Germany: Komatsu to Showcase Hybrid HB215LC-1 at Bauma 2013

The Komatsu Hybrid HB215LC-1 hydraulic excavator will be showcased at Bauma 2013. It is now available in Europe and worldwide, with more than 1900 Komatsu hybrid excavators owned by customers and millions hours of field operation logged in.

With an operating weight of 21.220 kg and bucket sizes ranging from 0.8 m³ to 1.05m³ the Komatsu HB215LC-1 fits into the large “21tonnes” class of hydraulic excavators and boasts an average of 25% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than a traditional excavator. It’s a second generation hybrid machine and a product of groundbreaking research going back to the beginning of this millennium when Komatsu decided to develop hybrid technology for construction machinery to a level compatible with full scale serial production.

Cutting-edge technology

The HB215LC-1 offers to customers the benefits that make the Komatsu hydraulic excavators world renowned: low operating costs, first class operator comfort, highest safety standards and extreme reliability. The cabin, boom and arm, undercarriage and revo frame, as well as the “Look and feel” of the new machine are practically identical as on a standard Komatsu PC210-8. Controls and wear parts are the same, making it simple for both owners and operators to profit from the added value of the HB215LC-1.

The HB215LC-1 is powered by the Komatsu Hybrid System, which includes Komatsu’s electric swing motor, power generator motor, capacitor and a 141 hp (104 kW) diesel engine. Komatsu developed its revolutionary hybrid system to work on the principle of swing energy regeneration and energy storage using the Komatsu Ultra Capacitor system, which provides fast energy storage and instantaneous power transmission, thus significantly reducing fuel consumption.

The kinetic energy generated during the swing-braking phase is converted to electricity that is then sent through an inverter and captured by the Ultra Capacitor. This captured energy is discharged very quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under workload conditions.

The hybrid components and the access to regular maintenance points were fine tuned on the HB215LC-1. Komatsu’s hybrid technology saves an average of 25% fuel with an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to the standard excavator model. The Hybrid HB215LC-1 offers power and efficiency along with a reduced environmental impact.

The HB215LC-1 comes standard with the latest KOMTRAX™ technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX™ fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Crossrail project

The first UK sale of the unique Komatsu HB215LC-1 hybrid excavator was completed in July 2013, 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.

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.”

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.”

Looking ahead

Komatsu plans to expand its hybrid technologies to larger excavator models and other construction equipment. As a leading manufacturer, Komatsu will always introduce new equipment that is specifically designed to curb environmental impact on the natural environment of the planet, thereby meeting the requirements of the times.

Komatsu will continue to strengthen their leadership in innovation for the success of their customers.

[mappress]

Press Release, February 1, 2013