Caqital Equipment News October 2018

specialist for Africa, Middle East at Caterpillar, the OEM's Next Generation excavators come with a range of features that speak directly to lower fuel consumption and increased productivity. “Firstly, all engines use electronic injection to allow more precise control of the injection, and the use of various power modes to adapt machine performance and consumption to the needs of each specific situation,” says Faucher. Faucher adds that with Cat’s New Generation excavators, engine operating RPMs have been reduced significantly. For example, with the new Cat 320 and 323 models, RPMs come at 1 650, compared with 1 700 and 1 800 on the previous models. “The injection system has also improved. Our Cat engines use high pressure fuel systems and new injectors that work to achieve lower fuel consumption. In addition, the injection system has been designed to withstand challenges often encountered in Africa and the Middle East, such as a high sulphur fuel content, as well as water and debris mixed with fuel – this can drastically reduce the life of the injectors,” says Faucher. Faucher adds that power density has increased in the new Cat Next Generation range. Most of the machines either deliver the same power rating with lower displacement, or retain the same displacement with more power. With larger turbos and reinforced components there is no compromise to equipment durability. “The engine is clearly an important element in the reduction of fuel consumption, in addition, we have redesigned our hydraulic systems to help make the most of engine power,” adds Faucher. JCB has recently launched its JS305, a 31 700 kg excavator fitted with a mechanical 6-cylinder, 7,2 ℓ JCB DieselMAX 672 engine delivering 165 Kw/224 hp of power. “Peak torque comes at 960 Nm at a low RPM of 1 300, and consequently the fine-tuning of matching the engine to the hydraulics has resulted in a very fuel efficient excavator,” explains Andrew Boyers, business development manager – Africa at JCB.

Caterpillar has introduced a Smart mode operation on its new range of excavators. The mode constantly monitors how the operator is working.

The new JCB JS305 benefits from an innovative hydraulic regeneration system which recycles oil across the cylinders for faster cycle times and reduced fuel consumption.

With the new Cat 320 and 323 models, RPMs have been reduced to 1 650, compared with 1 700 and 1 800 on the previous models

QUICK TAKE

Modern Volvo excavators all have Volvo’s ECO mode, which delivers up to 5% improvement in fuel efficiency – without any loss of performance in most operating conditions

Sophisticated electronics The introduction of sophisticated

electronics has provided new tools to increase hydraulic system efficiency. Faucher says the addition of electronics allows for better management of engines and hydraulic systems, and so the whole system is more efficient. “Since

Fuel can account for as much as 95% of lifetime ownership costs of an excavator

95%

The engine is clearly an important element in the reduction of fuel consumption

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 17