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Many manufacturers offering new excavators

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
May 19, 2015 Read time: 6 mins
Case claims high comfort cabs are key improvements to its new models
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, 176 Case Construction Equipment has four new D Series crawler excavators. The CX250D, CX300D, CX350D, and CX370D have Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant engines and feature the proven Case Intelligent Hydraulic System. The electronically controlled hydraulic pumps and larger main valve further raise productivity, improving response and boosting cycle times by up to 12%. These also increase breakout force by up to 6% as well as lifting power.

The new excavators are claimed to be up to 8% more fuel efficient than the previous generation, as a result of the new engine and improved hydraulics. The D Series models meet Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions using Case’s maintenance-free SCR solution, which requires no diesel particulate filter or regeneration. Other improvements include a new high comfort cab design.

From 695 Doosan comes a wide range of new Stage IV/Tier 4 Final compliant excavators. The six new Doosan models in the 24-40tonne operating weight range are the DX235LCR-5, DX235NLC-5, DX255LC-5, DX300LC-5, DXC340LC-5, and the DX380LC-5.

The 25tonne DX255LC-5 is a versatile machine aimed at use in a wide array of duties. Its overall dimensions are similar to the previous model, but the new machine has more power and a 500kg increase in operating weight, helping boost lifting capacity by 17% over the front and sides.
The Doosan DLO6P six-cylinder, turbocharged engine on the DX255LC-5 is said to offer 5% more engine power than the previous model. The new machine also sees 4-9% improvement in fuel efficiency.

All the machines have Doosan’s sophisticated CoreTMS wireless fleet monitoring system as standard. The system provides information about machine performance in a dual mode (satellite, GSM).

A new development from 233 Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) is its super long front medium excavator. With an extended operating range, the ZX350LC-5 model has been specially designed for earthmoving on dredging, bank maintenance and slope finishing projects.

Manufactured to comply with the latest EU regulations on emission standards, the ZX350LC-5 has a powerful 202kW 2724 Isuzu engine, said to deliver higher productivity with greater fuel efficiency. The new TRIAS hydraulic system is said to have helped boost productivity, allowing faster operation while lowering fuel consumption over the earlier model. The machine has a strengthened boom and arm, making it suitable for working long hours in rugged and remote environments.

Meanwhile the cab is larger, more comfortable and has better visibility for the operator than before.

From 236 Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe (HHIE) come the HX220 L, HX260 L, HX300 L, HX330 andHX380 L models. These meet Tier4/Stage IV emissions requirements, as well as being more heavily built and more durable than before. The firm has used a combination of EGR and SCR technologies to meet emissions requirements, while also delivering fuel savings of 3-6%. Benefiting from new engine technology the side vent holes have increased in size for a better airflow towards the engine.

The interior of the cab has been redesigned to provide 10% more space for the operator, who also benefits from having a bigger monitor that is easier to read than before.

A development worth noting is the new range of machines from 2200 Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe’s (KCME). These all-new Japanese-built Generation 10 series excavators comply with the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final exhaust emissions regulations. The machines weigh from 20-35tonnes and offer better fuel savings than before due to the use of regenerative technology. Meanwhile the new generation machines also deliver greater performance and efficiency.
Also further improved are serviceability, durability and working performance, as well as a roomy and comfortable cab design.

A notable development from 2300 Komatsu is its third generation hybrid excavator, the HB215LC-2. The 22.5tonne machine wields a 1.68m³ bucket and is powered by the highly innovative Komatsu Hybrid System, which features swing energy regeneration and energy storage. It is equipped with Komatsu’s electric swing motor, generator, ultra-capacitor and a powerful 104kW SAA4D107E-2-A diesel engine.

The energy generated during the swing-braking phase is converted to electricity, which is sent through an inverter and captured by the Komatsu Ultra-Capacitor. The stored electrical energy can then be transferred to the swing circuit when the machine begins to slew in the opposite direction, making major savings in fuel consumption in certain applications. The hybrid system is particularly effective when operating in a truck loading cycle for example, where the machine is slewing repeatedly and can deliver fuel savings of up to 25% in this type of duty. It is less effective in a hard digging application however, while offering little gain in applications such as using breakers. The HB215LC-2’s hybrid components are covered by a five-year or 10,000 hours warranty, while the excavator has been designed for easy servicing and adaptability.

From 718 Liebherr comes the new R 946 model, the first from the company to comply with the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Weighing 40tonnes the excavator is powered by one of the firm’s own six-cylinder diesels, which delivers some 200kW. The engine features a new Stage IV/Tier 4 Final exhaust gas treatment system, with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system using urea injection to post-treat emissions.

The robust steel structure of the Liebherr R 946 crawler excavator is said to boost durability even in difficult applications. The design of the undercarriage itself improves the machine's performance and service life.

Meanwhile sophisticated technology boosts performance, with a computer optimising hydraulic output. This delivers precise working and high power, while also lowering fuel consumption.
Maintenance has been improved due to service points that are said to be easy to access. The R 946 has automatic central lubrication as standard, while the operator can also check the engine oil and urea solution levels using the in-cab display. The cab is said to be spacious and comfortable, while good all round visibility helps boost safety as well as ease of working.

The new EC220E crawler excavator from 359 Volvo CE is aimed at one of the most important excavator segments. Demand for 21-23tonne excavators is particularly strong while competition is also tough. Volvo CE says its EC220E carries over benefit from the proven D-Series model, while offering lower emissions and fuel consumption, and increased power and productivity.

Power comes from a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV compliant Volvo D6 engine and the machine has optimised hydraulics and an ECO mode. This allows increased output while cutting consumption of fuel. Hydraulic response is increased due to the more powerful pumps, while regenerative technology recirculates unused hydraulic power to further boost efficiency and cut cycle times.

An ergonomic cab layout is said to make the machine easier and more comfortable to operate for long periods. Meanwhile safety is boosted due to the inclusion of an optional side view camera in addition to the rear view camera.

The machine features rust protection to boost service life, as well as a heavy-duty structure that can cope with tough working environments. Servicing and maintenance is also said to be easy due to grouped filters that are accessible from ground level, as well as a single layer cooling system accessed from by opening the side door.

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