How to decipher excavator model designations?

Construction equipment manufacturers such as Komatsu, Caterpillar, Liebherr, Volvo, Hitachi and Kobelc usemarking systems for their models that provide information about the machine’s type, operating weight and specific features. These designations are key to understanding a machine’s specifications and capabilities. In this article, we will discuss how model designations are created for excavators, loaders and dozers.

General rules in the world of heavy machinery

Excavator model names usually consist of several elements that provide key information about the machine’s specifications. The first element is the excavator type or series, which can indicate whether the excavator is tracked, wheeled or has another special type of construction. The next element is the operating weight, usually given in tons, which helps determine the size and power of the machine. Then, there are additional features such as extended tracks, reinforced versions for heavy work or special models for demolition. Finally, there is usually a technological generation designation, which helps determine how modern the machine is – the higher the number, the newer the technology used in the excavator.

Additional markings

Additional letter designations can be found on excavators of various brands, which provide information on specific features and applications of the machine. Here are some of the most common designations:

• The letter“L” – Many excavator models have the letter “L” in their name, which indicates that the machine is equipped with extended crawler tracks (extended crawler track). The extended crawler tracks increase the contact area with the ground, which improves the machine’s stability on soft terrain. Such excavators are often used in construction conditions on soft ground.
• The“LC” designation – The LC symbol is commonly found on excavator models of various brands, such as Komatsu (e.g. PC200LC-8), Doosan (e.g. DX300LC-7) and Kobelco (e.g. SK350LC-8). LC means that a given model has widened and elongated tracks, which increases the surface area in contact with the ground, which is particularly beneficial when working on soft and unstable ground.
• Designation“NLC” – Narrow Long Crawler, or narrow and long tracks. Excavators with the “NLC” designation are equipped with narrower tracks than standard models, allowing them to maneuver better in narrow spaces such as urban construction sites. Despite the narrower undercarriage, the tracks are still long, providing good stability for the machine during operation.
• The designation“LN” stands for Long Narrow, which means elongated and narrow. In practice, it refers to excavators that have an elongated arm and a narrower undercarriage. Such machines are designed to work in confined spaces, where a wide chassis could make maneuvering difficult, while longer arm extensions are required.

Komatsu: Model designation rules for excavators, loaders and dozers

Komatsu uses a designation system where the letters indicate the type of machine and the numbers indicate the operating weight and technology generation. The letters “PC” refer to crawler excavators and “PW” to wheeled excavators. The designation “WA” is used for wheel loaders and “D” for tracked loaders.

Examples

• Excavator: Komatsu PC 210 LC-8
  • PC – Caterpillar excavator.
  • 210 – Operating weight of about 21 tons.
  • LC – Version with extended tracks
  • -8 – Designation of technological generation (eighth generation).
• Loader: Komatsu WA470-8
  • WA – Wheel loader.
  • 470 – Bucket capacity of approximately 4.^7m3.
  • -8 – Technology generation designation.

Caterpillar: Rules for labeling excavator models

The symbol for Caterpillar crawler excavators begins with the numeral “3”. The next two digits are responsible for indicating the operating weight, and the letter at the end indicates the generation. Wheeled excavators, on the other hand, have the designation “M3” at the beginning. Wheel loaders start with the digit “9”. There are also additional class designations for a particular machine: “GC” – entry-level products, and “XE” – premium products.

Examples

• Excavator: Caterpillar 320 GC
  • 3 – stands for crawler excavator.
  • 20 – Operating weight of about 20 tons.
  • GC – Standard Version.
• Wheeled excavator: Caterpillar M316
  • M3 – Wheel Excavator.
  • 16 – Operating weight of about 50 tons.

Liebherr: Excavator model designation rules

Liebherr uses letters and numbers to designate its models. The letter “R” stands for tracked excavators and “A” for wheeled excavators. For wheel loaders, the letter “L” is used.

Examples

• Caterpillar excavator: Liebherr R924 Compact
  • R – Caterpillar excavator.
  • 924 – About 24 tons of operating weight.
  • Compact – Compact version.
• Rail wheel excavator: Liebherr A922 Rail Litronic
  • A – Wheeled excavator.
  • 922 – Operating weight of about 22 tons.
  • Rail – Rail version.
  • Litronic – a system that integrates electronics and hydraulics.

Hitachi: Rules for labeling excavator models

The markings on Hitachi excavator models provide detailed information on the purpose of the machine and its specific features. Excavators have the designation “ZX” at the beginning, and the following digits correspond to the weight of the machine. The letter “W” following the digits means that we are dealing with a wheeled (wheeled) excavator. The letter “H,” on the other hand, is used to designate reinforced versions for heavy work, such as mining. The letter “K” indicates the machine’s intended use for demolition.

Examples

• Excavator: Hitachi ZX360H-3G
  • ZX – Hitachi excavator series.
  • 360 – Indicates the operating weight of the machine, which is about 36 tons.
  • H – Indicates a reinforced (heavy-duty) version for heavy work, such as mining.
  • -3G – Machine generation designation.
• Excavator: Hitachi ZX210K-3
  • ZX – Hitachi excavator series.
  • 210 – Operating weight of about 21 tons.
  • K – stands for dismantling excavator (dismantling type).
  • -3 – Machine generation designation.

Volvo: rules for marking excavator and loader models

Volvo labels its machines using a system of letters and numbers. Caterpillar excavators are marked with the letters “EC,” wheeled excavators with “EW,” and wheel loaders with “L.”

Examples

• Excavator: Volvo EC480E
  • EC – Caterpillar excavator.
  • 480 – Operating weight of about 48 tons.
  • E – Generation.
• Loader: Volvo L220H
  • L – Wheel loader.
  • 220 – Static tipping load of about 22 tons.
  • H – Generation.

Kobelco: Rules for labeling excavator models

Kobelco marks its machines with letters and numbers. The letters “SK” refer to crawler excavators, which are the only type of machine in Kobelco’s product range.

Examples

• Excavator: Kobelco SK210LC-10
  • SK – Caterpillar excavator.
  • 210 – Operating weight of about 21 tons.
  • LC –Long Crawler (LC ).
  • -10 – Tenth generation.

Summary

The model designations of excavators, loaders and dozers allow a better understanding of their specifications and purpose. Each manufacturer uses its own rules, but they are similar and clear, making it easier to choose the right equipment based on the markings in the model names.