Earthmoving machine advances

One of the most competitive segments of the off-highway equipment sector, it is no surprise that earthmoving machinery is seeing a wide array of new models coming to market - Mike Woof writes

Competition is tough in the market for earthmoving equipment. Manufacturers from Europe, the US, Japan, Korea and China are all vying for increased market share across the globe. Firms are developing new models and widening product lines, with a wide range of excavator, wheeled loader, dozer, grader and soil compactor models all coming to market.

Crawler excavators are the biggest selling construction machines and this market is of key importance, with manufacturers introducing various new models.

178 Caterpillar claims that Integrated Cat Connect Technology boosts the efficiency of its 336 and 336 GC 36tonne excavators by around 45%. The machines feature the standard Cat Grade with 2D system, with guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance. The system is readily upgradeable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D. The package ensures that operators can stay on grade, while the Cat Payload tool delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency. Cat says that its Next Generation excavators use less fuel than the models they replace. Smart mode operation matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimising both fuel consumption and performance, while a new electrohydraulic system boosts responsiveness and efficiency.

695 Doosan says that its new DX300LC-7 meet the Stage V emissions requirements and benefits from an improved cab, as well as a smartpower management system that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 7% compared to the previous generation machine.

To meet Stage V engine emissions regulations, the DX300LC-7 is powered by a new Doosan DL08 engine, without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). This uses DOC/DPF+SCR aftertreatment technology that only requires maintenance until the machine has operated for 8,000 hours. The machine is also factory-installed with the DoosanConnect wireless fleet monitoring system, which offers a web-based fleet management solution.

233 Hitachi is offering its ZX210X-6 ICT hydraulic excavator with a 2122 Trimble machine control package. This is Hitachi’s first ICT hydraulic excavator and the company says that the ZX210X-6 can boost efficiency by between 30-50%. The system ensures high levels of accuracy and minimises the need for reworking. Key features include a bucket angle retention that allows slope finishing to be carried out with fewer movements and overcut protection function, which allows operators to work without worrying about over-digging.

2300 Komatsu Europe’s HB215LC-3 hybrid excavator features a Stage IV emissions-compliant engine as well as the firm’s advanced hybrid and powertrain technology. The firm says that the HB215LC-3 offers major fuel savings and reduced CO² emissions, as well as increased production, improved control and better operator comfort. It also offers safety benefits, the latest KOMTRAX telematics, advanced Komatsu hydraulics and the new Komatsu Integrated Attachment Control system. The Komatsu SAA4D107E-3 engine delivers 110kW and uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system using AdBlue reduces NOx emissions to meet regulations.

The novel hybrid system retains the firm’s proven electric swing motor/generator, storing power from swing deceleration in a capacitor for use by the electric swing motor.

718 Liebherr says that its new R 934 Litronic excavator weighs around 35tonnes and slots into the range between the Stage IV compliant R 936 and the Stage V compliant R 938. Based on the platform of the larger R 938, the R 934 is also Stage V compliant. Both models are available with engines to meet local emission standards.

Bucket capacities for the R 934 vary from 1-2.5m³. and the machine is said to have a robust x-shaped undercarriage type, with a new wide long crawler (WLC) undercarriage for stability on soft ground.

1170 Sany’s new SY155U is a short tail model aimed at the European 14tonne class, with high-performance hydraulics and a high visibility cab. The SY155U is powered by an Isuzu engine, features Kawasaki hydraulics and will be available with multiple standard options such as quick-coupler piping. In addition, the hydraulic crawler excavator comes with a rear camera and an optional blade.

Volvo CE is introducing its 20tonne EC200E excavator, aimed at one of the most competitive segments of the excavator market. The machine’s specifications position it between Volvo CE’s existing EC220E and EC180E units for the EMEA region.

The machine’s Stage V-certified D4 Volvo engine is optimised for power, fuel-efficiency and reliability. Performance features are said to include high lifting and digging forces, for faster cycle times and optimum productivity.

Loaders

For the wheeled loader market, Caterpillar’s new M Series Medium Wheel Loaders range from the 950M to the 982M and benefit from lower operating costs due to extended service intervals, improved operator comfort and the option of Stage V emissions compliance.

Engine oil filter and hydraulic oil filter change intervals have been extended from 500 hours to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated savings for engine and hydraulic fluids, filters, and sampling costs during a 6,000 hour period, costs can be reduced by 16-23%

The Cat Advanced Productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualise machine production-related data and complements Cat PAYLOAD, Cat Production Measurement 2.0. The tool is accessed from VisionLink and includes a customisable report dashboard.

Hitachi has introduced a rugged duty package for its versatile ZW180-6 and ZW220-6 wheel loaders. Additional features provide extra protection for the operator and key components, boosting safety and durability and reducing unscheduled downtime and maintenance costs.

Hitachi claims high performance along with low fuel consumption for the Stage IV compliant engines, which use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and do not require diesel particulate filters. The ZW180-6 weighs from 14.8-15.25tonnes depending on specification and has a 129kW diesel, while the ZW220-6 weighs from 18-18.4tonnes and has a 149kW diesel.

Hauling

Doosan is launching Stage V compliant versions of its 30tonne DA30 and 40tonne DA40 articulated dump trucks. The DA30 and DA40 were upgraded in 2018 with a range of new features including a cab and a self-levelling front suspension system.

