Caterpillar recently announced several major new products added to its line,
chief among them the new Cat 336E H hydraulic hybrid excavator.
The
press was given an advance sneak peek at the new machine at an event
held at its Peoria, Ill., headquarters. The unveiling comes after months
of speculation about the new model.
“Customer interest has been
off the charts,” said Ken Gray, global product manager of large
hydraulic excavators, Caterpillar’s excavation division. “They’re not
only reaching out to Cat dealers to learn more about the 336E H, they
are placing orders. In fact, we received our first signed orders October
17, the day after the reveal.”
The Cat 336E H, which on its
surface looks similar to existing non-hybrid models, has been retooled
under the hood based on three principles: Conserve, Optimize, Reuse.
The
Conserve option runs the engine at its optimum speed. Energy flow is
controlled and optimized via the patented Cat Adaptive Control System
(ACS) valve, and energy is reused via the hydraulic hybrid swing, which
captures the excavator’s upper structure swing brake energy in
accumulators and then releases the energy during swing acceleration. It
all adds up to a three part system that is designed to reduce fuel usage
by as much as 25 percent over the 336E standard model, and 33 percent
over the previous 336D standard model.
As far as cost goes, the
new hybrid model will come at a premium but, according to Cat, because
of the fuel savings, the cost can be recouped within one year to 18
months over the price of a non-hybrid model, depending on usage.
Since much of the design changes of the hybrid excavator are under the hood, Caterpillar
has developed a 3-D model of the entire excavator that allows users to
see every single detail of the interior. The model, which was displayed
by Brian Stelbrink, Caterpillar’s product application specialist, was
displayed on a wide touch screen that allowed users to see deep into the
inner workings of the engine, the adaptive control system, and even
into places that usually only mechanics can get into. “It’s really
helped people visualize what’s going on inside,” said Stelbrink.
For anyone waiting to get a chance to utilize this new model, factory shipments began in March of this year.
In addition to the hybrid excavator, Caterpillar unveiled the first of several new wheeled material handlers in the MH3049.
According
to Cat, high strength structural steel and advanced welding techniques
ensure structural integrity; a powerful hydraulic system provides rapid
response with efficiency; a Cat C9 ACERT engine delivers reliable,
fuel-saving performance; and new serviceability features simplify
maintenance. These design elements combine to provide low-cost operation
and maximum value for the MH3049 customers.
According to Cat,
major structures use continuous welds that incorporate extensive
chamfering and beveling to reduce stress concentration. Both the booms
and sticks are constructed from single piece top and side steel plates
eliminating the need for seams and internal baffles.
The upper
frame is designed specifically to dissipate loads transferred through
the front linkage and counterweight, and the lower frame’s unique
tapered design evenly distributes loads and reduces stress. Oversized
pins and bushings strengthen pivot points. In addition, extensive finite
element analysis and strain-gauge testing throughout the design process
ensure long-term durability.
Also on the MH3049, the hydraulic
cab-riser system features “ground entry and exit” with a step-in cab,
enhancing safety for operators and service personnel. Cab height on both
machines is adjustable up to an eye level of 18.75 ft. (5.70 m) on the
MH3049 and 23.5 ft. (7.2 m) on the MH3059. On the MH3049, raise time
from ground level to maximum height is approximately 14 seconds;
lowering time from maximum height to ground level is 12 seconds.
Similarly, the raise time from ground level to maximum height on the
MH3059 is approximately 17 seconds and lowering time from maximum height
to ground level is 13 seconds.
Adjustable sensors control the
height of the cab above the ground. A manual safety override in the cab
allows the operator to lower the riser in the event of engine power
loss.
http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/Caterpillar-Showcases-New-Hydraulic-Hybrid-Excavator/20154/
