Euclid-Hitachi EH1700 Launched In Europe

Euclid aim to re-establish European presence with new 100-tonne dumptruck

Launched globally in 2001 and already making inroads into the Asian, Australian and American markets, the first Euclid-Hitachi EH1700 rigid dumptruck in Europe has gone to work at Celtic Energy Ltd’s Selar OCCS in South Wales. With a maximum payload capacity of just under 100 tonnes tonnes, the truck is currently the biggest EH unit operating in Europe, marking the return of Euclid dumptrucks of this size after an absence of several years. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) BV say they now intend to use the EH1700 to re-establish Euclid’s presence in Europe, having seen market share decline from an earlier level of 15–20% to around 10% in 2001.

Designed to work with 180–250-tonne loading shovels and featuring a range of new technology to achieve a genuine 95–100-tonne payload capacity, the EH1700 is said to deliver significant productivity gains over earlier Euclid models. Compared with the 90-tonne Euclid R90C, for example, the new machine offers 20% more horsepower, 10% more torque, 8% more payload capacity, 5% higher top speed and 8% more braking force.

‘This is not just another 90-tonne truck with a fresh decal, but something new for the market to consider,’ said Dave Nus, manager of heavy products at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) BV. ‘Most trucks in this class use powertrains sized for 85–90 tonnes maximum capacity. The EH1700 has 20% more horsepower and significantly more torque to give customers the productivity they demand.’

The EH1700 is powered by a 12-cylinder, 30.5-litre electronically controlled Cummins QST30 turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine which develops 895kW (1,200hp) at 2,100 rev/min and delivers a maximum torque of 5,084Nm. The engine is fully compliant with Tier I emissions requirements and features a 500h extended service interval as standard. Drive is achieved through a fully automatic Allison M9600-A planetary-type transmission featuring an integral torque converter with automatic lock-up shifting in all ranges.

‘The EH1700’s high payload and strong gross weight-to-horsepower ratio means customers are able to increase productivity and reduce total cost per tonne without having to invest in the next size class of truck,’ explained Mr Nus. ‘At Selar, the EH1700 goes up the main ramp — which is 2 miles long at 10% grade — a full gear faster than the other trucks on site, even when carrying a greater payload. That represents a significant reduction in cycle time while also utilizing the transmission better.’

However, according to Mr Nus, this increase in capacity would not have been possible without innovative low-profile tyre technology. The truck is fitted as standard with Michelin’s new-generation deep-tread 31/80R49 XDT E4T tyre, a product specially developed in conjunction with Euclid for use on the EH1700. Using a lower internal pressure, these have a higher carrying capacity and an increased TKPH (tonne km/h) rating compared to traditional 27.00R49 tyres. This translates into fewer cuts or premature failures which results in less machine downtime, while the deep tread pattern offers effective grip and traction in all operating conditions, thereby increasing productivity and reducing cost per hour.

Braking is provided by a fully hydraulically actuated system which features dry discs on the front axle and oil-cooled wet discs on the rear axle. An innovative variable front to rear brake proportioning facility maximizes effective stopping performance on slippery road surfaces and accounts for weight transfer without having to deactivate the front brakes.

The EH1700 also features Euclid’s innovative independent trailing-arm suspension geometry coupled with Neocon suspension struts containing energy-absorbing gas and compressible Neocon-E fluid for superior levels of suspension and handling from an environmentally inert system. According to Euclid, Neocon-E absorbs twice as much kinetic energy as rubber or nitrogen/oil without transmitting dynamic loads to the frame.

Designed for long life and durability, the EH1700’s dump body is constructed from 400 Brinell abrasion-resistant alloy steel, while the chassis utilizes 345Mpa yield strength steel. The dump body itself is exhaust heated even when raised. The joystick controlled and speed-restricted hoist pump achieves a body-up time (loaded) of 12.8s and a body float down of 12.1s.

For operator comfort and safety, the vehicle is equipped with the spacious and ergonomically designed Euclid-Hitachi Command Cab III which features integral ROPS/FOPS, a wrap-around dashboard, a Contronic central monitoring and warning system, air-conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and a six-way adjustable air-suspension seat.

HM Plant Ltd, 38 Castlefields Industrial Estate, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4ZE; tel: (01278) 425533; fax: (01278) 452511; website: www.hmplant.ltd.uk