Volvo's concept excavator could be reality by 2020

Fourteen companies released new excavators at Bauma although three do not market their products in Australia.

Taking a leaf from motor shows, Volvo presented a concept machine, the SfinX, which may be how excavators will look in as little as 20 years. It featured independent, electrically-driven rubber tracks on each of the corners. They allow the excavator to keep a much higher contact area with the ground than is possible with traditional twin tracks. Each one has independent suspension and can brake, turn and accelerate.

The engine is no longer a diesel but a small fuel cell which produces electricity and emits only heat and water vapour. This frees up space in the superstructure and allows the engine to work as an active counterweight, which moves in an out to compensate for boom forces.

One of the SfinX's many innovative ideas, is to replace the main swing bearing by an electro magnetic field. This would have zero friction and make braking smooth while allowing high speed turning of the superstructure.

The boom features a lattice design that is light in weight and allows the operator to see through it. And the high-visibility cab can be moved up and/or out to allow the best possible view of the work area.

Other excavators

At a more down to earth level, the Swedish company also released three wheeled excavators to be released here later in the year. First shown a year ago, they are the 14.3 to 15.7t EW140B, the 16t EW160B and the 19t EW180B.

Also, Volvo showed two new mini machines for today's market. They are the 1.2t EC13 which has the option of a hydraulically extendable undercarriage, the 4.5t EC45 Pro, the 5.2t EC55B and the 8t short swing ECR88 that fits between compact and full size machines.

The EC45 features a new bucket interface that allows it to accommodate a 5t bucket.

Komatsu released a two-piece boom option for its PC228US-3. It also released the PC600-7 and PC750-7 to replace Dash 6 models and three minis, the 3.2t PC30-MR-2, the 3.7t PC35-MR-2 and the 5t PC50-MR-2. The three new utility excavators are equipped with several larger machine class amenities. The company says the series is compact, robust and highly versatile.

Hitachi released the Zaxis 13t 130LCN and 25t ZX250 machines, both powered by Isuzu diesel engines.

Caterpillar released four new models to Europe in the 7 to 14t range. They are the 308CR, the 311C and the 314C CR 8, 11 and 14 tonne compact radius machines which are already available here.

Yanmar had the B7 on display with a triple articulating boom as well as a 10t VIO 100 zero tail swing model.

Case presented the latest in Europe from the Case/Sumitomo alliance, the 8t CX80. It differentiates itself by having its 3.5m boom off set mounted at the boom foot, like a large mini excavator.

New Holland upgraded its entire line of 10 models with only the two smallest machines having a traditional overhanging counterweight.

Liebherr had two new compact wheeled machines, the 11t A309 and 12t A311 Litronic. The company said they were conceived for the most restricted working conditions. They complement the 9.6t A308, already on the Australian market.

It also released the 52t 944B-HD scrap handler. It features four solid rubber tires and outriggers and has an 18m reach. The 20t R904C tracked excavator and the 42.6t R934B specialist demolition machine with hydraulically adjustable track width were also released as were the 53t R954C and 64t R964B large hydraulic excavators.

Vermeer showed four models from its line of seven mini excavators the 1.7t CX218 and the 1.8t CX 219z. Standard equipment for both excavators includes variable width tracks, auxillary hydraulics, SAE/ISO controls, and working lights.

With the launch of new 430 and 4.8t 435 zero tail swing models Bobcat now offers a range of three ZTS mini-excavators with operating weights from 3.6 to 7.5t.

The first to feature an all-hydrostatic drive system, known as FastTrack, it results in more torque, precise manoeuvring and smooth acceleration.

Terex

Its HML 32 and HML 42 wheeled excavators are now fitted with more powerful Deutz diesel engines. Optional travel speeds of up to 36km/hr are available.

Schaeff-Terex also presented its entire range of short-tail midi excavators with operating weights of 5.7 to 12.5t. With a newly designed articulated boom system, the HR 42 is the most powerful excavator in this range.