LBX
More power where it’s needed

LBX Co. says its Link-Belt X2 excavator series offers Tier 3 compliant engines that develop more power at lower rpms and sophisticated new hydraulic systems that have more hydraulic horsepower than previous models -and can focus that power where it’s needed most. The improved hydraulics are the product of larger, more efficient pumps, larger cylinders, and improved hydraulic circuitry. Cycle times are also enhanced with two-speed boom lifting and arm open/close functions, an arm flow assist that improves arm-in speed, and a bucket curl assist that improves curl speed under load. X2 models include the 37,700-pound, 120-horsepower 160 and the 65,700-pound, 207-horsepower 290. A third machine in the X2 lineup, the 130, debuted at last month’s ConExpo-Con/Agg. The 95-horsepower unit is said to have exceptional cold-start capabilities thanks to glow plugs, automatic “idle-start,” and auto engine warm-up features.

Click 6 on reader card.

Volvo
Advanced combustion design

Volvo Construction Equipment’s C-series excavators include the 117-horsepower, 38,000-pound ED160C and the 147-horsepower, 47,000-pound EC210C. The models have Tier 3 compliant engines that feature Volvo’s proprietary advanced combustion design, which is said to offer high torque at low revolutions for ultra-efficient fuel usage. Also new: a beefed up undercarriage and superstructure, intelligent hydraulics, simplified service and monitoring, and still more luxuries in the cabs, including an electronic climate control system with 14 vents.

Click 8 on reader card.

Kobelco
Improved mid-size excavator

Kobelco says its new SK260LC Acera Mark 8 excavator boasts a higher horsepower, Tier 3 engine, improved hydraulic flow, and a better combination of bucket force, swing torque, and drawbar pull forces than its predecessor. The 181-horsepower machine has an operating weight of 57,300 pounds and a new control system that is said to recognize the operator’s moves and provide
“incredibly smooth” hydraulic response. Its auto-acceleration system increases rpms and hydraulic flow in proportion to the operator’s movement of control levers, and an auto-deceleration system saves fuel and engine life by reducing engine rpms after four seconds of operator inactivity.

Click 9 on reader card.

Loadrite
Quick, accurate excavator weighing system

Actronic Technologies, manufacturer of the Loadrite onboard weighing system for wheel loaders, used ConExpo-Con/Agg to debut its new Loadrite X-Weigh 2350 weighing system for the excavator market. The system is reported to increase productivity and to provide a rapid return on investment by ensuring all trucks are loaded to their full legal capacity. Capable of weighing materials while the machine is operating and field proven to be accurate to plus or minus 3 percent, the weighing system features new multi-dimensional compensation weighing technology. The patent-pending system includes a Loadrite onboard scale, a graphic interface, and a proprietary software package. An optional printer can be installed in the cab to produce hard copies of load documents and summary reports. Sensors mounted on the pivot points of the arm monitor the angle and position of the boom and stick, as well as changes to the hydraulic pressure. The system also incorporates two tilt sensors so weight calculations remain accurate even on sloping or uneven ground.

Click 12 on reader card.

Doosan
Improves end-user value

Doosan touts its focus on the end-user during the development of its DX420LC hydraulic excavator. The machine is said to include the features of its predecessor — the Solar 420LC — as well as additional benefits. Key improvements include increased production and improved fuel economy due to electronic optimization of the hydraulic system and a new generation Doosan engine; improved ergonomics, increased comfort, and better visibility; and improved reliability through the use of high-performance materials combined with new methods of structural stress analysis. Improvements in the design are also said to have increased component life expectancy, lowered operating costs, and reduced maintenance.

Click 13 on reader card.

Kubota
Works in tight footprint

Kubota Tractor Corp. (KTC) introduced the KX080-3, its largest excavator to date. Designed for work environments where space is limited, the 8-ton, tight-tail swing excavator offers more than 14,000 pounds of breakout force. The unit features the first direct-injection engine in a Kubota excavator that is said to start easily in the cold while maintaining fuel efficiency. An auto-idling system helps reduce noise and exhaust emissions while also saving fuel. The machine automatically downshifts into low when making turns, moving on soft earth, or in extra-heavy-duty-use situations. A 14.17-inch rear overhang handles a wide range of loads in restricted spaces while the air-conditioned ROPS/FOPS cab boasts an Intelligent Control System LCD control panel with digital display of diagnostic readings and routine maintenance alerts.

Click 11 on reader card.

Caterpillar
Swing size matters

Caterpillar’s D-series version of its popular 148-horsepower 320 crawler excavators includes the conventional-swing 47,500-pound 320D L, the reduced-swing 53,400-pound 320D LRR, and the compact-radius 53,300-pound 321D LCR. The standard machine has a swing radius of 9 feet and is designed for heavy and general construction. The LRR has a swing radius of 6 feet, 7 inches and is designed for use in restricted work-space areas. The LCR has a swing radius of 5 feet, 6 inches and can rotate within or almost within its tracks, depending on how much counterweight is being used. All three versions have new Tier 3 engines, cab refinements, and improved performance. Versatility is enhanced with a range of new factory-installed, optional auxiliary hydraulic systems, including a one-way, high-pressure/high-flow circuit for hammers and vibratory plate compactors, and a two-way circuit for thumbs and other hydra-mechanical attachments. An optional tool control system, exclusive to Cat, lets the operator set auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure by using the monitor in the cab.