international
construction
june 2014
EXCAVATORS
32
Digging deep
Engine conversion
Retrofit kit tomake used Tier 4machines saleable globally
J
ohnDeere’s Construction& Forestry Division is set to launch an engine retrofit kit
that will enable Interim Tier 4 (IT4) machines to be sold in countrieswhere ultra-low
sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel is not available.
The kit will be compatiblewith JohnDeere excavators, aswell as dozers, wheeled loaders,
articulated dump trucks, graders and backhoes.
“This kit will allow customers inmarketsworldwide to run JohnDeere IT4 products that
deliver premium performance, uptime and durability regardless of fuel sulphur level,” said
AndrewKahler, product marketingmanager, engine and driveline, JohnDeere Construction
& Forestry.
The JohnDeere retrofit kit maintains engine reliability and durability by disabling or
removing sulphur sensitive components and systems. The kit requiresminimal hardware
updates, while software calibration is used tomaintain engine performance.
The engine kit is designed for fuel sulphur levels from 15 parts permillion towell beyond
5,000 parts permillion. ULSD is diesel fuel with 15 parts of sulphur permillion or lower.
“I am a real fan ofHitachi construction
machinery,” said Mr Werhli. “After 22
years of operating excavators, I know that
Hitachi has the best hydraulics – and the
HIOS III (hydraulic) system is perfect
on my new machine. It is very precise
and exact, and if I make amistake, I can
correct it quickly – it’smost forgiving.
“TheZX130-5 isdeliveringa favourable
level of fuel consumption and I can load a four-axle truckbetter
with thismachine.As anoperator, I feelmore at ease after aday’s
work, as it does exactly what I want it to do. As an owner, it is
cost efficient, and I like the aesthetic design and the quality of
themanufacturing.”
The new Cat 336D2 (Series 2) can use awide range of pin-on
or coupler-type buckets andwork tools.
Also in Switzerland, Hitachi has delivered a new Zaxis-5 to
family-owned contractor Koch AG.The company has added a
ZX350LC-5 for earthmoving and quarrying projects. One of
its first assignments was on a new housing development, where
it was used to excavate 15,000m
3
of earth tomake way for the
construction of six detached properties.
European return
Meanwhile, JapanesemanufacturerKobelco is hoping to expand
sales in Europe after it introduced three new excavators to
market inApril.
The new Japanese-built SK260LC-9, SK350LC-9 and
SK500LC-9 are the secondwave of machines released this year
byKobelcoConstructionMachinery Europe BV (KCME).
Powered by energy-efficient Hino engines, the three large-
capacitymachines use the latest engine and enginemanagement
technology.
“The introduction of three further machines to an already
impressive line-up underlines our commitment to providing
Europe with the best technology and expertise in excavator
manufacture and operation,” said KCME product marketing
manager, Peter Stuijt.
Kobelco introduced its SK210LC-9 and SK210NLC-9
models to Europe in January. Equipped with the Hino JO5E-
T5J turbocharged engine, the new models comply with Stage
IIIB emission regulations. The new units also have three work
modes for greater efficiency: heavy, standard and eco.
The next generation of excavator is here, and contractors are
advised toweighup the investment against the cost savings these
new energy-efficientmachines can offer.
iC
Liugong’s launches in the US at
the ConExpo-Con/Agg exhibition
earlier this year included the
950E, it’s new range-topping 50
tonne class excavator.
