Innovation in earthmoving machines will help users reduce running costs while boosting productivity - Mike Woof writes. The earthmoving equipment market is hotly contested and is one in which manufacturers compete hard to introduce machines with working advantages over rival models. This has fuelled strong competition in terms of machine performance and quality over the years, resulting in the development of high-performance equipment that is also reliable and long lasting. This is particularly true of the
Caterpillar’s 352F excavator is a high performance machine for sale in Europe
Innovation in earthmoving machines will help users reduce running costs while boosting productivity - Mike Woof writes
The earthmoving equipment market is hotly contested and is one in which manufacturers compete hard to introduce machines with working advantages over rival models. This has fuelled strong competition in terms of machine performance and quality over the years, resulting in the development of high-performance equipment that is also reliable and long lasting. This is particularly true of the excavator segment given the vast numbers of these machines sold worldwide. However competition is also tough in the market for wheeled loaders, as well as for other units such as graders.
One of the biggest drivers of technological development for construction equipment in recent years has been for new low emission engines to meet with the ever stricter demands of US and European exhaust emission legislation. Fitting these sophisticated low emission engines into machine chassis has posed a major challenge, while firms have also sought to address concerns over the cost of the diesels by reducing fuel consumption and extending service intervals.
However firms have also developed new machines for emerging markets that are suited to the lower emissions regulations and can run on low quality fuels featuring high sulphur content. The machines for developing markets are not old models or versions with the emissions kit removed however and often have very different features and specifications developed specially for more arduous applications and use.
178 Caterpillar is one of the firms now offering new generation excavators for both emerging and European markets. The 336D2 GC hydraulic excavator has an operating weight of 32.9tonnes and is designed to deliver high production in difficult applications. Said to be rugged and durable, the 336D2 GC is powered by a fuel-efficient Cat C9 ACERT engine rated at 208kW and which meets the Tier 2/Stage II emissions standards. Electronic control of fuel and air systems is said to ensure optimum power, fuel economy and reduced sound levels. Engine speed is reduced automatically during light-load conditions for further fuel savings while its three-stage fuel-filtration system removes contaminants from low-quality fuel.
The 336D2 GC’s hydraulic system is said to deliver plenty of power and allows the machine to handle a range of buckets and work tools. For added efficiency and fuel savings, an electric pressure sensor reduces pump flow during light-load conditions, and regeneration valves in the boom and stick circuits efficiently recycle hydraulic fluid to lessen loads on the pumps. The versatile 336D2 GC can use a wide range of pin-on or coupler-type buckets and work tools, with attachment changing speeded with the use of a Cat coupler.
The ergonomic cab has a large LCD monitor layout with a 42-language capability and large windows for all-round visibility, as well as viscous rubber cab mounts to lower vibration and sound.
The machine offers the integrated Cat Connect technologies to optimise fleet management, productivity and safety. The Product Link system provides access to information such as machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, and event codes.
Meanwhile Caterpillar’s new 352F hydraulic excavator features a novel variable-gauge undercarriage and has a maximum operating weight of 53.3tonnes. Power comes from a Cat C13 ACERT engine that meets Stage IV emissions standards and delivers 317kW. Its fuel saving features include three power modes, high, standard, and economy, allowing an operator to select an engine speed for each application. It also has automatic engine-speed control to match rpm to operating load, and an idle shutdown system that stops the engine after a preset interval, saving fuel, lowering emissions and extending service intervals.
The pilot-operated hydraulic system is said to deliver high digging and lifting forces, as well as power for hydro-mechanical work tools. The hydraulic system is designed with short connecting tubes and hoses to reduce losses and pressure reductions. Electrically controlled regeneration circuits reduce the volume of oil required from the main pumps, lowering engine load and saving fuel.
As with other Caterpillar excavators, couplers and auxiliary hydraulic circuits expand the 352F’s capabilities as it can handle a range of Cat work tools. The 352F is a heavy-duty machine and can be used in a range of applications, including quarry, road building, and heavy earthmoving. The machine has a heavy-duty boom and stick as standard but can be fitted with a mass-excavation boom for high production.
The cab is spacious with large glass areas for visibility and a large LCD monitor that provides critical operating information. The monitor also displays images from the standard rear-view camera, while additional Cat DETECT technologies can further boost safety.
Cat Connect technology is fitted and the machine can be used with GRADE technologies including Cat Grade Control Depth and can be upgraded to 3D capability if required. The machine also features Caterpillar’s LINK technologies and can have the optional Product Link system to manage equipment productivity and lower owning and operating costs.
2200 Kobelco says that its Generation 10 SK260LC-10/SK260NLC-10 excavator combines low emissions with high output and this is now available in Europe from Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe through its growing European dealer network. The SK260LC-10/SK260NLC-10 complies with the Stage IV exhaust emissions regulations, while delivering an increase in working performance and reduced operating costs.
