Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/113371
World of Concrete, held February 5 through 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada, introduced a range of new equipment to the show���s 55,000 attendees. Here are some of the highlights from the new product launches. For more information on these products, visit our World of Concrete coverage at equipmentworld.com/tags/EQWOC. REGENERATED ENERGY POWER LOADER John Deere Forestry and Construction���s 644K Hybrid wheel loader uses two sources of energy ��� diesel and electric ��� capturing regenerated energy as its being created to power the machine. The hybrid wheel loader should be on dealer lots this month, said John Chesterman, global product marketing manager for four-wheel-drive loaders. The 644K Hybrid is equipped with a John Deere PowerTech 6.8-liter Interim Tier 4 engine that runs at an operator-selected constant speed from 900 to 1,800 rpm. The hybrid has a net 229 horsepower and is equipped with all the key features of the conventional John Deere K-Series wheel loader line. The engine size is actually smaller than a conventional wheel loader in that it runs at a constant engine speed. The 644K Hybrid has four operating speed ranges, but no reverse gear or clutches as direction changes are performed by the electric motor. Four main components pace the 644K���s electric-drive technology ��� the generator, inverter, motor and brake resistor. Like conventional K-Series Loaders, a Sealed Switch Model (SSM) gives ���ngertip control of keyless start and 24 other machine functions. New to the SSM are engine speed adjust and coast control. The coast control feature allows the operator to enable dynamic braking marketplace | by Equipment World staff EDI T PICOR���S K through the SSM, reducing mechanical brake wear. The machine���s generator is brushless and converts the rotational energy from the engine into three-phase alternating current (AC) electrical energy. It can also be driven as a motor to use recycled energy to drive hydraulics and save fuel. The water-cooled inverter is a solid-state electronic system that delivers electrical energy to the motor. The single electric motor is also brushless and converts three-phase (AC) back to rotational energy and torque. It replaces the job of a torque convertor, but can also work as a generator to recycle energy back into the system. The machine is 50 percent quieter, running two decibels lower than the Tier 4 Interim model. The water-cooled brake resistor passively consumes energy whenever the power electronics actively control its circuit and is only needed to consume excess recycled energy. A quick look at the 644K Hybrid speci���cations Displacement 6.8L (415 cu. in.) Net peak power hp 229 hp Transmission type Hybrid-electric drive SAE operating weight 40,436 lbs. Tipping load ��� straight 31,061 lbs. Tipping load ��� full turn 26,992 lbs. EquipmentWorld.com | March 2013 25 EW0313_Marketplace V2.indd 25 2/25/13 11:20 AM