Komatsu rolls out last of Dash 8 wheel loaders

Komatsu’s WA480-8 wheel loader replaces the Dash 6 model and recently made its Australian debut at the National Diesel Dirt and Turf show in April.

According to Komatsu wheel loader product manager, Nick Vrontas, the WA480-8 wheel loader is Tier 4 engine emissions compliant and features AdBlue, DPF and SCR systems to reduce harmful engine emissions.

“Globally there's been a lot of demand (for Tier 4 compliant machines) in Europe and the US and Australia is now following in that respect,” he said.

“Our customers are definitely chasing the Tier 4 tick on their machinery so now the vast majority of the products that we market are Tier 4 in Australia.”

In addition to environmental sustainability, the WA480-6 also offers increased productivity, Komatsu said.

“We've moved to a 5.5 cubic-metre bucket with the WA480-8, an increase of half a meter, which means the payload has also increased quite significantly as well,” Vrontas said.

An additional counterweight at the rear and heavy duty front end makes the WA480-8 a very sturdy rig ideal for yard work, Komatsu said.

“Additionally, this now comes standard with joystick steering, so we've gone away from the steering wheel,” Vrontas said.

“That's an option if a customer still prefers it, however what we're finding is ergonomically, a joystick is much better for the operator.”

Komatsu has also equipped the WA480-8 with several new tech features to help increase operator productivity.

The auto kickdown function automatically shifts gears on the loader from second to first when penetrating a pile to provide that additional breakout. The auto dig function activates when the machine enters a pile, whereby it will automatically lift and tilt the bucket as required to obtain the required load.

“What it also does is allow operators that aren't quite as experienced as others to jump in the cab and get going a lot sooner,” Vrontas added.

The WA480-8 has also been designed for ease of servicing and maintenance, Komatsu said.

“We've got a swing out radiator and fan to blow the coolers out. They're also wide core so the cooling performance of the machine is fantastic,” Vrontas said.

“Our engine bay is set up perfectly with all the filters sitting at the front for easy maintenance and we've also got safety features like grab handles and steps to stand on safely while working.”

The WA480-8 is now available for sale and stock levels are healthy, Komatsu said.

“For the time being, this is probably the last Dash 8 loader that we'll be bringing in,” Vrontas said.

“We've got some exciting news on a new model coming soon.”