Equipment

 New Caterpillar equipment allows you to considerably reduce fuel consumption and correspondingly boost fuel economy. The M313D, M315D, M316D, M318D, M322Dmodels(picture 1) are powered by an improved engine that complies with  Tier III standard, which enhances the whole new lineup productivity. Two high-pressure hydraulic lines can be installed in wheel excavators. A system of run smoothness   is implemented as well. The company has also focused on ergonomic innovations. Better visibility, a view aft camera, a monitor with up to 10 kinds of rigging and a possibility to adjust many parameters, steering through a joystick   – all this boosts an operator’s comfort at a jobsite.

JCB presented a new lineup of the JS Auto wheeled excavators (picture 2) at the Bauma’2007 show. The company positions them as the most powerful and efficient machines it has ever offered. Thanks to the most updated Isuzu engines that comply with Tier III ecological standard, they are more efficient in operation. All models have been greatly revamped over the two years except the smallest JS130W. The biggest JS200W model has special configurations for  garbage sorting and transshipment. Its maximum engine power is increased up to 25% at the same time decreasing toxic emissions in accordance with the latest requirements of developed countries; the noise level is 5 dB lower. Fuel consumption is reduced to 12%. Unlike previous generation engines fitted with a mechanical control system leading to a tardy reaction and a rotation fall at a sharp load increase, the new engines have a modern electronic system that immediately adjusts the engine power, reacting to changes in the hydraulics. It means even when performing heavy works   the engine instantly reacts to load   and constantly operates at optimum rotations. As a result machines   have boosted their operation, the working cycle has dramatically reduced, and their productivity has eventually grown. Besides, advanced technologies provide the engines with an easier cold start    and oil level indication on the monitor in the operator’s cab, relieving him of a need to climb the rotating platform for daily examination. The JS Auto excavators have cooling system fans with electronic speed control.  Besides making the vehicles less noisy and more fuel-saving, it helps maintain the optimal temperature of power fluids irrespective of the ambient temperature and operation intensity having a positive effect on productivity. As a result of all these alterations the excavators’ productivity has increased by about 5%, leading to operating cost and time saving.

Volvo Construction Equipment company offers its new EW140C (picture 3), EW160C and EW180C wheeled excavator models. The new generation excavators are made on the base of popular B series wheeled excavator models. At the same time they enjoy all assets of new tracked excavators of the Ñ series.   The Ñ series excavators are powered by even more efficient and economical Volvo engines with a modern Volvo V-ACT fuel combustion system that meets Tier III emissions legislation. The engines have a high torque at low rotation that ensures highly sensitive hydraulics and excellent fuel saving as well as a longer service life of the power unit. The engine management system    provides a balanced engine and hydraulics operation which prevents the engine overload irrespective of its   rotation speed and intensity of the pumping action.

The new models are versatile, fuel saving, highly comfortable, steady and safe. Volvo specialists have improved the most important units of the excavator including the operator cab, engine, hydraulic system, carriage and operative parts. They also made their excavators environment-friendly and easy to service.   The improved operator cab should be noted. The operator comfort and safety is enhanced with a spacious cab, with greater glass area,   ergonomically designed   control elements and better noise and vibration protection according to ROPS, the best in its class climate-control system. The Ñ series excavators are 95% from recyclable materials. For exterior surfaces lead-free paint is used.   

Tver Excavator of the GAZ group has released 3 fundamentally new models: ÅÊ-14-60-60, ÅÊ-20 (picture 4) and the ÅÊ-18-45  scrap industrial excavator-loader  over the last 2 years. They are derivatives of the well-known to customers ÅÊ-14 and ÅÊ-18 models. The new ÅÊ-20 wheeled excavator developed by ÒVEÊS specialists, belongs to the size IV group. It is the debut of the Tver equipment here.  Due to foreign components the ÅÊ-20 has gained a lot. The Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic motors and pump unit, the ZF gear box and bridges are installed on the excavators. Besides, the chassis – one of vulnerable places in any excavator - have been seriously updated. Twin wheels of the front and rear axles boosted the excavator’s stability and performance on a rough terrain.  But unlike its predecessor ÅÊ-18, it has a shorter wheelbase with enhanced maneuverability. The travel speed is increased to 25 km/h. The ÅÊ-20 is powered by the YaMZ-236G5 engine. These are multi-purpose machines.   Enhanced thermo-insulation of the new cab,   the Hydronic Ì (Germany)   starting fluid preheater, and other technical aids help operate the ÅÊ-20 at extremely low temperatures.   Air-conditioning is optional.    The manufacturer has also improved the operator working conditions. A unitized cab with enhanced modern interior, tinted side and rear windows, spherical rear-view mirrors are introduced in the ÅÊ-20. It has more convenient control due to modern hydraulic vibratory bearings, better sound and vibration isolation.    An operator can listen to music as a niche for a CD player is provided. The cab ventilation is improved due to changes in the air flow distribution and application of filters.  A new, ergonomically designed dashboard is used as well. There are many innovations in the ÅÊ-14-60-60. The working equipment construction is drastically altered: a prolonged bucket arm at a preserved bucket volume allows an increased digging depth   to 5.06 m with the same productivity. The Perkins 1104Ñ-44ÒÀ engine guarantees meeting Òier II emissions ecological standards. The Perkins diesel engines are known for special tolerance to load difference. It gives the ÅÊ-14-60-60 an increased motor resource (up to 40 thousand motor hours, five times as much as the D-245), and a bigger lifelength   between routine technical checkups. It resulted in 17% greater power of the ÅÊ-14-60-60 compared to the base ÅÊ-14 model.    

