Earthmoving developments for construction machines

Excavators, wheeled loaders and ADTs have all seen improvements for this year

New developments in earthmoving machines continue to help improve working efficiency for contractors. The excavator market is the largest single segment of the construction machine sector, with competition being tough between the major players, and a steady stream of new models coming to market.

695 Doosan has launched the new Stage IV compliant DX225LC-5 crawler excavator, which is said to offer high performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and durability for the 21tonne excavator class. The DX225LC-5 is powered by a Doosan DL06P watercooled diesel, providing 124kW. The DX225LC-5 meets Stage IV emissions regulations through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) aftertreatment, but without a DPF.

New features help deliver an overall 9% increase in fuel efficiency, such as the Smart Power Control (SPC), to optimise the balance between the pumps’ output and the diesel while an Auto Shut-Off saves on fuel and warranty hours.  

The DX225LC-5 is factory-installed with the new DoosanConnect wireless fleet monitoring system, providing information about machine performance in a dual mode (satellite, GSM).

All current options including narrow tracks, short and long arms, shoes and hydraulic lines are available for the new DX225LC-5. A new Trimble Ready option is also available, enabling a faster and simplified installation of 2122 Trimble 2D or 3D Grade Control System components.

255 JCB says it is boosting the fuel efficiency, productivity and performance of its heavier crawler excavators with the installation of Tier 4 Final diesel engines. The six-cylinder, 7.7litre 7648 MTU 6R1000 engine, already proven in JCB’s largest wheeled loader, will be used in the JS300 and JS330, along with the JS370.

The diesel engine is a turbocharged and intercooled power plant delivering 180kW in the JS300 and 210kW for the JS330 and JS370 models. The machines incorporate Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) within the exhaust system, with dosing of a urea-based Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce NOx emissions by almost 90%.

The company says that this system allows the engine to meet Tier 4 Final without having to use a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), reducing cost and service complexity for the customer. Their introduction means fuel savings for customers of up to 10% on the JS370 and 5% on the JS300 and JS330.

257 John Deere is launching a 35-40tonne class reduced swing tracked excavator. The 345G is aimed at contractors looking for a compact footprint machine with more lifting and digging capacity than Deere’s existing 245G.

The machine uses a three-pump hydraulic system to provide faster cycle times and increased hydraulic flow for attachments. The rear section of the upper structure has been designed with side-by-side cooling cores, to deliver maximum cooling efficiency within the reduced tailswing.

2200 Kobelco has unveiled its latest hybrid machine, the SK210HLC-10, to the international market. These new-generation machines are the first to benefit from the latest lithium-ion batteries allowing greater productivity than earlier hybrid excavators. Kobelco’s new hybrid has a generator motor and a swing electric motor. During swing acceleration, the swing motor is powered by electricity accumulated in the lithium-ion battery. During swing deceleration, braking generates electricity, which is stored in the battery.

For high-load operation, the electricity accumulated in the lithium-ion battery allows the generator motor to assist the engine, reducing fuel consumption.  During low-load operation, the engine is used to generate electricity in the generator.

Komatsu says the new HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%. The 36tonne class model features improved hybrid and total-vehicle-control systems, generating that impressive double-digit reduction in fuel consumption, while matching or beating the performance of conventional excavators.

Komatsu’s innovative, fully-electric hybrid system uses an electric swing motor, which captures swing deceleration energy, which is stored in an ultra-capacitor that supplies energy for the swing system. The diesel engine also has a motor/generator for fast charging the capacitor when required, and to increase engine RPM from an ultra-low idle, for quick hydraulic response when boom, arm and bucket controls are activated.    

Komatsu says its fully-electric hybrid system is a first due to its 100% electric swing system. The hydraulic power normally needed by the swing system is now completely available for boom, arm and bucket power, improving digging and production.

To meet EPA Tier 4 Final certified requirements, the HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator’s Komatsu SAA6D114E-6, 200kW engine combines a Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) and Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) system with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet NOx emission aftertreatment requirements.

Moving up the size scale, Komatsu is also offering its PC700LC-11, which weighs from 67.5-69.5tonnes, depending on specification. Power comes from a 327kW diesel that meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV requirements due to advanced systems such as variable geometry turbocharging and EGR technology. Sophisticated Komatsu hydraulics and electronics help boost efficiency and reduce fuel consumption according to the firm, while the machine also benefits from the company’s equipment management monitoring system (EMMS), which continuously monitors all critical systems, enables preventative maintenance, and helps minimise diagnosis and repair time.

LBX Company has introduced the 72tonne Link-Belt 750 X4 excavator for the US and Canada, with power from an electronically-controlled 382kW 2724 Isuzu engine that meets EPA Final Tier 4 requirements, without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The 750 X4 is said to suit high productivity requirements for haul road construction or aggregates work.

The machine is equipped with the firm’s RemoteCARE GPS-enabled telematics system, which tracks and records routine and major service intervals, as well as machine health, providing more flexibility and control when determining when and where servicing is needed. Flashing diagnostic codes on the monitor quickly alert the operator to potential trouble and an e-mail alert is automatically sent. The system also provides machine location in real time for better job supervision and remote security monitoring.

