Komatsu showcased machines and technology engineered to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and plan for implementing sustainable solutions, including electrification, at CONEXPO 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Such products are designed for energy transitions and fleet management.
Electric Excavators
Komatsu featured the 20-ton PC210LCE electric excavator, which was first displayed last fall at Bauma. Featuring Proterra’s lithium-ion battery technology, the excavator has 451 kWh of battery capacity, for up to eight hours of operating time (operation of five to nine hours in tests, depending on workload conditions).
The company also displayed the PC30E electric mini excavator. Equipped with a 35-kWh battery and a 17.4 kW electric motor, its batteries can be fast-charged. This electric mini-excavator is for a diverse range of workplaces including operating indoors, urban construction and landscaping.
The PC01E electric micro excavator was also at the booth. This machine is powered by portable and swappable mobile batteries. Developed jointly with Honda, the new excavator is designed for confined spaces in landscaping, agriculture and construction. Komatsu's vision for the swappable battery system is to scale up the technology for use in larger micro excavator models.
The PC210LCE, PC30E and PC01E will be available in select markets in 2023.
Electric Wheel Loader Concept
With a chassis based on the Komatsu WA70 wheel loader, the WA Electric wheel loader concept machine was developed in partnership with Moog Inc. Utilizing an "intelligent electrification system,” this wheel loader features an electric traction motor, lift, tilt and steering cylinders, power electronics, system control computer, battery and battery management system.
Battery Technology and Charging Station Advancements
To provide flexible charging solutions for varying applications and customer needs, Komatsu is exploring high-power-charging solutions and developing multiple power source options including batteries.
The Komatsu Generation 2 charger is capable of stepping voltage up or down to meet charging needs. With an input range from 400-1140V and an output of 300-900V, it features a universal CCS (AC/DC) charge plug and it too is transportable.
Developed in partnership with Proterra, the Proterra portable charging concept is designed for use in “off grid” locations or where site power is inaccessible or unreliable.
The Komatsu portable charging concept for mini-excavator, exhibited as a charging solution concept for environments without a power supply, is compactly designed for transportation. In addition to charging mini-excavators, it can also be used to charge other electric equipment on the work site.
HB365LC-3 Hybrid Excavator
Komatsu’s hybrid excavator is designed to minimize fuel consumption during use. Engineered with a Komatsu hybrid system that can provide an additional 70-hp on demand, the HB365LC-3 allows operators to increase production up to 15% in power mode, while its environmentally friendly operation offers up to 20% more fuel efficiency and 20% less CO2 emissions when compared to the PC360LC-11.
Development of these hybrid and electric machines and charging stations moves Komatsu closer to its global sustainability target of a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and complete carbon neutrality by 2050.
MVT-II 600
To reduce waste in the quarry and cement production process, the newly rebranded Komatsu MVT-II-600 crusher uses tension — rather than compression. The crushing process of the MVT-II 600 uses matched velocity technology (MVT) to generate far less fines in product, to help minimize waste production. The MVT-II 600 has replaceable bolt-on roll wear segments and durable pick technology and can consistently crush a combination of hard abrasive minerals and wet sticky material.
