The Future Excavator

The excavator you’ll be using a few years from now to dig could look a lot different than the one you have parked on your lot today.

We dig into our imaginations here at ConEquip and use technology engineers are already working on to get a glimpse into what we may start seeing on job site in the next decade or so.

The diesel engine could soon become a thing of the past as hydrogen powered technology is over the horizon. The smell of burning diesel fuel will be replaced by water vapors. The engine will be a lot smaller too. Emissions legislation is speeding this technology up.

The extra space provided by the smaller engine will allow counterweight technology that will allow compensation for boom force.

The extra electricity will reduce the need for hydraulics. Instead of hydraulic cylinders, motors will operate the boom and bucket.

The development of stronger steel will allow boom designs that will provide better visibility for the operator. Instead of a solid boom or stick, they could be lattice.

If two are better than one, wouldn’t four be better than two? Excavators could soon have a four track system to increase better surface contact. Various operational setups will give the operator control over all the tracks providing many different maneuver capabilities.

Advances in rubber technology able to endure high abrasion surfaces could soon spell the end of steel tracks.

Wireless connections could take the place of electrical lines, reducing the aggravation found in wire harnesses when they fail. Instead, swapping out a bad sensor is all that will get a machine back and running again.

Using satellite technology to manage a fleet will be part of normal operations.

Composites are already replacing metal components due to the material’s ability to hold up to the environment. They are easier to replace and repair. Composites will continue to take the place of many parts of excavators.

Can you imagine not needing a swing bearing? Future excavators could turn on an electro-magnetic field. This would result in zero friction and better control of speed and torque.

And cabs could be much different in the future. The static nature of cabs make it difficult for certain excavator operations. If the cab had the ability to move or detach easier, this would increase productivity. Perhaps operators will be able to operate an excavator remotely from within the confines of a comfortable office building, sitting right next to the boss! Ok, maybe that wouldn’t be so comfortable.

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The future excavator