Gallery of 40,000- to 60,000-Pound Crawler Excavators

Sept. 28, 2010
Items: Hitachi Terex

Editors note: For an updated look at excavators, click here.

Items:

Hitachi

Reduced-Swing Model Among Offering



The Hitachi Zaxis 200LC-3 and reduced-swing-radius 225USLC-3 excavator models offer such enhancements as Tier-3-complaint engines, faster hydraulics, a redesigned cab, and beefier undercarriage in comparison to their predecessors. At 159 net peak horsepower, the four-cylinder Isuzu engine achieves improved fuel efficiency and greater output primarily through a common-rail fuel-injection system and cooled exhaust gas recirculation system.

Number of models: 3

New models: ZX200LC-3, ZX225USLC-3

Product-line features: For the operator's comfort and efficiency, the addition of short-throw levers is combined with armrests mounted independently from the seat. A redesigned multi-function monitor has large, easy-to-read gauges.

Terex

New Machines Extend Service Intervals



The redesigned Terex LC-2 excavators, including the TXC 225LC-2 and TXC 255LC-2, offer a new pattern change control allowing operators to change the control pattern to suit their particular operation style. The TXC 225LC-2 and TXC 255LC-2 have a new Tier-3 engine that uses a common-rail injection system. This is combined with a new e-EPOS electronic management system that, says Terex, increases productivity by 4 percent and fuel efficiency by 6 percent.

Number of models: 4

New models: TXC 225LC-2, TXC 255LC-2

Product-line features: Oil-change intervals have been increased from 2,000 to 4,000 hours, air-filter replacements are required every 2,000 hours versus 500, and front-pin lubrication intervals have gone from 50 to 250 hours.

Komatsu

Short-Tail-Swing Model



Following the early 2006 introduction of the PC200LC-8 and PC220LC-8 excavators, Komatsu came out late that year with the short-tail-swing PC228USLC-3 that, at an operating weight up to 51,110 pounds, can keep the 180-degree swing of a loaded bucket to a width of 13 feet 1 inch. This suits the machine for work in confined areas. At 148 horsepower, Komatsu's Tier-3 electronically controlled, common-rail-type engine will, says Komatsu, reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 29 percent with a multi-staged fuel injection system.

Number of models: 3

New model: PC228USLC-3

Product-line features: Komatsu excavators are equipped with the latest Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location, cautions, and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis.

Liebherr

Large Cabs Put Operators at Ease



Powered by new Liebherr Stage 3a/Tier 3 diesel engines featuring advanced electronic control, C-Series excavators have a new cab design that gives the operator 10 percent more space than the respective previous models. Ergonomically shaped joysticks and low operating forces provide additional operating comfort for the driver, who also benefits from a new arrangement of the joystick buttons — now with three. The traditional Liebherr use of white paint for the cab exterior remains.

Number of models: 3

New models: R914C, 924C, R924C Compact

Product-line features: Liebherr's philosophy of"in-house" design and production of such major components as hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic pumps and motors, servo control units and the diesel engine allows each component to be matched precisely to the machine.

Caterpillar

New Model Designation for D-Series



All five Caterpillar excavators in the 40,000- to 60,000-pound class have recently been upgraded to D-Series versions, including one model that took on a new designation in mid-2007. The reduced-radius version of the 20-metric-ton-class 320, formerly identified as 320C LU designation for Utility, is now the 320D LRR. It, along with the standard-configuration 320D L and its compact-radius version 321D LCR, boast increases of 7 percent in horsepower, 5 percent in lift capacity, 2 percent in drawbar pull, and up to 7 percent in breakout force.

Number of models: 5

New models: 320D L, 320D LRR, 321D LCR, 324D L, 325D L

Product-line features: A new "tool-control system" takes versatility to a higher level by allowing the operator to pre-program attachments to match the specific flow and pressure required to make the particular work tool run productively. This takes out the manual labor needed to calibrate the machine to the attachment.

John Deere

Excavators Gain Service Enhancements



Faster hydraulics, a redesigned cab, and a new cooling system are among the enhancements made by John Deere during the D-Series upgrading of its excavators. Enhanced hy-draulic flow and metering provide powerful digging force and multi-function control for the operator, who benefits from 47 percent more right-hand window glass in the cab. The 200D LC and 240D LC have a hydraulically driven cool-on-demand fan that runs only as needed. Perforations in the hood and side shields serve as a "first filter" to prevent trash entry into the cooling cores.

Number of models: 3

New models: 200D LC, 225D LC

Product-line features: While hydraulic system service intervals have been extended to 5,000 hours, remote-mount oil and fuel filters are located in the pump compartments, so they can be changed without crawling under the machine or removing access panels.

Doosan

Features Enhance Machine Safety



At 48,721 and 54,233 pounds, respectively, the DX225 and DX255 excavators follow the Doosan approach of enhancing bottom-line performance with valued support services. With flow controlled from inside the cab, an auxiliary valve has one- and two-way hydraulic piping right to the end of the Tier-3 Doosan excavator's arm. An electronics package provides communication between the engine and hydraulics. Safety features include a boom overload warning device, travel and swing alarm, and dual-walled exhaust silencer.

Number of models: 2

Product-line features: With greater glass surface and a transparent roof section providing enhanced operator visibility to the jobsite, the ergonomic cab features a six-way adjustable seat with lumbar support, telescopic control stand, CD player and fully automatic heating and A/C.

