Komatsu launches electric excavator in Japan
04 May 2022
The PC01E-E is now available as a rental model in Japan. (Photo: Komatsu)
Komatsu has launched its first electric micro excavator model for the Japanese equipment rental market.
The PC01E-1 excavator was developed in collaboration with Honda Motor Co. and incorporates the company’s swappable Mobile Power Pack e batteries and its eGX electrified power unit.
The new machine is an electric version of Komatsu’s conventionally powered PC01 machine.
As such, it is said to produce lower noise, heat and carbon emissions, and offers reduced down time.
“As the batteries are swappable, customers can continue work simply by exchanging them,” said Komatu, adding that the addition of the new electric motor also enables the PC01E-1 to deliver high performance and achieve “more excavation than the conventional model in low revolutions”.
Like the conventionally powered PC01 machine, the PC01E-1 retains its compact size, measuring just 580mm in width and weighing of 340kg.
The Mobile Power Pack e batteries were developed by Honda, and can be easily swapped out. (Photo: Komatsu)
It can be used for a range of applications, including pipe-laying work, gardening and agricultural tasks and is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
Additionally, “as there is no engine installed, users will no longer need engine-related maintenance or fueling, dynamically reducing daily inspection and maintenance work for them,” said Komatsu.
On the decision to launch the PC01E-1 as a rental product, Komatsu said, “By initially promoting the rental use of the new model by as many customers as possible, Komatsu hopes that customers will experience its work performance, safety, environmental friendliness, and use to further penetrate the market.”
Other key features of the PC01E-1
・ New control panel
The new control panel displays the battery charge level in big letters in the middle of the monitor screen.
・ Easy maintenance
All engine-related maintenance work is no longer necessary, such as filter cleaning and fueling. Greasing is not necessary because oil-free bushings are used in its work equipment like in the conventional model. Daily inspection and maintenance work is substantially reduced.
・ Compact body size
The battery box is installed in the rear of the equipment, inheriting the compact size of the current model of 580 mm width. It weighs 340 kg, lower than the max load capacity (350 kg) of Japanese mini trucks.
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