It has an improved bonnet system, implemented new lay-out solutions concerning the fuel and  hydraulic tanks installation, and easy access to components and units during maintenance.   Application of the full Bosch-Rexroth (LUDV hydraulic circuit) hydraulics    has considerably boosted the ÅÊ-14-60-60 technical characteristics and consumer properties. Its hydrosystem pressure is higher: 32 mPà compared to 28 ìPà in a serial ÅÊ-14. It provides an unlimited work mix. Operational equipment is fitted with cushion valves on the stick hydraulic cylinders   to exclude “falls” and increase smooth movements. The excavator works with a big scale of integral implements. Sticks with different size and volume buckets greatly expand its applications. A clamshell with a suspension for quick-change equipment allows using   a versatile grapple, a hydraulic hammer, a ripper. Both the ÅÊ-20 and ÅÊ-14-60-60 are equipped with  a new unified cab. The ÅÊ-18-45 multipurpose excavator with scrap operative equipment   is in great demand today   – it was launched in 2007. It is fitted with a rotator clamshell, a hydraulic actuator  elevating cabin, rubber-tyred  movement with a bigger support contour. Among this model’s build features we can name a new cabin elevating mechanism of a semirevolving type, which expanded the visibility of performed operations and provided a minimal amplitude of the cabin oscillation in an elevated position.

The Terex upgraded models (picture 5) were showcased at “demo-days” in May 2008. The Terex mobile excavator lineup spans ten models and two rail excavators.   The TW 170 with a 17.1 to 17.8 t operating weight is powered by the   Deutz 141 hp engine. The TW 190 weight hovers from 19 to 21 t and depends on whether a bulldozer breast or only supports are installed.  Its producers used the same upper platform as in the ÒÑ210 crawler-mounted excavator. It is powered by the Ñummins engine with 6,7 l and 155 hp capacity.  The hydraulics applies 2 piston pumps with an alternating direction of travel. The system has three programmed modes: precise, ecological and powerful. It enables an operator to choose the most productive and fuel-saving mode to meet certain conditions. Differential pressure protection valves are installed in all excavators’ pipelines and braking cylinders on the power stroke completion. They can be fitted with a single-block or a three-part adjustable arm. The key features providing maximum productivity of the wheeled excavators are: an optimum centre of gravity and weight distribution, precise digger control from sensitive hydraulics, high steadiness, a durable build optimized for trench applications and control smoothness.

Daewoo (Doosan) models have been restyled (heading photo) by the company. Excavators have boosted comfort parameters for operators, having world class ergonomically designed cabs providing all round visibility, operator comfort and machine control. Even a lumbar seat adjustment is provided! The machine is powered by a new DL (Euro III) engine with a fuel saving oil supply and is electronically controlled. The machine is fitted with a cruise-control system.

 Komatsu has supplied two models of wheeled excavators to Russia - the PW160-7 (picture 6) and PW180-7. Compared to the predecessor, the 6^th series, the equipment has been updated and advanced.   The machines can boast high productivity and reliability, operator comfort conditions and a durable build. They are environment-friendly.

The hydraulics and engine are more efficient. The engine complies with the latest European emissions standards (EU Stage IIIA and EPA Tier III). The inner cab dimensions are 14% bigger than in the previous series models to ensure boosted operator’s comfort. The noise level accompanying the engine, revolving platform    and hydraulics operation is considerably decreased.   An improved viscous system of cab suspension is introduced.   The excavators safely and precisely perform load lifting operations. An exclusive HydrauMind system enables it. Computer diagnostics and easy access to all maintainable elements is provided in the excavator build. It guarantees proper routine and current maintenance by technicians. An option attached implements range has been enlarged. Its updated control system gives an operator a chance to opt for an operating fluid consumption mode, hydraulic lines to ensure a hammer,   scoop clamshell, rock grinding and other equipment performance.

