Dig deep with Komatsu's new Dash 11 excavators

Komatsu has just released three new ultra-low-emissions Dash 11 excavators, and says the 25.5-tonne PC240LC-11, the 30.6-tonne PC290LC-11 and the 36.1-tonne PC360LC-11 deliver significant productivity gains with reduced fuel consumption compared to their predecessors.

The manufacturer says the new models' Tier 4 Final engines cut nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to the previous Dash 8 range's Tier 3 units, and now incorporate a common rail fuel injection system, a diesel particulate filter, a variable geometry turbocharger, a closed crankcase ventilation filter, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a selective catalytic reduction system.

"As well as significantly lower emissions, the Dash 11 excavators are also incredibly fuel efficient, offering up to 11 per cent fuel savings on some models," says Komatsu's National Business Manager – Construction, Amber Rickard.

"An important factor in this is that Komatsu designs and manufactures all major components, including engines, pumps, valves, motors and cylinders.

"The ability to design systems that work together, such as the engine and hydraulics, allows us to optimise machine performance so we maximise production while minimising fuel consumption."

The Dash 11 excavators boast a number of unique features, including low speed matching, variable speed matching, and a reduction in auto deceleration speed to low idle speed.

Low speed matching provides higher flow output at a lower engine RPM through the use of larger displacement hydraulic pumps, providing better pick-up and response to hydraulic flow demand and delivering fuel savings in all duty cycles.

Related reading:
Komatsu expands Dash 8 loader range
Komatsu launches low-emission, high-tech articulated dump truck

Variable speed matching, meanwhile, is an engine-pump matching control that matches engine speed to hydraulic flow requirements. It keeps engine speed high when large pump delivery is required and reduces engine speed in light duty operations to save fuel.

Other fuel-saving features – now standard across the new excavator range – include an economy working mode for attachments, an 'ECO-guidance' function that provides data and recommendations to the operator for fuel saving operations, and auto idle shutdown to reduce excessive idle time.

Safety and operator comfort have also been upgraded on the Dash 11 excavators.

"All our Dash 11 excavators have an upgraded, fully compliant ROPS cab and include a new high-back air suspension operator seat with lumbar support," says Rickard.

"The new cabs also incorporate console-mounted arm rests with a tool-less height adjustment so that operators can easily change the arm rest position in relation to both the seat and the joysticks for better ergonomics."

Quick hitch and hammer piping is standard on the new models, as is an additional service valve for easy set-up of a proportionally controlled second auxiliary line.

Attachment tool management is also available through the monitor panel for all models, enabling an operator to name and set the flows for up to 10 attachments for easy selection when changing out attachments on the jobsite.

Komatsu says serviceability across the range has also been improved, with ground-level access to centralised service points, high-efficiency dual-element fuel filters, and improved work areas around the engine compartment.

Rickard said the PC290LC-11 now also comes with a longer 6.15-metre boom and a 3.2-metre arm for an extended digging reach of 10.7 metres.

"Lift capacity is also increased due to its 30-tonne class undercarriage and a heavier counterweight," she says.

"Like all Komatsu Tier 4 models, the Dash 11 excavators also include the latest developments in our KOMTRAX telematics-based remote monitoring system, ensuring unrivalled visibility into all critical machine and operational parameters."

"Overall, our new Dash 11 excavator range brings higher productivity and performance compared with the previous models, while reducing owning and operating costs.

"That means that owners can excavate more material or move more dirt, at a lower overall cost."