Wheel excavator: overview, manufacturers, specifications

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Earth-moving machinery has always been considered one of the most complex types of construction machines in terms of design. This is due to the fact that the mechanisms must not only provide traction for the movement of the main platform, but also transmit it to the working bodies. Against this background, an excavator on wheels is especially noteworthy, which should combine both high power and considerable dynamic performance. In any case, in terms of speed and maneuverability, such machines are superior to tracked counterparts. True, it is not without drawbacks. The fact is that a wheeled excavator has limitations on operation in swampy areas and problematic soil with insufficient bearing capacity.

In addition, models on wheels often have lower technical characteristics - this, by the way, is observed in the carrying capacity, and in the power potential of the engine, and in the depth of digging. However, there are different variants of this technique on the market, a review of which will allow you to make the right choice.

Komatsu Models

Today, the Japanese brand presents three variants of the sixth generation of its wheel-type excavators. The new equipment is equipped with the EMMS system,which has three operating modes. In particular, the wheeled excavator will be able to function with the expectation of working with increased effort, in an economical mode, as well as in the format of a hydraulic hammer. There is also an additional mode that provides for the lifting function. For the convenience of the user, all information about the performance of the machine is displayed on the LCD screen.

There are also models of the seventh generation in the Komatsu lineup. These are modifications supplied with diesel engines with a capacity of 118 kW and a volume of 6 liters. A feature of this technique is the focus on the Russian climate. For example, some spare parts for Komatsu excavators are specifically designed for operation in harsh conditions - this, in particular, applies to elements of the fuel system with a water separator. The standard equipment also includes an air filter and an air conditioner that maintains optimal pressure in the cabin. The gearbox serves three operating modes, including slow, standard and transport, allowing vehicles to move at speeds up to 35 km/h.

JCB excavators

The manufacturer JCB does not disregard this segment, actively developing the model line. In recent years, the company has upgraded existing models, including JS200W and JS1160W, and also introduced new ones - JS175W and JS145W. Today, the JCB wheeled excavator is equipped with AMS electronic controls, comfortable cabs with FOPS protection, and Isuzu diesel units, the power of which reaches 102 kW.

Dual-range Power Shift transmission allows the excavator to move at a speed of about 30 km/h. Also available is slow travel at 3.8 km/h. As a functional equipment, the company has provided a wide range of devices and mechanisms. In particular, articulated or monoblock booms, three types of handles, different options for buckets, hydraulic hammers, grabs and breaking units are offered. Maintenance of JCB equipment is usually not a problem, but along with updating models, the company has also provided more reliable spare parts for wheel-type excavators. This includes glow plugs, batteries, Plexus hydraulic filters, and other parts and components.

Hyundai Models

In the case of Hyundai, you should immediately focus on the line of Robex excavators. In just 5 years, the company has grown to the production of fourth generation machines, which indicates the introduction of the latest developments. It’s worth starting with the engines that the Hyundai excavator is equipped with in different versions. The manufacturer equips the equipment with two diesel units - Cummins B and Mitsubishi units. The control system is implemented by the SARO complex, which involves three modes. By the way, the user can save control settings in the system. The operator also has modern options at his disposal. This, for example, the possibility of digging force by 10% and instantaneous speed reduction.

The approach of Japanese developers to the functionality of technology is also interesting. Outriggers and blades are available for anyversions. Monoblock and articulated booms can only be obtained by the Hyundai excavator in the seventh generation at the same time. For other versions, several handles and buckets are available - the exact number depends on the modification.

Hitachi models

Hitachi offers four versions, including representatives of the ZAXIS line. The models of this company have long been known to the European and domestic markets, but there are also innovations added in the process of recent restyling. For example, modern modifications are distinguished by a reinforced swivel base and a cab with a more robust design. Also, the creators are working to increase the operational resource of friction mechanisms. So, in the latest modification, the Hitachi full-revolving wheeled excavator is able to work up to 500 hours without service. The differences between the models include the use of polymer gaskets, which are used in the brackets for fixing the boom to the base. As for the power filling, Isuzu diesel engines are used. For ease of maintenance, the designers have made the oil filter with water separator more accessible.

Volvo excavators

Volvo also pays a lot of attention to the production of special equipment. Not so long ago, the manufacturer launched the supply of wheeled excavators with a gross weight of 14 to 20 tons. The manufacturer supplies each model with its own diesel engines, which are distinguished by reliability and economy. Also, the Volvo wheel excavator has a gearbox providedreinforced protection and fuses that do not allow you to abruptly switch from a high speed range to a low one. By the way, the minimum speed limit is up to 3 km/h. If the vehicle is moving downhill, the transmission's hydraulic motor will act as a retarder.

Mini wheeled excavators

Almost all manufacturers of special construction equipment produce compact and maneuverable mini-excavators, which are not so high performance, but are indispensable in tight operating conditions. To date, this category is represented by small-sized models weighing no more than 12 tons. On average, the mass of such a machine is 8 tons.

In terms of functionality, these models also have something to brag about. Equipment is supplied with rammers, hydraulic hammers, mechanical grippers, pincers, planning boards and clamshell buckets. However, mini excavators still provide quite a bit of digging force compared to their full size counterparts.

What characteristics are important when choosing?

As practice shows, in the process of choosing an excavator, you should pay attention to any little thing. This applies to the size of the equipment, and to the functional content, and to the controls. Much also depends on the power of the engine and the speed at which the equipment moves. Manufacturers think through all the nuances and strive to offer a wheeled excavator in several versions. Thus, the consumer has the opportunityprovide for both operation on problematic soil, and work with heavy material, and at the same time do not forget about the area of \u200b\u200bthe working area.

Conclusion

The purchase of special equipment is a very expensive operation, which implies even greater responsibility in the selection process. To date, the market offers wheeled excavators, prices for which vary from 1 to 5 million rubles. Of course, there are options that are out of this range, but most of the quality models are within it. The initial segment is quite naturally represented by mini-excavators, and then full-size versions follow in different configurations.