For the last eight years engineers at Suncar AG, Zurich, Switzerland have been developing electric construction machines, and they offered some insights at the recent Future of Electrification 2024 conference, hosted by the Zapi Group. In a presentation titled “The all-electric construction machine,” Stefan Schneider, Suncar’s managing director, discussed progress on the road to electrification […]
Raising mobile machine efficiency via advanced electrohydraulics
There is heightened interest in optimizing the performance of mobile machines with electrohydraulic solutions, in particular with the coming need to transition from conventional machines to electrified zero-emission machinery. That’s according to Dr. Steffen Mutschler, Director Sales & Product Management Electrification of Mobile Machines at Bosch Rexroth. In a presentation, Empowering Optimal Performance with Electro-Hydraulic […]
The growing wave of software-defined machines
Data-driven off-road equipment will improve uptime and performance and reduce operating costs. Mobile machine owners, fleet operators and rental companies increasingly want equipment that offers more-exacting control, higher productivity and efficiency, and is more environmentally friendly. Add to that is the growing interest in electrification, automation, and autonomy. In response, mobile OEMs and their suppliers are […]
Smart management, smart control blocks
By Michael Pyper Bucher Hydraulics High hydraulic performance is crucial in mobile machinery. Especially in this era of increasing electrification, hydraulics remains vital. This is particularly true for agricultural and forestry machines where compact installation and weight optimization are essential. Fluid power plays a significant role in energy efficiency and, when intelligently combined, electric and […]
Electrification conference set for February
ZAPI Group, a leading proponent of vehicle electrification, will hold its Future of Electrification virtual conference on February 7-8, 2024. The third annual conference will bring together industry leaders and experts in industrial and commercial vehicle electrification to discuss practical steps to achieve an all-electric reality. According to ZAPI officials, the conference will provide insights […]
GM and Komatsu collaborate on hydrogen-powered mining truck
General Motors and Komatsu will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E mining truck, said to be the world’s best-selling ultra-class haul truck. The surface-mining electric drive truck has an operating weight of 1,150,000 lbs and a nominal payload capacity of 320 tons. The companies will jointly design and validate the technology. […]
Komatsu to acquire U.S. battery manufacturer
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. […]
