Competition fuelling excavator excellence

The wide array of crawler excavators on the global construction market has led to strong competition between suppliers, each of which is keen to stay ahead of its rivals. All the major international manufacturers are introducing new models in North America and Europe for 2014, with key performance upgrades.

From 695 Doosan comes the 22.5tonne DX225LC-3, which is said to offer increased performance and lower engine emissions and is aimed at one of the most highly competitive segments of the market. The machine features an array of performance upgrades, with a key feature being its Tier 4 Interim compliant diesel. Power for the new DX225LC-3 comes from a six-cylinder Doosan DL06K water-cooled diesel rated at 124kW that features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The engine power output has been increased but fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced. Efficiency is further increased due to its electronic power optimising system (EPOS), which is said to provide optimum power and fuel efficiency through four power modes. The machine also has four work modes; digging, breaking, lifting and high shear, allowing operators to boost efficiency and fuel economy in specific applications.
Aimed at the same market segment is 236 Hyundai’s Tier 4 Interim compliant R220LC-9A, a 22.5tonne excavator said to offer improved hydraulics, increased operator comfort and added durability. Power for the R220LC-9A comes from a low emission, low noise 196 Cummins QSB6.7 diesel that meets Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB requirements and delivers 117kW. This engine has a patented VGT Turbocharger, which continuously varies airflow boost to match engine RPM and load demands for optimal performance.  The engine also features the Cummins Direct Flow air filter which delivers better performance and improved fuel economy. Operators can also choose between three modes; Power, Standard and economy, while there is a new hydraulic system that offers increased precision, with uprated hydraulic valves, variable volume piston pumps, pilot controls and new travel functions. The R220LC-9A comes with the Hi-mate Remote Management System and users can monitor machine location, working hours, fuel consumption and maintenance needs remotely.
Similarly sized are the SK210LC-9 and SK210NLC-9 excavators from 2200 Kobelco Construction Machinery, which are built at the firm’s new state-of-the-art factory in Hiroshima. Both variants are powered by 7228 Hino JO5E-T5J turbocharged diesels that comply with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations. Low fuel consumption is claimed, further aided by an automatic idle stop feature. The machines are said to be energy efficient with three operating work modes for heavy, standard and eco-operation. High power and torque output is said to provide smooth, progressive travel on all terrain and progressive swing and dig action. A state-of-the-art hydraulic control system complements the precise and seamless arm operation with less engine performance input required. Daily and routine service intervals have been extended to minimise downtime. LCD multi-displays are fitted for monitoring machine maintenance requirements and diagnostics.

Moving up a size class, 718 Liebherr’s 55.4tonne R 956 crawler excavator is powered by the firm’s own six-cylinder diesel engine with common rail fuel injection, replacing the previous R 954 model. Among the features enabling the R 956’s Liebherr engine to comply with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB exhaust emissions standards are an external exhaust gas recirculation system and a diesel particulate filter with active regeneration. The steelwork for the new crawler excavator model’s upper carriage is said by Liebherr to be optimised for extended service life. A wide variety of undercarriages are available to suit any application. The LC is the typical under-carriage for earthmoving applications, with two heavy-duty undercarriages HD and S-HD also available for quarry applications.
Meanwhile LiuGong Machinery is keen to increase its global presence with two of its most important models, the 22tonne class 922D and 50tonne class 950E. The 950E model is of particular importance as it takes LiuGong’s range into a new segment for large earthmoving duties. The 950E can be configured for mass excavation applications such as truck loading and power comes from a 298kW Cummins diesel. Models available for sale in North America (or Europe) are being fitted with Tier 4 compliant versions of the engine. The machine is offered with LiuGong’s sophisticated intelligent power control system, which optimises hydraulic performance according to the company. The system increases working efficiency and productivity while reducing fuel consumption, as well as allowing precise control for fine finishing work. Other features of the 950E include high efficiency, reliability, ease of maintenance and a good return on investment, according to the company.
Volvo Construction Equipment (359 Volvo CE) is introducing its new generation E-Series excavators, with engines configured to meet the tough Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions legislation, while offering low maintenance needs and reduced fuel consumption. In addition, the new models are said to improve productivity and efficiency.. Meanwhile Volvo CE believes that successive performance upgrades for the E-Series excavators and H-Series wheeled loaders will also allow the company to grow market share.

Some customers will also be keen to use new machine automation technology with their excavators and the latest 2D and 3D systems from 342 Topcon offer increased productivity and efficiency. The new X-32 and X-33 systems feature Topcon’s new GX-30 control box and rugged TS-i3 sensors. The GX-30 features a colour touch screen and graphical display. The TS-i3 sensors have no moving components, single and dual-axis measurement, and include convenient LED status indicators. The X-32 is an easy-to-use 2D excavator system that is versatile and can use a wide array of references such as the existing surface, a hub, previous cut, single slopes and dual slopes with the use of a compass or rotating laser. The firm says that the system allows an operator to work faster, with consistency and higher accuracy, while it can also be upgraded to a 3D system. The more sophisticated X-33 is a 3D GPS system that uses sophisticated GNSS satellite technology. The system’s MC-i3 GNSS receiver with Vanguard technology is said to offer versatility for satellite signal tracking, while the package can also be linked to Topcon’s real-time 3D management solution. The new 3D system can minimise the risk of over-excavation and controls material usage. An operator can also visualise the plan, profile, or sectional view and use the dual grade indicators for elevation control.