Komatsu expands Dash 8 loader range

Two new wheel loaders offer lower engine emissions and operating weights of up to 57.5-tonnes

Komatsu has released upgraded versions of its WA500 and WA600 production loaders with enhancements that allow them to consume less fuel while delivering increased productivity and operating efficiency.

This follows the launch of two smaller Dash 8 loaders this year, the WA270-8 and WA320-8.

The new WA500-8, powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 engine rated at 264kW net, has an operating weight of up to 38.2 tonnes (depending on configuration) and can handle buckets from 4.5 to seven cubic-metres.

The new WA600-8 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D170E-7 engine rated at 395kW net, and features an operating weight of up to 57.5 tonnes and takes buckets from 6.4 to 7.8 cubic-metres.

The engines in both machines are Tier-4 Final certified, which Komatsu claim reduce NOx and PM levels by up to 90 per cent compared with their Tier 3 predecessors, as well as offer fuel savings of up to 15 per cent.

“Komatsu technologies contributing to their low emissions and reduced fuel consumption include heavy duty after treatment, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and high-pressure common rail fuel injection systems, a Komatsu variable geometry turbocharger system and advanced electronic controls,” said Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager for Quarries, Richard Feehely.

“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.”

Feehely said the data is uploaded via Komatsu’s KOMTRAX telematics remote monitoring system to help owners and fleet managers with their machine management along with maintenance and service requirements.

The WA600-8 features the KOMTRAX Plus, designed for production machines that enables expanded monitoring of machinery fleets 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,” Feehely 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.”

The loaders also have integrated drivetrains, hydraulics and redesigned buckets which Komatsu said offer higher productivity and operating efficiency.

“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,” Feehely 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.

Both loaders have joystick steering as standard, allowing all steering and forward/reverse travel to be controlled by wrist and fingers. Previous models of the WA500 were equipped with a steering wheel, which is now an option on the WA500-8.

New-design operator seats with integrated electronic pilot control (EPC) levers come standard on the WA500-8 and WA600-8, with the option of a third spool control for controlling additional work functions.

“Our joystick steering and control systems make these loaders extremely easy and low-effort to operate; operators become familiar with these controls very quickly, and find they are far more comfortable and relaxed using them, and are less fatigued at the end of a shift,” Feehely said.

Komatsu has designed both loaders for ease of servicing and maintenance. Side-opening gullwing-style engine doors give easy access to all regular service elements, while a swing out cooling fan can be set to automatically reverse.

“For many years, our WA500 and WA600 class loaders have been recognised as leaders in their class in quarry and smaller-scale mining applications, whether in tough face loading work handling virgin or blasted material, or in large-scale stockpile tasks requiring large volumes of material to be handled, loaded and blended,” Feehely said.

“With these two new generation Dash 8 machines, Komatsu has again set the standard, delivering ultra low emission machines that use less fuel, are easier and less tiring to operate, are more productive, and have lower total owning and operating costs.”