Caqital Equipment News October 2018

EXCAVATORS

Using Volvo Co-Pilot, Dig Assist allows operators to easily input job specifications and track progress to ensure the job is done right the first time, every time.

Driving increased efficiency and productivity

In recent years, R&D efforts by leading OEMs have resulted in energy- efficient and more productive excavators. The technological advancements are positively impacting fuel efficiency and improving productivity, writes Munesu Shoko .

F uel expense in owning and operating excavators is a constant and accounts for a large chunk of total machine operating costs. With the unpredictable nature of fuel prices and its absolute necessity for fleet-driven operations, most equipment owners have simply looked at how much fuel they are burning and paid the bill. In recent years, technology has changed rapid- ly, and with the addition of production data, producers can now look at their fuel efficiency (how they are using it) and know its impact to the bottom line. At the heart of the efficiency drive in today’s excavators

is the introduction of energy-efficient engines by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs.) Martijn Donkersloot, product manager, Dig Assist EMEA at Volvo Construction Equipment, says fuel can account for as much as 95% of lifetime ownership costs. “Volvo boosts fuel efficiency through a highly optimised Volvo Group engine platform and efficient Tier 4 Final technology that includes SCR and light EGR. The combination allows engines to perform at optimum levels, burn less fuel and drive down costs,” says Donkersloot. According to Steven Faucher, excavation product application

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 16