Foretaste of the Construction Machinery Performance Shows 2023

Develon (formerly Doosan) will present its DX800-7 tracked excavator and the new 4x4 version of the DA45-7 ADT articulated dump truck in the demo area at steinexpo. The Stage V-compliant 80 t tracked excavator is the second largest excavator model manufactured by the company. Designed for heavy-duty applications, the DX800LC-7 will primarily strengthen applications in the mining and quarrying industry. In overburden moving and pile loading, the excavator achieves best-in-class performance with its standard bucket volume of 4.6 m³ and parameters for breakout force, digging depth, reach and height. According to the manufacturer, the DX800LC-7 has the highest hydraulic power in this machine size. Its productivity, activated via smoother controls, is to be clearly underpinned in the demonstration. A 403 kW Perkins diesel engine surprises with high engine output and low fuel consumption. Also to be seen in action is the new 4x4 version of the DA45-7 ADT. As a serious competitor for rigid dump trucks (RDTs) in the 40 t class, the articulated dump truck has a number of modifications. For example, its tipper unit is similar to that of 40 t class RDTs. The new DA45-7 ADT can prove that it performs better in conditions such as heavy rain and slippery conditions, which are tough for RDTs. Smaller turning radius as well as the design of the rear tipper unit make the articulated tractor an unrestricted performer even in difficult, highly confined conditions. Both models presented in the demonstration area were previously shown as stationary exhibits at bauma 2022 (www.eu.doosanequipment.com).

On around 3500 m² of area, Zeppelin/Cat will be showing an all-round display of products from small to large. Of course with breathtaking live demos and the “Global Launch” of the 988 GC. Designed as the lowest cost per hour wheel loader, it completes the current range at 12 t payload, with the same capacity as the 988K and 988K XE (stationary on site). For this, the front frame linkage and hydraulic system have been re-designed. For those who need the productivity advantage of the 988K XE, but fuel savings compared to the 988K powershift, an ideal solution. In the golden mean, the Cat 323 – Tier 4F/Stage V (EU) shows up. A precise combination of low engine speed and large hydraulic pump delivers top performance while keeping fuel consumption low. The machine offers the industry’s highest quality factory-integrated standard technology. The 323 emits up to 22 % less CO₂ than its predecessor, the 323F. The next-generation Cat 374 is a big excavator with 72 t operating weight, 362 kW engine power, 13 m reach and 8.5 m digging depth. It outperforms its predecessors with twice the structural durability and around 20 % lower maintenance costs. A key is the hydrostatic swing circuit, which enables swing brake energy recovery and independent cylinder oil flow control. It has three operating modes: Power, Smart and Eco. Engine speed is automatically reduced when hydraulic demand drops, further reducing fuel consumption. The large excavator is designed for tough applications with high material stress (www.zeppelin-cat.de).

Hyundai CE aims to demonstrate robust performance and operational strength with the HL980A wheel loader model, HA45A dumper and HX520A L crawler excavator. The latter 50 t machine is a top performer for heavy excavation work, according to the manufacturer. Equipped with a 298 kW stage V Cummins X12 engine and a bucket volume between 1 and 3.2 m³ – depending on the task – the excavator offers the necessary capacities for demanding tasks, especially in medium-sized rock operations. Its special hydraulic design (independent control of the electric pump) noticeably increases efficiency. At the same time, a lifting work mode ensures precise fine control. Other features such as the robust construction of the upper and lower carriage, the wear resistance of the bucket due to the use of a new material or the equipment with removable counterweights contribute to the optimisation of operations and thus increase productivity. In partnership with the excavator, the HA45A dumper transports 41 t of material across the demo site. Permanent six-wheel drive, tandem rear axles and a front-mounted slewing ring result in even power and weight distribution, while a sloping rear frame shifts the load to the front of the dumper for maximum drive and traction in difficult terrain. The HL980A also marks the debut of the brand’s largest 30 t wheel loader model to date. With an engine output of 265 kW and bucket volumes between 5 and 6.3 m³, the model clearly represents a performance class that should appeal to larger operations (www.hyundai-ce.eu/de-de/).

