November 2011, Vol. 66 No. 11
Equipment Spotlight
Medium & Large Excavators: Equipment Spotlight
Excavators in medium and large sizes from John Deere, Kobelco, Volvo Construction Equipment, Hitachi, Case, Doosan, Komatsu America and Caterpillar.
John Deere
Six excavators with Tier 4-Interim engines make up John Deere’s new G-Series line. Models include: 250G LC, 290G LC and 350G LC (188 to 271 hp) and the larger 470G LC, 670G LC and 870G LC (463 to 532 hp) with Deere’s exclusive Powerwise III engine management system. Responding to customer needs, the new G-Series features more hydraulic flow for faster works cycles and greater productivity, and a comfortable and spacious cab for improved operator comfort. In addition, the G-Series has multiple attachment options for today’s jobsite. 800.503.3373, deere.com
Kobelco
The new Kobelco Mark 9 excavators – the SK260-9, SK295-9 and SK350-9 – deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and productivity, in addition to featuring an upgrade to Kobelco’s intelligent hydraulics and a new Economy power mode. The machines launch the industry’s first selective catalytic reduction emission solution for excavators. The excavators also feature a new ROPS/FOPS cab for a more comfortable work environment. The operating weights for the Kobelco Mark 9 excavators range from 59,524 to 80,909 pounds and dig depths range from 23 feet to 24 feet 10 inches. These three new models deliver 181, 197 and 269 hp, respectively. The new Economy work mode takes Kobelco’s patented ITCS to a new level, maintaining productivity while increasing fuel efficiency by an average of 10 percent over previous models. A new control monitor provides key operating data, including a new function which graphs fuel consumption per hour, and a rear camera view. 630.260.4000, kobelcoamerica.com
Volvo Construction Equipment
The new EC250D and EC300D excavators from Volvo CE are heavy duty machines that weigh 54,230 to 61,730 pounds and 66,140 to 73,630 pounds, respectively. Both machines are fitted with Tier 4i certified Volvo D8H engines, delivering lower emissions and high fuel efficiency. These engines feature a waste-gate turbo, externally cooled exhaust gas re-circulation and a combination of diesel oxygen catalyst and diesel particulate filters with partial fuel burner and active regeneration. Maximum power is 202 hp for the EC250D and 227 hp for the EC300D – a 10 percent increase in overall power with up to 13 percent higher fuel efficiency. Fitted with Contronics, the advanced mode selection system, operators can choose from five working modes that best suit the job. This not only tailors the performance to the application, it also optimizes the use of fuel. Modes include Idle, Fine, General and Heavy. An attachment management system stores up to 18 different attachment presets. This allows hydraulic flow and pressure adjustments to be accurately set, according to the needs of the tool being used, at just the touch of a button. 825.650.2000, volvo.com
Hitachi
The ZX470LC-5 replaces the model ZX450LC-3. The ZX470LC-5’s greater horsepower, combined with optimized hydraulics for bigger arm- and bucket-digging forces, result in more material moved per gallon of fuel. Also new are an updated light package with two cab lights and one additional boom light, and a rear-view video camera mounted on the counterweight. Now roomier, the cab has more side-to-side foot room and a larger door with more glass for better visibility to the side. The new heated and more comfortable air-suspension high-back seat provides excellent support. It also has more than 10 inches of travel, sliding together or independent of the joystick console, for the ultimate in customization. And the new easy-to-operate multifunction monitor with its rotary dial provides enhanced diagnostic features and integrates the radio and HVAC controls in one place. The monitor also displays images from the new rear-view camera. The new IT4 Isuzu engine with cooled EGR, is less complex to maintain while delivering the productivity, fuel efficiency, and reliability customers have enjoyed with Tier 3 models. A new exhaust filter consists of a diesel oxidation catalyst/diesel particulate filter. Periodic regeneration of this filter happens behind the scene and doesn’t impact machine operation or require operator involvement. When the service life of the filter has been achieved, a local Hitachi dealership will remove the filter and exchange it for another. 866.973.0394, hitachiconstruction.com
Case
The new Case CX250C excavator is one of three models to replace Case’s B Series product line. It features Tier 4 Interim-certified cooled exhaust gas recirculation technology that burns cleaner while delivering 177 net hp. The new Case Intelligent Hydraulic System technology reduces total fuel consumption and improves performance. Boom Economy Control lowers engine RPMs during the boom down and swing operation, while the Auto Economy Control lowers RPMs when the joysticks are inactive. Swing Relief Control technology manages the hydraulic power allotted at the start of the swing operation, and Spool Stroke Control creates an automatic pressure adjustment during digging operations. The CX250C has up to 6 percent more lift capacity and boasts an operating weight of 55,400 pounds to tackle bigger jobs. The cab provides 7 percent more overall space and 25 percent more airflow. Air conditioning performance also has increased by 8 percent. A new rearview camera feeds video to a 7-inch LED monitor in the cab to expand the operator’s view around the machine. 262.636.6011, casece.com
Doosan
The DX210W offers the most horsepower (161 hp), breakout force (bucket: 28,800 foot/pounds; arm: 21,728 foot/pounds) and digging depth (19 feet 9 inches) in the Doosan wheeled excavator lineup. Equip your DX210W with a dozer blade or outriggers using the bolt-on design. The front axle oscillates and provides an excellent steering angle for transport but can be locked for better digging and lifting performance. The rear axle is fixed. The transmission is mounted directly to the rear axle for protection from obstacles and optimum ground clearance. An advanced disc brake system works directly on the hub instead of the drive shaft to avoid planetary gear backlash. This eliminates the rocking effect associated with working free on wheels. A new travel motor and transmission control in the driveline provide comfortable travel thanks to increased smoothness and improved hydraulic retarding and gear shifting. doosanequipment.com
Komatsu America
The PC390LC-10 hydraulic excavator with a flywheel horsepower of 257 hp, is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D114E-5 engine and is EPA Tier 4 Interim/EU Stage 3B emissions certified. With an operating weight of 89,072 pounds (40,402 kg), the PC390LC-10 features improved hydraulic efficiency, improved operator comfort, simplified maintenance to extend component life, and a large undercarriage design that significantly increases lift capacity. The excavator is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The PC390LC-10 features a large undercarriage design that uses components from the larger size class PC450LC-8 undercarriage. The ROPS certified cab is specifically designed for hydraulic excavators and gains strength from a reinforced pipe-structured framework. The cab is mounted on viscous damper mounts, which provide low vibration levels. The high-back, fully adjustable seat uses air suspension and is heated for improved comfort. 866.513.5778, komatsuamerica.com
Caterpillar
The new Cat 374D hydraulic excavator replaces the model 365C. The fuel efficient 374D weighs 156,819 pounds and is designed for reliable, low-cost operation and long-life durability for optimum customer value. Rated at 476 net hp, the Tier 3/Stage IIIA-compliant Cat C15 engine provides 18 percent more power than its predecessor. The C15 torque enables the engine to deliver full power at maximum rpm, resulting in efficient hydraulic pump operation and enhanced hydraulic response. In addition, the new titanium-alloy compressor wheel in the turbocharger increases reliability and performance at higher altitudes. The 374D implement hydraulic system features a 10-percent increase in flow and a 9-percent gain in main pressure, resulting in a significant boost in hydraulic horsepower. The added hydraulic power combines with larger digging arm and bucket cylinders to yield 17 percent higher digging arm forces and 12 percent higher bucket forces on machines with the standard (reach) boom and arm configuration. For units in the mass excavation configuration, digging arm forces also are up by 17 percent and bucket forces by 5 percent. The net result is shorter cycle times and increased bucket fill factors. cat.com
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