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Equipment news: Komatsu introduces hybrid excavator
November 6, 2009Komatsu America Corp. has introduced the Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator into the North American market. With the new Hybrid PC200LC-8, Komatsu said it has raised the industry bar for hybrid technology and fuel savings by delivering a machine with power and efficiency, while reducing environmental impact as compared to the standard model.p>
Komatsu said its goal is to meet increasing global environmental concerns through the development of innovative equipment designed to reduce environmental impact, including CO2 reduction. By developing a successful hybrid excavator in the largest construction machine segment (20-22 ton), the company’s green technology will have a substantial impact on saving fuel and reducing green house emissions.
“Komatsu’s decision to apply its engineering excellence to the largest construction machine segment, clearly signals our commitment to developing environment-friendly equipment,” said Dave Grzelak, CEO and chairman of Komatsu America Corp. “Since the company’s inception, Komatsu has been setting the global standard for technology and engineering excellence and today that tradition continues with the introduction of the Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator.”
Powered by the Komatsu hybrid system, the Hybrid PC200LC-8 uses a newly developed electric swing motor, power generator motor, capacitor and diesel engine. Komatsu developed its hybrid system to work on the principle of swing energy regeneration and energy storage using the company’s ultra capacitor system. The ultra capacitors provide fast energy storage and instantaneous power transmission.
The kinetic energy generated during the swing braking phase is converted to electricity, which is sent through an inverter and then captured by the ultra capacitor. This captured energy is then discharged quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under workload conditions.
In tests comparing the standard PC200LC-8 hydraulic excavator to the Hybrid PC200LC-8, the hybrid model reduced fuel consumption by about 25-40 percent, depending on the application, the company noted.
The Hybrid PC200LC-8 is powered by the powerful, turbocharged and air-to-air after-cooled Komatsu SAA4D107E-1,which provides 138 hp. With an operating weight of 43,643to 47,260 lbs., the Hybrid PC200LC-8has a bucket capacity of 0.66 – 1.57 cu. yd. The Hybrid PC200LC-8 has the same vigorous working forces and performance levels of the conventional PC200LC-8, the company said.
The cab design assures operator comfort because the viscous cab damper mounts reduce vibration. A 7 in. LCD monitor provides easy-to-read gauges and onboard diagnostics as well as displaying the rear-view monitoring system for viewing the work area to rear of the machine.
The Hybrid PC200LC-8 is also equipped with the latest Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure web site utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, fuel consumption, machine location and machine utilization are relayed to the web application for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.
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