Komatsu America Corp. held a ceremony to commemorate the delivery of the first PC200LC-8 hybrid excavator to Montemayor Construction Nov. 3. The event took place at Montemayor’s facility located at 290 Willard Ave. in Elgin, Ill.
Additionally, the event celebrated Komatsu’s introduction of the hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator into the North American market.
Roland Machinery Co. supplied the PC200LC-8 to Montemayor Construction for the contractor to test out on the I-294 widening project in Illinois.
Komatsu America Corp. has introduced the hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator into the North American market.
Komatsu’s goal is to meet increasing global environmental concerns through the development of equipment designed to reduce environmental impact, including CO2 reduction. By developing a successful hybrid excavator in the largest construction machine segment (20 to 22 ton), Komatsu’s green technology will have a substantial impact on saving fuel and reducing green house emissions.
“Komatsu’s decision to apply its engineering excellence to the largest construction machine segment, clearly signals our commitment to developing environment-friendly equipment,” said Dave Grzelak, CEO and chairman of Komatsu America Corp. “Since the company’s inception, Komatsu has been setting the global standard for technology and engineering excellence and today that tradition continues with the introduction of the Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator.”
Powered by the Komatsu Hybrid System, the hybrid PC200LC-8 uses a newly developed electric swing motor, power generator motor, capacitor and diesel engine. Komatsu developed its hybrid system to work on the principle of swing energy regeneration and energy storage using the Komatsu ultra capacitor system. Komatsu’s ultra capacitors provide fast energy storage and instantaneous power transmission.
The kinetic energy generated during the swing braking phase is converted to electricity, which is sent through an inverter and then captured by the ultra capacitor. This captured energy is then discharged very quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under work load conditions.
In tests comparing the standard PC200LC-8 hydraulic excavator to the hybrid PC200LC-8, the hybrid model reduced fuel consumption by approximately 25 to 40 percent, depending on the application, according to the manufacturer.
The Specs
The hybrid PC200LC-8 is powered by the powerful, turbocharged and air-to-air after-cooled Komatsu SAA4D107E-1 which provides 138 hp (103 kW). With an operating weight of 43,643 to 47,260 lbs. (19,796 to 21,437 kg), the hybrid PC200LC-8 has a bucket capacity of 0.66 to 1.57 cu. yds. (.5 to 1.2 cu m). The hybrid PC200LC-8 has the same vigorous working forces and performance levels of the conventional PC200LC-8.
The cab design assures operator comfort because the viscous cab damper mounts reduce vibration. A 7 in. LCD monitor provides easy-to-read gauges and onboard diagnostics as well as displaying the rear-view monitoring system for viewing the work area to rear of the machine.
KOMTRAX on Board
The hybrid PC200LC-8 also is equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure Web site utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, fuel consumption, machine location and machine utilization are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.
The hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator was introduced to the Japanese market in June 2008 and has been successful in reducing fuel consumption. In addition, Komatsu introduced the hybrid to the Chinese market in August this year.
For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.
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