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New excavators dig more efficiently

Increased performance and more durable construction are key features of new generation excavators – Mike Woof writes. All the major equipment manufacturers are introducing new hydraulic excavators to meet market demand. These machines are offering increased output at the same time as producing lower emission levels and burning less fuel than before. From Caterpillar for instance comes its new 330F, which features a maximum operating weight of 29.75tonnes and is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel that
March 18, 2016 Read time: 5 mins
Doosan’s new model
Doosan’s new model offers increased productivity over the model it replaces
Increased performance and more durable construction are key features of new generation excavators – Mike Woof writes

All the major equipment manufacturers are introducing new hydraulic excavators to meet market demand. These machines are offering increased output at the same time as producing lower emission levels and burning less fuel than before.

From 178 Caterpillar for instance comes its new 330F, which features a maximum operating weight of 29.75tonnes and is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel that meets the Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions standards. Also new is the 340F, which shares similar upgraded features.

The 330F has an efficient and powerful hydraulic system while it can be equipped with a selection of Cat buckets and work tools. Its heavy-duty structure is said to ensure durability even in severe applications, while it also has a well-protected, high comfort cab.

The C7.1 ACERT diesel is said to be fuel-efficient, with an automatic engine speed control that lowers the engine rpm if full power is not required. The automatic engine idle shutdown system stops the diesel after a preset idling interval to save fuel while two power modes (standard and eco) allow tuning the machine to the application. The side-by-side cooling system with a variable speed fan allows the 330F to work in temperature extremes, while generating little noise.

The machine is said to have plenty of hydraulic power for all applications and features fluid regeneration systems for the boom and stick circuits. Available auxiliary hydraulic systems allow powered work tools and couplers to operate efficiently.

The ROPS-certified cab is fitted on viscous mounts to limit vibration and in-cab sound. Wide seats, with air suspension and heating/cooling options, are designed with a reclining back, upper and lower slide adjustments and has a new LCD monitor that is said to be easy to navigate and clearly displays critical operating information. Visibility is said to be good due to the large glass area and rear-view camera fitted as standard.
The 330F has a rugged upper frame and a choice of different undercarriage configurations, all with protected components.

The machine has the latest Cat LINK technologies, such as the Product Link telemetrics system. Product Link data is accessed through the online VisionLink interface. The machine can also use the range of Cat Grade Technologies to help operators reach target grades quickly and accurately.

From 695 Doosan comes the new Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant DX235LC-5 excavator, aimed at the 23tonne class. Key improvements include increased power, durability and manoeuvrability. The DX235LC-5 is a standard width machine (2.99 m) that complements the narrow DX235NLC-5 and reduced radius DX235LCR-5 models. It replaces the earlier DX225LC-3 and is said to compare favourably with the power and productivity of the bigger DX255LC-5 model.

Featuring a heavier counterweight, strengthening in the arm and boom and higher lifting forces, the machine offers 6% more lifting capacity over the front and 8% more lifting capacity over the side than the machine being replaced.

The DX235LC-5 is powered by the proven, six-cylinder Doosan DL06P diesel which delivers 124kW and offers a fuel saving of 9% over the earlier model. This meets the Stage IV emissions regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) due to its use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) technologies.

The cab for the DX235LC-5 is bigger than that of the DX225LC-3, while it has a new control system that allows attachments to be operated from either the joystick or a two-way pedal. The DX235LC-5 is factory-installed with the advanced CoreTMS wireless fleet monitoring system.

2394 Volvo CE’s new E-series crawler excavators are said to benefit from a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engine as well as durable design and construction. High fuel efficiency is a key feature of the new Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant D4 engine, along with heavy-duty performance, increased uptime and lower emissions. The gain in engine power is said to deliver responsive operation and fast travel speeds to boost productivity.
The efficient hydraulic has a full electronic control system while the machine is equipped with Volvo’s ECO mode to reduce power loss and improve controllability and response time. The ECO mode works together with the main control valve and machine software to ensure efficient electronic pump control.

To reduce cycle times, a boom float function allows pump power from boom lowering to be saved or used for other functions. The EC160E and EC180E further improve efficient operation by reducing the amount of time the machine is idling.

The engine will automatically switch off when the machine is inactive for a preset amount of time.

A reinforced steel roll-over protection structure (ROPS) offers operator protection while the durable undercarriage is built to withstand tough applications. The rugged X-shape lower frame provides even weight distribution while the robust boom and arm design has internal plates positioned to support pressure points during a range of applications.

The cab layout has been upgraded and the joysticks, keypad and LCD monitor are ergonomically designed for ease of use. For additional safety, optional side-view cameras can be installed on these machines to cover the operator blind spot. Real-time service alerts are displayed on the color monitor to enable speedy diagnosis.

The EC160E and EC180E offer increased productivity and can be fitted with a variety of hydraulic lines, which are factory fitted with breaker and sheer piping, as well as rotator piping.

The password-protected management system allows storage for up to 20 different attachments. It presets and permits hydraulic flow and pressure to be adjusted within the cab.

The EC160E weighs from 16.43-20.86tonnes, depending on specification and its D4J engine is rated at 109kW. The EC180E has the same engine and power rating and is a model for the EU market only, while it weighs from 17.33-19.83tonnes depending on specification.

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