In addition to Komatsu’s presence on the stand area with numerous equipment, service and support offerings from the core brand and Komatsu dealer partners, the WA600-8 wheel loader and an HD605-8 dump truck will take part in the daily live demonstration, illustrating that they are an ideal combination that is just right for the demands of heavy – and large – quarry operations. The WA600-8 with 396 kW engine power, 6.4 to 7.8 m³ bucket volume and an operating weight of up to 56 t, which is positively conspicuous in particular for its good traction, offers a unique combination of stability, breakaway and tractive power. Among other things, the automatic bucket filling system and the availability of efficiency buckets are appreciated in practice. Its partner, the HD605-8 dump truck, impresses with optimal off-road mobility, a small turning circle and comfortable operation. Operators are promised maximum productivity at minimum operating costs. The engine power of 578 kW guarantees the powerful and safe transport of up to 63 t (40 m³) of loaded material (www.komatsu.eu).

The Liebherr product segments earthmoving machinery and mining will present more than ten exhibits, both static and in demo shows. This will be complemented by a Liebherr technology pavilion, in which the group of companies will be showing developments, particularly in the field of digitalisation. The earthmoving machinery segment will present, among other things, the TA 230 articulated dump truck, flanked by other versatile products especially for the quarrying industry, as well as a 100-tonne mining excavator. At steinexpo, many of these machines will be demonstrated during the daily live shows. In the area of technologies, Liebherr will place a content focus on its work on alternative drives. As part of its technology-open approach, there will be insights and outlooks on various drive concepts. Hydrogen in particular will also play a major role at steinexpo, against the background of its special suitability in the energy-intensive extraction and processing industry (www.liebherr.com).

Volvo CE highlights include the EC230 Electric excavator, the largest Volvo L350H wheel loader and the EC550E crawler excavator. The 60-tonne A60H, Volvo’s largest dumper, is also likely to attract a lot of interest in the demo area. The traditional driving competition will take place in the cockpit of the EC230 Electric. This 23-tonne electric excavator offers the same performance as a comparable diesel model – but with zero emissions, low noise and low vibration. Initial applications even promise identical digging power as its diesel counterpart, the Volvo EC220E. The flagship of the wheel loader range, the L350H, comes with a significantly improved driveline. The main components are new axles and a Volvo transmission that enables Opti Shift to be fitted as standard. This technology integrates Reverse by Braking (RBB) and a torque converter lock-up between gears for improved fuel efficiency. Thanks to a more robust upper articulated bearing and revised main frame, the machine is optimally equipped for the heaviest applications. The EC550E crawler excavator competes with digging and carrying capacities normally found only in the 60 t segment. The 50-tonne excavator has the highest engine power in its class and offers exceptional pulling power and high swing torque. In combination with large buckets, it is also perfect for filling dumpers with few loading cycles. At the heart of the powertrain is the low-emission 12.8-litre six-cylinder Volvo D13J with Stage 5 emissions, working in conjunction with the next-generation electro-hydraulic system characterised by independent proportional valves for increased fuel efficiency (www.volvoce.com).

A tractor from PTH in the live demo is certainly an eye-catcher. By no means only suitable for agriculture, the exhibitor equips it with a PTH Ripper, a deep loosener used to break up road surfaces up to 60 cm deep. The loosened material can then be processed into grader-grade material with considerably less wear and tear by a robust PTH Crusher, a stone crusher. A fully coordinated machine concept for different soils, road surfaces and requirements makes the PTH Ripper universally applicable for road and path construction or recultivation. The preparatory loosening is followed by a PTH Crusher with rotor wear protection and first crushing stage with carbide tipping for the toughest applications. Its working width is 2.5 m with a 2 m rotor width. Thus equipped, the 2500 HD or 2500 RS model of the crusher can handle materials up to 150 N/mm² and max. 500 mm edge length. In the RS version, the machine can be used to crush asphalt pavements up to 80 mm or surface mill natural roads up to 150 mm deep without preliminary work. The PTH Crusher HD/RS series is compatible with all types of carrier vehicles, as long as the technical requirements fit. A PTH MicroCrusher for excavators will also be presented at the stand, which is suitable for use as a road surface milling machine or in road rehabilitation (https://pthproducts.com).

New, optimised and hopeful for the future

In addition to brand-new and already available optimised machines as well as the breathtaking live demonstrations, the “Quarry Vision” area of steinexpo 2023 will also feature exciting and absolutely promising prototypes. For a preview of these one-offs, it is worth keeping an eye on the steinexpo social media channels in the coming weeks before the fair.