The first bulldozer equipped with a direct electric drive has started work on construction sites carried out by Budimex. This modern machine is quieter, greener and more efficient.
The construction industry is responsible for half of the carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere in the world. One of the main CO2 emitters is construction equipment powered by internal combustion engines. The Caterpillar D6 XE is equipped with an electric motor that directly drives the entire machine, and the power generator is powered by a more economical internal combustion engine. There are 90% fewer moving parts in the machine than in a traditional drive system. The machine consumes 15% less diesel than its traditional counterparts. Through the use of modern components, the number of servicing activities, filters, and the amount of oils and lubricants needed for the operation of the machine has been reduced (about 25%). At the same time, by extending the service life, it has been possible to reduce maintenance costs by approx. 10% compared to conventional drive. Budimex’s new bulldozer is currently working on the construction of embankments and structural layers.
One of the elements of the company’s strategy is to set trends in innovative and sustainable construction. The company has just started the implementation of a new CSR strategy for 2021-2023, which provides for m.in. active measures to protect the environment, including a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions on construction sites by 2023.
– We are constantly developing and for years we have been investing in modern technologies and innovative equipment that allows us to reduce the environmental impact of our construction sites. The new electric bulldozer, which has recently started work on Via Carpatia pod Kamieniem, reduces noise, reduces CO2 emissions and saves fuel consumption – comments Artur Popko, Vice-President of the Management Board, Chief Operating Officer of Budimex.
The Caterpillar D6 XE is a medium-sized bulldozer that has been added to Budimex’s machine park and is the world’s first electrically driven bulldozer with a raised drive wheel. The electric drive allows for a transfer of 35 and 10 percent. more material per gallon/liter of fuel and per hour, respectively. The bulldozer was also equipped m.in. An integrated rear-view camera for improved visibility on the construction site, handrails on both sides of the cab roof, improved ventilation that provides drivers with a cleaner environment from dust and debris, and a Bluetooth-enabled® microphone for hands-free mobile phone use.
Budimex, commissioned by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, is currently constructing an over 8-kilometre section of the S19 Kamień – Sokołów Małopolski Północ. The general contractor is responsible m.in. for the construction of a dual carriageway expressway, two road junctions and ten engineering structures. Works are already more than 50% advanced on this section.
As part of the works on the S19, in addition to the Kamień – Sokołów Małopolski Północ section, Budimex is also responsible for the construction of the section from the Białystok Zachód junction (without the junction) to the Białystok Księżyno junction (with the junction). The general contractor’s portfolio of infrastructure investments will also include m.in. the Tuszyn Tuszyn-Piotrków section of the A1 motorway, the S61 expressway (on the sections: Suwałki – Budzisko with the Szypliszki bypass, Stawiski-Szczuczyn, Wysokie – Raczki), as well as the bypasses of the Tri-City Metropolis, Wałbrzych and Oleśnica in the Voivodeship of Szczecin. Lower Silesia.
