Caterpillar Inc. unveiled the first model in its new line of hybrid excavators. The Cat 336E H is the company’s first machine to use a novel hydraulic hybrid technology developed internally by Caterpillar. Field tests have demonstrated this machine will significantly lower customers’ owning and operating costs.
“The 336 excavator – a recognized industry-leading workhorse in our product line – made the most sense as our first choice for applying the unique hybrid technology,” said Gary Stampanato, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Excavation Division. “The new 336E H hybrid uses as much as 25-percent less fuel than the standard 336E, without sacrificing performance. No other hybrid machine in its class in the market can achieve these dramatic savings. Since fuel is one of the largest operating costs for our customers in general, quarry and heavy construction applications, this is a technology that directly improves their bottom lines.”
Caterpillar defines a hybrid machine as one that is equipped with a device to collect, store and release energy during machine operation. The 336E H captures energy when the machine slows down or stops, and then releases it as the machine accelerates. On a typical jobsite, an excavator may repeat the same cycle every several seconds, which represents a significant energy savings opportunity.
Hybrid technology is just one of the core focuses of the company’s technology strategy. With the introduction of this machine, Caterpillar found a solution that is more productive and substantially lowers owning and operating costs, the company said. Burning less fuel leads to fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint than the standard 336E.
“Our technology strategy centers on research and development that meets environmental and customers’ needs today and into the future,” said Tana Utley, Caterpillar’s chief technology officer and vice president with responsibility for the Product Development & Global Technology Division.
The official launch of the Cat 336E H is planned for April 2013 at Bauma, the world’s largest construction equipment show held in Munich, Germany.
Headquartered in Peoria, Ill., Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.
