Komatsu releases 73-tonne dozer

Komatsu Australia has announced the arrival of its new generation Dash 8 dozer that the company claims offers up to 20 per cent increased engine power, and uses up to 10 per cent less fuel compared to previous models.

The D375A-8 dozer features a series of upgrades including a new low-emission engine for better efficiency and reduced fuel consumption; several changes to the machine and operator station for improved comfort; and long life components designed to provide ease of maintenance.

The new dozer is powered by a US EPA Tier 4 Final emission certified Komatsu SAA6D170E-7 diesel rated at 455kW in forward gears, and 558kW in reverse.

“Our new SAA6D170E-7 Tier 4-compliant diesel engine not only incorporates features to substantially reduce particulate matter and other emissions compared with previous generation engines, it also reduces fuel consumption through a heavy duty EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, a hydraulically driven radiator cooling fan and Komatsu auto idle stop,” said Komatsu Australia’s Mining Product Manager, Michael Hall.

“At the same time, Komatsu has increased engine power by 20 per cent when in reverse, reducing cycle time in downhill dozing applications – the most efficient method of bulk dozing.

“Compared with our previous generation D375A-6, production in downhill dozing is increased by 18 per cent.”

The D375A-8 incorporates Komatsu’s exclusive automatic transmission with lockup torque converter that is also featured in Komatsu’s earlier generations of the D375A and other large dozers.

“This transmission system reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, along with greater power train efficiency, compared with manual gearshift modes,” Hall said.

“Komatsu’s automatic gearshift transmission selects the optimal gear range depending on working conditions and the load on the machine, so it’s always operating at maximum efficiency.”

Operator comfort has been significantly improved compared with previous models of the D375A, through a number of design changes to the undercarriage, cabin mounts and operator’s seat.

“As a result, this generation of Komatsu mining dozers are the most comfortable on the market,” Hall claimed.

Other improvements Komatsu made to the D375A-8 include better visibility of the blade and ripper, new platforms and handrails and a Komatsu boarding ladder.

Operator assist features such as auto blade pitch, auto ripper return and fixed steering lever are standard on this model.

Komatsu has also made a number of improvements to increase machine reliability and ease of maintenance on the D375A-8.

These include long life mainframe and track frames, the use of a Mesabi radiator as standard, with a hinge-type front mask and cooling fan support.

“Komatsu dozers have long been recognised for their high performance pushing and ripping capability, with Dash 1 generation dozers still in service, in Australia, New Zealand and around the world,” Hall said.

“With this latest Dash 8 model, key frame improvements offer superior levels of durability and reliability for many years of service in challenging working environments.

The D375A-8 comes standard with Komatsu’s KOMTRAX Plus monitoring and equipment management system, for remote monitoring of machine health, site operating conditions and operator techniques.

“Komatsu also offers an energy-saving support report, based on a machine’s operating data, allowing us to work with mine management and machine operators to achieve lower fuel consumption and higher productivity,” Hall said.

Komatsu D375A-8 brief specifications

Operating weight: 72.9 tonnes

Engine: Komatsu SAA6D170E-7 engine rated at 455 kW (net) in forward gears, 558 kW (net) in reverse

Blade capacity: 18.5 cu m (semi-U), 22.0 cu m (Full U).