Komatsu Australia has released the smallest in its Dash 8 excavator range, the PC130-8, a 13 tonne machine that incorporates all the advanced features of much larger excavators in the Dash 8 range.
With an operating weight of 12.38-12.74 tonnes (depending on configuration), the PC130-8 is powered by Komatsu's ecot3 SAA4D95LE-5 turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine, which is fully compliant with Tier 3 emissions requirements.
As with others in the Dash 8 range sold in Australia and NZ, the PC130-8 comes factory-fitted with a number of what are usually "extras" as standard. These include:
Quick hitch and hammer piping
Hose-burst protection to prevent a sudden drop of the boom, arm or bucket in the event of a hose or hydraulic fitting failing
Rear-view camera, allowing the operator a clear view at all times of what is happening at the rear of the machine
Emergency stop buttons; one in the cab, and two on the exterior. In the case of emergency or something going wrong, pressing these large, prominent red buttons shuts the machine down immediately.
"These Australian-spec factory-fitted additions come standard on all Komatsu excavators, including the PC130-8, and are part of our commitment to ensuring that our machines are the safest on the market, with the lowest whole-of-life operating costs," said Chris Moroz, Komatsu Australia's National Business Manager, Construction.
As well as the safety features incorporated within the standard Australian spec, the PC130-8 is fitted with Komatsu's purpose-built safety cab, able to protect the operator in the event of a rollover.
"This large safety cab the same interior volume as on our larger Dash 8 excavators has sound levels of only 68 dBa, the quietest on the market for this size machine," said Chris.
"It also incorporates a large easy-to-read TFT liquid crystal display monitor which communicates all key machine operations at a glance, and includes function keys to allow multi-function operation.
"A built-in monitoring system constantly checks all critical components and operating conditions, and alerts the operator to any potential issues, as well as providing reminders when oil and filters require replacing," he said.
"Furthermore, all this information is also communicated to the machine owner via ourKOMTRAX remote monitoring system, instantly alerting the owner to potential downtime or machine damage.
"The other great advantage of KOMTRAX is as a security system; since its introduction in Europe three years ago, no Komatsu excavator fitted with KOMTRAX has been stolen and not recovered quickly afterwards."
The PC130-8's five-mode engine/hydraulic management system ensures optimum operational efficiency depending on the type of operations, and delivers increased fuel efficiency, said Chris.
Modes include power and economy settings, plus a low-speed precision mode for lifting operations, a breaker mode for hammer operation and an attachment mode that can be fine-tuned to the needs of a particular attachment.
"Komatsu excavators have always been renowned for their fuel efficiency; the PC130-8's new ecot3 engine, combined with this five-mode management system, ensures even greater fuel efficiency and productivity than previous models," he said.
Other features of the PC130-8 include:
Increased drawbar pull compared with the earlier-model PC130-7, giving improved steering, slope-climbing and the ability to extract itself in difficult underfoot conditions
improved cooling, with a side-by-side cooling system, in which the radiator, aftercooler and oil cooler are arranged in parallel, making it easier to clean, remove and install them.
"As with all other products in Komatsu's construction equipment range, Komatsu design and manufacture all major components in house, including engines, electronics and hydraulic components ensuring they all work together perfectly as an integrated whole," said Chris.
"Virtually all other manufacturers offer machines with engine and hydraulic components supplied by a host of third-party suppliers, which may result in compromises in technology and performance.
"Because all Komatsu excavator components including those on the PC130-8 are designed and manufactured from the ground up to work together, we offer unmatched technology, integration and machine performance."
Already a number of PC130-8 excavators have been delivered to customers in Australia.
Brief specs include:
Operating weight, 12,380-12,740 kg (depending on configuration); powered by Komatsu ecot3 Tier III-compliant SAA4D95LE-5 diesel engine rated at (NET) 68 kW; SAE-rated digging depth, 5.32 m (with 2.5 m arm); arm breakout, 6580 kgf;
bucket breakout 8250 kgf, bucket size range, 0.18-0.6 cu m.