Komatsu launches updated production loaders

Equipment manufacturer Komatsu has released upgraded low-emission Tier 4 engine-powered versions of its WA500 and WA600 production loaders.

Komatsu promises the enhancements will see the loaders consume less fuel while delivering increased productivity and operating efficiency.

The new WA500-8, powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 engine rated at 264kW net, has operating weights of 36.9-38.2t (depending on configuration) and can handle buckets from 4.5-7.0m. The new WA600-8 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D170E-7 engine rated at 395kW net, is available with operating weights from 55.4-57.5t and takes buckets from 6.4-7.8m.

Both engines are Tier 4 Final certified, reducing NOx and PM levels by up to 90 per cent compared with their Tier 3 predecessors, and achieving fuel savings of up to 15 per cent, Komatsu Australia’s national business manager, quarries Richard Feehely said.

“Komatsu technologies contributing to their low emissions and reduced fuel consumption include heavy duty aftertreatment, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and high-pressure common rail fuel injection systems, a Komatsu variable geometry turbocharger system and advanced electronic controls,” he said.

“This electronic control system constantly carries out high-speed processing of all signals from sensors installed in the engine and the machine, providing total control of all components.

“Engine condition data is displayed on the monitor inside the cab, providing all the necessary operating information to the operator.

“This data is also uploaded via our KOMTRAX telematics remote monitoring system, helping owners and fleet managers with their machine management along with maintenance and service requirements.”

The WA600-8 also features Komatsu’s KOMTRAX Plus, designed for production machines, enabling expanded monitoring of a fleet via satellite and wireless LAN.

“With KOMTRAX Plus, users can analyse machine health and performance from a remote location, on a near-real time basis,” he said.

“By making critical data on component condition and trend data readily accessible to fleet managers, KOMTRAX Plus makes a very effective tool in maximising productivity and lowering operating costs.”

Higher productivity and operating efficiency are achieved through the loaders’ integrated drivetrain, hydraulics and redesigned bucket.

“A large capacity torque converter, with lockup in second to fourth gears, combined with our SmartLoader Logic engine control system, ensures that engine torque is always precisely optimised to the production task at hand,” he said.

“In addition, we’ve introduced an automatic digging system that actuates bucket tilt and lifting operations by sensing the pressure applied to the work equipment. This system helps alleviate operator fatigue while optimising bucket loads.”

Other operator assistance features include a remote bucket and boom positioning system for fast changeover of attachments or buckets, and automatic kickdown that downshifts to first gear on entering a pile.