The Commercial Construction Equipment working group recently participated in the field evaluation of the Caterpillar D7E hybrid-electric bulldozer. Representatives from TARDEC conducted side-by-side evaluations of the dozer with the conventional D7R and D6T dozers. Evaluations also included the use of an Accu-Grade blade leveling system. The tests were conducted with the Navy Seabees at their base at Port Hueneme, California.  Tests performed included pad-building, trenching and backfilling.  HTUF purchased test equipment (flow meters, data acquisition equipment, etc.) for this demonstration and CCEUF funds were also being used for equipment rental and Caterpillar operator costs.  Data is being analyzed and will be disseminated to the working group in the next few months.

Check out pictures and videos of the tests at Port Hueneme, California here.

Other recent work includes testing on advanced hydraulic systems in an Army backhoe loader and a proof-of-concept demonstration of a plug-in hybrid wheel loader at a California dairy.

As part of its Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF), CALSTART, in conjunction with the U.S. Army’s National Automotive Center, initiated a Commercial Construction Equipment Users Forum (CCEUF).  This manufacturer/supplier/end-user collaboration seeks to foster technology advancements in the heavy construction and materials handling sectors with the ultimate goal of increasing the efficiency of construction equipment such as loaders, excavators, and dozers.