Komatsu Launches New Products and Technology at ConExpo

April 18, 2008
Komatsu America showcased various new products including wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, track loaders, dump trucks, hydraulic excavators, skid-steer loaders and crawler dozers, as well as its Komtrax technology at ConExpo 2008 in Las Vegas. Starting ...

Komatsu America showcased various new products including wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, track loaders, dump trucks, hydraulic excavators, skid-steer loaders and crawler dozers, as well as its Komtrax technology at ConExpo 2008 in Las Vegas.

Starting with the WA500-6, WA600-6 and WA800-3 wheel loaders, Komatsu employs technological advancements allowing operators to work comfortably and productively in a variety of conditions. On the W500-6, the variable piston pumps are combined with the CLSS (closed-center load sensing system) to deliver only the required amount of hydraulics flow necessary to work equipment. By reducing the wasted flow of hydraulic oil, the amount of power necessary to move the pumps is reduced, improving performance. The WA600-6 includes Komatsu’s EMMS (equipment management monitoring system), which displays 28 different machine functions including fluid/filter change intervals and trouble-shooting memory display functions such as engine oil levels and coolant temperature. A Komatsu turbocharged, water-cooled, 4-cycle engine powers the WA800-3 wheel loader, delivering a net horsepower of 808 hp while retaining fuel-efficient operations. The unit also offers a full powershift planetary gear-type transmission allowing the operator to control direction and quickly shift gears.

The WB146-5 and WB146PS-5 backhoe loaders feature an operating weight range of 16,090 to 18,740 pounds. The units come equipped with a Komatsu engine producing 88 hp, and the WB146PS-5 incorporates a full PowerShift transmission with twist grip gear controls. A new S-shaped backhoe boom is designed to be narrower and stronger for visibility, increased lifting capacity enhanced truck loading and improved breakout force.

Komatsu’s rubber-tracked compact track loaders have a wide supporting surface allowing the machines to effectively work on various types of soil, including mud and snow. The CK30-1 features an operating weight of 9,546 pounds and the CK35-1 offers an operating weight of 10,053 pounds. Both machines offer optional fully enclosed cabs with slide-up overhead front doors, feature an expanded entrance, 360-degree visibility, heating and air conditioning.

For improved stopping power and reliability the HM300-2 articulated dump truck comes equipped with a high-capacity, wet-type, multiple disc brake and retarder combination. A wet, multiple-disc interaxle clutch also locks three axles in unison for greater traction. The unit also features a maximum GVW of 113,360 pounds, capable of hauling up to a 30-ton payload at its top rated speed of 36.4 mph.

The HD605-7 rigid dump truck is designed for rock and quarry sites and features a turbocharged, air-to-air after-cooled diesel engine providing a maximum net output of 715 hp. The unit comes standard with Komatsu’s VHMS (vehicle health monitoring system) that enables downloaded machine data, such as operating conditions and service meters, to be transmitted via the Internet and reviewed by operators or rental owners.

The company introduces three hydraulic excavators and three compact hydraulic excavators. The PC138USLC-8 short-tail swing excavator has a net horsepower of 92 hp and an operating weight of 31,107 to 32,568 pounds. The PC270LC-8 has a 187-hp and an operating weight of 65,336 to 67,393 pounds. The PC400LC-8, with a flywheel horsepower of 345 hp, features an operating weight of 103,834 pounds.

The compact hydraulic excavators introduced at ConExpo include the PC78MR-6, PC45MR-3 and PC09-1. All units are designed for a variety of construction, utility, landscaping and other small- to mid-sized applications. The minimum-swing-radius (MR) family of compact excavators enables the operator to focus on the work in front and not worry about the rear swing impacts in confined areas. With its compact design, foldable canopy and expandable undercarriage, the PC09-1 is able to pass through doorways when the undercarriage is retracted. The unit features additional stability when the undercarriage is expanded while excavating.

The SK1026-5 skid-steer loader has a wheelbase of 48 inches, giving the operator a more stable ride when carrying loads as well as reducing bucket spills. The SK1026 also has an operating weight of 8.068 pounds and is powered by an 84-hp engine. The SK820-5 skid steer has an operating weight of 6,480 pounds and is powered by a 54-hp engine. Both skid-steer loaders feature Komatsu’s patented Automatic Power Control system and a standard two-speed transmission.

The D155AX-6 crawler dozer is designed for ripping and dozing operations. The machine combines Komatsu’s SigmaDozer blade — which features a new frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling material at the center of the blade — with an automatic shift transmission with lockup torque converter for increased productivity and fuel economy. The D39EX-22 and D39PX-22 crawler dozers are equipped with Komatsu’s hydrostatic transmission, and feature a super-slant nose coupled with a new cab forward design that moves the operator closer to the blade while improving machine balance, ride and stability.

All Komatsu units feature Komtrax technology, which sends the machine operating information to a secure website using wireless technology. Data such as hour meter, location, cautions and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web applications for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system is designed to increase machine availability, reduce the risk of machine theft, allow for remote diagnostics and provide information to drive efficiency and productivity.

Komatsu now has more than 100,000 Komtrax-enabled machines in operation, said Greg Hewitt, vice president and general manager, construction division. “It’s not just a simple asset-management tool,” Hewitt added. “It’s actually embedded into the machine and provides a lot of capability, tools for product information, machine condition, life-cycle costing and more. It’s given us a pulse on the world and its feedback helps us to continually develop better machines.”

Komtrax is included on all Tier-3 construction and compact machines, built in without extra charge.