Komatsu Australia has released three new machines with a fully integrated machine control system.
The manufacturer has now introduced the D65EXi/PXi-18 (21-23 tonnes operating weight), the D85EXi/PXi-18 (29.5-30.5 tonnes) and the D155AXi-8 (41 tonnes) – which follow the launch of the D61EXi/PXi-23 in late 2014.
According to Aaron Marsh, Komatsu Australia’s Technology Solution Expert Team Manager, Smart Centre, Komatsu’s intelligent dozer concept allows all machines in this range to carry out both bulk and final trim dozing in fully automatic mode from start to finish, delivering final grade performance and accuracy.
“This allows them to significantly increase productivity and efficiency – up to twice as productive as dozers fitted with ‘bolt-on’ third party machine control systems according to Australian users and operators – while reducing the cost of each metre of material moved,” he said in a statement.
Each model in Komatsu’s intelligent dozer range incorporates as standard a factory-installed fully integrated 3D GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) machine control system.
“Because the machine control system is fully integrated, it eliminates the need for coiled cables between machine and blade, there is no need for the operator or service technicians to climb up on the machine to remove and replace antennas or masts, no need for daily connections and recalibrations,” said Mr. Marsh.
“An enhanced sensor package combined with an intelligent logic system provides for finish grade accuracy in a fully integrated system without the need for traditional blade-mounted sensors – which can be subject to damage, theft or vandalism.”
The integrated machine control system automatically controls blade elevation and tilt according to target design data, using common industry standard design data software and systems.
“With these machines, not only can the automatic machine control features be used for finish grading but also for bulk dozing – a capability which is unique to Komatsu intelligent dozers,” he said.
“Loading of the blade at the start of the cut is controlled via set parameters; during the pass, if the load on the blade increases during bulk dozing operation, the blade is automatically raised to control the load and minimise shoe slip, ensuring efficient dozing at all times.
“Then when the material level approaches the target design surface, the blade will follow it with millimetre-accuracy for close finish grading,” said Mr. Marsh.
“Highly experienced dozer operators are reporting that with this technology, they can be more productive than they have ever been before – placing material faster and with more accuracy than any existing dozer/machine control combination.”
Operators can select four different machine control operating modes to best match performance to the application, covering cut-and-carry, cutting, spreading and final trim grading.
The new dozers are also the first Komatsu machines fitted with the company’s ultra-low emission Tier 4 Final engines.
“Based on Komatsu proprietary technologies developed over many years, these new engines lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) by more than 90 per cent, compared with Tier 3-compliant engines,” said Mr. Marsh.
“Through our in-house development and production of engines, electronics, and hydraulic components, we have achieved significant advances in technology, delivering high levels of performance and efficiency across virtually all conditions.”