Komatsu Dash 10 loader touches down

Komatsu Australia has announced the arrival of its 26-tonne WA475-10 wheel loader ideal for hauling and loading in the quarries.

Officially released at the National Diesel Dirt and Turf expo in April in Eastern Creek, NSW, the loader provides a range of improvements over the Dash 8 range for better fuel efficiency, comfort and productivity, Komatsu said.

“The WA475-10 features the newly developed Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (KHMT), an innovative solution that makes the loader more powerful and more fuel-efficient,” said Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager, Nick Vrontas.

“Variable speed control allows operators to adjust the machine’s top speed to meet specific site requirements, and the adjustable variable traction control also limits wheel spin on unstable and slippery ground conditions often found on quarry sites.”

Komatsu has also innovated power control on the WA475-10 for better traction and lifting power.

“It’s never been easier for an operator to find the right balance between traction and lifting power, with the hydraulic speed independently controlled from the accelerator pedal, and the boom speed controlled by the hydraulic lever,” Vrontas added.

An optimised Z-bar linkage system provides much more lift force and a higher tonnes-per-hour production rate on the WA475-10, Komatsu said, and the response time of the hydraulics and the dumping or lifting can be set to specific quarry site requirements.

“The WA475-10 engine is Tier 4 compliant, and at even low engine speeds the engine puts out high power and delivers more engine torque and performance,” Vrontas said.

“The engine’s advanced electronic control system manages the airflow rate and the fuel injection, combustion parameters and aftertreatment functions, which provide optimised performance, reduced emissions, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, making it a powerful, yet environmentally friendly machine."

The WA475-10 also comes standard with advanced joystick steering which means machine operation is done completely via joysticks. Customers can opt for a steering wheel if they prefer.

The loader can be tailored for specific applications such as waste handling or loading at quarries, Komatsu said.

“The Komatsu team will work with customers to provide a solution that is tailored to the loader’s application, from enquiry to post delivery, maintaining service checks and requirements,” Vrontas said.

“We’re beyond excited to have the loader on our shores, and we’re looking forward to introducing it to many quarry sites across the country.”