Capital Equipment News October 2020

EXCAVATORS

The 205NXT tracked excavator from JCB.

The 20 – 25 t excavator: a versatile workhorse here to stay The 20 to 25 tonne class excavator is one of the most popular size classes. With operating costs a key focus, today’s contractors need maximum usage to remain profitable, which means machines are often applied outside their normal application range. This feature explores the advances in design and technology in this size class and looks at what to expect in this market segment in the near future. By Mark Botha.

A key aspect of hydraulic excavators in the 20 to 25 tonne (t) range is their ability to be deployed across applications, made possible by recent developments in design and technology such as CAT’s 2D CAT Grade; Assist; E-fence and Payload, and Operator ID, designed to offer clients versatility, efficiency and safety, says Hugo van der Walt, GCI product manager at CAT distributor, Barloworld Equipment. HPE Africa, a reseller of Hyundai excavators, has on offer in this weight class the 21,2 t 210 Smart; the R220LC-9S (21,9 t) and the 25,2 t R260LC-9S, all with 600 mm triple grouser. According to Ross Collard, the company’s MD, the 210 Smart features Hyundai’s computer-aided power optimisation (CAPO) technology for improved fuel efficiency, as well as hydraulic flow summation and regeneration to ensure faster cycle times. He says this series is sold with additional bucket link reinforcement to support bucket dig and arm crowd forces. Fuel efficiency is further boosted by an upgraded circuit design, sensor controls and advanced hydraulics for variable load sensing. The water-cooled, four-cycle, six cylinder in-line, direct- injection turbocharged diesel engine is designed for power, efficiency and reduced emissions. The hydraulics system provides a wide range of flow at various workloads, to optimise productivity. Collard says the R220LC-9S and R260LC-9S from Hyundai feature a computer-aided power machine-management

optimisation system, whereby the operator can set preferences for boom or swing priority, power mode selection and optional work tools. JCB GM Andrew Boyers says the 205NXT tracked excavator boasts an “array of upgrades” over its predecessor, the JS205. “The 20 t model is available in Africa and the Middle East and, with its electrical and hydraulic upgrades, is perfectly equipped to serve these markets.” He says the 205NXT now features the IntelliControl system which offers improved fuel efficiency and productivity. “The electrical upgrades associated with IntelliControl have seen the introduction of an optional rear-view camera, helping to make this machine a safe solution on any site, especially when considering the high levels of cab visibility.” A new display and control panel has been added to facilitate the IntelliControl system, which includes an electric throttle to control engine revolutions to suit the application. “The electric rotary throttle has replaced the outgoing models’ cable-controlled throttle, and now offers a Power Plus mode to allow for maximum productivity levels, particularly in heavy-duty cycles.” IntelliControl and the new display provide the 205NXT with a self-diagnosis system with error codes and multi-coloured warning alerts for quick maintenance. In 2016, Liebherr Africa launched its R 920, R 922 and R 924 crawler excavators at the bauma trade fair. These models are designed specifically for low regulated countries. The company

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