Bauma Media Dialog preview: lots of electric, some hydrogen solutions

A few days ago we took part in the Bauma Media Dialog at the Munich Trade Fair Congress Center, an opportunity for the trade press to meet some of the companies (about 140 out of 3,500) that will be exhibiting at Bauma in April. We will talk about it in detail on this site and in the magazine.

Manufacturers have teased several new features, but many will only be revealed in April. We already know, for example, that Volvo CE will exhibit a range of fully electric machines, that Yanmar CE will not exhibit, but will be present as Yanmar Europe BV, that HD Hyundai and Develon will unveil machines they have designed together for the first time, that Hitachi has collaborated with Liebherr and Kreisel on alternative fuels.

Bauma, as always, will be the privileged stage for the presentation of the latest in the construction sector, but we have naturally limited ourselves to examining in depth what will be the innovative proposals in propulsion solutions. Let’s see some of them.

Cummins will showcase the Next Gen X15 for off-highway applications, part of the “agnostic” HELM platform, with further improved efficiency; the MOXE8 steer axle for telehandlers; and the QSK60 Stage V/Tier 4 Final engine for mining applications.

Volvo Penta will highlight its battery electric platform for construction and mining, with a special focus on its battery energy storage subsystem (BESS). Its proven combustion engines will also be featured, as well as electric drivelines for the construction sector.

Yanmar will unveil its hydrogen engine concepts based on the TN series as a world premiere. With the same footprint as the diesel engine, the 4TN101 Hydrogen, which is based on the latest 3.8-liter 4TN101 diesel engine, runs on hydrogen while retaining many parts in common with the diesel version. Yanmar already has a strong experience in hydrogen solutions, especially in fuel cells for the marine market. Bauma will also be the occasion for the Japanese company to present its e-powertrain package, adaptable to OEM requirements.

Rehlko will use Bauma to introduce Eric Fontaine, newly appointed president of the Engine division, to Europe. The booth will feature the proven KSD and KDI series, but the highlight is the introduction of Xtreme Conditions oil and Xtended Life Formula coolant. These new diesel engine fluids are designed to provide peak performance and extended equipment life.