Komatsu lands new 50-tonner
Heavy duty excavator designed for heavy construction, quarrying and demolition applicationsKomatsu has lifted the cover off its 50-tonne class PC490LC-11 digger, which will replace the existing PC450LC-8 model.
The new rig has an operating weight of 48.7 tonnes and is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine rated at 270kW. The engine is Tier 4-Final compliant, which means it uses less fuel with no compromise on power, Komatsu claims.
According to Komatsu’s National Business Manager for Construction, Amber Rickard, the PC490LC-11 significantly outperforms the model it is replacing thanks to several new and improved features.
“These include a larger maximum bucket size of 2.7 cubic-metre, 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.
Some other enhancements on the new PC490LC-11, according to Komatsu, are:
- Enhancements to the hydraulic system, including efficiency improvements to reduce hydraulic loss, larger displacement pumps, increased hydraulic flow in power mode and a hydraulically driven variable speed reversible cooling fan.
- Increased durability, with reinforced swing circle, reinforced revolving frame and a larger reinforced undercarriage with robust components for improved reliability.
- Improved operator comfort, through a large capacity high-back electric air suspension seat, fully adjustable updated armrests, proportional control joysticks, and high-capacity air conditioning.
- Upgraded ICT (Information Communications Technology) through an improved high-resolution monitor panel in the cab, providing detailed operational and machine status information to the operator, service personnel and fleet managers.
- Enhanced serviceability, through centralised service points, rear-opening engine cover, factory standard handrails and single-pole battery isolation
- The latest KOMTRAX system which remotely monitors critical machine operating criteria – including key Tier 4 engine components and operating parameters – for early prediction of potential issues, and rapid troubleshooting and diagnosis.
“Our new PC490LC-11 represents a complete redesign over the PC450LC-8,” 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.
“We’ve improved hydraulic efficiency through higher-displacement pumps, providing increased flow output at lower engine RPM, which allows the engine to operate at its most efficient speed, and we’ve increased hydraulic pipe size diameters to reduce hydraulic pressure loss.”
Komatsu said the PC490LC-11 is the only excavator in its size class with a closed-centre load-sensing system for better fuel efficiency, improved fine control and simultaneous multiple functions.
“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,” Rickard said.
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.
“The heavier counterweight and more robust undercarriage increase lift capacity by up to 15 per cent, allowing the use of larger buckets and attachments, and for the machine to lift heavier loads around sites,” Rickard explained.
“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.”
PC490LC-11 brief specs:
Operating weight: 48,690kg
Engine: Tier 4 Final-certified Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine rated at 270kW
Bucket size range: 1.45-2.7 cubic-metre
Maximum dig depth: 7755m (3380mm arm option)
Bucket breakout: 24,400kgf
Arm breakout: 20,900kgf.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.