Komatsu Dipping a Toe in the Water Once Again

We have covered the amazing remote control amphibious bulldozers manufactured by Komatsu back in the 1970’s on numerous occasions over the years, now it appears they are working on an all new version.

The D155W was first revealed in 1971 and it is documented that 36 units were actually manufactured, with some still in operation around the world to this day.

The machine pictured in this post is used by Japanese specialist contractor Asunaro Aoki Construction Company, who are heavily involved in marine and river construction work. This company alone still owns and operates 5 of these unique machines.

The company has been working closely with Komatsu to develop an all-new amphibious bulldozer, which if the images we have seen are correct, will be electric powered!

Electric and water sounds like combination destined for problems in my opinion, but they are clever people and I’m sure they have it all covered.

The new machine is set to be officially revealed to the public at Expo 2025 which takes place in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as part of the Underwater Construction of the Future exhibit  

Photo: Courtesy of Bauforum24

Over the years Asunaro Aoki Construction has accumulated a lot of knowledge and construction technologies gained from more than 1,200 underwater construction projects, including post-disaster reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In July 2023, the new concept machine was produced, and testing has been undertaken in rivers and fishing ports.

This will be something really exciting to follow up on next year once the machine has officially been revealed.

In the meantime, lets take a look at the old machines still working to this day in this slightly 'cheesy' video from the Heavy Equipment Channel.