Hybrid Komatsu digger makes IK debut at Crossrail 28 August 2012

Five, first-of-a kind-hybrid excavators have been deployed at the major Crossrail project in London.

Marubeni-Komatsu supplied the HB215LC-1 hybrid excavators to Shropshire-based Ridgway Rentals.

Although 1,700 of these hybrids are currently in action worldwide, these are the first of the new environmentally-friendly machines to be sold in the UK.

"We are delighted to have completed the first ever UK sale of this distinct piece of equipment and are really excited that it's already being used on such an iconic project as the London Crossrail," comments Edward Prosser, marketing manager at Marubeni-Komatsu.

"These hybrids are probably the most reliable and technologically-advanced in the industry today and represent a new generation of excavators," he continues.

"They are not only designed to provide optimum performance, but also offer significant fuel savings, compared with other similar excavators, meaning clients can reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time."

The Komatsu HB215LC-1 hybrid excavator records an average 25% less fuel consumption than a traditional excavator and approximately 30% less CO² emissions.

Its design sees an electric swing motor used in place of the conventional hydraulic motor, which captures and regenerates energy, converting it into electric energy that is stored for use when the motor needs to accelerate.

"With the government pledging to embrace new technologies in a bid to make the capital significantly 'greener' and to reduce the city's CO² emissions by 60% over the next 10 years, it seems apt that this particular piece of equipment has been selected to be used on one of its largest scale projects," comments Stuart Jones, director at Ridgway Rentals.

"Feedback from our client, who is currently using the excavator on the London Crossrail project, is that it not only performs well but uses a lot less fuel, which has got to be win:win for everyone."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Marubeni Komatsu Ltd

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