Impressive Presence from Komatsu at ConExpo-Con/Agg

We still have plenty to cover from the recent ConExpo event in Las Vegas, and as such we kick off this short week with a look at some of the highlights on the Komatsu stand.

There was plenty of shiny new yellow kit to see on the Komatsu booth at ConExpo-Con/Agg as they took their place in the equally shiny new West Hall location of the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Dominating the stand was the new 90-tonne class PC900LC-11, the natural successor to the outgoing PC800LC-9 which has been a well proven and reliable excavator throughout its production period. Like so many other machines on display in Las Vegas, we had already seen one for the first time at Bauma, but displayed here with an example of Komatsu’s HM400 ADT’s it made for a stunning display under the bright lights.

Powered by a 842hp Stage V emissions compliant diesel engine, the machine is said to offer exceptional power, digging and lifting capabilities. Operational performance-enhancing technology on this machine includes the KomVision camera system, while the Smart Construction 3D guidance and payloads monitoring systems can be specified as an optional extra.

Also seen at Bauma last October was the new all-electric powered PC210LCE 2—tonne class hydraulic excavator. What I liked about this example was that it was easy to walk around the machine to take a good look at it, whereas in Bauma it was located in a corner of a hall.

The machine features a lithium-ion battery developed in conjunction with Proterra, which has 451 kWh of battery capacity, which they suggest could offer up to 8 hours of operating time, depending on application. The machine has been designed to reduce operator fatigue, with ultra-low noise levels, zero emissions, and zero engine vibration. The low noise levels make the machine ideal for working in noise sensitive job sites, night time working and internal building operations.

Komatsu’s iMC Intelligent Machine Control has been leading the way with this kind of technology for some years now. At Conexpo, they displayed no less than three dozers fitted with the iMC 2.0 system. Topping the line up was the D71PXi-24, which powered by a 237hp Stage V emissions compliant diesel engine, has been getting rave reviews in the UK market sector.

First introduced by Komatsu as far back as 2013, iMC continues to evolve, offering more automated functions for increased precision and reduced waste. Intelligent machines help reduce emissions per amount of material moved because it’s “moved right” the first time. 

If waste and scrap handling is your thing, Komatsu had something for you in the shape of the WA475-10 WH which is specified for these hazardous working environments with special customised waste guarding packages. This example was fitted with the industry preferred solid tyres and a waste style grab bucket.

A Komatsu spokesman said that the WA475-10 WH was developed based on customer feedback and incorporates an improved pressurized cab, enhanced machine visibility and increased ease of operation with features like independent work equipment control.

Checkout this video tour of the booth with the team at Komatsu US which features a strong emphasis on the technology side of things.