eray, so what is the cost to rewind those motors?
Here is what electrics mean.
Total electronic controls, very expensive to fix, very difficult to fix, designed in break points that will shut the machine down at a predetermined amount of operating time, and require very expensive dealership only overhauls. Many sealed not servicable components, like Ozdozer mentioned years ago. Expensive black boxes that are only replaced and not fixed. This is like the hybrid cars today, and the $4000. battery packs that last only so long.
Did you know the CNC machine tool manufacture Mazak has a new system that recognizes if the machine has been moved? And if it sets then you have to call mazak service to enter the secret password to get it going again. I'm sure the new electronic/electric dozers will be the same. So say a state like California does not want that particular machine in the state because it doesn't meet some new standard. As soon as its GPS reports its new position, it will be sent the no start or no move signal.
I read a deal years ago how machines had a system that if you forgot a payment the dealer would send a signal to lock the engine from starting. Lets say your on a hot job and they accidently shut it down on a holiday weekend? Or is was some paperwork mix up.
One good thing, no more transmission overfill to keep it from slipping out of gear on a steep slope.
Will they keep the same efficiency as a transmission? It takes power to convert to electric then back to mechanical again. With the cost of fuel I'd rather see that power on the tracks.
So when are they going to use ball screws for the lift cylinders? They need fool proof idiot machines for the up and comming generation of operators. I hope they are installing high power sterio systems, and video games that the operator can play while sitting there as the machine does all the work.
And like eray says, dangerous to work on. And they think there is a fire hazzard now. Wait till they have a few of them working around wood chips that light up.
For sure the alternators/motors can not be air cooled, as there is alot of things like fir needles, leaves, wood dust etc. that gets in the nooks and cranys.
They will be cheaper to make, alot less gears to produce.
And how come its just a dozer, where are the electric excavators and wheel loaders etc?
How come they always fool with the dozers?
And as long as the high drives go by by its a good thing I guess.
I hope Komatsu doesn't go electric. It will fizzle, like it did with Letourneau machines.
