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It’s not as fuel efficient as a Toyota Prius, but its performance is still earth shattering.
Caterpillar has unveiled its first production hybrid excavator, the Cat 336E H.
Instead of batteries, the tracked vehicle uses a simpler and less expensive hydraulic system that stores energy through pressurization when the vehicle slows down, and then releases it to help the vehicle accelerate.
According to the company, the system is good for a 25 percent increase in fuel economy compared to the standard 336E during the type of stop and go operation these vehicles usually see at a job site.
Sales of the 336E H begin in February, and it will be followed by a hybrid front shovel mining machine currently under development.