ROLLING MEADOWS, IL - Komatsu America Corp. announces the introduction of the Hybrid PC200LC-8 excavator into the North American market.  The new Hybrid PC200LC-8 delivers a machine with power and efficiency, while reducing environmental impact as compared to the company's standard model.

Substantial "green" impact
By developing a successful hybrid excavator in the largest construction machine segment (20-22 ton), Komatsu's green technology will have a substantial impact on saving fuel and reducing green house emissions.

Hybrid excavator technology
Powered by the Komatsu Hybrid System, the Hybrid PC200LC-8 uses a newly developed electric swing motor, power generator motor, capacitor and diesel engine. Komatsu developed its hybrid system to work on the principle of swing energy regeneration and energy storage using the Komatsu Ultra Capacitor system.  Komatsu's Ultra Capacitors provide fast energy storage and instantaneous power transmission.

The kinetic energy generated during the swing braking phase is converted to electricity which is sent through an inverter and then captured by the Ultra Capacitor. This   captured energy is then discharged very quickly for upper structure rotation and to assist the engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under work load conditions.

In tests comparing the standard PC200LC-8 hydraulic excavator to the Hybrid PC200LC-8, the hybrid model reduced fuel consumption by approximately 25-40%, depending on the application.