GALLERY: Komatsu Introduces New Intelligent Earthmoving Machines

Komatsu last week introduced a new line-up of intelligent machines at its facility in Cartiersville, Ga.

The D155AXi-8 Crawler Dozer with Radio Control Option

The D155AXi-9 Radio Control dozer is Komatsu’s first radio-controlled machine with intelligent machine control technology.

     “The D155AXi-8 Radio Control dozer is designed for applications where customers may want to remove the operator from the machine and still maintain high levels of efficiency and productivity,” said Sebastian Witkowski, product manager Komatsu America Corp. “This dozer meets customer demands in those applications, while utilizing Komatsu’s proven, automated, rough-cut-to-finish grade technology.”

     The D155AXi-8 RC is designed with the ability to sense and control blade load, optimize the start of the cut, and minimize track slip.

     An automated gearshift transmission and lock-up torque converter team up to select the optimal gear range, depending on jobsite conditions and load. The electronically controlled transmission locks up the torque converter to transfer engine power directly to the transmission, eliminating horsepower loss and cutting fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

     The Sigmadozer blade is designed to dig and roll up more soil at the blade’s center.

D61EXi/PXi-24 Intelligent Machine Control Dozer

     The new D61EXi/PXi-24 is the second generation of its intelligent Machine Control dozer. It features a 6.8 liter, 168-horsepower, SAA6D107E-3 Tier 4 Final engine. The Intelligent Machine Control system allows automated operation from heavy dozing to fine grading, achieving up to 8 percent greater efficiency in moving material, based on start-to-finish grade testing of typical aftermarket machine control systems. The lack of blade-mounted sensors and components means there is no need for operators to climb on the blade to install or remove GNSS antennas. It has no coiled cables or electrical connections.

       The machine offers a choice between quick-shift, three-speed mode and a variable, 20-speed customizable transmission mode. KOMTRAX telematics system and monitor provides key machine metrics, including KDPF status, DEF consumption, fuel level, operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts. Operator ID makes it possible to view KOMTRAX data by job, application or operator. The system is included at no charge.

       A multi-lingual, 7-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with Ecology Guidance helps operators observe machine performance. Real-time integrated diagnostics enable troubleshooting without a laptop.

PC360LCi-11 Excavator Features Automation and Multiple Data from Sensors

Komatsu’s PC360LCi-11 hydraulic excavator features a sensor package that includes stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders, an IMU sensor and GNSS antennas. The machine utilizes 3D design data loaded into the machine’s monitor to accurately display machine position relative to target grade. When the bucket reaches the target surface, automation kicks in to limit over-excavation.

      Features include:

• Auto Grade Assist – as the operator moves the arm, the boom adjusts the bucket height automatically, tracing the target surface and minimizing digging too deep.
• Auto Stop Control – During boom and bucket operation, the work equipment automatically stops when the bucket edge reaches the design surface, thus minimizing design surface damage.
• Minimum Distance Control – The machine controls the bucket by automatically selecting the point on the bucket closest to the target surface. If the machine is not facing a sloped surface at a right angle, it will still follow the target surface and minimize digging below it.
• Facing Angle Compass – the orientation of the facing angle compass’ arrow shows the operator the facing angle, relative to target surface, allowing the bucket edge to be accurately positioned square with the target surface.
• Realistic 3D Display – the machine and design surfaces are shown in 3d. The angle and magnification of the views can be changed, allowing the operator to select the optimum view, depending on work conditions.
• Control box – the Intelligent Machine Control monitor uses a large 12.1 screen for visibility and ease of use. A touch screen icon interface, instead of a multi-step menu, simplifies operation.

  KOMRAX level 5 technology provides machine data such as fuel and diesel exhaust fluid levels, Komatsu diesel particulate filter regeneration status, location, cautions and maintenance alert information.

PC490LCi-11: Intelligent and Big

PC490LCi-11 hydraulic excavator is the largest 3C semi-automatic construction-sized excavator on the market, Komatsu said.

     “Many of our customers have been enjoying the precision, versatility and efficiency of the PC210LCi-10, and have been asking us to scale intelligent machine control technology to a larger-sized excavator,” said Jason Anetsberger, Komatsu America senior product manager. “Whether you are mass excavating, trenching or fine grading, the PC490LCi-11 will help increase productivity and efficiency, while removing the burden and worry of over excavation. All the operator has to worry about is keeping the bucket full.”

      Features include:

• Auto Grade Assist – as the operator moves the arm, the boom adjusts the bucket height automatically, tracing the target surface and minimizing digging too deep.
• Auto Stop Control – During boom and bucket operation, the work equipment automatically stops when the buket edge reaches the design surface, thus minimizing design surface damage.
• Minimum Distance Control – The machine controls the bucket by automatically selecting the point on the bucket closest to the target surface. If the machine is not facing a sloped surface at a right angle, it will still follow the target surface and minimize digging below it.
• Facing Angle Compass – the orientation of the facing angle compass’ arrow shows the operator the facing angle, relative to target surface, allowing the bucket edge to be accurately positioned square with the target surface.
• Realistic 3D Display – the machine and design surfaces are shown in 3d. The angle and magnification of the views can be changed, allowing the operator to select the optimum view, depending on work conditions.
• Control box – the Intelligent Machine Control monitor uses a large 12.1 screen for visibility and ease of use. A touch screen icon interface, instead of a multi-step menu, simplifies operation.

  KOMRAX level 5 technology provides machine data such as fuel and diesel exhaust fluid levels, Komatsu diesel particulate filter regeneration status, location, cautions and maintenance alert information.