The Stage V models now have Scania 9litre and 13litre engines, which are said to be easier to service than before.

Like all Doosan ADTs, the new models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal weight distribution for each wheel and six-wheel contact and drive.

1222 Terex Trucks is unveiling its updated TA300 and TA400 articulated haulers. The TA300 benefits from the new EP320 transmission, which comes with two additional forward gears as well as four reverse gears, for smoother gear shifting. In addition, the TA300 now delivers a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency, as well as better performance, productivity and operator comfort. It also comes with long-life transmission fluid, which has helped to increase the length of time between oil maintenance intervals from 1,000 to 4,000 hours. The hauler’s maximum speed has been increased to 55km/h, up from 50km/h, allowing faster cycle times and reducing the cost/tonne.

The firm says that its TA400 offers a maximum payload of 38tonnes and is intended to deliver cost-effective production at large-scale construction projects. The TA400 has a heaped capacity of 23m3 and is powered by a fuel-efficient Scania DC13 engine delivering 331kW. Terex Trucks says its fuel-efficient engine range is globally emissions compliant and meets the requirements of EU and North American legislation without the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This is achieved with new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, combined with exhaust gas regeneration (EGR) and a variable geometry turbo (VGT).

Dozing

For finishing work, Caterpillar’s new D6 bulldozer comes with the choice of a four-speed fully automatic drive or a high-drive electric transmission. The D6 automatic transmission provides increased productivity and up to 20% better fuel efficiency than its three-speed predecessor. Its XE electric transmission version is said to offer up to 35% better fuel efficiency and increased agility compared to the previous model D6T. The diesel runs at continuous RPM to power the generator, using less fuel. Constant power to the ground, continuous push and greater manoeuvrability allow faster cycle times. The D6/D6 XE is available in VPAT - Variable Power Angle Tilt - or push arm configurations with standard or two widths of Low Ground Pressure (LGP) undercarriage. A variety of blade types, track shoe widths and rear attachments enable the machine to be optimised for different duties.

3420 Dressta’s new TD-15 and TD-25 crawler dozers are said to offer gains in output and performance. The TD-15 benefits from a Stage V compliant powertrain and has been designed for versatility with a wide choice of frame structures and blades. New load sensing hydraulics provide more precise blade and ripper control and reduce fuel consumption up to 10%. The 20.7tonne, 159kW powered TD-15 also benefits from a new cab design.

Like the TD-15, the 41.25tonne, 246kW powered TD-25 crawler dozer has a new pressurised cab. The dozer also has a new bogie undercarriage to boost operator comfort on rocky applications, and is claimed to deliver high drawbar pull and productivity. Improvements in the suspension and hydraulics further reduce noise and vibration.

Grading

176 Case is introducing patented combined steering functionality for its grader range, including the CASE 856C AWD model. The firm has combined controls for the front wheel and frame articulation angle into one function managed by either the joystick or the steering wheel. Combined steering uses sensors to provide feedback to the vehicle control unit. It can be activated when required and used in conjunction with variable steering ratios to adapt to site conditions.

For job sites requiring tight turns in confined spaces, the two functions can be supplemented by the wheel-lean function. When not required, the wheel-lean function can be disconnected from the combined steering, leaving wheel steering angle and frame articulation moving simultaneously.

Precise control of the lean, steering and articulation angles are crucial for maximising efficiency when operating in restricted areas. But operators concentrating on manoeuvring may be less able to navigate a site and carry out grading, reducing productivity.

John Deere is now offering two of its grader models in Europe, which will be sold and supported through the Wirtgen network. Other machines from the 257 John Deere range will be introduced to Europe in due course, with some of the dozers likely to be next in line.

The two graders from the eight-model John Deere grader range being offered are the 622GP and 672GP, as these meet best with European requirements. The machines offer high-performance, high-output diesels, a 6.8litre delivering 169kW and a 9litre delivering 190kW respectively and which meet the latest emissions requirements, while offering low fuel consumption. The 622GP has a moldboard width of 3.66m while the 672GP has a moldboard width of 4.27m. These EH models are equipped with both ergonomic joystick controls and a conventional steering wheel.

Compaction

206 Dynapac is now offering special High Climb (HC) soil compactors. These are specially-adapted versions of the CA2500 and CA3500 models, and which meet the Stage IV and Tier 4 Final emissions requirements. A key feature of the High Climb models is that they are able to climb the same grade of slope, whether operating in forward or reverse. The machines have higher gradeability in reverse due to the firm’s improved NoSpin rear axles. Dynapac has used heavier components in the rear axle, drive, motor and transmission, allowing the machine to reverse up a slope of 28°.

228 Hamm claims increased compaction performance for key models in its single drum roller range. One of the innovations from the firm is a new compaction measurement system developed for use with oscillation type single drum rollers. The company’s new VIO compaction meter allows users to measure and document machine performance when operating in oscillation mode.

The package allows customers to document each pass, even when using continuous dynamic compaction control applications with oscillation. The system is available for the firm’s H 7i VIO and H 13i VIO compactors.

Also new for the soil compaction range are the C models, which benefit from extra climbing ability. The rollers have a more powerful hydrostatic drive that can deliver up to 30% more torque than the standard model, providing better traction and climbing ability for heavy earthworks or compacting cohesive soils.