Weichai Delivers 150-Ton Mining Trucks

News: Off-Highway Equipment

2021-11-21

Weichai Delivers 150-Ton Mining Trucks

Jack Hao
Jack Hao

The 150-ton large-scale mining truck delivered by Weichai has accumulated more than 50,000 hours of trial operation, with a total mileage of more than 360,000 kilometers, a 70% increase in efficiency, and a 10% reduction in unit energy consumption.

This product is equipped with a powertrain system consisting of Weichai Group’s 17-liter engine + 3300 Nm high torque 8-speed gearbox + 60-ton drive axle. The operation equals the output of two trucks, which significantly reduces the number of vehicles need for a specific job, greatly reduces operating costs, and brings considerable economic benefits to customers

Source:  Weichai Power  Read The Article

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2021-10-24

Subsidy Program for Scrapping Diesel Vehicles Ineffective

FAR EAST: SOUTH KOREA REPORT

About half of those who received South Korean government aid to scrap their old diesel vehicles early have purchased diesel vehicles again, according to a new study. The government spent 845.4 billion won (about 79.6 billion yen) in the last five years (2016-2020) to scrap 959,000 aging diesel vehicles, but the number of all diesel vehicles increased by 9% during the same period. The government has pointed out that diesel vehicles are the main culprit of particulate matter such as PM2.5 and has implemented a policy to “eliminate” them, but this policy has not been effective.

There is subsidy support if old diesel cars are scrapped depending on the level of emissions in operation. In addition, there are additional subsidies if you buy an eco-car or a gasoline/LPG car.

If old diesel vehicles with a gross weight of less than 3.5 tons are scrapped early, they can receive up to 6 million won (about 570,000 yen) in subsidies. According to data from the Ministry of the Environment, 48,757 people in the Seoul metropolitan area purchased new cars in the first half of last year after receiving subsidies to scrap their old diesel vehicles. However, of the cars purchased by these people, 21,686 (44%) were diesel vehicles. Moreover, 15,990 of them were used diesel cars, 2.8 times more than the number of new cars (5,696).

Source: Chosun Online

PSR Analysis: It is hard to say that this is a flaw in the system, but the reality is that this system has not achieved its purpose and has produced the opposite effect. The reason for this situation is simple: many of the users of trucks under 3.5 tons are small businesses, and considering their expenses, they do not choose gasoline vehicles, and new vehicles are not an option, so they choose used diesel vehicles.

EVs and fuel cell vehicles, which are now being widely reported, are attracting attention as vehicles equipped with next-generation technologies. However, especially in the case of commercial vehicles, the high initial cost is frowned upon. The market should take another look at the fact that inexpensive vehicles that can easily demonstrate their contribution to business will be selected. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia, for Power Systems Research

2021-08-21

Komatsu Invests in Production and Service Center in Pará

Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

Since 2020 Komatsu has been investing in Parauapebas, in the state of Pará in Northern Brazil, for a new facility that will provide maintenance for equipment and produce new equipment. The General Manager of the Mining Division for South America, Charles Medeiros says the unit will produce products for all regions in Brazil and for export.

Source: Automotive Business     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Pará is an important region for mining where companies like Vale are located and demand for local support, especially for maintenance and spare parts availability, is significant. The total investment announced is less than US$ 8 million and it is small investment for high volume production. It’s most likely that the plant will only assemble CKD units for mining operations in that region.  PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research

Ford Ends Production of Troller

Even though Ford has announced the end of production of the off-road Troller T4 in Horizonte, Ceará, Brazil, by September 2021, the secretary of industrial development of Ceará says that while Ford is working to sell the productive unit, it wants to keep the brand and the product design as its property. Government of the state is trying to change Ford executives mind about the decision.

Source: Autoespoerte / O Globo    Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Troller T4 holds an important share of the sports outdoor market niche and can be explored by specialized players. The product holds an important reputation among off-road lovers and the end of production will make a hole in the product lineup aimed at these people.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research

2021-07-27

KAMAZ Introduces Hercules Articulated Truck

The first pictures of the new KAMAZ articulated mining truck have been published, showing a configuration of the truck with a 6×6 chassis. It will compete with the Caterpillar 740 and Volvo A40F.

