Web Exclusive: Komatsu Launches Hybrid Excavator - VIDEO
by Kimberly J. Schwartz
November 16, 2009
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Komatsu brings its hybrid excavator to North America by handing over the key to a Chicagoland contractor.
This November, Komatsu launched a hybrid excavator in North America, the 45,000-lb machine PC200LC-8. Dave Grzelak, chairman and CEO of Komatsu America Corp., emphasized that this machine is a “production hybrid—not a prototype.” He said, “This is an actual machine we’re producing and selling.”
The PC200LC-8 has been marketed in Japan since June 2008, and has also previously been introduced to the Chinese market. “We’ve run some tests in Japan, and we’ve seen reductions in fuel from 25 to 40 percent,” Grzelak said.
Joe Montemayor, president of Montemayor Construction in Elgin, Illinois, describes how the hybrid PC200LC-8 will be used by his crews on their current highway project. |
Erik Wilde, Komatsu’s vice president of product marketing, provided an overview of the hybrid technology. He explained that the battery-dependent hybrid models used in automobiles are not suited for excavators. Batteries are useful for slow start and slow stop functions, but are inadequate for a construction machine application where power must be discharged quickly to the swing electric motor and to the generator motor that powers the hydraulic pump and work equipment tool.
Instead of a battery, Komatsu developed a capacitor that stores the energy normally wasted or given off as heat. The capacitor then transfers electric energy as needed to the swing electric motor or to the generator motor. Wilde said the capacitor enables “full command and power right away.” He declared, “This is not a novelty and it’s not just a flash-in-the-pan. This is proven technology.”
Wilde also showed noted the PC200LC-8 has an in-cab eco display “so people are constantly aware of what they’re burning.”
In addition to dramatically improving fuel efficiency, the new hybrid excavator significantly reduces CO2. The hybrid has been shown to emit 25 tons less than a similarly-sized conventional machine.
Joe Montemayor, president of Montemayor Construction, makes the ceremonial first dig. |
The hybrid’s Midwestern unveiling was held in Elgin, Illinois, on Nov. 12, 2009, at the office of Montemayor Construction, a contractor that specializes in underground work in the Chicagoland area.
Komatsu held a symbolic key ceremony to pass the key for the hybrid excavator to Joe Montemayor, president of Montemayor Construction. Montemayor was selected by Komatsu to test the hybrid for eight months.
After receiving the key to the machine, Montemayor made the ceremonial “first dig” to applause and laughter. He also invited Sen. Mike Noland and Rep. Keith Farnham, two local politicians who attended the event, to operate the machine.
The hybrid PC200LC-8 in action: An experienced operator backfills the first hole dug by Montemayor and the local politicians. |
Kimberly J. Schwartz
schwartzk@bnpmedia.com
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