In the construction machinery industry, few "smaller brothers" have garnered as much attention as compact excavators, but medium and large-sized models are ripe with innovations. (Excerpt and translation from International Construction)
Compact excavators have outsold large-sized models for many consecutive years. According to data from Off-Highway Research (OHR), a construction machinery consulting firm, 365,000 compact excavators were sold globally in 2023, totaling over $12.5 billion in value.
OHR estimates that from 2014 to 2023, sales of mini hydraulic excavators in North America grew by 133%. Models in the 6-12 ton range accounted for approximately 33% of the regional market share in 2023, a significant increase compared to just 2.6% a decade ago. Similar growth rates have also been observed in other major construction equipment markets such as China and Europe.
These are impressive figures, but why are mini excavators so popular? While sales of medium and large excavators lag behind those of smaller models, higher-tonnage excavators remain aligned with the overall modernization of the industry. Additionally, as global large-scale projects increase, the demand for medium and large excavators is expected to continue to grow.
Bigger Is Better
Mini excavators are primarily active in urban areas and confined spaces, a trend driven in recent years by substantial investments in housing and infrastructure in major cities. However, medium and large excavators (10 tons and above) are better suited for harsh environments. Their ideal applications include remote construction sites, mines, quarries, and regions with extreme climates and temperatures.
UK-based Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) JCB considered these factors when developing its 370X excavator, launched earlier this year. As one of Europe’s most renowned excavator manufacturers, JCB claims this machine is the largest model in its X-Series of tracked excavators, a range introduced in 2018. Weighing up to 40 tons, the 370X is powered by an 8.9-liter, 6-cylinder Cummins L9 diesel engine delivering a maximum output of 240 kW (322 hp) at 1,700 rpm. Its hydraulic system features pumps from Kawasaki and next-generation KYB valve blocks.
JCB emphasized that climate conditions were a key consideration in the machine’s development. According to the company, the 370X was “designed to perform in the harshest environments, rigorously tested to deliver optimal performance in any climate.
The machine includes heavier counterweights for enhanced stability, a reinforced structure to withstand additional forces, increased service line diameters, and higher hydraulic pressure to boost the power of its digging arm.
The larger size also translates to greater productivity. Based on JCB’s tests, the 370X can move an additional 4.5 tons of material per liter of fuel and transport up to 86 tons more material per hour compared to competitors. The bucket diameter has also been increased to a maximum of 100 mm, making it suitable for larger demolition tasks.
Boosting Productivity
Electric excavators are also scaling up and entering new markets. In May, Sweden’s Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) introduced its EC230 electric excavator to Japan, following launches in North America and Europe.
Volvo CE claims that the EC230 is now the "largest electric excavator on the Japanese market." Shoji Isamu, head of Volvo CE's Japan market, noted a strong demand for zero-emission electric construction machinery, emphasizing that dealers and end-users require sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of Japan.
Of the initial five EC230 units introduced to the market, two have already been allocated for rental purposes, while another will be deployed by a major contractor for multi-project construction work.
In the ultra-large excavator segment, the PC9000 hydraulic mining excavator, co-developed by Komatsu Mining (KGM) and Sumitomo Corporation (SMS Equipment), is designed for surface mining applications.
Komatsu describes the PC9000 as engineered to maximize productivity, performance, and efficiency in mining operations. It is optimized to work in tandem with the company’s 830E to 980E mining trucks, enhancing cycle times and reducing overall cost per ton of material moved.
The first PC9000 was delivered to the Fort Hills oil sands mine in Alberta, Canada, which extracts 194,000 barrels of material daily and is expected to operate until 2068. The PC9000 features a larger bucket and greater digging force to improve efficiency and cycle times.
Technology and Power Upgrades
Automation features such as assistive grading, sensor and camera technologies, and telematics have become standard in most new excavators. In the coming years, advancements in electronic hydraulic systems, enhanced automation capabilities, and increased opportunities for remote operation are expected to drive the next breakthroughs in the excavator industry.
A notable example is Caterpillar’s Cat Command remote operation system, which allows operators to work from a distance, particularly advantageous in areas near pipelines or underground infrastructure.
Caterpillar recently demonstrated its Cat Command system operating a Cat 308 excavator at its training and research center in Edwards, Illinois. This technology underscores the potential of remote solutions in improving both safety and efficiency across the industry.
“It’s very simple,” said an operator during an indoor demonstration of the Cat Command system. Wearing a controller around his neck, he used it to operate an excavator about 10 meters away. “When switching to excavation mode, the operation feels just like being in the cab,” he explained.
Caterpillar has also introduced its 3D-enabled Cat Grade system, which leverages Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology. This system allows operators to perform complex grading tasks across multiple machines with improved precision.
Source: Machinery Information Station
To be continued.
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