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excavators. This hybrid machine is a product of
groundbreaking research going back to the beginning
of this millennium.
Today, the HB215LC offers an average of 25%
better fuel economy and an equivalent reduction in
CO2 emissions when compared with a standard
hydraulic excavator. It’s a powerful and efficient
machine, yet drastically minimizes its impact on
the environment.
Hybrid HB215LC Well Received
in Europe
In an era of major global environmental concerns,
Komatsu recognizes that eco-conscious products
that deliver excellent performance tailored to
customers’ needs are essential. The first Hybrid
HB215LC customers in Europe fully concur with
this idea and appear to be extremely pleased with
Komatsu’s hybrid machine as evidenced by their
positive feedback and comments.
A Machine Perfectly Matched to
Environmental Considerations
In the western Austrian province of Vorarlberg,
a new Komatsu HB215LC hybrid excavator is hard
at work for Lustenau-based Landesflussbauhof
Vorarlberg at the “One Hundred Year Flood” job
site, a project deemed essential for protecting the
environment, the local population and wildlife
from a possible massive flood of the Rhine River.
The project is part of the International Regulation
of the Rhine (IRR) agreement.
The IRR was established in 1892 by a treaty
between Austria and Switzerland. Its main objective
is the continuous improvement of flood
protection and river ecology along a cross-border
portion of the Rhine River stretching 90 km
(56 mi) upstream from Lake Constance (Bodensee).
Both countries jointly fund the current project,
with Vorarlberg Province supporting about 15%
of the total cost.
In the past, dikes and dams were erected, the
river banks were properly managed and the
Rhine’s flow capacity was improved to 3,100 m³
(109,461 ft³) per second. However, a study by a
Swiss university now suggests a higher probability
of flooding in the coming years due to more
intense rainfall and snow melt. The “One Hundred
Year Flood” project was started in 2009 to increase
the Rhine’s flood runoff volume to 4,300 m³
(151,833 ft³) per second.
Mr. Otto Sohm, project manager for
Landesflussbauhof Vorarlberg, says: “We were
The new Komatsu hybrid excavator works for preventing floods.
determined to use the new Komatsu HB215LC for
this project. Its unique ecologically friendly profile
fitted perfectly into the environmental preservation
aspect of our work.”
Equipped with a quick coupler and a KMAX
tooth system, the HB215LC is used for rehabilitating
flood plains and river banks, digging out
sedimentary material deposited over the years
and dropping it back into the river. The Komatsu
HB215LC, along with its optimal hybrid capabilities,
is an ideal machine for this work, and
Mr. Sohm is delighted by its exceptionally low
fuel consumption.
Mr. Herbert Fitz, machine operator, notes:
“This new hybrid excavator is very fast. In fact,
it’s a lot more efficient than our previous conventional
machine. I also appreciate the smoothness
of operation and the cabin comfort.” He also
commented positively on the low noise levels
in the cabin.
The Hybrid HB215LC rehabilitates the banks of the Rhine River.
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