Europe's first stage 4 CAT 311F excavator starts work with Morgan Sindall
Construction and infrastructure business Morgan Sindall has taken receipt of the first Caterpillar 311F Euro Stage 4 Engine Excavator in Europe. The ubiquitous ‘digger’ is a staple feature of construction sites everywhere, but this one is different. It is a new generation of cleaner, more efficient machines that comply with the latest EU legislation to reduce Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter emissions from diesel engines. This particular model reduces these NOx emissions by 90 per cent, particulate matter by 90 per cent and is up to 22 per cent more fuel efficient when compared with its Stage 3a predecessors.
The 311F features a high pressure fuel injection system which allows it to burn diesel more efficiently and cleanly. Furthermore, it features a NOx Reduction System, which captures and cools a small amount of exhaust gas, before returning it to the engine and lowering combustion temperatures enough to minimise the production of NOx.
The new machine is currently on site assisting the Morgan Sindall team on its project to construct the new Pudding Mill Lane Station, in London, for the wider Crossrail project to extend London’s railway network.
Jonathan Hall, Plant Director at Morgan Sindall, said: “As a leading UK construction and infrastructure company, Morgan Sindall is committed to playing its part in driving forward the sustainability agenda. In partnering with firms that share our vision of minimising environmental impact, we are able to continue to develop greener options to help make this a reality. This European first complements our December 2013 accolade of being the first company in the UK to use the Mercedes-Benz Arocs lorry, the cleanest commercial vehicle in production.”
Patrick Flannery, Director of Flannery Plant Hire, one of the firms from which Morgan Sindall leases some of its equipment, said: “We are aware of the part that clean and efficient plant needs to play in fulfilling Morgan Sindall’s sustainability objectives and we are delighted to be able to provide them with the most innovative machinery to enable this.”