Visitors to Conexpo 2023 had the opportunity to view Caterpillar’s concepts of total site solutions for energy transition, including four battery-electric machine prototypes on display at the company’s Sustainability Hub.
These machines are powered by Cat-designed lithium-ion batteries with a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications. The company has designed its own 48 V, 300 V, and 600 V batteries for the off-highway industry, leveraging its experience with gensets, locomotives and large mining machines. The batteries designed for use in these machines will also be available to power other industrial applications and include the potential to reuse and recycle at the end of life.
Among the machines on display, the Caterpillar 950 GC electric wheel loader featured a 600 V, 320 kWh battery and will be capable of operating up to six hours on a single charge. The new medium wheel loader reportedly offers premium performance and simple-to-use technologies to help boost operator efficiency and increase productivity, while extended service intervals help lower maintenance costs.
The hydraulic system is based on that of the Cat 950 medium wheel loader. It uses a variable-displacement axial piston type pump with maximum output (@ 2,150 rpm) of 76 gpm and max implement operating pressure of 4,250 psi. Total hydraulic cycle time is 8.9 sec and rated breakout force is 40,690 lbf.
Other machines on view included the 320 Electric excavator, powered by a Cat 600 V, 256 kWh battery with a runtime of up to eight hours on a single charge; the Caterpillar 301.9 Electric mini excavator capable of running up to eight hours on a single charge, or up to four to five hours of continuous trenching, and powered by a Cat 48 V, 32 kWh battery; and the 906 electric compact wheel loader equipped with a Cat 300 V, 64 kWh battery that enables the operator to work up to six hours on a single charge.
According to Cat, runtimes for the battery-powered machines are based on average, moderate applications. Runtime is influenced by a number of different factors, such as the type of application, temperature of the environment, the load factor, ground conditions and operator techniques, said a company spokesperson.
The goal when developing these products is to ensure that customers do not experience any performance difference between battery electric and diesel-powered machines. Each model will include an onboard ac charger, which is best for overnight charging. A dc fast-charging option will also be available for charging during breaks.
The 301.9 and 906 will be the first machines commercially available units in North America, with the 950 GC and 320 to follow in the coming years.
Caterpillar
www.caterpillar.com
Filed Under: Mobile Hydraulic Tips