High fuel efficiency is claimed and compared to the previous Generation 9 equivalent model, S-mode (normal work) fuel consumption has decreased by 9%, and 10% while in Eco-mode. In addition the machine has a 5% productivity improvement in H-mode operation. A key feature of the performance gain comes from the new engine-cooling fan design developed by Kobelco that reduces load on the diesel. The SK260LC-10/SK260NLC-10 are powered by a7228 Hino engine featuring a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a combination of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filter (DPF). These key systems reduce the amount of AdBlue fluid consumption used in the aftertreatment system.
The firm says that the long working life of the machine is also increased, while efficiency is improved due to innovative hydraulic design. When lowering the boom, a hydraulic regenerative system reduces load on the pump and increases efficiency.
Serviceability is also said to be good with a revised upper deck and better access to the engine. Other updates include: new compact and easily replaceable canister-type hydraulic oil return filter; a new fuel filter with greater filtration area; and a new reinforced air cleaner element. Operator-read diagnostics help ensure uptime and the operator has a clearer view to the machine’s right-hand side.
From262 Komatsu Europe International comes the PC210/LC-11 hydraulic excavator with its Stage IV compliant Komatsu diesel. The engine delivers fuel savings of up to 6%, while other key features include an upgraded cab design and enhanced safety and serviceability. Productivity is maximised and operating costs are reduced.
The machine’s key feature is its 123kW Stage IV compliant Komatsu diesel, which has been developed from proven Stage IIIB engine technology. The engine integrates SCR to further reduce NOx emissions using the AdBlue additive. With an advanced electronic control system that manages airflow, fuel injection, combustion and aftertreatment, the engine is said to optimise performance, reduce emissions and provide advanced diagnostic capabilities. The engine retains its Komatsu variable geometry turbocharger (KVGT) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for temperature and air management control and for longer component life.
To ensure reliability and durability the PC210/LC-11 features a heavy-duty undercarriage and offers the same high lift capacity and lateral stability as the earlier model. The operator can select lift mode to raise hydraulic pressure and increase lifting force by up to 7%.
Upgrades made to the hydraulic system reduce hydraulic loss and improve efficiency. This integrated design uses a closed centre, load sensing, hydraulic system that boosts efficiency using variable speed matching. This technology allows the engine speed to adjust based on the hydraulic pump output for both light and heavy-duty applications.
The high-resolution LCD widescreen monitor features information in 26 languages for global support, while the operator can select up to six working modes to match performance to the application. The ROPS certified cab is specifically designed for hydraulic excavators and has a reinforced box structure framework mounted on viscous dampers for low vibration levels.
For safety, a standard rear-view camera gives the operator a wide landscape view of the area behind the machine and is incorporated as the operating default screen. An optional second camera is available.
Depending on specification the PC210/LC-11 weighs from 22.12–23.58tonnes, while all of the major components, including the engine, hydraulic pumps, motors and valves are designed and produced by Komatsu.
The PC210/LC-11 is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX remote monitoring technology with data access via the web or via a smart-phone. In addition to providing data such as fuel levels, operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts, the system monitors AdBlue levels, Komatsu diesel particulate filter regeneration and also provides fuel theft alerts.
The unit has the latest KOMTRAX technology, which sends machine operating data such as operating hours, fuel consumption, location, cautions and maintenance alert, relayed to a secure website for analysis. This fleet monitoring system helps increase machine availability, reduce the risk of machine theft and allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor.
Komatsu’s EU Stage IV machines benefit from the Komatsu CARE maintenance programme. For the first three years or 2,000 hours it covers factory-scheduled maintenance, by trained technicians with genuine parts.
The earthmoving equipment market is hotly contested and is one in which manufacturers compete hard to introduce machines with working advantages over rival models. This has fuelled strong competition in terms of machine performance and quality over the years, resulting in the development of high-performance equipment that is also reliable and long lasting. This is particularly true of the excavator segment given the vast numbers of these machines sold worldwide. However competition is also tough in the market for wheeled loaders, as well as for other units such as graders.
One of the biggest drivers of technological development for construction equipment in recent years has been for new low emission engines to meet with the ever stricter demands of US and European exhaust emission legislation. Fitting these sophisticated low emission engines into machine chassis has posed a major challenge, while firms have also sought to address concerns over the cost of the diesels by reducing fuel consumption and extending service intervals.
However firms have also developed new machines for emerging markets that are suited to the lower emissions regulations and can run on low quality fuels featuring high sulphur content. The machines for developing markets are not old models or versions with the emissions kit removed however and often have very different features and specifications developed specially for more arduous applications and use.
The 336D2 GC’s hydraulic system is said to deliver plenty of power and allows the machine to handle a range of buckets and work tools. For added efficiency and fuel savings, an electric pressure sensor reduces pump flow during light-load conditions, and regeneration valves in the boom and stick circuits efficiently recycle hydraulic fluid to lessen loads on the pumps. The versatile 336D2 GC can use a wide range of pin-on or coupler-type buckets and work tools, with attachment changing speeded with the use of a Cat coupler.
The ergonomic cab has a large LCD monitor layout with a 42-language capability and large windows for all-round visibility, as well as viscous rubber cab mounts to lower vibration and sound.
