Komatsu Introduces New HB3650LC-3 Hybrid Excavator at ConExpo

Komatsu America Corp introduced the new HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator at ConExpo 2017. It features improved hybrid and total-vehicle-control systems, to help reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, -- depending on application -- while maintaining or exceeding operating performance, compared to 36-ton, non-hybrid excavators.
March 18, 2017
4 min read

Komatsu America Corp introduced the new HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator at ConExpo 2017. It features improved hybrid and total-vehicle-control systems, to help reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, -- depending on application -- while maintaining or exceeding operating performance, compared to 36-ton, non-hybrid excavators.

“The new 36-ton-class HB365LC-3 excavator is built for power and production first, with the considerable fuel savings an added benefit,” said Kurt Moncini, Komatsu America senior product manager. “We applied everything we learned when we debuted the HB215LC-1, the world’s first fully-electric hybrid excavator in 2011. Now, we have the perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency.”

Komatsu’s fully electric hybrid system uses an electric swing motor, which captures swing deceleration energy that would normally go unused, and makes it available to do work.  The energy captured during each swing cycle is stored in an ultra capacitor, which provides energy for the swing system. The diesel engine also has a motor/generator for fast charging the capacitor when required, and to rapidly increase engine RPM from an ultra-low idle, for quick hydraulic response when boom, arm and bucket controls are activated.    

What makes the Komatsu system unique is the 100 percent electric swing system. The hydraulic power normally needed by the swing system is now completely available for boom, arm and bucket power, helping to improve digging cycle time and production.

To meet EPA Tier 4 Final certified requirements, the SAA6D114E-6, 269 HP engine combines a Komatsu diesel particulate filter and selective catalyst reduction system with diesel exhaust fluid to meet NOx emission after-treatment requirements.

Features and benefits of the new HB365LC-3 include:

New Performance Features Include:

  • The Komatsu Hybrid System, using swing energy regeneration and an ultra-capacitor to provide fast energy storage and instantaneous power transmission.
  • Special hybrid control logic helps increase boom up and arm out multifunction speed, for improved productivity.
  • New temperature-controlled viscous fan clutch helps reduce parasitic load on the engine and lowers sound levels.
  • New KOMTRAX 5.0, shown on a large, 7-inch color screen, relays vital machine data, for easy monitoring and quick operator action.
  • New Operator ID system records KOMTRAX machine operation and application data for up to 100 individual ID codes.
  • Six working modes (P, E, L, B, Att-P, Att-E,) provide a wide range of performance and fuel efficiency, with energy-saving guidance incorporated into the monitor.
  • Optional auxiliary hydraulic attachment circuit, with return filter, accumulator and programmable flow through the monitor, which can store up to 10 individual flow settings and customizable attachment names. Two-way attachments can also run in economy mode.

Comfortable Cab Design - Standard Features Include:

  • A high-back and heated suspension seat, with new adjustable armrests that can be easily positioned to different heights without tools.
  • An upgraded, high-resolution, LCD color monitor incorporates a standard rearview camera display with gauges.
  • ROPS certified cab design conforms to ISO 12117-2 and meets Operator Protective Guard (OPG) (ISO 10262) top guard standards.
  • Auxiliary jack to connect MP3 players or other digital devices for playback through the standard stereo speakers.
  • Two 12-volt power ports provide a convenient power source for recharging and powering personal electronics.
  • Standard secondary engine shutdown switch.
  • A standard ISO/Backhoe pattern change valve simplifies changing control patterns to suit different operator preferences.

Designed for Easy Maintenance:

  • The DEF tank and pump are in separate compartments for easy service access.
  • High resolution LCD color monitor displays information and incorporates new Tier 4 Final technology that helps improve, simplify and manage maintenance.
  • Engine Oil Check and engine/fuel filters are grouped on one side of the machine for easy maintenance access.
  • Removable debris screen helps keep the engine and hydraulic cooler cores clean.

The HB365LC-3, whether rented, leased or purchased, is covered by the Komatsu CARE program for the first three years or 2000 hours, whichever comes first. Komatsu CARE includes scheduled factory maintenance, a 50-point inspection at each service and up to two complimentary Komatsu DPF exchanges and up to two DEF tank flushes in the first five years.

About the Author

Michael Roth

Editor

Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.

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