THE earth moved when the two latest state-of-the-art heavy-duty titans rolled off the production line of a North East manufacturer.
Birtley based Komatsu UK have launched their third and fourth new machines of 2017, following the introduction the PC700-11 earlier in the year then April’s launch of the award-winning PC390HRD-11, a high-reach demolition excavator.
The latest excavators are field leaders in hybrid technology and the latest in Komatsu’s world-renowned intelligent Machine Control range.
Production of the HB365-3 (diesel/electric hybrid) and the PC210LCi-11 (intelligent excavator) arrive in a landmark year for the firm, which is set to celebrate 30 years in the North East in July.
The new machines, which both significantly reduce costs, have been developed in Komatsu’s technical centres in Japan, with the firm’s Tyne and Wear factory now producing the cutting-edge excavators for the European market.
The HB365-3 hybrid is the fourth generation of hybrid excavator with 18 years of development and nine years of production experience behind it. The company focused on creating a machine that not only hugely reduces a normal excavator’s carbon footprint and fuel usage, but is 50% quieter than the equivalent 36-ton class excavator, making it perfect for working close to urban and built-up areas.
Paul Dickinson, Product Manager for Hydraulic Excavators at Komatsu said: “The HB365-3 is without doubt the best hybrid we’ve ever produced. Our focus is always on improving – enhancing working practices, product design, machine development and manufacture, and ultimately, producing something that is fit to wear the proud Komatsu name.”
“The HB365-3’s noise level has been reduced by 50%, it has lower emissions than much smaller excavators, and it boasts a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and 15% increase in productivity when compared to Komatsu’s equivalent PC360LC-11. It has been a long process, but we are all very excited to be producing this incredible machine at Birtley.”
The second new release to be manufactured in Birtley is the PC210LCi-11 – the latest in Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control range.
Intelligent technology allows instructions to be sent to the driver, and machine status information to be received, from anywhere in Europe. The excavator is more efficient and its unique functionality will help to improve workplace safety as additional ground workers are no longer required to take surface measurements while the machine is working.
Mal McCoy, Product Manager of intelligent Machine Control hydraulic excavators at Komatsu said: “The intelligent machines represent a real step forward for the construction industry. The technology that we are developing is incredible.”
“A big benefit of intelligent Machine Control is how much of a difference it will make in a range of aspects – it is safer, more efficient, and it allows less experienced operators to achieve consistent levels of improved accuracy.”
Komatsu has delivered high quality excavators since establishing the plant in 1987, when it helped redefine modern manufacturing in the North East, establishing a range of Japanese practices and ways of working unheard of in most UK plants. Komatsu was at the forefront of the creation of a whole new industry in the North East that centred around automotive and construction equipment manufacturing.
Thirty years on, the firm employs just over 400 people and remains at the forefront of manufacturing excellence. Testament to the company’s reputation as an excellent employer, 12 percent of the company’s current employees are celebrating their 30th year of service with the company in 2017.
Komatsu is continuing to grow, and is currently recruiting 40 new employees.
For more information on Komatsu, visit www.komatsu.eu