Komatsu has released three new ultra-low emission excavators that deliver increased performance and productivity, while significantly reducing fuel consumption compared with their predecessors.
The three new Dash 11 excavators are the 25.5 tonne PC240LC-11, the 30.6 tonne PC290LC-11 and the 36.1 tonne PC360LC-11.
All the new models are powered by low emission Komatsu Tier 4 Final engines, delivering reductions in NOx and PM emissions by up to 90% compared with the Tier 3 engines in the previous Dash 8 range, according to Garth Dixon, Komatsu NZ’s Sales Manager.
They incorporate a common rail fuel injection system, Komatsu diesel particulate filter, Komatsu variable geometry turbocharger, Komatsu closed crankcase ventilation filter, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a selective catalytic reduction system and advanced fuel injection timing.
“As well as significantly lower emissions, the Dash 11 excavators are also incredibly fuel efficient, offering up to 11% fuel savings on some models,” said Garth.
“An important factor in this is that Komatsu designs and manufactures all major components, including engines, pumps, valves, motors and cylinders.
“The ability to design systems that work together, such as the engine and hydraulics, allows us to optimise machine performance so we maximise production while minimising fuel consumption,” he said.
The Dash 11 excavators are fitted with a number of unique features that contribute to reduced fuel consumption and allow the engine to operate at the most efficient speed.
These include:
- Low speed matching, which provides higher flow output at a lower engine RPM through the use of larger displacement hydraulic pumps. This feature also provides better pick up and response to hydraulic flow demand and provides fuel savings in all duty cycles.
- Variable speed matching, an engine-pump matching control that matches engine speed to hydraulic flow requirements. It keeps engine speed high when large pump delivery is required and reduces engine speed in light duty operations to save fuel.
- A reduction in auto deceleration speed to low idle speed.
Additional improvements that contribute to fuel efficiency – and which are now standard across the new excavator range – include an economy working mode for attachments, an “ECO-guidance” function which provides data and recommendations to the operator for fuel saving operations, and auto idle shutdown to reduce excessive idle time.
Safety and operator comfort have also been upgraded on the Dash 11 excavators.
“All our Dash 11 excavators have an upgraded, fully compliant ROPS cab and include a new high back air suspension operator seat with lumbar support,” Garth said.
“The new cabs also incorporate console mounted arm rests with a tool-less height adjustment so that operators can easily change the arm rest position in relation to both the seat and the joysticks for better ergonomics.”
Safety is further improved with the lock lever auto lock function that prevents unintentional movement.
“If the operator has accidentally activated a control during start-up, the machine recognises this and automatically applies the hydraulic lock so that no uncontrolled movement occurs,” Garth said.
Quick hitch and hammer piping is standard on the new models, as is an additional service valve for easy set-up of a proportionally controlled second auxiliary line.
Attachment tool management is also available through the monitor panel for all models, enabling an operator to name and set the flows for up to 10 attachments for easy selection when changing out attachments on the jobsite.
Serviceability across the range has also been improved with ground-level access to centralised service points, high-efficiency dual-element fuel filters, and improved work areas around the engine compartment.
A swing out air conditioner condenser on the PC240LC-11 and PC290LC-11 also allow easier access to the coolers for cleaning.
Garth said the PC290LC-11 now also comes with a longer 6.15 m boom and 3.2 m arm for an extended digging reach of 10.7 m.”
“Lift capacity is also increased due to its 30-tonne class undercarriage and a heavier counterweight,” he said.
“Like all Komatsu Tier 4 models, the Dash 11 excavators also include the latest developments in our KOMTRAX telematics-based remote monitoring system, ensuring unrivalled visibility into all critical machine and operational parameters,” Garth said.
“This gives machine owners and fleet managers detailed data on machine performance as well as upcoming maintenance and service requirements.”
“Overall, our new Dash 11 excavator range brings higher productivity and performance compared with the previous models, while reducing owning and operating costs.
“That means that owners can excavate more material or move more dirt, at a lower overall cost,” he said.
Brief specs of the three new Komatsu Dash 11 excavators are:
PC240LC-11: Operating weight, 25,500 kg; engine, Tier 4 Final-certified Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 rated at 141 kW; bucket size range, 0.43-1.08 cu m; maximum dig depth, 6920 mm; bucket breakout, 15,500 kgf; arm breakout, 12,100 kgf.
PC290LC-11: Operating weight, 30,600 kg; engine, Tier 4 Final-certified Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 rated at 159 kW; bucket size range, 0.43-1.39 cu m; maximum dig depth, 6910 mm; bucket breakout, 17,900 kgf; arm breakout, 13,900 kgf.
PC360LC-11: Operating weight, 36,100 kg; engine, Tier 4 Final-certified Komatsu Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 rated at 202 kW; bucket size range, 0.53-1.8 cu m; maximum dig depth, 7380 mm; bucket breakout, 20,400 kgf; arm breakout, 16,800 kgf.