25
june 2014
international
construction
EXCAVATORS
Digging deep
Dishing the dirt has never
been so clean, as energy
efficient excavators reduce
emissions and provide a
more comfortable
operator environment.
SarahMcCay
reports.
Digging deep
>
W
hen contractors need to dish the dirt they look for a
sturdy, reliable vehicle that will get the job done in
optimum time at the lowest cost, maximising on fuel
efficiency and labour.
Luckily, anewbreedof excavator is emerging that is both fuel-
efficient and offers greater cab comfort to help contractors get
themost out of their personnel. Excavators are being redefined
to be clean, lean and resourceful, be they new low exhaust
emissionmodels for Europe, Japan and theUS, or newmodels
for countries with lower (or no) standards.
Sibelco is using its new Liebherr
R946s to excavate clay pits.
And as global construction activity starts to tickuponce again,
demand is also on the up for these powerful machines, both
from contractors and rental companies alike.
Sizematters
In the infrastructure segment of course, the scale of projects
often dictates that the bigger classes of earthmoving machines
are used. And withmany of the largest projects taking place in
emerging markets, manufacturers are putting more and more
emphasis on larger, more powerful andmore efficientmachines
designed specifically for these regions.
Caterpillar’s new 336D2 (Series 2), for example, is a powerful
and productive 36 tonne machine that offers an improved fuel
system and enhanced hydraulics.
The 336D2 uses the Cat C9 ACERT engine that can meet
either USTier 2 or Tier 3 equivalent emissions standards.The
C9 engine provides electronic fuel and air management to
ensure optimum performance. The engine runs at a constant
speedof 1700 rpm, which also contributes to fuel economy and
reduced noise levels.
Meanwhile, Cat’s improved hydraulic system features a new
electric pressure sensor that reduces hydraulic flow from the
pump during light-load or no-load situations, which also helps
conserve fuel.
The 336D2 is available in standard and long undercarriage
and contractors can choose from twobooms andfive sticks.The
excavator offers amaximum dig depth of 8m and a horizontal
outreach of 11.6m.
Back inmore developed regions, JCB has updated its crawler
excavator in the same class – the 38.3 tonne JS360 –with a new
Tier 4 Interim engine.
The JS360 is now powered by a six-cylinder, 7.8 litre Isuzu
engine, which according to JCB, provides operators with fuel
DABoyd
Groundworks
of the UK has
added a Doosan
DX140LC-3
to its fleet.
