Hybrid HB365LC-3 excavator offers significant fuel savings and helps reduce your carbon footprint with lower emissions
Looking for ways to increase production while reducing costs? In today’s economy with diesel prices higher than ever, using a hybrid excavator such as Komatsu’s Hybrid HB365LC-3 is a solid solution, according to Kurt Moncini, Senior Product Manager, Komatsu.
“Hybrid technology continues to grow and be adopted in the automotive world, and the construction industry is coming around to the benefits such as lower fuel costs and emissions,” said Moncini. “The HB365LC-3 offers increased fuel efficiency without sacrificing power, so the overall performance is outstanding. A topper on the cake is the added benefit of reduced emissions that lowers your carbon footprint and promotes sustainability.”
Moncini continued, “Based on EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) CO2 formula, the Hybrid potentially offers an up to 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the standard PC360LC-11. It’s a big win all around.”
Komatsu introduced the 36-ton Hybrid HB365LC-3 — the industry’s first true hybrid in that class size — in 2017. Since then, thousands have been used around the world for all types of excavation, loading trucks and to perform other tasks. The HB365LC-3 followed the introduction of Komatsu’s first hybrid excavator, which was launched in 2008.
“The Hybrid HB365LC-3 has equal or better performance than our standard PC360LC excavator, but with fuel savings that could be as high as 20%, depending on application,” said Moncini. “It’s a great fit for construction companies that use excavators in high-swing applications, as well as for feeding crushers in quarry, recycling and demolition applications where swing is a constant.”
An electric swing motor captures and regenerates energy as the upper structure slows down and converts it to electric energy.
Moncini explained, “It’s using energy that would normally be wasted and makes it available to do work, contributing to increased efficiency and decreased diesel usage.”
Highly responsive
The energy captured during each swing braking cycle is stored in the Hybrid HB365LC-3’s ultracapacitor. Each time the excavator swings, the capacitor discharges electric power to the electric swing motor.
“A traditional battery requires time for the chemical process that releases electricity to occur,” stated Moncini. “The heavy work nature of construction equipment places a much faster demand on power transfer. The ultracapacitor’s ability to store and discharge energy quickly makes it ideal.”
He added, “When it comes to the boom arm and bucket, the capacitor drives the swing, and all available engine horsepower can go into the hydraulic system. This creates faster cycle time and a very quick, responsive swing. It’s snappy.”
In addition to powering the swing motor, the ultracapacitor sends electric energy to the engine via the motor-generator. This energy is used to accelerate the engine from an ultra-low idle speed of 700 revolutions per minute (rpm) and improve hydraulic response.
Tier 4 and more
Komatsu recently improved the warranty on the HB365LC-3’s hybrid components. The special hybrid component warranty term is now up to seven years or 15,000 hours and covers the electric swing motor, motor-generator, capacitor and inverter. If you sell the excavator, the warranty is transferrable.
The Hybrid HB365LC-3’s 269-horsepower engine is a six-cylinder with a Komatsu aftertreatment system that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. A Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) work together to inject Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and decompose nitrous oxide into non-toxic water and nitrogen.
Komatsu Care comes standard, including two complimentary KDPF exchanges and two SCR services during the first five years with unlimited hours. It also covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 2,000 hours. All work is done by factory-trained distributor technicians.
Hours and key performance data can be tracked remotely with Komtrax. Operators can see the information first-hand on the 7-inch, color LCD monitor, including a capacitor charge gauge, DEF levels and a rear-view camera. Komtrax has an Operator Identification System that records machine-operation and application data for up to 100 individual ID codes.
Operators will also appreciate lower noise levels in the spacious ROPS (roll-over protective structure)-certified cab. Features include vibration-dampening mountings and a fully adjustable, air-suspension seat and arm rests. A Bluetooth AM/FM radio is now standard on new machines.
“Users are raving about their productivity and cost savings,” said Moncini. “It’s not the right machine for every application or job site, but on those swing intensive jobs where it fits, it really stands out. We encourage anyone who uses excavators in the 36-ton class to contact their distributor for more information and to set up a demonstration.”
Click here to learn more about Komatsu’s Hybrid HB365LC-3 excavator.
