Komatsu releases Dash 7 heavies

Komatsu Australia's latest Dash 7 excavators, the 41.4t PC400-7, 44t PC450LC-7, 57.6t PC600LC-7SE and 75.6t PC800SE-7, are aimed at the heavy construction, quarrying and smaller end of the mining market.

According to Komatsu's excavator product manager Julian Reynolds, these machines represent a major advance from the Dash 6 series.

“Market leader in the 40 to 80t range for most of the last decade, Komatsu expects to maintain this position with the latest machines,” he said.

All four models share the same operating advances as the earlier Dash 7 excavators released in Australia, including:

Improved operator environment, through a 14% larger cabin, increased glass area, less noise and vibration, better operator comforts and improved air quality due to the pressurised cab with air conditioning and filtration as standard;

Higher performance, through increased engine power, better digging forces and faster movements – coupled with reduced fuel consumption;

Improved hydraulic control systems, resulting in faster performance, finer control and easier operation;

Superior visibility;

Simplified maintenance, longer oil and filter change intervals and improved access to daily fill and inspection points; and

Improved safety, particularly in the area of operator protection and machine stability.

Komatsu claims fuel consumption is significantly lower than other machines in this class, while a larger cab is combined with lower in-cab and external noise levels than any other machine on the market.

Its engineers have also increased reliability and durability through:

A strengthened boom and arm thanks to improved welding technology;

Two-mode settings for boom operation, allowing the operator to select powerful digging or smoother operation;

55 ambient temperature rating, to match the Australian working environment;

Shockless boom operation, to reduce boom fatigue and chassis vibration after sudden stops; and

Boom foot hoses routed internally, for improved hose life and safety.

Reliability and durability have been further enhanced through such features as extended oil change hours (doubled in some instances) and the use of the most extensive filtration system on the market, including a high-pressure in-line filter for each main pump.

As with other excavators in the Komatsu Dash 7 range, the four new models have two main working modes, which can be easily selected at the press of a button.

Active mode provides maximum production and power, along with fast cycle times, while economy mode provides better fuel economy (but with the same performance as Heavy Dig).

In addition, a heavy-lift mode provides 10% more lifting force to the boom when handling rock or in heavy lifting applications. The PC400 and PC450 models also have a breaker mode with variable oil flow for use with different attachments.

These and other functions are controlled by a multi-function colour monitor, which also ensures the operator is informed of any operating abnormalities and is reminded when filter and oil replacements are due.

It also stores any machine abnormalities for more effective troubleshooting and to guide preventative maintenance.

On the PC600 and PC800, daily servicing and maintenance is further simplified through wider walkways around the engine and hydraulic components, combined with larger service doors.

Further information: Komatsu Australia, 1800 853 311, www.komatsu.com.au, excavators@komatsu.com.au.