Komatsu unveils two new Dash 8 wheel loaders

Komatsu Australia has pulled the covers off two new Dash 8 wheel loaders, with the company claiming the WA270-8 and WA320-8 deliver better fuel efficiency, higher productivity and reduced owning and operating costs.

Both models meet Tier 4 emissions compliance and feature the company's fourth-generation hydrostatic drive transmission system, along with a parallel Z-bar (PZ) linkage system that the firm says combines high breakout forces with parallel lift through the lifting cycle.

A replacement for the WA250PZ-6, the WA270-8 is powered by Komatsu's SAA6D107E-3 engine rated at 111kW and offers bucket sizes from 1.9 to 2.7 cubic metres. The WA320-8, meanwhile – a replacement for the WA320PZ-6 – has a 123kW power rating and can handle buckets from 2.3 to 3.2 cubic metres.

According to Komatsu Australia's National Business Manager – Quarries, Richard Feehely, the new models essentially see the company jump over Komatsu's Dash 7 upgrades.

"These latest wheel loaders incorporate all the new technology developments introduced in both the Dash 7 and Dash 8 upgrades, including improved performance and safety, reduced fuel consumption, superior operator ergonomics and significantly enhanced maintainability," he said.

Both loaders have increased straight and full-turn static tipping loads for improved productivity and safety, says Komatsu; the WA270-8 has a full turn static tipping load of 8930 kg (2.3 cubic metre capacity GP pin-on bucket) and the WA320-8 has a full turn STL of 9780 kg (2.8 cubic metre capacity GP pin-on bucket).

"These higher performance capabilities, combined with fuel efficiency improvements of up to 13 per cent from our Tier 4 final engine technology, mean these new loaders deliver significantly lower costs per metre of material moved than their predecessors," said Feehely.

The new models' engines incorporate a hydraulically actuated variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to provide optimum air flow under all speed and load conditions, along with a Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) with auto burn and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce particulate matter and NOx.

According to Feehely, auto-reversing fans as standard, along with wider core coolers, provide ample cooling capacity, able to cope with ambient conditions that are both hot and contain high amounts of airborne debris.

"Komatsu SmartLoader Logic on both machines automatically controls engine torque to match machine demands, optimising torque for all applications to minimise fuel consumption – without decreasing production.

"Reduced fuel consumption is further aided through six guidance messages and an enhanced 'ecology' gauge in the cabin display to encourage operators to work as fuel efficiently as possible."

Full auto shifting allows operators to concentrate on digging and loading, while the variable traction control system adjusts traction to meet the prevailing conditions.

New cab designs, meanwhile, deliver enhanced comfort and vision while reducing noise levels, says Komatsu.

Specifications:

WA270-8
Operating weight: 12.8-13.2 tonnes
Engine: Komatsu SAA6D107E-3, 111kW
Transmission: Four-speed fourth-generation Komatsu HST
Naximum speeds (F/R): 38/38km/h
Bucket capacity: 1.9-2.7 cubic metres
GP bucket capacity: 2.3 cubic metres
GP bucket static tipping load at 40° full turn: 10,330kg
Bucket breakout: 13,375kgf
Dump clearance: 2975mm

WA320-8
Operating weight: 15.5-15.9 tonnes
Engine: Komatsu SAA6D107E-3, 123kW
Transmission: Four-speed fourth-generation Komatsu HST
Maximum speeds (F/R): 38/38km/h
Bucket capacity range: 2.3-3.2 cubic metres
GP bucket capacity: 2.8 cubic metres
GP bucket static tipping load at 40° full turn: 11,500kg
Bucket breakout: 16,470kgf
Dump clearance: 2880mm

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