Fuel saving innovations at Bauma 2013
Latest developments in construction machinery aim to deliver even greater fuel efficiency
ENERGY-efficiency and fuel-saving are two of the main trends that will be in the spotlight at Bauma 2013, which takes place from 15–21 April 2013 in Munich. Outlined below are just some of the fuel-saving innovations for construction machinery to be showcased at Bauma.
JCB are presenting their Ecomax engines for the first time at Bauma 2013. These engines meet the rigorous emissions standards Stage IIB and Tier 4 Interim, without the need for diesel particle filters or emissions after-treatment. Instead JCB are using a new engine technology (patent-pending) which allows particularly clean and efficient combustion. As well as the environmental benefit from lower emissions, this new development gives customers improved torque across the whole range of speeds, which, according to the manufacturer, significantly reduces fuel consumption. JCB are fitting the Ecomax engines to excavators, loaders (backhoe/wheel/telescope/telescopic-wheel/compact), telescopic handlers and rough terrain forklifts.
Caterpillar will be unveiling their new Cat hybrid excavator 336E H to the trade audience for the first time in Munich. Instead of losing the kinetic energy when braking the upper structure, it is captured in accumulators and reused during swing acceleration. According to the American manufacturer, it has mastered the technically very difficult challenge of reusing hydraulic energy. The reward for the efforts of the developers, says the company, is a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 25%. Another way of saving on operating costs is offered by the Cat wheel loader 966K XE, also on show in the Bavarian capital in April 2013. This has been fitted with a new, stepless powertrain system designed to minimize fuel consumption.
Doosan Construction Equipment has brought out two new heavy-duty excavators in the 50-tonne class, both of which meet the Stage IIIB emissions standard: the DX490LC-3 model, with an operating weight of 49 tonnes, and the 52-tonne DX530LC-3. According to the Korean manufacturer, the ratio of productivity (excavated cubic metres/h) to fuel consumption (litres/h) in standard operating mode was increased by 9% in both these models, compared with the previous models. The secret to the lower overall fuel consumption, say Doosan, lies in improved cooling, a display to inform the driver about fuel consumption and optimized main control valves, which reduce energy losses and deliver higher efficiency. In addition, extra sensors are fitted which ensure better electronic control of the pumps, the engine and the main control valve. As a result, throughput, pressure and torque can all be precisely adjusted to suit the individual operating requirements.
Hamm AG of Germany, part of the Wirtgen Group, are expanding their range of articulated tandem rollers. The new models – HD+ 70i and HD+ 80i – are fitted with engine technology that already meets the EU IV / Tier 4f standards, which will come into force in 2014. Two separately controlled ventilators cool the charge air, hydraulic oil and engine cooling fluid. In doing so, the load-dependent control of the ventilator for engine cooling saves fuel and reduces noise emissions. In addition, the rollers are fitted as standard with the Hammtronic engine-management system, which, according to Hamm, ensures that the engine is always operated in the right loading range. This optimizes performance and minimizes consumption.
