Komatsu launches D375A-8 dozer

Komatsu Australia has released the D375A-8 dozer with the promise of delivering increased production, reduced operating costs, new operator assist and comfort features, and improved maintainability and service life.

The D375A-8 dozer, which targets mining and large earthmoving applications, has an operating weight of 72.9 tonnes and is powered by a US EPA Tier 4 Final emission certified Komatsu SAA6D170E-7 diesel engine, rated at 455kW in forward gears and 558kW in reverse.

Komatsu’s new low-emission engine is designed to provide more reversing power for higher productivity.

According to Komatsu Australia’s mining product manager Michael Hall, the D375A-8’s combination of a fuel-efficient low-emission engine, increased reversing power and enhanced chassis and track frame durability result in significantly lower operating costs per metre of material moved.

“Our new SAA6D170E-7 Tier 4-compliant diesel engine not only incorporates features to substantially reduce particulate matter and other emissions compared with previous generation engines, it also reduces fuel consumption through a heavy duty EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, a hydraulically driven radiator cooling fan and Komatsu auto idle stop,” he said.

“At the same time, Komatsu has increased engine power by 20 per cent when in reverse, reducing cycle time in downhill dozing applications – the most efficient method of bulk dozing. Compared with our previous generation D375A-6, production in downhill dozing is increased by 18 per cent.”

As with earlier generations of the D375A and other large Komatsu dozers, the D375A-8 incorporates the equipment manufacturer’s exclusive automatic transmission with lockup torque converter.

“This transmission system reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, along with greater power train efficiency, compared with manual gearshift modes,” Mr. Hall said.

“Komatsu’s automatic gearshift transmission selects the optimal gear range depending on working conditions and the load on the machine, so it’s always operating at maximum efficiency.”

Komatsu has improved operator comfort compared with previous models of the D375A through a number of upgrades and design changes.

Ride improvements, based on proven design enhancements to other models, result from further changes to the undercarriage, cabin mounts and operator’s seat, according to Komatsu.

The D375A’s other improvements for operators include better visibility of the blade and ripper, new platforms and handrails and a Komatsu boarding ladder.

Komatsu has made operator assist features, such as auto blade pitch, auto ripper return and fixed steering lever, standard on this model.

It has also made a number of improvements to increase machine reliability and ease of maintenance, including long life mainframe and track frames, the use of a Mesabi radiator as standard, with a hinge-type front mask and cooling fan support.