In 2011, LBX will introduce five new Link-Belt X3 series excavators beginning in the first quarter with the debut of the 250-, 300- and 350-class machines at ConExpo in March. Mid-year, a 250 Long-Front and 470-class excavator will be made available. The X3 Series full-sized conventional models have been completely redesigned with an all new ROPS certified cab and interior, new Interim Tier IVA engine technology and up to 10-percent better fuel efficiency, more lift capacity, faster cycle times and improved serviceability, according to the manufacturer.
The new family of engines powering the X3 series is EPA certified to Interim Tier IVA standards utilizing cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) and diesel particulate filter technology (DPF). With “passive regeneration” to maintain cleanliness of the particulate filter, this emission reduction technology does not require daily maintenance like that of a selective catalytic reduction system. A new variable-geometry turbocharger provides high velocity air flow at lower rpm’s for clean, efficient combustion and power even when performing precision tasks at slower speeds.
The X3 series excavators feature an all new fuel management system to squeeze every ounce of power from every drop of fuel. This intelligent new fuel efficiency system controls consumption by lowering engine rpm during non-critical functions such as combination boom lowering and swing. With a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, there’s no wasted fuel with precision, electronically-controlled metering. In combination with additional engine controls such as auto-idle, the advanced fuel management system reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 percent to lower overall owning and operating costs.
Comfort and Safety
Built and tested to demanding ISO safety standards, the all-new ROPS certified X3 cab minimizes impact as a result of rollovers. With a large, 7-in. LED color monitor to interface with the machine, an operator can easily navigate a full menu of user-friendly functionality to take full command of the X3 series excavator. A new feature is the ability to easily change auxiliary hydraulic settings for flow and pressure right from the cab monitor (pre-program up to 10 tools with infinite scroll). An operator also will feel safer with the standard rear-view camera, which displays a panoramic view of the work site from the rear of the machine: optional side-view cameras also are available. The X3 Series cab is 5-percent larger and more expansive with enhanced visibility to the right without blocking the view to the travel motors.
Other notable new cab features include: a fuel consumption gauge on the monitor to assist in determining operating characteristics; newly designed joysticks with single-swipe wiper function and radio mute buttons; new MP3 audio input, improved air-flow of climate control A/C and heat; repositioned fuse box for easy access. With 20 programmable languages, display messages can be read by virtually anyone. And, all Link-Belt excavators are equipped with a standard control pattern changer.
Performance Driven
Refinements to the X3 Series hydraulic system have resulted in gains up to 6-percent in lift capacity and up to 5-percent faster cycle times. Many of the hydraulic features of generation’s past have been carried through to the new X3, including the smooth functionality of the open-center design. A new feature, which automatically adjusts pilot pressure, provides additional regenerative properties for efficient flow while reducing system pressure loss and heat build-up.
Uptime is Money
To maximize uptime, the X3 Series features an on-board diagnostic system with flashing diagnostic codes on the monitor to quickly alert the operator to potential trouble. New, programmable, service interval reminders for 13 different service items can be tracked through the monitor to make planning maintenance easier. A new easy access cab filter on the left hand side of the cab provides ground level access while helping maintain cab pressure to keep the interior clean. Combined with the remote mounted filters and ground-level access carried over from the X2 Series, this new generation Link-Belt excavator series will be easier to service, according to the manufacturer.
For more information, visit www.lbxco.com.
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