Hydraulic excavators are becoming more automated and easier to operate. Case is calling its excavators “thinking machines” because the company claims it practically runs itself. Read on to discover the latest in hydraulic excavators.

Komatsu America International introduced changes to its PC400LC-6 and PC400HD-6 hydraulic excavators to meet Tier II emissions standards. The 99,000-lb HD-6 models are powered by the 306-hp Komatsu SA6D125E-2 engine with the addition of an air aftercooler, new radiator, oil cooler and AC filter components. These models have a versatile 4-cu-yd capacity bucket, an arm crowd force to 57,760 lb and a bucket digging force to 50,450 lb. A key feature of the models is Komatsu's HydrauMind hydraulic control system, which allows load-sensing and pressure compensated valves to automatically adjust to individual work applications. HydrauMind makes it easier to change attachments, as well as more cost effective to add auxiliary valves needed to operate crushers, shears, and similar attachments, according to the company.

Komatsu also came out with a new engine for its 60-ton PC600LC-6 excavator — the SAA6D140E-2. The 385-hp, six-cylinder, water-cooled SAA6D140 engine also is Tier II compliant. The machine's operating weight is 131,393 lb. Its bucket and arm digging force is 71,210 lb and 55,340 lb respectively. At 6 cu yd, the company claims the excavator provides the largest bucket capacity in its class for bigger loads and less cycle times. It has three arm length options: 11 ft 6 in. for a reach of 42 ft 9 in.; 14 ft for a reach of 44 ft 6 in.; and 17 ft 1 in. for a reach of 47 ft 4 in. It also features the HydrauMind system.

Case Construction Equipment calls its CX Series hydraulic excavators “thinking machines” because they have an advanced automatic-operation mode and hydraulics. The CX Series replaces the current 9010B, 9020B, 9030B and 9040B. The four new models — CX130, CX160, CX210 and CX240 — range from 26,920 to 53,405 lb and from 110 hp on the CX130 to 163 hp on the CX240. Dig depths range from 20 ft to 24 ft 3 in. The Case 6TAA-590 diesel engine featured in the CX210 and CX240 models uses electronic engine controls and high-pressure fuel injection. The engine uses charge-air cooling to lower the temperature of the air entering the combustion unit. The CX130 and CX160 are equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder Case 4TAA-390 engine. All CX Series engines are covered by a two-year/2,000-hour warranty.

The Gradall Co.'s model XL 3300 hydraulic excavator features a wheeled undercarriage that provides mobility on and off hard surfaces. The excavator has an optional CE package meeting CE machinery directive requirements and STVZO German road regulations. It also is equipped with the company's XL Series high-pressure, load-sensing hydraulics. A 148-hp turbocharged Deere engine powers the upperstructure and the four-wheel drive undercarriage. Maximum digging depth for the XL 3300 is 19 ft 4 in., while boom radius at groundline is 28 ft 1 in. The rated boom force is 21,940 lb.

LBX Co. added the 330 LX to its Link-Belt LX Series. It has an operating weight of 78,000 lb and features an Isuzu AA-6HK1XQB with 247 hp. The excavator is configured with a 21 ft 2 in. boom and has three available arm lengths: 8 ft 8 in., 10 ft 8 in., and 13 ft 3 in. The Inte-LX computer control system monitors hydraulic output, pressures and regulates engine performance. Its auto power-up function allows the machine to respond to changes in operating conditions, automatically supplying a power increase, without operator interaction and regardless of the work mode, according to the manufacturer. Hydraulic pressure sensors detect resistance and pressure is increased by 9% for eight seconds.

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Manufacturer	web:	circle #
Case	casece.com	176
Gradall Co.	gradall.com	177
Komatsu	komatsuamerica.com	178
LBX	lbxco.com	179