Komatsu HB215LC-1 Hybrid Excavator Makes UK Debut

The first UK sale of the unique Komatsu HB215LC-1 hybrid excavator was completed in July, with the machine’s first deployment being the prestigious Crossrail transport project in Central London.

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd, the sole UK distributor of Komatsu heavy machinery, supplied five HB215LC-1 machines to Ridgway Rentals, a company based in Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England. Over 1,700 Komatsu hybrid excavators are in action worldwide, and these are the first to be sold in the UK.

The Komatsu HB215LC-1 offers an enviable combination of high performance and environmentallyfriendly features. Edward Prosser, Marketing Manager at Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd said: “We are delighted to have completed the first ever UK sale of this distinct piece of equipment, and are really excited that it’s already being used on such an iconic project as the London Crossrail”.

“These hybrid excavators are probably the most reliable and technologically-advanced in the industry today and truly represent a new generation of machines. They are designed to provide optimum performance together with significant fuel savings compared with conventional excavators. Clients can reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time.”

The Komatsu HB215LC-1 hybrid excavator boasts an average of 25% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than a traditional excavator. In place of the usual hydraulic swing motor, its unique design uses an electric swing motor which captures energy from swing brake operations, converting it into electric energy that is then stored for use when the motor needs to accelerate, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption.

Stuart Jones, Director at Ridgway Rentals, said: “With the Government pledging to embrace new technologies in a bid to make London significantly ‘greener’ and to reduce the city’s CO2 emissions by 60% over the next ten years, it seems apt that this particular piece of equipment was selected for one of its largest scale projects. Feedback from our client at the London Crossrail project is that it performs well and uses a lot less fuel, which has got to be a win – win for everyone.

We are thrilled to have taken delivery of our first HB215LC-1 hybrids. It’s the only excavator of its kind currently on the market, and we can offer something different to our customers. We are very much looking forward to showcasing their benefits to our clients nationwide.”

Other beneficial features include average fuel savings of 25% and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions that makes it suitable for handling sensitive environmental projects such as river and canal dredging.

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Press Release, November 9, 2012