(MENAFN Press) (EMAILWIRE.COM, November 11, 2012 ) NSW, Australia --
The Caterpillar company has been synonymous with large industrial and business vehicles for many years. Now the heavy equipment company will provide hybrids, as they assert that big machines (and small) capable of being energy efficient without losing their muscle.
The announcement came Wednesday, as Caterpillar unveiled the Cat 336E H, a hybrid version of the CAT 336E earthmover. And while it is a hybrid vehicle, it is not a typical undersized hybrid vehicle. Instead, the Cat 336H E is a large, beefy machine that is meant to move dirt, rock, and other heavy loads.
The goal of the vehicle is to increase fuel efficiency to lower operating costs.
"The 336 excavator - a recognized industry-leading workhorse in our product line - made the most sense as our first choice for applying the unique hybrid technology," said Gary Stampanato, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Excavation Division. "The new 336E H hybrid uses as much as 25% less fuel than the standard 336E, without sacrificing performance. No other hybrid machine in its class in the market can achieve these dramatic savings. Since fuel is one of the largest operating costs for our customers in general, quarry and heavy construction applications, this is a technology that directly improves their bottom lines."
The hybrid is equipped with a device to collect, store, and release energy during machine operation. The 336E H is configured to capture energy when it is slowing down or stopping direct work. The vehicle releases that energy when the machine accelerates. The operation of the machine will repeat the cycle over and over every few seconds, which gives it a huge operating advantage. While the drivetrain is still diesel electric, Caterpillar is not describing the electrical storage capacity, nor power of the electric motor.
An obvious externality advantage is the smaller environmental footprint from the heavy machines. Various incentive programs are in operation to help fleet owners free up room for cleaner heavy machinery.
Caterpillar announced its first hybrid mining machine, the Cat 6120B H FS. It is said to cut cost by 25% without losing productivity.
"Our technology strategy centers on research and development that meets environmental and customers' needs today and into the future," said Tana Utley, Caterpillar's chief technology officer and vice president with responsibility for the Product Development & Global Technology Division.
"We use our deep bench strength in core technologies and our vertical integration to develop the right technology at the right time to help the business and our customers win. The 336E H technological advancements, with its more than 300 filed patents, is a testament to the strength of our strategy and the talent of our people."
The Cat 336E H will be launched April 2013. First orders will be taken in February 2013.
