Komatsu Ltd. will introduce a 3-ton electric mini excavator powered by a lithium-ion battery.
The Komatsu PC33E will be marketed to the European market as a fully remodeled version of the PC30E-5 electric excavator introduced as a rental model in the Japanese market in 2020 and is powered by a lead-acid battery. The company plans to market the PC33E in Japan, as well.
Komatsu has a stated goal of FY2023 as the first year for the market introduction of electric construction equipment. The 3-ton class and other smaller models are often used for urban civil engineering and indoor work sites. Komatsu has received requests from customers for small electric construction equipment with zero exhaust emissions and low noise.
Komatsu PC33E excavator features
This machine achieves a clean working environment with zero exhaust emissions. In addition, since it does not generate loud noise and vibration like an engine-powered machine, it reduces stress and fatigue of workers, improves safety through communication among workers, and provides positive considerations for the surrounding environment.
A high-capacity lithium-ion battery extends the continuous operation time by approximately 20 percent compared to the conventional electric model. Furthermore, the weight has been reduced by approximately 25 percent, and the tail swing radius has been shortened by approximately 30 percent compared to the conventional model.
Routine checkup and high voltage areas are completely separated to avoid high-voltage danger during maintenance. High-voltage areas are free of routine checkup. As a result, the number of routine checkups and periodic maintenance items has been substantially reduced.
Source: Komatsu Ltd.