The articulated frame will increase maneuverability and off-road characteristics of the truck. Hercules will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain. The new truck will use a KAMAZ R6 engine of 450 hp, and the nominal output of every electric motor will be 517 hp. The load capacity of Hercules is 40 tons, and the full weight is 75 tons. A light option with 4×4 format and 25-ton capacity are also in the plans.

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Sony Joins Komatsu’s DX Alliance

On July 1, Komatsu launched EARTHBRAIN, a new company for the digital transformation (DX) of construction sites. The new company will provide services that will lead to significant cost improvements by digitizing and analyzing data from construction sites.

The parent company of the new company is LandLog, an IoT (Internet of Things) open platform company established by Komatsu in 2017. The investors will be substantially replaced, and some members of Komatsu’s digital unit will be transferred to the new company.

After approval by overseas authorities, Komatsu will provide 54.5%, NTT DoCoMo 35.5%, and Sony Semiconductor Solutions and Nomura Research Institute (NRI) 5% each. The company is well capitalized with more than 15 billion yen. Newly added to the list are Sony and NRI. Sony has an advantage in image sensors. NRI will provide its expertise in developing digitalization solutions.

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US$ 22 Billion in Green Hydrogen Projects Planned in Brazil

From January to June, six Intention Letters to install H2V facilities have been signed by companies and the total of investment involved is around US$ 22 billion. One of the players is the Australian Fortescue, one of the six biggest producers of iron ore in the world. Companies of renewable energy such as the also Australian Energix Energy and petrochemical as British Petrol are also behind the investment plans.

Source: Valor     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The investment is a sign of the presence of Hydrogen to power MHV and Off Highway equipment, either for ICE, solely or combined with Diesel or other fuel, or for Fuel Cells. Another step necessary for the success of Hydrogen as a fuel for MHV and Off Highway equipment in Brazil is the infrastructure for distribution; that should come along with the success of the production plants. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research

Strong Post-pandemic Growth Expected into 2022-23 for North America

Yosyf Sheremeta
Yosyf Sheremeta

SUMMARY.  After the GDP declined 3.5% last year, the worst performance in almost 75 years, the US economy is set for a strong comeback.  There are many reasons to be optimistic about the economy for the next few years, including strong readings of macro-economic factors combined with the economic cycle reset backed by government initiatives and policies.

Our positive outlook is based on the reviews of key economic indicators, including GDP, unemployment, and inflation. 

During H1 2021, we witnessed a strong level of activities and a rebound for many industries.  As local governments eased lockdown restrictions, service-oriented industries gained traction and that translated to an overall increase of economic activities across many industries. 

We expect this level of rebound to continue and we now expect even stronger overall growth for 2021.  The US economy is on track to reach or even surpass the growth level of 1984 – the highest one since 1950s.  In the near term, consumer spending will help drive demand and support the strong growth trend.

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DATAPOINT: NA Excavators, 2021 Production: 19,900 Units

19,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Excavators to be produced in North America in 2021.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share: With combined plant totals of 47.5% Caterpillar leads in production of excavators in North America.  In second position is Doosan Bobcat with 22%; third, is Deere-Hitachi with 14.5%.  

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2021-05-24

Komatsu Unveils Concept of Fully Electric Compact Excavator

Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

On May 13, Komatsu announced that it had developed a fully electric compact excavator equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This is Komatsu’s first excavator that does not use cylinders or other hydraulic equipment in the drive unit. In addition to emitting no exhaust gas, the new excavator can be operated remotely and can be used in dangerous places.

Komatsu, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding on May 13, announced this concept model as a response to a decarbonized society.

For the time being, the company does not plan to sell it to the general public. This model is connected to the outside world via wireless LAN, and the driver can operate it remotely without boarding the machine. The remote operation makes it suitable for indoor demolition, disaster rescue, and other dangerous work sites.

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