InfraStructures - February 2010 - New Hybrid Excavator

New Hybrid Excavator – up to 40% More Fuel Efficient

Komatsu America Corp. has introducted their new Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator into the North American market. By developing a successful hybrid excavator in the largest construction machine segment (20-22 ton), Komatsu’s green technology will have a substantial impact on saving fuel and reducing green house emissions.

In tests comparing the standard PC200LC-8 hydraulic excavator to the Hybrid PC200LC-8, the hybrid model reduced fuel consumption by approximately 25 to 40%, depending on the application.

Substantial “green” impact
Komatsu stated that as a one of the world’s top construction equipment manufacturers, their goal is to meet increasing global environmental concerns through the development of innovative equipment designed to reduce environmental impact, including carbon dioxide reduction.

“Komatsu’s decision to apply its engineering excellence to the largest construction machine segment, clearly signals our commitment to developing environment-friendly equipment,” says 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.”

Cutting-edge technology
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 revolutionary hybrid system to work on the principle of swing energy regeneration and energy storage using the Komatsu Ultra Capacitor system. Komatsu’s 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 very quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under work load conditions.

The specs
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 19 800 to 21 400 kg, the Hybrid PC200LC-8 has a bucket capacity of 0,5 – 1,2 m3. The Hybrid PC200LC-8 has the same vigorous working forces and performance levels of the conventional PC200LC-8.

The innovative cab design assures operator comfort because the viscous cab damper mounts reduce vibration. A 18 cm 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.

KOMTRAX on board
The Hybrid PC200LC-8 is also equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website 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.

The Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator was introduced to the Japanese market in June 2008, and has been successful in reducing fuel consumption. In addition, Komatsu introduced the Hybrid to the Chinese market in August 2009.

Source: Komatsu America Corp.