26
CONSTRUCTION EUROPE
OCTOBER 2013
EXCAVATORS
Hydraulic technology is a key example – and
JCB has introduced upgrades here as well,
with a focus on safety. The company is to fit
its 2 Go hydraulic isolation system across its
range of JS excavators as well as its mini and
midi compact machines.
The technology is said to provide a
secondary safety system. All JCB JS excavators
have a hydraulic isolator lever that is lowered
when the operator is in the cab, to make
the hydraulic circuits live and ready for use.
However, with 2 Go, the operator has to make
a secondary acknowledgment by pushing a
switch on the main control screen.
This is said to ensure that if the servo levers
are moved by accident while the operator is
getting into the seat, there is no chance of the
working end of the machine being operated.
Hydrema’s latest excavator launches come in
the form of the new MX-series wheeled
excavators, production of which started
in August. There are three models – the
15 tonne class MX14, 17 tonne class
MX16 and 19 tonne class MX18 – all
of which are fitted with Stage IIIB-
compliant engines.
Advanced hydraulics are also a
feature on these models, which
boast dual circuit load sensing
and high pressure hydrostatic
slew systems, and offer an
eco-mode function as well.
Caterpillar product specialist
Alexandre Favero also highlighted
advanced hydraulics as a key contributor
to fuel savings on the company’s E-Series
excavators. He said that, since the range was
launched in 2011, customers reported fuel
savings of around 5% and up to 10%, and up
to 25% for the 336E H hybrid model.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
“On the E-Series, an additional electronic
signal controls the oil flow therefore adjusting
even more the delivery of power,” said Favero.
“The E-Series excavators use a back-to-back
main control valve built of a single cast block.
Auxiliary valves mounted on the top of the
main valve are stackable. As a result, the
E-Series auxiliary hydraulic lines and valve
configuration can be simplified for reliability
and to assist hydraulic retrofits.”
He said the electronics on the hydraulic
system enabled a finer adjustment of pump
flow to suit the operator needs and, therefore,
reduce wasted flow.
“Variable speed fans only burn when
needed. The oil is warmer faster and helps
reduce losses due to friction,”said Favero.“The
Excavating
in Norway
Hitachi excavators are being put through
their paces by two contractors in Norway.
For instance, a new 30 tonne class ZX290LC-5
was assigned by contractor Farbu & Gausen
to a tunnel construction project under a rail
line in central Norway.
The ZX290LC-5’s operator, Rune Brekstad,
said he saw some significant improvements
from the -3 to -5 series excavators. “The
cab and working environment are excellent,
especially with increased legroom in my case.
There is less noise from the engine, I like the
ergonomic design of the control panel and I
have a better overall view of the job site from the cab,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carl C Fon – another Norwegian contractor – has also invested in new -5
models, bought from local dealer Nasta. Adding to its fleet of 43 Hitachi excavators are the
new ZX135US-5, ZX225USRLC-5, ZX250LC-5, ZX350LC-5, and ZX470LCH-5 models.
Carl C Fon owner Carl Christian said Nasta’s aftersales performance was a key part of his
decision. “We evaluate the service and maintenance costs, fuel efficiency and resale value of
each Hitachi model before we decide to buy. The total cost of ownership is very important
and we need to know what the situation will be after 10,000 hours. The purchase price of a
Zaxis excavator is not as important as the on-going running costs and Hitachi products are
strong in this respect.”
A 30 tonne class Hitachi ZX290LC-5 at
work on a tunnel project for contractor
Farbu & Gausen
Volvo’s new EC480DHR high reach demolition
excavator - just one of a string of new
excavators launched by the manufacturer
Komatsu is the only company with a hybrid
excavator in full production. The latest
model is the 21.2 tonne HB215LC-1
