Komatsu Australia has released a range of purpose-built scrap metal recycling Dash 8 excavators which are designed, specified and built to meet the needs of the scrap metal recycling industry.
Its range of Dash 8 scrap metal recycling excavators, with operating weights from 13 tonnes to 45 tonnes, incorporate Komatsu-approved modifications to ensure they meet scrap metal yards' requirements for durability, reliability, performance, safety and uptime.
According to Peter Vansittart, Komatsu Australia's Business Manager, Forestry & Special Projects, the scrap metal handling range combines the benefits of Komatsu's Dash 8 excavators and its Australia-wide service and support network, with a Komatsu-approved metal recycling package.
"We recognise that this business is very tough on excavators, so we've built in additional features to ensure we can deliver the reliability and durability that's needed while at the same time delivering the highest-possible safety standards," he said.
"Our built for purpose scrap metal recycling excavator package incorporates additional safety features specifically for this industry, including machine guarding, attachments piping and maintenance enhancements."
Specific features for metal recycling applications include:
A 1 m high "cab riser" unit (with provision for a slide out generator
to power a magnet attachment)
Komatsu's newly released parallel lift cabin (option on PC220-8 and PC300-8 only), which lifts through 2400 mm to total height above ground of 5440 mm, and giving excellent visibility into high tipper bodies and general work area
Windscreen guard which hinges open
Severe application "Fortress" glass incorporating Kevlar tint, or polycarbonate as an option
Safety handrails
Walkway with emergency escape point
Non-slip material on upper structure
Komatsu safety cab incorporating Operator Protective Guarding 2 (OPG2) system
Open-door safety cut-out switch
Automatic greasing system
Second or third member heavy duty shear piping
Engine bay debris screens
High Intensity Discharge (HID)work lights
Heavy duty belly plates
Guarded emergency stop buttons
Fire extinguishers
Battery isolation lockout system
Boom-to-arm quick hitch
Rotating beacon.
"All machines offered for our scrap metal recycling excavator package go through a full 'Komatsu-approved' process, to guarantees they comply with factory specifications," said Peter.
This incorporates Komatsu's SMART (Structural Modification Assessment And Request Transaction) process, which ensures:
Reduced risk to the end user and customer
No compromises in performance
Modifications and attachments meet all relevant Australian Standards
Metal recycling attachments are properly matched to machine capabilities, ensuring optimum performance at all times.
"The end result is maximum performance and productivity, enhanced machine reliability and durability, greater operator and employee safety and increased uptime," he said.
"Our industry-specific modifications are on top of the standard benefits built in to every Komatsu Dash 8 excavator.
"These include our Komatsu safety cabs, industry leading fuel efficiency, lower noise levels, increased operator comfort, higher productivity and increased uptime through the KOMTRAX remote monitoring system and our exclusive nationwide contract maintenance packages," said Peter.
"The end result is a range of excavators ready made to go to work immediately in the scrap metal recycling industry; no additional modifications or changes are required when they arrive on site."