New 50 tonne class excavator from Komatsu

Komatsu has released a new 50 tonne class excavator, designed for heavy construction, quarrying and demolition applications.

The PC490LC-11 features a Tier 4 Final-compliant low emission engine and increased production at lower fuel consumption.

The excavator incorporates a number of new features, including enhancements to the hydraulic system, increased durability with a reinforced swing cycle, improved operator comfort, upgraded Information Communications Technology, enhanced serviceability through centralised service points and the latest KOMTRAX system which remotely monitors critical machine operating criteria.

Komatsu National Business Manager – Construction Amber Rickard said the PC490LC-11 replaced the 46.1 tonne PC450LC-8, which it significantly outperforms in key operating criteria.

“These include a larger maximum bucket size of 2.7 cubic metres, a 15 per cent increase in lift capacity, and up to 13 per cent greater production and 15 per cent better fuel efficiency with its enhanced power mode,” she said.

Our new PC490LC-11 represents a complete redesign over the PC450LC-8,” Ms Rickard said.

“Not only does it have a new Komatsu Tier 4 Final compliant low emission engine – which dramatically cuts emissions compared with Tier 3 and earlier engines – but our design engineers have greatly enhanced the hydraulic system for increased power and efficiency, and significantly beefed up the undercarriage, swing system and counterweight,” she said.

Ms Rickard said the new excavator has an improved hydraulic efficiency though higher displacement pumps, which provides increased flow output at lower engine RPM.

“The PC490LC-11 is also the only excavator in this size class with a closed-centre load-sensing system, for better fuel efficiency, improved fine control and simultaneous multiple functions,” she said.

“And in addition to standard hammer and quick hitch piping, the PC490LC-11 now comes with an additional service valve for easy setup of a proportionally controlled secondary auxiliary line.”

Much of the increased operating weight of the PC490LC-11 compared with the PC450LC-8 is due to a heavier counterweight and extra heavy-duty undercarriage according to Ms Rickard.

“The heavier counterweight and more robust undercarriage increase lift capacity by up to 15%, allowing the use of larger buckets and attachments, and for the machine to lift heavier loads around sites,” Ms Rickard said.

“In addition, this heavier duty undercarriage provides added durability and improved operator comfort in tough working conditions such as quarries, demolition and heavy construction, and rock-breaking work.

“The end result is an excavator that delivers lower costs per tonne, through its higher productivity and improved fuel efficiency, matched with durability and maintenance features that significantly reduce machine downtime and service costs,” she said.