Latest excavators offer increased performance

In the more down to earth market for crawler excavators, some novel developments are coming to market. 176 Case is upgrading two key mid-weight crawler excavator models. Improvements include better fuel consumption and increased productivity, as well as lower exhaust and noise emissions. The new CX370B and CX470B models replace the previous CX350 and CX460, with operating weights of 36.2tonnes and 48.3tonnes respectively. These machines are powered by six cylinder 2724 Isuzu engines rated at 202 and 270kW respectively and feature exhaust gas re-circulation, allowing them to meet the latest exhaust emission and noise regulations.

High digging performance is claimed for both models while the CX470B can also be specified with mass excavation equipment for higher breakout and bucket tearout forces. Other features include variable hydraulic pump torque and a sophisticated engine throttle and hydraulic mode selection system. Power and speed can be better matched to the application while higher slew torque and slew speeds help cut cycle times and boost productivity. High visibility is claimed for the cabs, which have slim roof pillars and large glass panels, as well as strong structures for high operator protection.

178 Caterpillar is making one of the most straightforward changes by opting to rename some machines with nomenclature that is more appropriate for the size of these units. The firm's 329DL and 336DL excavators were previously sold under the 325DL and 330DL model names, respectively, but these have been changed to better match their operating weights. Since the 300 series was introduced in 1992, the weight of the machines in the range has increased and the firm has decided to better match the last two digits of the numbering system used to machine weight.

236 Hyundai aims to increase uptime, reduce running costs and boost security for customers buying its new Series 9 excavators, while it is also introducing a heavyweight excavator option to its line-up. The Series 9 machines will be equipped with the firm's sophisticated Hi-Mate tracking and GPs-based monitoring system, which offers track and trace capabilities for the excavator owner and means that the location and performance of equipment can be logged and recorded remotely. The system's main function is to monitor the machine and the operating hours it clocks. This allows service schedules to be tracked accurately, improving maintenance planning and reducing this risk of unplanned downtime through unexpected technical problems. Marketing engineer at Hyundai Europe, Jan Coemans said, "If a machine is stolen, the owner can shut it down completely and tell the police where it is."

At the top end of the Hyundai excavator range comes the R800-7A, an 86.5tonne shovel variant of the R800LC-7A backhoe excavator. Power comes from a Tier 3/Stage IIIA compliant 196 Cummins QSX15 diesel rated at 371kW and the machine shares many features with the existing R800LC-7A excavator, such as the cab although this has been raised to give greater visibility for truck loading.

According to 718 Liebherr, its new Generation 6 crawler excavators will set new standards in the 21-28tonne weight class. There are three models in the new range and depending on specification the R906 weighs from 21.7-23.3tonnes, the R916 weighs from 23.7-26.4tonnes and the R926 weighs from 25.7-27.1tonnes. Each of the machines is available as a Classic or Advanced version; the Classic versions are intended for typical earthmoving tasks, while the Advanced versions are equipped with more sophisticated systems. Liebherr has revised the hydraulics on the Generation 6 machines fitting two independent circuits. Compared with the previous models, the maximum travel speed is now 6.2km/h, 17 % higher than before, and tractive effort has been increased by 12 %. On the Advanced version, the new electronics use the available reserves of energy even more efficiently, with low specific fuel consumption.

Meanwhile 5895 New Holland is offering an innovative solution for extended reach earthmoving applications in the shape of a 245B excavator fitted with a novel four section boom. This multi-function boom design has been patented and is suited to jobs such as ditching, reaching over onto swampy ground where the working conditions are too soft to support machine operation or deep hole excavation. The machine also benefits from an improved cab, low emission engine technology and improved hydraulics that offer finer control and productivity.