Delivering unique hydraulic solutions Komatsu

delivering unique HydrAulic soluTions

Komatsu is a Japanese multinational corporation that is a global market leader in the manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. The company continues to deliver a wide range of unique solutions to achieve a greener, more sustainable world. Philip Yorke reports on the latest European product developments.

The word “Ko-matsu in Japanese means ‘small pine tree’ and is named after ‘Komatsu City’ in Japan. Rather appropriate therefore that one of the key business sectors for the company is forestry.

Other main areas of activity include a number of key industries such as construction, mining and military equipment. The company was founded in Japan in 1921 and today the Group consists of over 250 companies and employs more than 60,000 people worldwide.

Creating cleaner, more efficient engines

In April this year, Komatsu Europe announced the commercial production of its new Komatsu diesel engines with EU Stage V technology for cleaner more efficient operation. Built on Komatsu’s progress in engineering improvements to reduce emissions, EU Stage V technology will be integrated into Komatsu engines to limit the levels of harmful substances contained in exhaust gases and to promote a more sustainable future.

Komatsu consistently engages in the research, development, and improvement of diesel engines. In-house development and manufacturing capabilities are leveraged for key components, such as hydraulic devices and control systems, in order to reduce environmental impact and to improve fuel economy.

The EU Stage V emissions legislation, applicable throughout all 28 EU member states, is the most stringent to date. In effect for engines below 56 kW and above 130 kW since January 1 2019, it will be applied to 56-130 kW engines starting from January 1, 2020. Komatsu has already begun supplying machinery in conformity with EU Stage V emission regulations to customers, and new EU Stage V models will be announced as and when they are launched.

EU Stage V regulations apply to an even wider range of engines. It places a limit both on the mass of emitted particle pollution (PM) and on the number of particles (PN) emitted by the engine. For machines in the 19kW – 560kW power level range to comply with these new PN requirements, a Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) must be included in the engine’s after-treatment system. With over 98 percent of KDPF regeneration performed passively, no action is required by the operator, with no interference to machine operation. Performance remains efficient and costs of ownership low.

Products currently eligible for the ‘Komatsu Care Maintenance Programme’ will continue to qualify under EU Stage V regulations. As with all Komatsu products and solutions, reliability is assured through robust design, innovative development, and strict testing processes. EU Stage V systems follow this process and, as a result, retain Komatsu’s position as the clear industry leader in engine after-treatment systems.

Pioneering intelligent control technologies

Many Komatsu customers have seen first-hand the valuable benefits of using its intelligent Machine Control technology on jobs that require higher volume excavation. “Since we introduced the PC210LCi-11, customers have seen the unrivalled opportunities of using of our intelligent Machine Control technology on jobs that require higher volume excavation, and many have been asking for a larger machine to deliver those benefits,” says Rob Macintyre, Product Manager at Komatsu Europe.

“In launching the new PC360LCi-11 we are responding to that customer demand, and we see huge potential for it with major productivity gains, efficiency and cost saving in these types of applications.” Operating weights of the PC360LCi-11 range from 35.600 - 36.200 kg, depending on the configuration, and it has a maximum recommended bucket capacity of 2.66m³. The fuel efficient, EU Stage IV Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 engine puts out a net 192 kW / 257 HP @ 1.950 rpm.

The latest KOMTRAX telematics, and the Komatsu Care maintenance program for customers, offer top fleet management and

support, as well as protecting the machine against misuse and guarantee maximum efficiency and uptime.

Automated real-time digging controls

With Komatsu’s unique intelligent Machine Control, the bucket is automatically limited from digging beyond the target surface. The control function maintains grade automatically, with real-time bucket edge positioning in relation to the machine and the job surface. Status is instantly displayed on the full colour, multi-function 12.1” control box monitor, eliminating the wait time associated with conventional sensors.

Fully factory-installed, Komatsu’s integrated intelligent Machine Control system includes stroke sensing hydraulic cylinders for the boom, arm and bucket, developed over two machine generations by Komatsu for precise real time bucket edge positioning. The IMU (Inertial Measuring Unit) provides greater machine orientation and determines machine angle from gyro and accelerometer data. High performance antennae send satellite signals to a GNSS receiver that processes them and provides the real time position of the machine.

unique benefits

The unique benefits of the new Komatsu PC360LCi-11 combine the high productivity of a bulk earthmoving excavator with the renowned accuracy of Komatsu intelligent Machine Control. This is achieved by the use of powerful hydraulics and breakout forces when excavating, fast cycle times when truck loading, and by completing grading automatically in just one pass. Fewer machine cycles are required and operator performance is constantly improved, with vastly reduced risk of re-work, lower fuel costs and increased machine utilisation. For further details of Komatsu’s latest unique, innovative products and services visit: www.komatsu.com n