1170 SANY is now offering its SY500H excavator into North America. Equipped with a powerful and efficient 196 Cummins QSG 12 Tier 4 engine, this machine features an intelligent hydraulic system and a removable counterweight system which assists in serviceability and reduces transport costs. The X-beam design uses a high strength box-section structure for maximum durability and torsion-resistant performance. Other key features include a large bucket capacity providing fast operation and high efficiency and more than 20 options available to suit specific project conditions.

New wheeled loaders

176 Case CE says that its new G-series wheeled loaders offer increases performance and productivity. The seven-model range offers power outputs from 106-259kW and standard bucket sizes of 1.65-4.9m3. The loaders have been designed for sale in all markets, with customers able to select suitable engines for local emissions requirements.

New hydraulics and electronic controls optimise performance, while the engines are said to be highly responsive as well as being fuel-efficient. According to Case CE, the loaders offer a significantly lower cost/tonne than the models they replace.

Four operating modes improve efficiency in a range of applications while the Case ProCare package is said to minimise operating costs. Offered as standard as a three-year package, ProCare offers the latest telematics technology to make fleet maintenance more efficient and manage running costs.

236 Hyundai’s new HL975 wheeled loader is powered by a new 247kW QSG12 engine and equipped with a standard 4.8m³ bucket. With a standard operating weight of 26.5tonnes and a rated tipping load of 20tonnes, the HL975 wheeled loader is said to be well suited for digging and loading operations in a wide range of earthmoving and extraction applications. All-round visibility from the cab is said to be good while the machine benefits from ergonomic controls and low operating noise.

269 LiuGong is unveiling an innovative new wheeled loader at that will increase efficiency for users. The firm’s novel wheeled loader features a vertical lift configuration for its front end, allowing it to offer higher efficiency in truck loading applications. The machine is built around a conventional articulating loader chassis, with most of the components common with the standard machine in the range and it also features a self-levelling Z-bar bucket linkage. However because this 20tonne machine features the vertical lift configuration it has a 16tonne tipping load, compared with a 12tonne tipping load for a conventional machine of the same weight. It can be fitted with a 4.3m3 bucket for truck loading and has a dump height of 3.5m, compared with the 3.37m3 bucket and 2.9m dump height of a conventional machine in the same weight class.

2394 Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) has unveiled its redesigned L350H wheeled loader. Flagship of the Volvo wheeled loader range, the L350H features a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency and comes with a new powertrain, new hydraulics and new operator environment. A Tier 4 Final D16J engine gives high torque at low rpm, while closer operation between the load-sensing hydraulic system and drivetrain increase operation response times, as well as the lifting and lowering speed of the newly-designed larger buckets.

The wheeled loader features the Volvo fully-automatic power shift system, which helps ensure operation in the optimal, fuel-efficient gear according to speed, kick-down and engine braking.

ADT offering

The ADT market has change considerably in recent years, with far more firms now offering machines. The technical developments continue, with Doosan, John Deere and 8081 Terex Trucks all unveiling new launches in recent months.

Doosan 1130 Bobcat has several new standard and optional features for its ADT range. The first is an angle limitation system to prevent the truck body from tipping over during loading. The user can set a tip limit point, allowing the body to tip in accordance with the slope of the ground. Another new feature is the auto shutdown function, which can address the fact that ADTs can spend 30-60% of their time idling while waiting to be loaded, increasing fuel use and engine hours.

The Geofence system can be used to ensure the machine cannot leave a prescribed area, as well as to set speed limits. This forms part of the machine software and can be set up using a Doosan ADT diagnostic tool, allowing adjustment of the boundaries.

The Doosan DA30-5 and DA40-5 ADTs are powered by 759 Scania DC9 and DC13 diesels, rated at 276kW and 368kW respectively. Both engines meet the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emissions regulations through the use of SCR and EGR technologies (but without a DPF). These engines drive through 2304 ZF transmissions that are designed specifically for use with ADTs and offer eight forward and four reverse speeds, allowing top speeds of 55km/h.

John Deere has added to its articulated dump truck (ADT) range, with the introduction of the 260E and 310E trucks. The E Series models have updated styling, new cabs, upgraded chassis and more robust axles.

The 260E has a 23.5tonne payload, while the 310E offers a 28tonne load-carrying capability. Both trucks are powered by Deere 9 litre Tier 4 Final engines driving through ZF eight-speed transmissions, which include a high-capacity retarder. This retarder is said to provide 125% more braking force than previous models. A revised automatic differential lock offers both cross-axle and inter-axle locking, for maximum traction in difficult terrain.

Auto shutdown is included, to stop the engine after a pre-set period of inactivity. The trucks also feature auto dump, descent control, shuttle shifting, hill hold and load assist functions.

1222 Terex Trucks has launched the Generation 10 range of articulated dump trucks (ADT) in the North American market. The trucks feature an upgraded cab environment, new engine canopy, efficient Tier 4 engines and smoother transmissions, all aimed at improving productivity and performance for the customer.

Top of the range is the TA400, with power from an EU Stage IV/Tier-4 Final emissions-compliant diesel. The machine is said to offer all-terrain durability and increased performance. To ensure productivity in all haul conditions, the Gen10 TA400’s engine and drivetrain have been optimally matched, utilising automatic adaptive shifting and a pre-selected two-speed transfer box.