The machine offers the integrated Cat Connect technologies to optimise fleet management, productivity and safety. The Product Link system provides access to information such as machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, and event codes.
Meanwhile Caterpillar’s new 352F hydraulic excavator features a novel variable-gauge undercarriage and has a maximum operating weight of 53.3tonnes. Power comes from a Cat C13 ACERT engine that meets Stage IV emissions standards and delivers 317kW. Its fuel saving features include three power modes, high, standard, and economy, allowing an operator to select an engine speed for each application. It also has automatic engine-speed control to match rpm to operating load, and an idle shutdown system that stops the engine after a preset interval, saving fuel, lowering emissions and extending service intervals.
The pilot-operated hydraulic system is said to deliver high digging and lifting forces, as well as power for hydro-mechanical work tools. The hydraulic system is designed with short connecting tubes and hoses to reduce losses and pressure reductions. Electrically controlled regeneration circuits reduce the volume of oil required from the main pumps, lowering engine load and saving fuel.
As with other Caterpillar excavators, couplers and auxiliary hydraulic circuits expand the 352F’s capabilities as it can handle a range of Cat work tools. The 352F is a heavy-duty machine and can be used in a range of applications, including quarry, road building, and heavy earthmoving. The machine has a heavy-duty boom and stick as standard but can be fitted with a mass-excavation boom for high production.
The cab is spacious with large glass areas for visibility and a large LCD monitor that provides critical operating information. The monitor also displays images from the standard rear-view camera, while additional Cat DETECT technologies can further boost safety.
Cat Connect technology is fitted and the machine can be used with GRADE technologies including Cat Grade Control Depth and can be upgraded to 3D capability if required. The machine also features Caterpillar’s LINK technologies and can have the optional Product Link system to manage equipment productivity and lower owning and operating costs.
High fuel efficiency is claimed and compared to the previous Generation 9 equivalent model, S-mode (normal work) fuel consumption has decreased by 9%, and 10% while in Eco-mode. In addition the machine has a 5% productivity improvement in H-mode operation. A key feature of the performance gain comes from the new engine-cooling fan design developed by Kobelco that reduces load on the diesel. The SK260LC-10/SK260NLC-10 are powered by a
The firm says that the long working life of the machine is also increased, while efficiency is improved due to innovative hydraulic design. When lowering the boom, a hydraulic regenerative system reduces load on the pump and increases efficiency.
Serviceability is also said to be good with a revised upper deck and better access to the engine. Other updates include: new compact and easily replaceable canister-type hydraulic oil return filter; a new fuel filter with greater filtration area; and a new reinforced air cleaner element. Operator-read diagnostics help ensure uptime and the operator has a clearer view to the machine’s right-hand side.
From
The machine’s key feature is its 123kW Stage IV compliant Komatsu diesel, which has been developed from proven Stage IIIB engine technology. The engine integrates SCR to further reduce NOx emissions using the AdBlue additive. With an advanced electronic control system that manages airflow, fuel injection, combustion and aftertreatment, the engine is said to optimise performance, reduce emissions and provide advanced diagnostic capabilities. The engine retains its Komatsu variable geometry turbocharger (KVGT) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for temperature and air management control and for longer component life.
To ensure reliability and durability the PC210/LC-11 features a heavy-duty undercarriage and offers the same high lift capacity and lateral stability as the earlier model. The operator can select lift mode to raise hydraulic pressure and increase lifting force by up to 7%.
Upgrades made to the hydraulic system reduce hydraulic loss and improve efficiency. This integrated design uses a closed centre, load sensing, hydraulic system that boosts efficiency using variable speed matching. This technology allows the engine speed to adjust based on the hydraulic pump output for both light and heavy-duty applications.
The high-resolution LCD widescreen monitor features information in 26 languages for global support, while the operator can select up to six working modes to match performance to the application. The ROPS certified cab is specifically designed for hydraulic excavators and has a reinforced box structure framework mounted on viscous dampers for low vibration levels.
For safety, a standard rear-view camera gives the operator a wide landscape view of the area behind the machine and is incorporated as the operating default screen. An optional second camera is available.
Depending on specification the PC210/LC-11 weighs from 22.12–23.58tonnes, while all of the major components, including the engine, hydraulic pumps, motors and valves are designed and produced by Komatsu.
The PC210/LC-11 is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX remote monitoring technology with data access via the web or via a smart-phone. In addition to providing data such as fuel levels, operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts, the system monitors AdBlue levels, Komatsu diesel particulate filter regeneration and also provides fuel theft alerts.
The unit has the latest KOMTRAX technology, which sends machine operating data such as operating hours, fuel consumption, location, cautions and maintenance alert, relayed to a secure website for analysis. This fleet monitoring system helps increase machine availability, reduce the risk of machine theft and allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor.
Komatsu’s EU Stage IV machines benefit from the Komatsu CARE maintenance programme. For the first three years or 2,000 hours it covers factory-scheduled maintenance, by trained technicians with genuine parts.
