Get FinancingKomatsu Shows Its New Generation 3 Series WE1850-3 Hybrid Wheel Loader At MINExpo 2021
Komatsu’s WE1850-3 hybrid wheel loader wasn’t hard to spot at the MINExpo 2021 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Even among other colossal examples of machinery purpose-built for mining at scale, the 590,000-pound (267,619-kilogram) behemoth with a 65-ton (59-metric-ton) payload capacity stood out at the September 13 to 15 mining exposition.
The WE1850-3 uses a Generation 3 SR Hybrid Drive propulsion system that reduces fuel consumption by up to 45%, carbon dioxide emission by 35%, and total cost of ownership by 10 to 15% in comparison to a traditional mechanical loader or hydraulic excavator, according to Komatsu. The loader is suitable for quarry, aggregate, and mining applications such as main line production, shovel backup, ramp building, and cleanup.
Regenerative Power Reclamation
The WE1850-3’s SR Hybrid Drive system (the “SR” stands for “switched reluctance”) is designed to reduce operating costs while maintaining profitable productivity. It is paired with a 2,000-horsepower (1,491-kilowatt), 16-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine made by either Cummins or Detroit. Either engine is Tier 4 Final-compliant; Tier 2 and 1 models are also available in certain markets.
Being fully regenerative, the hybrid system reclaims electrical power during braking or retarding actions when its electric motors, being driven by inertia, temporarily act as generators. Likewise, the loader’s 1,700-HP (1,268-kW) Kinetic Energy Storage System (KESS) also captures power produced by braking. The KESS works in conjunction with the SR hybrid drive to store horsepower for use when the WE1850-3 experiences peak power demand.
“The goal here was maximizing productivity, lowering that cost per ton. The Generation 3 series is engineered to improve both sides of that equation,” says Komatsu Product Director Jesse Dubberly. “Lower cycle times and increased payload, which can lead to higher productivity and more tons moved.”
Capacities
The Komatsu WE1850-3’s bucket options supply 43 cubic yards (32.9 cubic meters) of standard-lift capacity with an operating payload rating of 130,000 lbs (58,967 kg), or 40 cu y (30.6 cu m) of high-lift capacity and a payload ceiling of 120,000 lbs (54,431 kg). The machine’s standard lift height is 55.9 feet (17 meters), and its high lift height is 52.8 ft (16 m).
The big loader’s static tipping load for a full 45-degree turn is 284,388 lbs (128,996 kg). It can travel at up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h). Komatsu recommends it for center-loading dump trucks with 240- to 360-ton (218- to 327-mt) payload ratings.
Interior
The WE1850-3’s environmentally controlled, air-filtered cab has an adjustable seat with built-in heating and cooling. The cabin is arranged for high visibility and includes a standard trainer seat.
The operator controls the mining loader with responsive digital joysticks and the LINCS II network control system. LINCS II uses a dash-mounted touchscreen display to report real-time information such as bucket height and angle, the current payload, and total tons moved. Komatsu says that LINCS II helps the operator quickly adjust to varying conditions and improves productivity.
Rebranding
With the WE1850-3 and WE series, Komatsu is taking the opportunity to rebrand its legacy hybrid wheel loaders such as the P&H L1150, P&H L1350, P&H L1850, and P&H L2350.
“Our large hybrid loaders have carried the legendary LeTourneau and P&H names for many years, but we are proud to move the product line to the Komatsu brand,” says Komatsu Vice President, Mining Products, Brian Fox. “Since the Komatsu acquisition of Joy Global in 2017, we’ve been making significant investments in our factories and new product development with the goal of bringing the Komatsu standard of quality and product support to this unique, highly efficient product line.”
Source: Komatsu