Latest excavator has expanding undercarriage

Komatsu Australia's utility division introduced the PC18MR-2 excavator at NCE 2005, the latest in its range of popular MR-2 short-tail mini excavators, and featuring an expanding undercarriage for easier access to confined worksites.

As with others in the MR-2 range, it features an extra-large, comfortable operator's space, and a tilting upper body that provides ready access to key components for easy maintenance.

It incorporates an expandable undercarriage – from 980 1300mm wide – allowing it to access confined spaces (including through a standard doorway), then widen the track gauge for increased working stability.

Powered by a Komatsu 3D67E-5 engine rated at 11.2kW the PC18MR-2 has an operating weight of 1.86t, maximum digging force of 1.622t and drawbar pull of 17t.

The cab/canopy space has been significantly enlarged due to a new, two-post certified ROPS structure, giving an operator's space equivalent to a much larger machine.

This allows the operator to enter and exit the machine from both sides, while visibility is greatly increased to enhance productivity and safety.

The excavator also has a neutral engine start system to eliminate accidents caused by sudden movement of the upper structure at start-up.

Hydraulics on the PC18MR-2 are based around Komatsu's patented HydrauMind hydraulic system, a pressure-compensating CLSS system that ensures each actuator works according to its control input regardless of the size of the load – and based around the same technology used on Komatsu's larger construction and mining excavators. This ensures the operator has precise control at all times.

For simplified maintenance and serviceability, the unit has a forward-tilting operator's compartment for easy access to hydraulic components, plus fully opening engine and side covers for routine maintenance and service.

The PC18MR-2 joins others in Komatsu's short-tail mini excavator range, including the, PC20MR-2, PC30MR-2, PC35MR-2, PC40MR-2 and PC50MR-2.

More information: Komatsu Australia, 1800 KOMATSU (1800 566 287), www.komatsu.com.au, info@komatsu.com.au.