Komatsu next-gen mining shovel released

Komatsu has released its 'next-generation' mining shovel, the 700-tonne PC7000, which is available in face shovel and backhoe configurations.

It has been designed to work with Komatsu's fleet of 200-tonne-plus mining trucks, including the 830E, 860E and 930E haul units.

Officially making its global debut at the Bauma trade fair in Germany in April 2016, the PC7000 joins the PC8000 in Komatsu's portfolio of loading tools in the over-200-tonne truck class.

"This shovel meets the mining industry's requirements for high productivity through its proven Komatsu performance pedigree – and offers the lowest cost per tonne in its class," says Komatsu Australia National Product Manager, Michael Hall.

"Testing in Australia has confirmed the production benefits delivered by the PC7000's large bucket capacity, fast cycle times, high breakout force and excellent stability."

Hall adds the PC7000 was developed on the back of customer input and delivers on key requirements as demanded by Komatsu's clients.

"The PC7000 represents the latest in mining technology, and was developed as a result of close collaboration with our mining industry partners from around the world; with mining becoming ever more challenging, we opted for a truly customer-oriented approach," he says.

"As part of this process, our long-term mining partners were asked to define their requirements for the next generation of shovels.

"They identified safety, productivity, maintainability and performance as key drivers – and all were taken into consideration by our design and development engineers."

The result, according to Hall, is a machine with the highest engine power and breakout force in its class, providing fast cycle times.

The PC7000 is powered by two Tier 2-rated Komatsu SSDA16V159E-2 engines, rated at 2500kW. Backhoe and front shovel bucket breakout forces are 1671kN and 1994kN respectively.

"This, combined with an easy-fill bucket design, meant in less time at the face to fill the bucket, along with reduced fuel consumption per Bank Cubic Metre (BCM)," Hall says.

Hydraulic flow is regulated by Komatsu's Hydropilot system which ensures smooth hydraulic response and features a simple system layout with a reduced number of components.

Through Komatsu's machine monitoring system KOMTRAX Plus, which comes standard on the PC7000, operators are able to constantly check the operating status of their machine.

"And for Australian, New Zealand and New Caledonia customers, all machine operational data is constantly monitored and checked in our INSITE Fleet Management Centre at our Fairfield headquarters," Hall adds.

"Our INSITE centre constantly monitors data covering key machine, fleet, production and industry parameters across all Komatsu mining, construction and utility machines operating throughout our region, ensuring we harness the latest ICT (information communications technology) to derive maximum benefits for our customers."

Find out more about the Komatsu PC7000 mining shovel at komatsu.com.au.