Komatsu to launch different sized hybrid excavators in “1 to 2 years”

Komatsu will be bringing different-sized hybrid excavators to the market in the next “one or two years”, the Japanese construction equipment manufacturing giant revealed at INTERMAT 2015. The new models will follow on from last year’s successful launch of the third-generation HB215LC-2, on show this week. “There are plans to extend the hybrid concept to other sizes of excavators. This development is ongoing,” said Keiko Fujiwara, chief executive officer of KEISA (Komatsu Europe International). Asked when th
April 21, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
The third-generation HB215LC-2
2300 Komatsu will be bringing different-sized hybrid excavators to the market in the next “one or two years”, the Japanese construction equipment manufacturing giant revealed at INTERMAT 2015.

The new models will follow on from last year’s successful launch of the third-generation HB215LC-2, on show this week. “There are plans to extend the hybrid concept to other sizes of excavators. This development is ongoing,” said Keiko Fujiwara, chief executive officer of KEISA (Komatsu Europe International). Asked when the new hybrid excavators would come to market, Peter Howe, managing director of Komatsu UK, added: “In one or two years.” There are over 3,200 of its three generations of hybrid excavators on job sites worldwide – including over 200 in Europe. The HB215LC-2 is said by Komatsu to be a product of its patented technology. It sees the company’s components harness free kinetic energy through the machine’s swing and breaking and convert it to electricity, allowing significant fuel savings to be achieved, along with lowering an excavator’s carbon footprint. Fujiwara said that the 22-23tonne operating weight HB215LC-2 had delivered a 5% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor – the HB215LC-1; a 30% cut in fuel consumption compared to Komatsu’s PC210LC-8 hydraulic excavator; and a 20% fuel consumption saving compared to the PC210LC-10 hydraulic excavator. Of the potential for continued lower oil prices to reduce future need for hybrid construction machines, KEISA’s CEO said the environmental benefits of hybrid machines outweighed the impact of fluctuating oil prices. On Komatsu’s show stand, the company was featuring its intelligent machine control on the new D65PXi-18 crawler dozer, making its European debut at INTERMAT, and on a PC210LCi-10 excavator. Fujiwara said Komatsu’s intelligent machine control dramatically improves job site efficiency, along with precision and safety, for customers globally. Show visitors can see the intelligent machine control-equipped models in action on Komatsu’s 1,000m² outdoor demo ground.

For more information on companies in this article

Komatsu

Related Content

  • Many manufacturers offering new excavators
    May 19, 2015
    An array of major manufacturers are introducing revamped and improved excavators to meet the latest requirements - Mike Woof writes. With efficiency, emissions and ease of maintenance all high up the agenda for customers, manufacturers have delivered a new generation of machines that offer increased output while using less fuel. The firms have all developed new models that meet the latest stringent emissions requirements. Ranging from 25-40tonnes, Case Construction Equipment has four new D Series craw
    Read More
  • Construction adapting with Machine control Technologies
    June 18, 2015
    Machine control technologies are revolutionising construction – Dan Gilkes writes Electronic control of engines, transmissions and hydraulic systems, primarily to reduce exhaust emissions and boost productivity, is also providing manufacturers with an opportunity to incorporate increasingly complex machine control into their equipment. This in turn has the potential to make the machinery more productive, further cutting fuel consumption as part of a virtuous operational circle.
    Read More
  • Komatsu’s new hybrid excavator
    April 13, 2016
    Komatsu is now offering a larger hybrid excavator in the shape of its 36tonne class HB365LC. The new machine uses the same proven hybrid technology concept used in its 21tonne class hybrid excavator, although its larger accumulator package has been relocated to a position just to the left of the front end mounting.
    Read More
  • Intelligent machines will be normal within 10 years says Komatsu
    January 6, 2017
    Komatsu expects to see ‘intelligent’ machine control as a standard feature on dozers, excavators and potentially other machines within 10 years. It has started the roll-out of its intelligent machines with the D61EXi/PXi-23 dozer and a prototype PC210LCi-10 excavator.
    Read More

Highlighted Content