Hidromek is displaying a prototype premium backhoe called the Maestro Supra that is to run alongside the existing models. The premium version will have piston pump and flow sharing hydraulics, which includes a regeneration system to capture and re-use energy when the boom is lowered.
The premium version will have piston pump and flow sharing hydraulics, which includes a regeneration system to capture and re-use energy when the boom is lowered.
According to deputy general manager Ahmet Bozkurt, the combination gives a 10% boost to productivity.
Other upgrades will include a lock-up torque converter to reduce fuel consumption when travelling from one site to another, a bigger (160litre) fuel tank to extend the time between refuelling, and damage-resistant rubber-edged mudguards.
Legroom has been increased in the cab and a new dashboard has been repositioned to make it easier to view during backhoe operations. There is a choice of control patterns and the joysticks are secured to pivoting and adjustable mountings. An extending backhoe is standard and Powerslide is an option.
At the front the four-in-one bucket gets proportional control, and production versions will have a lower bonnet line than the prototype.
An air suspended seat and air conditioning are standard and new matting makes the cab easier to clean. Externally the cab is 5cm lower, to make transport easier, while the rear working lights are repositioned to widen the field of view and time-delayed lights have been added by the cab steps to make ingress and egress safer at night.
Bozkurt said production versions will be available in June and should appeal to owner-drivers and those travelling longer distances to work sites.
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