As a response to the fast growing demand for more sustainable crushing and screening equipment, Metso Outotec is introducing the Lokotrack e-Power range, which brings the diesel-electric Lokotrack mobile crushing and screening units into one, distinctive offering. The range includes 15 crushers and 6 screens, making it the market's broadest portfolio of hybrid mobile crushing and screening equipment.
"We introduced the first Lokotrack E-models already 35 years ago, so we are one of the pioneers in this field," says Kimmo Anttila, VP of Lokotrack solutions at Metso Outotec. "During the past couple of years the demand for hybrid solutions has really taken off as environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in more countries. In fact, sales of the Lokotrack E-models have doubled in five years, and we expect the trend to accelerate."
Aggregate crushing is very energy-intensive; thanks to the development actions to lower fuel consumption, the annual CO2 emissions of the Lokotrack equipment are 20,000 tons lower today compared to the situation before 2010.
"Lokotrack design principles are simple: optimize the operating costs, capacity, and end-product quality of the customer application. We give consideration to the total fuel consumption, including the engine and driveline technologies, but also to other factors, such as the unit transportation weight and the engine stand-by function," Anttila explains. "Additionally, we have reduced the hydraulic oil and lubricant volumes by more than half to further ease the environmental burden. Based on our data, a Lokotrack unit uses as much as 80 percent less oils compared to our previous models and compared to many other brands on the market. Naturally, the hybrid driveline reduces the need for oils and lubricants even further."
He concludes: "A diesel and hybrid offering complete each other; in remote locations where power grid is not available, a diesel driveline is still the only viable solution. We are investing heavily in development of sustainable technologies. Lokotrack is robust, energy efficient, and highly mobile - and it meets the versatile needs of customers today and tomorrow."