Kobelco

Conventional, Short-Radius Versions



The full-sized SK210LC and SK260LC models and short-radius 215SR and 235SRLC models were introduced by Kobelco in 2007. All machines received higher-horsepower Tier-3-certified engines, and boast additional increases in bucket breakout force, swing torque and drawbar pull force. All models were also outfitted with a new, more comfortable cab system featuring egress upgrades, climate control, four power modes, key controls located on the right-hand side, and an orange backlit monitor for daytime visibility.

Number of models: 5

New models: SK210LC, SK260LC, 215SR, 235SRLC

Product-line features: Each of the Kobelco models in this size range feature the advanced Intelligent Total Control System, which provides for both power digging and fine grading.

LBX

X2 Excavators Boast Auto Power Boost

The new Link-Belt 210 X2 and 240 X2 excavators are powered with a re-engineered Isuzu Tier 3 engine that uses a common-rail fuel-injection system providing up to 10 percent more hydraulic horsepower. In the 40,000- to 60,000-pound weight class, these conventionally configured excavators are joined by the minimum-swing-radius 225 Spin Ace, likewise enhanced by Tier 3 engine technology, as well as more horsepower, lift capacity and fuel efficiency, and a new blade option.

Number of models: 3

New models: 210 X2, 240 X2, 225 Spin Ace

Product-line features: The X2 excavators feature a load-sensing automatic power boost feature for tough digging or heavy lifting applications. Two-speed boom lifting and arm open/close functions work in conjunction with hydraulic system regeneration to provide speed in digging, lifting and swing applications.

Volvo

C-Series Upgrades Complete This Range



The arrival in North America of Volvo's C-Series excavators began with the EC160C and EC210C, boasting operating weights of 42,760 and 51,200 pounds, respectively. Larger models followed, including the EC240C, which in a standard configuration tops out at 57,750 pounds. Featuring Volvo's V-ACT advanced combustion technology, the new Tier-3-compliant engines generate high torque at low revs for efficient fuel consumption. With boom, arm and swing priority, in-cab selectable hydraulic flow and pressure boosts performance, especially when regularly changing attachments.

Number of models: 3

New models: EC160C, EC210C, EC240C

Product-line features: An electronic climate control system, boasting 14 vents, provides Volvo C-Series excavator operators with high-capacity heating and cooling ventilation.

New Holland

Balance Between Power and Grace



With a redesigned Tier-3-certified engine introduced in 2007, the New Holland E215B excavator takes advantage of hydraulic-system and power-train upgrades to boost horsepower, breakout force and drawbar pull. Proportional controls allow the machine to balance digging power with fine grading and leveling. The cabs have also been redesigned, featuring an ergonomic air-suspension seat and increased visibility for operator comfort and safety. Key controls are located on the operator's right side for quick and easy access.

Number of models: 1

New model: E215B

Product-line features: Inside the cab, a new orange backlit monitor is visible in daylight conditions and allows operators to monitor both system performance and maintenance intervals from their work stations.

Case

Low-Noise Cabs Make a Strong Case



At the World of Concrete show in 2007, Case introduced new CX B-Series excavators, including the CX210B and CX240B models that fall into the 40,000- to 60,000-pound range. In addition, long-reach configurations of both models and a narrow version of the CX210B are part of the lineup. Through the use of new common-rail, Tier 3 engines that burn cleaner, the CX210B and CX240B are claimed to offer up to 20 percent more fuel efficiency with up to a 17 percent increase in horsepower. In company tests, they moved 25 percent more material per gallon of fuel.

Number of models: 3

New models: CX210B, CX240B

Product-line features: The isolation-mounted cab of CX B-Series excavators offer a noise level of only 68.6 decibels. The short-radius CX225SR model shares comfort features of the full-sized machines.

Hyundai

Full Range of Model Options



In various configurations, four different Hyundai Robex crawler excavator model sizes fall into the 40,000- to 60,000-pound range. All were upgraded to the -7A Series with the incorporation of Tier 3 engines. In the R160 and R180 sizes, Hyundai uses the four-cylinder Mitsubishi D04FD-TAA turbocharged, air-cooled engine. The larger R210 and R250 have the six-cylinder Cummins QSB6.7 four-cycle, turbocharged engine with charged air cooling.

Number of models: 4

New models: R160LCD-7A, R180LC-7A, R180LCD-7A, R210LC-7A, R210LC-7A LR, R210LC-7A HW, R250LC-7A

Product-line features: In addition to a low-noise cab design, the updated Hyundai crawler excavators leverage such operational systems as one-touch deceleration, auto deceleration, pump flow control, boom and arm holding, arm flow regeneration, maximum flow cut-off and self-diagnosis.

JCB

Working Modes Maximize Productivity



With a maximum operating weight of 49,714 pounds, JCB's JS220 excavator is powered by a Tier-3-compliant Isuzu four-cylinder, direct-inject turbocharged diesel generating 172 net horsepower. As with the larger JS260, four selectable working modes link desired control movements to engine and hydraulic output to maximize productivity: Auto uses up to 100 percent engine power and 100 percent hydraulic flow; Economy uses 80 percent power and 95 percent flow; Precision uses 55-percent power and 90 percent flow for fine grading; and Lifting uses 55 percent power and 63 percent flow with permanent power boost.

Number of models: 2

Product-line features: JCB excavators come with standard hammer and auxiliary hydraulic circuits. In-cab level checks and control pattern changeover enhance operator efficiency.