New Tier 4-final Komatsu general purpose loaders unveiled
Wheel loaders with 19-tonne and 25-tonne operating capacity offer lower fuel consumption and ideal for a wide range of applications, from civil construction to waste recyclingKomatsu has announced the arrival of its Dash 8 general purpose loaders which the company claims are able to offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption compared to their predecessors.
The WA380-8 has an operating weight of 18.35 to 19 tonnes, depending on the configuration, and takes buckets ranging from 2.7 to 3.6 cubic-metres. It is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine rated at 143Kw net, and has a significantly lower fuel consumption compared to the WA380-6, Komatsu claimed.
The 24.2 to 25.2 tonne WA470-8 has bucket capacities ranging from 3.8 to 4.7 cubic-metres, and is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine rated at 203kW net, with an improved fuel consumption of six per cent over the previous WA470-7 model.
According to Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager for Quarries, applications for the WA380-8 include civil construction and local government; sales loading; concrete batch work; log handling; waste and recycling; while the WA470-8 is designed for sales loading, logging, waste and mulch handling.
“The engines on both loaders incorporate Komatsu’s electronic control system performing high-speed processing of all signals from sensors installed in the vehicle, providing total control of equipment across all conditions of use,” he said.
A dual power engine mode on the two loaders lets operators select either Economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency in general loading works, or Power mode for maximum output in tough digging applications.
Feehely said the two loaders also feature the Komatsu SmartLoader Logic engine system, which controls engine torque to match machine demands.
“For example, engine torque needs are higher for digging in V-shape loading, but lower when driving with an empty bucket.
“Our SmartLoader Logic system optimises engine torque for all applications to further cut fuel consumption.
“It functions automatically and doesn’t interfere with operation, saving fuel without decreasing production or performance,” he said.
Other fuel-saving features include Komatsu’s closed-centre variable displacement pump technology for the hydraulics that delivers precise hydraulic flow when required, as well as an auto idle shutdown function.
Engine condition information is displayed via an on-board network to the monitor inside the cab, providing all necessary operating data to the operator.
This data is accessed and managed via Komatsu’s KOMTRAX telematics remote monitoring system that allows machine operators, owners and fleet managers to stay on top of all maintenance requirements.
Also available on other Tier-4 compliant equipment in Komatsu’s stable, KOMTRAX monitors and transmits far more detailed data about engine conditions and operation, giving unmatched visibility into the health of equipment and any potential issues.
To further improve operating and fuel efficiency, Komatsu has equipped the two loaders with specially designed powertrain systems that are matched precisely to engine output.
These include a large capacity torque converter with enhanced lockup and automatic gear shifting within a mode select system.
“Our large capacity torque converters give greater productivity and efficiency in tough conditions,” Feehely said.
“And our enhanced torque converter lockup helps further reduce fuel consumption in load-and-carry and some loading applications by directly transmitting more engine power to the drivetrain.
“This works in conjunction with Komatsu SmartLoader Logic to eliminate clutch engagement shock in lockup mode.”
The automatic transmission and its mode select system give the option of using manual shifting, or two levels of automatic shifting, depending on workload requirements.
Operator comfort and ease of operation have also been improved on both new loaders, Komatsu said, through features such as a new operator seat with new low-effort EPC (electronic pilot control) levers and a low noise design that transmits only 72dBA at the operator’s ear.
An optional mono lever configuration incorporates proportional control of the third function via a rocker switch, giving the operator thumb control of attachment functions such as a 4-in-1 or high-dump bucket.
Other operator comfort and control enhancements include an electronically controlled suspension system, remote bucket and boom positioning, and automatic kickdown to first gear when entering the pile.
“In addition to these enhanced operator features, we’ve also worked to make servicing and maintenance on the WA380-8 and WA470-8 easier, safer and faster – further contributing to reduced owning and operating costs,” Feehely said.
These features include large side-opening gullwing-type engine doors, a swing-out cooling fan with auto-reverse, wide-core coolers, easily accessible DEF (AdBlue) tank and battery isolation.
Specifications:
WA380-8
Operating weight: 18.35-19 tonnes
Engine: Komatsu SAA6D107E-3, rated at 143 Kw
Transmission: Automatic full powershift with lockup torque converter
Maximum speeds F/R: 37.5/37.5 km/h
Bucket capacity range: 2.7-3.6 cubic-metres
Static tipping load (GP bucket, bolt on cutting edge) at 40° full turn: 13,440 kg
Bucket breakout: 16,100kgf
Dump clearance: 4095mm
WA470-8
Operating weight: 24.4-25.2 tonnes
Engine: Komatsu SAA6D125E-7, rated at 203 Kw
Transmission: Automatic full powershift with lockup torque converter
Maximum speeds: F/R, 38.3/39 km/h
Bucket capacity range: 3.8-4.7 cubic-metres
Static tipping load (GP bucket, bolt on cutting edge) at 40° full turn: 17,460 kg
Bucket breakout: 19,600 kgf
Dump clearance: 4360mm
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