New more efficient tools for loading and hauling duties

A number of key manufacturers are offering major improvements to their product offerings for loading and excavating. Key developments have been seen in engines and transmissions in particular, with vast reductions in emissions as well as improved fuel economy and working efficiency.

178 Caterpillar’s 966K XE wheeled loader is one of the firm’s most sophisticated new models, with power from a 240kW diesel being delivered through an innovative continuously variable transmission (CVT). This technology is new to the construction sector, although it has been used in the agricultural market and also in some on-road vehicles for some time. The performance gains are not immediately visible however, according to company spokesperson Thierry Brasseur who said, “The machine looks exactly the same as standard.”

But the machine’s efficiency gain is substantial, with fuel savings of at least 25%. He added, “And testing shows we have under-estimated that fuel saving. “

He explained that much of this improvement is achieved by the new CVT system as well as removing the need for a torque converter as the latter component reduces overall efficiency. Computer control also integrates engine speed, transmission ratio and hydraulic load to the operating speed and application more efficiently. This allows engine speed to be set independently of travel speed, while the machine also recovers energy from braking, further assisting operating performance and efficiency. Caterpillar is reluctant to reveal the cost of the CVT-equipped machine but Brasseur said that the 966K XE will provide a return on investment within 2-3 years compared with a standard machine and depending on the type of working cycle.

Although the system is highly sophisticated, Brasseur explained that the CVT system simplifies the drivetrain and also simplifies the operation of the loader, while making it more responsive to drive. He said, “The machine gives an instantaneous response to control, but has the same rimpull and hydraulic force as a standard machine. The virtual gear allows the operator to set the maximum speed for example. The CVT also means it is impossible to stall the machine.”

Moving slightly down the size scale, 236 Hyundai says that its versatile HL757-9A loader offers high performance for the 15tonne wheeled loader class. This is a rather more conventional machine and the standard bucket size is 2.7m3 although the company says that the model is being offered in three versions. The standard model has a 2.84m dumping height and a reach of 1.61m, while there is a high-reach version with a 3.23m dumping height and a reach of 1.97m and this has an extra 840kg of counterweight. A version with a parallel linkage offers a tipping height of 2.84m and a reach of 1.815m and the model can be fitted with various hydraulic quick-couplers.
Power comes from a Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB compliant 196 Cummins QSB6.7 six-cylinder diesel that delivers 149kW, with maximum torque of 932Nm at 1,400rpm, helping lower fuel consumption. This drives through a five-speed powershift transmission, while the machine features three engine settings, four gearshifting programs and three torque converter modes, allowing maximum travel speeds of up to 40km/h.

The improvements can also be seen in the cab, which has a 17% increase in glass area and ergonomic controls as well as a colour monitor providing data on key machine operating parameters. Other features include a hydraulically driven reversible fan, optional joysticks with additional control functions and a road use kit.

For the excavator market fellow Korean company 695 Doosan is also introducing key models, with new 34, 38, 48 and 52tonne class machines. The new Doosan DX340LC-3 and DX380LC-3 excavators are designed for use in Markets with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements. Both models feature the firm’s new D-ECOPOWER technology, providing operators with increases in productivity and fuel efficiency, as well as smoother controls. The firm says that this system uses an electronic pressure-controlled pump within closed centre hydraulics, boosting productivity up to 26% while offering a fuel saving of up to 12%. A closed centred main control valve minimises pressure loss, while the electric pressure-controlled pump manages and optimises engine power. The nine D-ECOPOWER sensors ensure only the hydraulic power required is delivered, improving efficiency.  Software offers the benefits of an open centre hydraulic system with little energy loss.  The hydraulic system and engine horsepower are optimised and synchronised,
further reducing losses within the system.

The DX340LC-3 weighs from 34.9-35.8tonnes depending on the specification, with buckets available from 1.25–1.83m3 and a 202kW Doosan DL08K diesel. Meanwhile the DX380LC-3 has buckets from 1.25–1.83m3, weighs from 39.2–40.2tonnes and is powered by a 213kW version of the Doosan DL08K diesel.

The 48tonne DX480LCA and 51tonne DX520LCA are aimed at markets with Tier 2 emission requirements such as in the Middle East and Africa. These replace the earlier SOLAR models and the DX480LCA offers extra reach and stability, while the DX520LCA is a mass excavation machine fitted with an extra heavy counterweight and a short front end to deliver more breakout force. Both excavators are powered by the six-cylinder Doosan DE12TIS diesel that is Tier 2 compliant and develops 238kW at 2000rpm. Both machines deliver a tractive effort of 37.6tonnes and share a common design that is said to be suited to the needs of the Middle East and African markets, combining robustness with various technical improvements. The operating weight of the new DX480LCA excavator varies from 48.4-50.2tonnes, depending on the configuration while the DX520LCA varies from 51.1-52.9tonnes.  

The colour display in the cab provides key performance data and the cab itself has been improved, with more space for the operator as well as a new seat and joystick controls. As an option, the DX520LCA excavator is available in a super long reach version (SLR) offering a reach of close to 20m, which suits drainage duties or for levelling work.

Atlas deal

2346 Atlas Maschinen has purchased all intellectual properties for the 1222 Terex TL160, TL210, TL260 & TL310 wheeled loaders.During the last quarter of this year, production will be moved from Terex Crailsheim to the Atlas factory in Ganderkesee, Germany. Atlas will produce machines under the Terex brand and under the new Kaelble/Atlas brand. Terex distributors will continue their relationship with Terex unless other agreements are made. Atlas says that post brand purchase production will start during the last quarter of 2013 with emphasis on model quality and timely delivery. Wheeled loaders under the brand name of Kaelble/Atlas will incorporate the Tier 4 Final engine emission improvements when required.