Hybrid from Komatsu

A new 36 tonne hydraulic hybrid excavator has been launched by Komatsu Europe International – the HB365LC-3, which is on show at Bauma.

The company said that compared to a standard PC360LC-11 excavator, the new hybrid was designed to provide 20% fuel savings. It added that Komtrax data from HB365LC-3 machines working in Japan since February have shown that Komatsu has reached this target.

Komatsu said that it introduced the first hybrid to the construction equipment industry in 2008, and that since then, a total of 10 million hours of operation had been registered by excavators using Komatsu’s hybrid technology, which is today at work on over 3,500 units worldwide.

The new HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator features a Stage IV engine and claims ultra-low noise levels.

The HB365LC-3 has the same 202kW SAA6D114E-6 engine as the PC360LC-11, with up to 53kW extra electric power supplied by the Komatsu Hybrid system.

The kinetic energy generated during the swing-braking phase is converted to electricity, which is sent through an inverter and captured by the Komatsu Ultra Capacitor.

When accelerating under work load conditions, the captured energy is discharged quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller.

The reserve power stored by the hybrid technology represents additional horsepower that is available to maximise machine performance by supporting the engine, or is used for swing power, said Komatsu.

The company is also showing the PW98MR-10 midi excavator at Bauma. This new Komatsu tight-tail machine is said to bridge the gap between compact and construction-sized excavators.

The PW98MR-10 claims lower fuel consumption, improved operator comfort and enhanced serviceability.

With a net 48.5kW at 1.950rpm and operating weights between 9,820kg and 10,450kg, the PW98MR-10 is powered by a 4-valve per cylinder Komatsu SAA4D95LE-6 engine and is EU Stage IIIB certified, with no Diesel Particulate Filter or Selective Catalytic Reduction system.