Production hybrid hits Japan

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New digger will look the same as a PC200-8, but will offer substantial fuel savings.

The first piece of hybrid-powered construction equipment is about to go into series production. The Komatsu PC200-8 Hybrid excavator has been officially launched in Japan, and is set to be distributed globally soon.

The new machine uses an especially developed electric motor which turns the upper structure. Unlike hybrid cars, or some of the other prototype earthmovers, the PC200-8 Hybrid uses rapid discharge capacitors instead of batteries to power the upper structure.

Fuel consumption is reduced by at least a quarter compared with the regular PC-200-8, according to the manufacturer, with maximum savings being clocked when both machines were on site, static, but turning regularly.

The slewing anchor appears to work like the regenerative braking system on electric vehicles, charging the capacitors with the energy from the machine's momentum.

Apart from boosting the engine while under load, the stored energy will also assist while idling.

Commenting on the launch, a statement from the firm said "As a leading company of the construction equipment manufacturing industry, we are determined to meet the needs of the time by practically proposing innovative equipment designed to reduce environmental impact."

The firm has modest targets for the new tech, with just 30 to be sold over the next financial year at a guide price of US $0.26m.

Other hybrid construction machines covered in this magazine include the Atlas AR65, with electric overboost from Weyhausen and a Volvo L220F loader, earmarked for production in 2009 and seen at ConExpo earlier in the year.

Additionally, New Holland has been testing a prototype excavator, which aims to reduce consumption by as much as 40 %.

Teir IV emmissions rules are driving the technology.

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