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 […]
Electric machines complement diesel-hydraulics
Last year Bobcat introduced the T7X, the world’s first all-electric compact track loader. The company is now expanding its electrification portfolio with the recent introduction of the first all-electric skid-steer loader, the Bobcat S7X, and its new concept track loader, the Bobcat RogueX. “At Bobcat, we are always pushing the boundaries to explore the next […]
Volvo Construction forms new Compact Business Unit
To maximize the opportunities in the growing compact equipment segment, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced the launch of a new Compact Business Unit. The new Compact Business Unit will: Take advantage of the shift to electrification in the compact equipment segment to secure a fully electric line up of productive and sustainable products […]
Dump truck features on-demand hydraulics
The DT6 articulated dump truck from Hydrema, based in Støvring, Denmark, marks the company’s first foray into the electric vehicle segment. The completely new design, showcased at Conexpo 2023, combines an electric direct drive with on-demand hydraulics. Among the key features: quiet operation and zero emissions. The machine has an articulated chassis with a center […]
Telehandlers rely on battery powered hydraulics
The Manitou Group, with North American headquarters in West Bend, Wisc., is a long-time manufacturer of equipment like telehandlers, lift trucks, loaders and work platforms. Recent R&D and commercialization efforts have included electrification of numerous models. This includes the introduction of new electric rotative telehanders that are offered in six versions. The MRT 2660e, for […]
