Komatsu has ventured into the world of electric earthmoving with the announcement of their first fully electric mini excavator.
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Komatsu has announced its first fully electric mini excavator, describing it as the next-generation concept machine for the future
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The concept machine is powered by a series of lithium-ion batteries and produces zero exhaust emissions and minimal noise making it more environmentally sustainable, less noisy and required less maintenance.
Komatsu unveiled the machine as part of the company’s ongoing 100th-anniversary celebrations and with the machine designed to lay the foundations for the commercialisation of fully electronic equipment in the future.
The three-tonne machine is based on Komatsu’s experience in electric forklifts and mini excavators and utilises electric cylinders in place of traditional hydraulics to move and operate the machine’s 0.09m3 bucket.
As an eco-friendly alternative to other mini excavators on the market, Komatsu’s electronic solution makes operating in highly noise polluted areas easier as well as indoors and underground without the need for extraction fans for fumes.
Komatsu Australia chief executive and managing director, Sean Taylor, says the concept machine is just the first in what Komatsu hopes will be a range of next-generation machines.
“Looking into the next 100 years, Komatsu will continue to move forward with its stakeholders as it creates value through manufacturing and technology innovation to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet thrive together,” Taylor says.
“Komatsu’s focus is on creating a sustainable footprint through our operations, processes and our products.
“Climate change and moving towards a global zero-emissions economy is obviously the big challenge for our generation.
“Komatsu has a long and rich history of driving sustainable innovation, with industry breakthroughs such as the first Hybrid Excavator (released in 2020) which reduced fuel consumption by over 40 per cent and the deployment of low emission engines that reduce particulate matter by up to 80 per cent – this concept machine is an exciting extension of this journey,” Taylor adds.
As a result of the machine not requiring any onboard operator, the design of the concept machine is drastically different to a conventional excavator.
There is no need for a cab, with the vehicle controlled and operated via a wireless LAN connection and no need to download or install any facilities to control the remote-control system. Komatsu says the LAN connection will operate under any work environment.
Other benefits of the remote-control system include the lessening of fatigue for operators given the elements of vibration and stress experienced inside a cab while also making the machine easier to operate in confined or dangerous sites.
Komatsu Concept Mini Excavator Specifications
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Item |
Unit |
Specification |
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Bucket capacity |
m3 |
0.09 |
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Dimensions in transport |
Overall length |
mm |
4,750 |
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Overall width |
mm |
1,740 |
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Overall height |
mm |
1,685 |
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Rear-swing radius |
mm |
970 |
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Motors |
pcs |
Travel: 2. Swing: 1. Work equipment: 4 |
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Battery capacity |
kWh |
31.5 |
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