The latest high performance filter housing and element technology from the Hydraulic Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin, the world's largest manufacturer of motion and control technology, is being used by Komatsu on its PC210 Dash 8 excavators, to ensure cleaner hydraulic systems and increased filtration efficiency. The bespoke version of Parker's 80CN filter housing was the ideal product for the application, giving economical, medium pressure performance, excellent fatigue pressure ratings from 40 to 56bar, and an efficient element assembly of high capacity multilayered Microglass III. Furthermore, this filter can be easily retrofitted into a predefined location on the excavator, helping Komatsu make considerable savings in the time required for maintenance and filter installation.

Established in 1921, the Japanese company Komatsu is a leading designer and manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, industrial machinery and vehicles.

The company's latest excavators, the high performance PC210 Dash 8 series, have been specifically developed and built for the European market offering a range of robust, highly reliable and environmentally friendly machines.

Each excavator in the range features an onboard HydrauMind system that controls the engine, hydraulic and electric systems, improving fuel consumption by up by 10% comparison with conventional machines and enhancing overall machine performance.

The engine itself meets EPA Tier III, and EU Stage IIIA emissions regulations with a reduction in NOx emissions by 29%.

Used for the filtration of the hydraulic system, a modified version of Parker's 80CN filter and housing offers a fatigue rating from 40 to 56bar and a maximum operating pressure of 70bar.

This innovative filter uses the latest Microglass III filtration media supported with epoxy coated metal wire.

The unique multilayer design of these media combines high efficiency with unrivalled dirt holding capacity, with this performance being enhanced still further by the deep pleat design, which increases the amount of media in the element.

In addition, the 80CN features a friction grip tape, making the filter easy to fit and handle, while offering cartridge style bypass to ensure good sealing and low hysteresis.

The lightweight filter also features an anodised aluminium bowl and a rugged aluminium head, ensuring good corrosion resistance, as well as a dual seal that protects the head and bowl threads from contamination.

Peter Thompson a Senior Design Engineer at Komatsu, explains: 'The Parker filter elements and media provided us with the high performance and reliability we required, offering far greater levels of efficiency and capacity than competing products, while the modular design meant that they were quick and simple to install'.

'Ultimately, these Parker products are helping us to achieve and maintain cleaner hydraulics systems enhancing their performance and operating life as well as allowing us to make considerable reductions in the cost and time associated with maintenance and repairs'.