Today’s excavators improve efficiency, emissions, and productivity — all while making the operator more comfortable than ever.

by Therese Dunphy, Editor-in-Chief

Hitachi
Fuel-efficient excavator

Hitachi has rolled out a new dash-3 model in its excavator line, the 47,000-pound ZX200LC-3. The machine is powered by a 164-horsepower diesel and is said to be heavier, stronger, faster, and quieter than its predecessor, while also being more fuel efficient. The ZX200LC-3 has three new performance modes: economy, performance, and high performance; in E mode, it can get 13 percent better fuel efficiency than its dash-2 predecessor. The undercarriage, X-beam, side frames, idler brackets, and front attachment have all been made stronger to improve durability. The unit has more horsepower, swing torque, and drawbar pull, and it carries 10.6 gallons more fuel and hydraulic oil. Engine oil requirements have been reduced by one-half gallon. Also new with the dash-3 models is a larger cab with a wider seatback, more legroom, and 47 percent more glass on the right side for better visibility.

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Leading Edge Attachments
Ripping and digging bucket

Leading Edge Attachments has extended its line of rock digging buckets with the introduction of its new Hi-Cap Multi-Ripper Bucket, designed for mass excavators in the 220,000- to 300,000-pound class. The new models feature five shanks that are staggered on an arc; the format is said to allow the bucket to slice through any rippable rock. No extra hydraulics are required.

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Giberson Enterprises
Excavator-mounted jaw crusher buckets

Giberson Enterprises offers its Eco-Crusher excavator-mounted jaw crusher buckets. The line includes the BG60 for 18,000-pound or larger excavators; the BF70 for 28,000-pound or larger excavators; the BF90 for 48,000-pound or larger excavators; and the BF120 for 68,000-pound and larger excavators. Production rates range from 15 to 99 tons per hour, depending on bucket size. The bucket is designed to crush material with a maximum input product thickness of 15 inches for recycled material and 10 inches for aggregate into an end product that ranges from 6 inches to 1-inch minus.

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Case
Cleaner, more fuel-efficient engine

Case Construction Equipment used the World of Concrete to announce that its CX130B excavator had been upgraded to Tier 3 certification. The upgrade is said to deliver better fuel economy, better productivity, and better sound levels. The electronically controlled common rail Tier 3 Isuzu engine delivers 95 net horsepower, while the common rail fuel injection system and redesigned hydraulic system deliver 15 percent better fuel efficiency to lower operating costs. The machine has an operating weight of 27,800 pounds. An increase in hydraulic horsepower translates into faster cycle times. The excavator uses regenerative hydraulics on the boom, arm, and bucket curl, which speeds the cycle time required to fill the bucket.

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Liebherr
Short-swing excavator

Liebherr showcases its minimal tail-swing excavator — the 53,000-pound, 164-horsepower R 924 Compact. It combines excellent reach (32 feet, 10 inches) and dump height (28 feet, 3 inches) with high-production capabilities, as well as a compact tail swing for safety and versatility. Liebherr says the machine’s cab is the largest in its class, featuring oversized windows and automatic climate control.

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Komatsu
Improved operator comfort

Komatsu America Corp. is highlighting its PC400LC-8 hydraulic excavator. The unit is said to deliver maximum digging force with excellent fuel economy in the toughest digging conditions. A Komatsu SAA6D 125E-5 engine powers the excavator with a flywheel horsepower of 345 hp. The electronically controlled high-pressure common rail fuel injection system is Tier 3 certified, provides low noise operation, and is fuel efficient. The operating weight is 103,834 pounds. Standard equipment includes the latest Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure Web site using wireless technology. Data such as operation hours, location, cautions, and maintenance alerts are relayed to the Web application for analysis. The excavator also features an easy-to-view, 7-inch LCD monitor. Five modes of operation — power mode, economy mode, lifting mode, breaker mode, and attachment mode — can be selected through the monitor panel.

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