NEWS GENERAL/OTHER 06 Sep 2023

Apprentices complete restoration of 45-year-old Komatsu track loader

Komatsu apprentices have the opportunity to work on interesting and unique projects that bring them to the heart of the company’s culture and heritage.

One such project was a complete restoration of a vintage (1976) Komatsu D10A-1 Track Loader, as part of Komatsu’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Apprentices based at our Wacol Branch in Brisbane carried out a complete restoration of a vintage (1976) Komatsu D10S-1 track loader. Fun fact: Trevor Jackson, who oversaw this restoration in 2021, pre delivered this machine as a first year apprentice back in 1976.

D10S-1 restored loader in front of Komatsu building

Under the technical supervision of Mark Stone Product Support Manager Five apprentices, restored the machine to as-new condition. It is now on permanent display at the Wacol Innovation Hub.

Komatsu 1976 D10S-1 Dozer

Apprentices involved in the project were Sam Gray (4th year apprentice), Max Battermah (3rd year), Ryan Egerton (4th year), Matthew Tafai (4th year) and Oonagh Keogh (1st year).

Komatsu Apprentices with D10S-1 restored track loader

Our dedicated Komatsu apprentice crew worked tirelessly for five months on this iconic little two tonne track loader, in liaison with our skilled technical and trade specialists, as well as supplier partners. At the same time, they all had to continue attending to their regular work tasks at Wacol.

“By the time we’d finished, it was back in full working order, looking as good as it had done when it was locally delivered as a new machine on August 19, 1976.”

Komatsu D10S-1 restored loader with machine wheel base

Other key people and organisations who provided invaluable assistance with this successful project include:

Fabrication repairs: Adam Burns, Garry Rayner, Nick Egan

Hosing: Nemanja Milovanovic

Paint: Jeff Wodley

Administration: Trevor Jackson, Tony Tito, Chris Martin, Jeremy McIntosh

Project Partners: Queensland Mine Maintenance, Protec, BSC Bearings, Seal Innovations, Rocklea Abrasive Blasting, Earthmoving Mobile Auto Electrical, All Vehicle Upholstery, Pirtek, Surreal Signs.


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