Unique know-how

Drawing on its years of experience in the design and development of machinery for construction and public works, KOMATSU, the world's largest manufacturer of hydraulic excavators, now offers a range of compact wheel loaders and low-power excavators as well as hybrid excavators. Indeed, contractors often face tight construction sites, especially in urban environments. Hence their preference for these types of machines. Benefits include a significant reduction in pollutant emissions and noise pollution.

Wheeled excavators: compact, powerful and versatile
The robust and stable PW118MR-11 with an operating weight of 12.8 to 13.9 tons is a first-class machine of limited size. Its short rear swing radius makes it the ideal machine for heavy lifting or earthworks in confined spaces, on narrow busy roads, in urban environments or in sewage works. The excavator meets the EU Stage IV emissions standard and operates with SCR (selective catalytic reduction) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The addition of AdBlue® significantly reduces NOx emissions. Fuel consumption is also 6% lower and the machine features 6 working modes. The PW118MR-11 comes standard with Komatsu's KomVision system that gives the operator a 360° aerial view around the machine thanks to side and rear cameras. The latest Komtrax telematics version is also provided on the machine.

Among midi-excavators, the PW98MR-10 features the following improvements: a 2% lower fuel consumption, more operator comfort, more safety, more options and the Komtrax satellite tracking system. The PW98MR-10 is powered by an environmentally friendly 48.5 kW/66 hp Komatsu engine. This is more powerful, more economical and does not require a DPF particulate filter. It also features six working modes, three gears - anti-slip, slow, fast - a reversing camera, optional front LED lighting at the top of the cab, a new heavier counterweight and blind spot detection.

The PW98MR-10 features 2% lower fuel consumption, more operator comfort, more safety, more options and the Komtrax satellite tracking system. (Image: Igor Favole)

Compact and convenient manageable
The compact, easy-to-control WA100M-8 wheel loader is part of Komatsu's Utility range. It is equipped with an Easy Fork kinematik that combines a Z-kinematik with parallel movements. The WA100M-8 is also a particularly versatile machine thanks to its large number of attachments. She has an operating weight of 7,200 kg. It is powered by a Komatsu engine with an output of 70 kW/95 hp that meets the EU Stage IV emissions standard. It operates with selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and AdBlue injection that reduces NOx emissions by 80%. To increase flexibility, higher travel speeds (40 km/h) belong,        

The hybrid KOMATSU HB 215 LC-3.(Image: Crest Photography)

a new height-adjustable drawbar and the addition of a third and fourth hydraulic circuit at the rear of the machine among the available options. The new 1.3 m³ Komatsu excavator bucket improves penetration into materials. It is easier to fill and offers greater operating comfort, it increases the productivity of the new wheel loader and helps reduce fuel consumption. The Komtrax telematics system optimizes fleet support and management, protects the machine from misuse and ensures optimal efficiency and working time. Furthermore, improved, ergonomic controls include a multi-function PPC lever with electronic control (EPC), as well as an electronically controlled load stabilizer (ECSS, Electronically Controlled Suspension System) that increase comfort and productivity.

The WA100M-8 wheel loader is part of Komatsu's Utility range.

Mini excavators of the new generation
The powerful, low-maintenance MR-5 (Medium Radius) mini-excavators intended for tight spaces include 4 models - the PC30MR-5, PC35MR-5, PC45MR-5 and PC55MR-5 - with small swing radius and boom adjustment that can work in narrow spaces. This new generation is the result of Komatsu's unique, technological know-how in the mini-excavator sector. The MR-5 range offers numerous novelties and new, exceptional features, including operator comfort, ergonomic design, low fuel consumption and advanced controls. These machines come standard with the exclusive Komtrax 5 satellite tracking system found on the Series 11 excavators and unseen on a mini excavator! The four mini-excavators are powered by an electronically controlled engine rated at 18.2 kW/ 25 hp for the PC30MR-5 and PC35MR-5 and at 29.5 kW/ 40 hp for the PC45MR-R and PC55MR-5. The new machines consume up to 5% less fuel than their MR-3 predecessors, with no loss of performance or productivity.

The robust and stable PW118MR-11. (Image: Igor Favole)

Hybrid excavators
Komatsu was the first machine builder ever to market a hybrid machine. That was in 2008. Now more than 4,000 of those machines are in operation worldwide, including more than 600 in Europe and about 60 in the Benelux. They are the 36-ton HB365LC-3 models and HB215LC-3, a 23-ton machine. Both excavators are powered by an EU Stage IV engine. Their strengths: they are safe, powerful, quiet and economical (up to 30% lower fuel consumption). These machines are equipped with Komatsu's unique hybrid system that uses an engine-generator entirely for electric rotation. The hydraulic power usually utilized by the rotation system is released to the boom, excavator arm and bucket, contributing to higher productivity. The energy usually lost when braking the superstructure is captured and stored in a supercapacitor. It helps the engine accelerate the next rotations. The machines feature a KOMTRAX 5 telematics system and the complementary Komatsu CARE maintenance program. The hybrid parts developed and manufactured by Komatsu enjoy a special warranty of 5 years or 10,000 working hours.

Total view of performance and location at a glance
Good to know: the BIA SmartFleet platform is an in-house development of BIA  which gives the customer a total picture at a glance of the performance and location of all his machines, regardless of make or type. Important KPIs such as consumption, CO₂-emissions, load, idling, hours of operation, et cetera are displayed on one dynamic dashboard. This gives the owner perfect control over the total cost of ownership of his fleet.