With Tier III regulations now in effect for many sizes of off-road engines, manufacturers are introducing new earthmovers incorporating updated engine technology. Not only do these designs offer improved emissions control, in many cases, they also provide greater fuel efficiency and improved overall operating performance.

Following is a look at some of the newest earthmovers available, including several featuring the latest engine designs.

Delivering a 70-ton digger
During a press tour of its Changwon, South Korea manufacturing facility, Volvo CE announced the start of deliveries of its 70-ton EC700B LC crawler excavator. According to the company, the 70-ton EC700B LC is designed from the ground up with input from customers worldwide. Intensive field testing and evaluation was conducted globally in a range of extreme conditions and environments.

The EC700B LC is designed for extreme use in heavy applications, including civil engineering, mass excavation and quarry loading. It comes equipped with the Volvo D16E EAE3 engine rated at 464 gross hp at 1,800 rpm. This Tier III-compliant Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT) power system is matched to the Volvo hydraulic system to provide maximum output at minimum fuel consumption.

The EC700B LC comes in standard and mass excavation (ME) versions with operating weights from 150,600 to 155,600 lbs. Maximum digging reach is 43.21 ft. with a maximum digging depth of 27.56 ft. The standard version has a 4.97-cu.-yd. bucket capacity, 25.26-ft. boom and 11.65-ft. arm. The ME version has a 5.88-cu.-yd. bucket capacity, 21.65-ft. boom and 9.51-ft. arm. Both feature a large counterweight and long, wide-gauge tracks to ensure balance and stability during operation.

The operator station features clear visibility, a nine-way adjustable seat, ergonomic controls, sound and vibration protection and a high-capacity climate-control system. Easy all-around access is provided by wide access steps and an access ladder to the top of the machine behind the cab. Hydraulic noise is reduced with the use of dampened pipe clamps.

Service is simplified through easy access to the engine oil, fuel and air filters, etc., via wide steps, a catwalk and ladders. The undercarriage of the machine is retractable for easier transport.

A big machine for big jobs
Komatsu America has developed the PC600LC-8 hydraulic excavator, an upgraded machine with increased speed and stability, an improved Tier III-compliant engine and enhanced serviceability. The unit has a 126,320- to 132,280-lb. operating weight, and is suited for large-scale earthmoving and utility applications, pit and quarry work, mining and other high-production tasks.

The PC600LC-8 is equipped with Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure web site utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. It also reduces theft risk and allows for remote diagnostics by the distributor.

The Komatsu SAA6D140E-5 engine, rated at 386 flywheel hp, adopts a cooled EGR system, ensuring compliance with Tier III emissions regulations. A hydraulically driven, variable-speed cooling fan provides quieter operation and improved fuel economy.

The excavator is equipped with Power, Economy and Lifting working modes, two boom mode settings and a Power Max control. The Economy mode now features four level settings, which allow the operator to achieve required production at the lowest possible fuel consumption.

A spacious cab includes a high-capacity automatic climate control system, clear visibility, multi-position PPC (pressure proportional control) levers and a multi-adjustable suspension seat. The sound-absorbing cab is mounted to a highly rigid deck and uses a multi-layer viscous cab mounting system.

The EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System) monitors all critical systems, tracks the preventive maintenance schedule and provides error codes and troubleshooting assistance to mechanics.