Komatsu launches world's first hybrid excavator

Komatsu Ltd released the world's first hybrid (electro-hydraulic) excavator to the Japanese market on June 1. But it will not be offered in markets outside Japan until after the first quarter of 2009.

The 20t PC200-8 Hybrid is powered by Komatsu's Hybrid System, based around a newly-developed electric motor to turn the upper structure, a power-generation motor, a capacitor and a low-speed diesel engine. It delivers fuel savings between 25% and 40%.

In announcing the new excavator concept, Komatsu Ltd president and CEO Kunio Noji, said the company had decided to introduce its first hybrid machine in what is its flagship line, its Dash 8 excavator range.

“As a leading supplier to the construction equipment manufacturing industry, we are determined to meet the needs of the time by practically proposing innovative equipment designed to reduce environmental impacts, including CO2 reduction,” Noji said.

Compared with a standard PC200-8, Komatsu's hybrid excavator typically achieves a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, but in certain applications, where the machine is primarily involved in digging and slewing operations (rather than travelling), fuel reductions of up to 40% have been recorded.

Slewing power

Komatsu's proprietary Hybrid system, converts energy generated when the upper structure reduces speed while slewing, storing it in a capacitor, then using it to assist the engine via the power-generation motor when the engine accelerates. All components, with the exception of the capacitor cells, are designed and manufactured in-house by Komatsu, ensuring high reliability and durability.

The main difference between conventional excavators and the hybrid include an electric motor rather than a hydraulic motor to turn the upper structure and capacitors which can instantaneously and efficiently collect, store and discharge electrical power from regenerated energy.

Capacitors assist the diesel engine in accommodating an excavator's need for dynamic and frequent bursts of power when carrying out excavation work. When the engine is at idle, it is run at “super low” speeds, further contributing to lower fuel consumption.

Between the beginning of June and March 31, 2009, Komatsu expects to sell 30 hybrid excavator units, all in Japan, before offering the concept in international markets.

20% premium

In Japan, it is selling for 27 million yen (around $A270,000), about a 20% premium compared with a conventional machine.

Komatsu Australia's construction general manager Sean Taylor, said that the new excavator is an example of the company's technological leadership.

“Komatsu has led the industry for many years in developing fuel-efficient hydraulic systems, engines and electronic control systems. Our release of the world's first commercially-available hybrid excavator is the latest example of our industry-leading technology and engineering.

“And in the development of this new-concept machine, Komatsu has maintained its philosophy of designing and manufacturing major components in house, ensuring full integration of all aspects of the machine,” Taylor said.

“In releasing the world's first hybrid excavator, we are demonstrating our strong commitment to reducing customers' owning and operating costs and also to making a real difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the longer term,” he said.

More information: Komatsu Australia, 1300 KOMATSU (1300 566 287), www.komatsu.com.au, info@komatsu.com.au.