The construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment markets are experiencing rapid and massive growth in electrification driven by CO2 reduction efforts, regulatory demands, ESG and operational improvement needs. That’s the motivation behind the announcement that Komatsu, through its wholly owned subsidiary in the U.S., Komatsu America Corp., has agreed to acquire American Battery Solutions, […]
Caterpillar to develop hydrogen-powered hydraulic hybrids
Caterpillar has announced the launch of a three-year program to demonstrate an advanced hydrogen-hybrid power solution built on its new Cat C13D engine platform. Starting in the first quarter of 2024, Caterpillar will develop a transient-capable system for off-highway applications. The project will demonstrate how state-of-the-art control systems and electric-hybrid components can help hydrogen-fueled engines […]
Compact check valves fit tight installation spaces
Check valves are proven components that allow media to flow in only one direction and prevent backflow in the opposite direction — similar to diodes in electrical applications. For years, the engineers at Bucher Hydraulics based in Dachau, Germany, have continuously optimized this unobtrusive component, which is often concealed inside hydraulic blocks. For instance, the […]
Teleo launches autonomous capabilities for heavy construction
Teleo, a Palo Alto, Calif. based company building autonomous technology for heavy construction equipment, today announced that Florida-based Tomahawk Construction will become the first customer to deploy its autonomous capabilities on an active job site. Tomahawk Construction’s articulated dump trucks will use autonomous functions to move material to build a residential community in Naples, Fl. […]
Hybrid mobile machines offer a bridge to the future
Diesel-electric mobile machines provide many of the benefits of electrification without the shortcomings. The push for electrification of mobiles equipment is in full swing, with dozens of OEMs showcasing battery-electric models that promise zero emissions, low noise, and minimal maintenance headaches. But the current generation of electric machines also has serious drawbacks. They struggle to […]
The future of mobile hydraulics and sustainable off-road machines
Volvo Construction Equipment is at the forefront of global efforts toward electrification and non-diesel alternatives for mobile machines, and the company aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It has offered battery-electric wheel loaders and mini excavators for several years and will soon launch an electric road asphalt compactor and an electric version […]
Multi-chamber cylinders increase excavator efficiency
Norrhydro, based in Tampere, Finland, and Volvo Construction Equipment are moving ahead with field trials of a new excavator concept that engineers say could revolutionize machine hydraulic performance. If proven successful and widely adopted, the system could improve overall productivity of various types of off-road equipment and help meet the mobile industry’s sustainability targets and […]
Buyer beware when replacing hydraulics with electric actuators
Given heightened interest in battery powered mobile equipment, engineers are starting to weigh the benefits of hydraulic versus electric drives to power various machine functions. During the recent Future of Electrification conference, hosted by the Zapi Group, Kirk Martin, Global Director of Sales for Mobile Machinery at Ewellix explored this topic in his presentation, “The […]
Hydraulics key to energy efficient mobile machines
Engineers at Sennebogen, Straubing, Germany, are embracing advanced diesel, hydraulic, electric and control technologies to design machines that generate significantly fewer emissions, compared to traditional equipment, and cut energy consumption in half. They’re building on proven and, in some cases, simple concepts that greatly benefit equipment users. Here’s a look at some of the innovations […]
A glimpse at the future of unmanned machines
When engineers consider next-generation construction equipment, much of the attention today centers on electrification, alternative-fuel engines, automated functions that increase precision and reduce waste, and “smart” control networks that wirelessly tie together all the machines on a worksite for greater efficiency and productivity. Perhaps a bit under the radar, but potentially game-changing, is the possibility […]