 New E130Wlc (picture 7) and E160Wlc made by Eksmash closed company, can boast a number of their own build peculiar features. The Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic drive system by LUDV company design gives an unlimited number of combinations in a working cycle, high precision of operations and minimal fuel loss. The distribution of the main   LS-pump flow between executive mechanisms with the slewing mechanism priority is aimed at operative cycle acceleration.  A convenient hood-type system allows free access to all units and elements to provide quick and easy maintenance.   The operator comfort and safety is enhanced with a spacious cab, with greater glass area,   ergonomically designed   control elements and better noise and safety protection throughout the shift. All models of the plant are fitted with integral implements and a quick-change device.

 A new Takeuchi ÒÂ175W wheeled excavator (picture 8) is easy to handle and reliable.  The arm locking emergency ensures the TB175W safety if there is necessity to work in a foundation pit with people. We can not but mention the quick mode choice valve to operate the TB175W thanks to a maximally rapid and convenient mode switch. The new series engine is practically noiseless, a plus in city applications.     The fuel system automatically exhausts air out of     fuel pipes in a machine without fuel. It allows saving time, tools and rids of calls to service centres. Takeuchi takes care of its products’ environmental safety and proves using oil that decays due to microorganisms.   The regulated steering wheel system  is specially designed to fix it in movement and at digging operations.   The TB175W arm has two booms. A monolith arm can be mounted as well – it is a  device for deeper digging. The TB175W cab has two rotation speeds and an operator can decrease the excavator rotation to perform a certain maneuver in confined areas. An adjustable suspended seat minimizes the operator’s fatigue.

Hitachi showcases its ZAXIS-3 series wheeled excavators (picture 9) – new generation excavators with boosted power capacity, productivity and operator comfort.   Hitachi realizes innovations in its high performance and reliability machines taking into account Russian operation conditions. A new 4-valve Dohc diesel engine improves movement characteristics and save fuel. New operation features and functions are introduced in the model –a new Å (economy) mode, a new Hios II hydraulic system, an auto axle auto lock system, a braking hold system via a disk brake without clearance. The equipment has better smoothness. The excavators are fitted with a new mouldboard, new outriggers and even new tyres! The company has naturally improved operator working conditions - an improved construction chair, considerable led space, better visibility, and short travel levers. The operator’s safety equipment comprises the Cres II shockproof cab,   cab protection pipes on the right,   a control system lockup lever, an emergency engine switch. A Russian language versatile monitor enables getting information about maintenance system, a working equipment support system, the data of the view aft camera,   stealth protection and  fuel consumption monitoring. 

  Liebherr  company (picture 10) targeted its major alterations in the C series excavator build at improved safety, reliability and productivity. The new generation   Liebherr engines have increased the build ruggedness  by 30% which comply with Stage-III/Tier-III standards, with ”pump-pipe-nozzle” electronically-controled fuel equipment   an adjustable hydraulic drive of a fan.      Liebherr has increased the share of in-house components: key components released by Liebherr (diesel engines, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders,  reduction units, slewing circles,  fabricated metals,  quick-change adapters,  mounted tools), electronic components from a new Liebherr-Elektronic German-based plant. Individual settings have wider possibilities through an on-board computer   not only in the wholly hydraulic system of excavators, but in separate functions as well. it depends on operaionsand operators’ preferences.   The base configuration   is enriched with vital for safety  systems: emergency stop valves of support outrigger and boom lift hydraulic cylinders, the cab climate-control, an automanual  system of  working equipment centralized lubrication.

 New Holland company transferred wheeled excavators production from Berlin to Turin (Italy). These machines have few changes   compared to their predecessors  (ðicture 11). The main difference is in the introduction of more efficient Tier-III engines with lower fuel consumption and noise level. The hydraulics has been revised a little for boosted efficiency.  A list of options is considerably enlarged.

 

 

 

If excavators with the same weight are operated in a region with approximately identical soil strength, the prime cost ratio of 1 cubic metre development will not differ irrespective of the volume of works at one jobsite. Their relocation costs have a decisive importance depending on their weight in particular.

 But if soil strength varies from one object to another, these figures will be different. The excavator cycle time depends on the bucket lip maximal force. If it is rather big, the bucket will operate at a speed restricted by an excavator controllability condition or its hydraulic equipment capacity on unstable soil development sites, and there will only be partial force realization. As a rule, a bigger force earth-digging machine has correspondingly a greater cost and operational costs (at a permanent weight and other equal conditions). It will result in the development cost of 1 cubic meter of soil.

 The appropriate choice of an excavator based on the criterion of its operation force, a sum comparable with its operator’s wages will be saved over a reporting period.

 

 Abstract

Thearticle contains data on new models of wheeled excavators in the Russian market over the last two years. A description of their build features and basis characteristics is provided in detail.