• PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
TIME TO THINK HYBRID
As a response to the fast-growing demand for more sustainable crushing and screening equipment , Metso Outotec is introducing the Lokotrack e-Power range , which brings the diesel-electric Lokotrack mobile crushing and screening units into one distinctive offering . The range includes 15 crushers and six screens , making it the market ’ s broadest portfolio of hybrid mobile crushing and screening equipment .
“ We introduced the first Lokotrack E-models more than 35 years ago , so we are one of the pioneers in this field ,” says Kimmo Anttila , VP , Lokotrack solutions at Metso Outotec . “ During the past couple of years , the demand for hybrid solutions has really taken off as environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in more countries . In fact , sales of the Lokotrack E-models have doubled in five years , and we expect the trend to accelerate .”
The Lokotrack e-Power range is an important factor in realising the goals of Metso Outotec ’ s Planet Positive initiative . With Planet Positive , Metso Outotec is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5oC . Aggregate crushing is very energy-intensive ; thanks to the development actions to lower fuel consumption , the annual CO₂ emissions of the Lokotrack equipment are 20,000 tons lower today compared to the situation before 2010 .
“ Lokotrack design principles are simple : optimise the operating costs , capacity , and end-product quality of the customer application . We give consideration to the total fuel consumption , including the engine and driveline technologies , but also to other factors , such as the unit transportation weight and the engine stand-by function ,” says Anttila . “ Additionally , we have reduced the hydraulic oil and lubricant volumes by more than half to further ease the environmental burden . Based on our data , a Lokotrack unit uses as much as 80 % less oils compared to our previous models and compared to many other brands on the market . Naturally , the hybrid driveline reduces the need for oils and lubricants even further .”
Customers will benefit from simplified construction site logistics and cost savings when they invest in battery-powered devices , creating strong momentum for the wider adoption of emissionsfree equipment on construction sites .
When developing its rechargeable battery , Wacker Neuson embraced the ‘ one for all ’ mindset right from the start . This approach enables users to operate different construction equipment products such as rammers and vibratory plates with just one battery . It means that customers only need to invest in one rechargeable battery and charger . The approach will yield further potential for synergies and savings in the future as the batteries will also be compatible with construction equipment manufactured by Bomag .
Making this battery technology available to a competitor in the soil compaction equipment market does not present Wacker Neuson with a conflict of interest : “ We firmly believe that many more construction sites could be operated without producing any direct exhaust emissions , especially in urban areas ,” explains Stefan Pfetsch , managing director of the Wacker Neuson production site in Reichertshofen , the company ’ s competence centre for compaction . “ Our interchangeable battery has the potential to power a wide range of construction equipment . By enabling another manufacturer to use our battery , we are further accelerating the adoption of emissions-free construction equipment and underscoring Wacker Neuson ’ s commitment to fast-tracking carbon reductions .”
Wacker Neuson ’ s zero emission portfolio includes rammers , vibratory plates , and an internal vibrator system as well as electrically powered excavators , wheel and track dumpers and wheel loaders . “ Already today , a complete urban construction site can be operated without any direct emissions with this portfolio . Up to 93 % of CO₂ emissions can be saved compared to a conventional product of the same class . As such , our zeroemission range is making a valuable contribution to achieving climate goals ,” adds Alexander Greschner , CSO of the Wacker
He concludes : “ A diesel and hybrid offering complete each other ; in remote locations where power grid is not available , a diesel driveline is still the only viable solution . We are investing heavily in development of sustainable technologies . Lokotrack is robust , energy efficient , and highly mobile – and it meets the versatile needs of customers today and tomorrow .”
ON THE WAY TO EMISSION- FREE EQUIPMENT
Wacker Neuson is accelerating the transition to emissions-free construction sites – promising a host of benefits for customers .
From 2021 , the modular , rechargeable construction equipment battery developed by Wacker Neuson will also be compatible with equipment made by the company ’ s cooperation partner Bomag .
38 • African Mining • June 2021
Wacker Neuson
Wacker Neuson currently offers two interchangeable batteries for construction equipment with power capacities of 1 000 Wh and 1 400 Wh .
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