanced data analytics for design improvement and the increasing introduction of robotics in fabrication and assembly lines. Our R&D Centre has played a significant role in the growth of our organisation. The COVID-19 months have further sharpened our focus on R&D, with the design and development of new products, upgradation of existing products and VA/VE activities. Hence, we are spending greatly on enhancing the customer experience and engagement with products as well as digitally empowering our operations for greater efficiency. Future-ready products ACE recently developed and launched the NX Series of NextGen Multiactivity Cranes, which perform multiple tasks apart from crane operations, thereby increasing productivity and profitability. These types of multiactivity cranes with articulated steering are the first in the world and ACE has already applied for the necessary patents. These cranes have been introduced in three models: NX-360o: This is a multiactivity crane with 360o full slew operation, apart from regular pick-and-carry operation, with lifting capacity of 20 tonne and height of 21.5 m. The 360o slew operation will find application for infrastructure, construction and industrial use. Stability is greater owing to full slew operation on outriggers. With this model, which is equipped with a safe load indicator (SLI), ACE will be able to offer medium-size slew cranes at 50-60 per cent of the cost of traditional slew cranes of similar capacity with the added advantage of pick-and-carry duty. NXP: This 15-tonne capacity crane combines the added advantage of an aerial work platform (manlift) along with the pick-and-carry function. Currently, most construction sites deploy both a crane and aerial work platform separately; using the NXP model will reduce overall owning and operating costs significantly as one machine with one operator would do both jobs. The jib of the manlift basket, with a capacity of 230 kg and working height of 21 m, is hydraulically operated and its position can be controlled from the basket itself, which can be easily detached or attached to the crane within five minutes. Worker safety is ensured through SLI and the basket also has had load cells to prevent overloading. NXT: This is a telehandler cum pick-and-carry crane of 15 tonne capacity. The telehandler fork attachment has a capacity of 3 tonne up to a maximum height of 12.3 m unlike traditional telehandlers, wherein both the working radius and height is limited. This adds to the versatility of the NXT model, making it suitable for many load applications where traditional telehandlers are not able to work. The hydraulically operated compensated forks are designed to ensure that the load always remains parallel to the ground during boom luffing/extension operations. The fork can be detached or attached to the crane within five minutes. Our all new AX124 Backhoe Loader is another product of innovation. Powered with highly efficient 76HP and 96HP Kirloskar engines, this rugged and reliable machine is equipped with improved hydraulic pumps and kinematically better loader arms with higher breakout force while digging or loading materials, ensuring 10-15 per cent higher productivity. Further, it is fitted with globally renowned transmission from Carraro and hydraulic pumps from reputed brands and is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Recent upgradations include advanced engine technology to maximise performance and minimise fuel consumption and the impact of emission; advanced hydraulics for higher productivity; and an advanced telematics GPS system to manage and monitor machines remotely. Skill, safety and service To maintain product performance standards, ACE conducts operator training on a regular basis at our dedicated training centre at Faridabad. Periodic courses are conducted to enhance operator and engineer skill levels. We also offer 15 days’ free training to every new customer, covering all aspects related to operations and safety. ACE’s focus on product and operator safety is also being aided by a number of government regulations such as mandating load moment indicators with overload cut-out function on all mobile cranes as well as the adoption of BS-IV diesel engines for construction equipment engines larger than 50HP. As important as the product is service. All machines require continuous maintenance throughout their lifecycle that enables optimum performance levels while optimising maintenance costs. At ACE, we pride ourselves on our efficient and effective service networks and mechanisms. We have a network of dealers and area offices operating out of 100 locations, supported by 15 area/regional offices. In turn, these are supported by the our marketing headquarters and a dedicated product support division based in Faridabad. We also have an exclusive toll-free service for clients where complaints are attended to within 24 hours. What’s more, the use of virtual/augmented reality (VR and AR) for prognostics/diagnostics and virtual assistance may well fulfil many service requirements in future. Large auto manufacturers across the globe are already dabbling with technologies such as photogrammetry for 3D printing and service/CRM solutions such as Reverb, Occulus and Hololens for remote identification of vehicles and sometimes even troubleshooting. Indeed, ConTech is now at centre-stage. The use of technology will not only provide economically viable solutions for manufacturers, operators and customers but also environmentally viable solutions. At ACE, we constantly work to adapt the best global technology to Indian working conditions—making sure nothing beats an ACE! Author: Sorab Agarwal is the Executive Director at Action Construction Equipment