“That is why we’ve tagged them our Vantage series,” he said. “A new hexangular ROPS cab, features a patented front Y-shape pillar and rear side pillar, to give better visibility. Hence operators have greater confidence and productivity in all applications.
“Combined with this, our cast, circular, saddle linkage, provides an unobstructed view of the blade and front tyres, while a tapered engine hood provides good visibility to the rear of the machine, particularly the rear ripper.”
Both graders, the 17.1t GD555A-5 and the 17.6t GD655A-5, are powered by Komatsu’s Tier 3-compliant SAA6D107E-1. It is the same engine which is used in a number of other Komatsu machines, including WA250PZ-6 to WA380-6 loaders, PC200-8 to PC270-8 excavators and the D51EX-21 dozer, Edwards said.
Edwards said, “This proven engine has shown itself to be very economical and flexible across a wide range of operations. In addition the power ratings, up to 144kW for the GD555A-5, depending on which gear is in use, and up to 163kW for the GD655A-5, means both are now in line with standard industry classes, making them a direct match in terms of power, to other graders on the market.”
The Vantage graders are also equipped with Power and Economy modes to align with a range of customer applications.
As with Komatsu’s previous generation of graders, the Dash 5 Vantage series incorporates a dual transmission system. This gives the operator the choice of direct drive (manual) transmission, as used on conventional graders, or torque converter transmission for improved control at low speeds and in final finishing – all at the flick of a switch.
The Komatsu powershift transmission has been designed and built specifically for Komatsu graders, providing on-the-go, full power shifting as well as inching capability and automatic shifting in higher ranges.
If power for tough grading or low-speed fine control is required, the operator can select the torque converter auto (T/C auto) mode, giving significantly more tractive effort and control – and allowing an operator to achieve fine control at low speed without shifting or using the inching pedal.
“With these graders, Komatsu has also developed a new non-stall transmission, which is incorporated while in manual mode,” Edwards said.
“If engine revs drop too far during direct drive mode in tough conditions, such that the engine approaches stalling speed, the transmission automatically switches to torque converter mode until the engine powers back up. This can be quite a common occurrence on direct drive-only graders. And with today’s sophisticated Tier 3 engines, it can take up to a minute to restart the engine, so there are considerable potential time savings and safety advantages.”
The Komatsu Vantage Dash 5 graders sold in Australia, will be factory fitted so that in the near future, they can take Topcon machine control systems on a “plug-and-play” basis.
Serviceability has also been improved, through such factors as:
• Easier access to service areas though large, hinged, lockable doors;
• Spin-on filters for faster change over;
• Integrated ground level refuelling and daily service and drain points checking; and
• Easy radiator cleaning with a hydraulic reversing fan.
More information: Komatsu Australia, 1300 KOMATSU (1300 566 287), www.komatsu.com.au, info@komatsu.com.au.
