Norwegian Excavator Brings Back Memories

Photos of a not so well-known Norwegian built specialist hydraulic excavator have been circulating around the internet over the past week or two, so I decided to do some ‘digging’ to find out more.

As soon as I spotted this machine, my thoughts immediately drifted back to the other famous machines from this Nordic region, namely Brøyt excavators.

There are many similarities in style, but the 70-tonne class AMV FL70H Hybrid face shovel excavator, is a cutting-edge piece of excavation technology.

Designed and manufactured by AMV AS – Andersen Mek. Verksted a company that incredibly was first established as far back as 1860. The FL70H can be powered by its Stage V emissions compliant Deutz diesel engine, which has a power rating of 340kw.

Alternatively, the machine can operate using its electric motor which has a power output of 250kw 50Hz. There is a large cable reel mounted to the undercarriage of the excavator, which allows it to connect to 1000V power grids.

The machine is designed for loading rock and cleaning quarry floors, but it really comes into its own in underground tunnels and mining applications, where its special kinematic boom geometry allows it to work in tight quarters with restricted overhead clearance.

The machines standard bucket capacity is 5.3m³ and a quick coupler is provided to change front end attachments as and when needed.

The machine featured in these photos was on test and will be delivered to the Skanska E10 project, Norway's largest road building job, between Tjeldsund-Gullesfjordbotn and Langvassbukt. The project includes the construction of 82km of new and upgraded road, seven rock tunnels with a total length of 27km and several bridges with lengths ranging from 20m to 200m. The project will also include pedestrian and cycle routes and general improvements to local public transport facilities, laybys, rest areas and access roads. 

Checkout this video featuring the FL70H which unusually has no sound.