Komatsu adds new excavators

The latest models in the "dash 10" range of hydraulic excavators from Komatsu have been launched, along with two articulated dump trucks (ADTs).

The PC290LC-10, PC360LC-10 and PC490LC-10 follow the PC240LC-10 which was launched last year.

Komatsu said the key features of "dash 10" machines centred on lower fuel consumption and better operator comfort, with improved efficiency and enhanced serviceability to maximise productivity and lower operating costs.

Weighing in at up to 30.9 tonnes, the PC290LC/NLC-10 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-2 Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engine, with a flywheel horsepower of 159kW. The new excavator is said to deliver an environmentally friendly engine with 5% more power and up to 10% less fuel consumption.

A fully automatic switchable auto-deceleration system can considerably reduce fuel usage during idle conditions.

The PC360LC/NLC-10 weighs in at 35.57 tonnes is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D114E-5 engine at 202kW.

Komatsu said that power was increased by 4% compared to the PC350LC/NLC-8, while decreasing fuel consumption. Drawbar pull is also increased by 10%, steering and manoeuvrability are improved, with no loss of travel speed, it said.

The PC490/LC-10 replaces the PC450/LC-8. Weighing in at up to 48.987 tonnes, this is a 4% increase compared to its predecessor. The PC490/LC-10 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D125 engine with a flywheel horsepower of 268kW.

Komatsu said its engines used an advanced electronic control system to manage air flow rate, fuel injection, combustion parameters and aftertreatment functions to try to optimise performance, reduce emissions and provide advanced diagnostic capability.

Komatsu has developed a hydraulically actuated Komatsu Variable Geometry Turbocharger (KVGT) and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, which it claimed led to reductions in fuel consumption, as well as longer component life.

The Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) on the PC290 has an integrated design that Komatsu said did not interfere with daily operation but kept the operator aware of its status. Its regeneration system, with active or passive mode, has a manual override integrated into the monitor panel.

The active/passive KDPF on the PC360 and the PC490 was said to have been designed to function primarily in its passive mode, incinerating most trapped particulates without needing to interrupt machine operations. It too has a manual override in the monitor panel.

Simon Saunders, product manager, crawler excavators, said, "There is a timed regeneration at 96 hours, but when it's working hard it doesn't need it."

He added that the main considerations for the new machines included ease of maintenance and operator comfort as well as fuel efficiency.

The fully air-suspended operator control station incorporates the side consoles mounted together with a high back, fully adjustable heated seat. The new ROPS (roll over protection structure) compliant cab is specifically designed for hydraulic excavators and aims to provide a comfortable and quiet work environment.

Mr Saunders said that the noise levels in the cab were the same as on the previous models, but that operators who had tried the new machines felt it was quieter.

A new high resolution 178mm LCD monitor features enhanced capabilities and displays information in 25 languages.

The operator can select up to six working modes to match machine performance to the application. These working modes include Power Mode, Economy Mode, Heavy Lift Mode, Breaker Mode, Attachment Power Mode and Attachment Economy Mode. Komatsu said the new Attachment Economy Mode allowed attachments to be used without compromising machine efficiency.

Mr Saunders said the machines provided easy service access in order to reduce downtime. Routine service points are accessible from ground level, and handrails surround the upper structure for easier and safer accessibility.

The machines are equipped with the Komatsu EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System), which has enhanced diagnostic features that give operators and technicians greater monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

The new articulated dump trucks now available from Komatsu Europe are the HM300-3 and HM400-3, which have a completely redesigned traction control system, automatic retarder and Komatsu's new engine emission technology.

The HM400-3 features a gross vehicle weight of 73.74 tonnes with a payload of 40 tonnes at its maximum speed of 55.9kph. The 353kW Komatsu SAA6D140 engine is Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim compliant, as is the 242kW SAA6D125E-6 engine for the HM300-3, which has a gross vehicle weight of 52.23 tonnes, with a payload of 28.1 tonnes at its maximum speed of 58.6kph.

Both models feature the new Komatsu Traction Control System (K-TCS). This is said to provide optimum traction automatically on any type of ground. As ground conditions worsen and tire slippage is detected by speed sensors located on four wheels, automatic application of the inter-axle differential lock occurs. If tyre slippage continues to be detected then four independent brakes automatically apply to slipping wheels to regain traction.