LATEST EARTHMOVING INTRODUCTIONS DELIVER HYDRAULIC EFFICIENCY AND SIMPLIFIED OPERATION

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, manufacturers across the board made it clear that they are focused on producing earthmoving machines that deliver simplified operation and greater efficiency to benefit a contractor’s bottom line. Whether it’s updates to improve cab comfort and provide easier control, or a boost in engine and hydraulic performance, we saw a range of options for every business – from the most technologically advanced machine with all the added features, to a simple-to-operate, reliable piece of equipment without too many extras. Here are just a few of the many notable earthmoving introductions from the show.

100-METRIC-TON EXCAVATOR IS DEVELON’S BIGGEST EVER

The new 100-metric-ton DX1000LC-7 is the largest crawler excavator in DEVELON’s next-generation -7 Series lineup. The conventional tail swing excavator is ideal for aggregate and quarry operations as well as heavy construction and infrastructure work. Operators can choose the swing priority mode for bank cutting and when the swing angle is large to increase the swing speed and maximize productivity. The boom up function is prioritized when the swing priority is turned off.

This excavator’s D-ECOPOWER system helps to improve productivity and save fuel. The hydraulic system precisely controls oil flow and optimizes the engine’s available horsepower. A 360-degree all-around view monitor provides a bird’seye view for maximum visibility.

JOHN DEERE P-TIER EXCAVATORS DELIVER HYDRAULIC, ENGINE, AND UNDERCARRIAGE UPDATES

John Deere focused on new and updated excavators at CONEXPO including the new 85 P-Tier and 510

P-Tier current-generation excavators. Compared to the 85 G-Tier model, the new 85 P-Tier delivers an 18 percent engine horsepower increase and the addition of a turbo for high-altitude performance. Hydraulic performance improvements include increased pump torque and improved dig forces. The larger, redesigned cab features an eight-inch monitor with Bluetooth and a 270-degree camera system integrated into the main monitor. Optional features include an angle blade with float and continuous flow auxiliary hydraulics.

Weighing in at 51 metric tons, the 510 P-Tier is a replacement of the current 470 P-Tier model. It has a variable undercarriage and the ability to handle buckets five yards and above. By using a more efficient powertrain, including the integration of e-fans, John Deere says it has reduced maintenance and fuel costs.

Prototype Nextgeneration Volvo Excavator Is A Preview Of The Lineup To Come

Volvo Construction Equipment’s prototype EC500 crawler excavator is a preview of the first model in the company’s next-generation excavator lineup. This 50-ton model is the successor to the Volvo EC480E.

The cab has a new layout and features including a high-definition co-pilot screen, keyless engine start, wired and wireless smartphone charging, and a new work mode switch.

Volvo has added Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, delivering operators a 360-degree view with an improved camera system and a new radar detection system.

Volvo Active Control, an automated grading system, will also be available for the first time on an excavator of this size.

New electric joysticks allow for more control over the hydraulic system which can be operated together as well as virtually disconnected. This allows the operator to control the boom without affecting track speed, delivering safety benefits and a smoother ride. This also increases controllability, shortens cycle times, and improves fuel efficiency.

Comfort Driver Control allows the operator to move forwards, backwards, and steer with the joysticks. The EC500 has an increased cooling capacity that can handle more extreme weather conditions and delivers longer service intervals.

Case Features Utility Plus And Construction King Models From Updated Backhoe Line

CASE is reviving the Construction King name while adding brand-new backhoe loader models to its lineup. The line will include five new models, with two available immediately: the Utility Plus and the CASE 580SV Construction King centre pivot. Three more will follow later in 2023: the 580SV Construction King side shift, and two CASE 695SV Construction King models, one with centre pivot and one with side shift.

According to CASE, the allnew Utility Plus delivers fullsized backhoe performance in an efficient platform. This 74-hp machine features a big cab with excellent sightlines to all work areas, ease of service with a maintenance-free emissions system, and easy controls (including a choice of pilot or mechanical).

The CASE 580SV Construc tion King brings a tool carri er-style front end back to the CASE backhoe line in North America, ideal for operators who use the loader end as a primary material handler.

Caterpillar Simplifies Operation Of New Small Wheel Loaders

Caterpillar’s new Next Generation 926, 930, and 938 wheel loaders have been designed with advanced technology to simplify machine operation.

Cat’s adaptive engine rpm feature automatically adjusts engine speed based on operator input, and systems on these loaders are optimized and sized to run at lower engine rpms for better fuel efficiency. Larger pumps run at slower speeds to reduce wear and extend service life.

Four powertrain options are available on these loaders. In-cab pushbutton kickout settings for upper, lower, and tilt allow operators to match bucket position to the task. A new bucket shake feature provides precise metering of materials and cleans the bucket.

Komatsu 20ton Electric Excavator

Coming soon to North America is Komatsu’s 20-ton PC210LCE electric excavator. It features lithium-ion battery technology developed by Proterra, has 451 kWh of battery capacity, and will operate for up to eight hours on a single charge. It delivers low noise levels and zero engine vibrations.

At CONEXPO, it was displayed with Smart Construction Retrofit, a guidance kit that gives operators in the field and managers in the office access to both 2D and 3D design and payload data to help drive accuracy, control load volumes, and improve operations. The technology can be installed by a Komatsu distributor and is designed to improve grading performance.

MID-SIZE LIEBHERR WHEEL LOADERS ARE BUILT FOR TOUGH APPLICATIONS

Liebherr says its new midsize wheel loaders are designed to deliver a significant increase in performance compared to the previous models. Liebherr reinforced the steel construction of the front section to prepare the machines for handling heavy loads. Intelligent assistance systems include active personnel detection with brake assistant and the revised Skyview 360° camera system.

The new generation includes three models with bucket sizes between 2.9 and 3.9 cubic yards (2.2 and 3.0 cubic metres). The L 526 offers 20 percent more engine power and more than 20 percent higher breakout forces than its predecessor. The L 538 and L 546 models also feature performance updates, including optimized travel drive that delivers increased traction.

Hitachi Updates Excavator Hydraulic System

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas introduced new excavators including the ZX210LC-7 excavator for earthmoving, material handling, demolition, and more.

The new machine offers a maximum dig depth of 21 feet 11 inches, and a bucket breakout force of 35,520 pounds. Its next-generation TRIAS III hydraulic system reduces fuel consumption while optimizing performance. A three-pump system, TRIAS III ensures the machine responds quickly to all control inputs, while minimizing hydraulic losses. A new arm roll-in metering control valve allows hydraulic pump power to be reduced when the arm is operated with a low load. When digging, the roll-in metering control valve reduces hydraulic pressure loss to the tank, decreasing the pump power needed for digging and improving fuel efficiency.

Lbx Company Improves Performance And Energy Efficiency

Link-Belt Excavator Company’s new X4S series of excavators is an update to the

X4 series.

The Link-Belt 170 X4S, 190 X4S, 220 X4S, 260 X4S, and 300 X4S are designed to increase durability, performance, serviceability, and operator comfort, says the company.

With new features on all models, such as custom flow balance, customizable joystick function buttons, new work modes, and Trimble Ready components, LBX says that the new X4S has improved efficiency and up to five percent improved cycle times.

Additional options include HD arms, WAVES +, reversible engine fans, and Precision Grade on select models.

Dynamic stability control; payload, height, and depth alarms; and a digital level are all standard on the 220 X4S.

A new 190 X4S excavator features a 120-hp Yanmar Tier 4 Final engine. It has a larger undercarriage than the 170 X4S for ideal lift performance, improved stability, and productivity, according to LBX.