Komatsu Super Show at Bauma

The European arm of the Japanese manufacturer Komatsu had a whole host of treats for the visiting masses during Bauma 2022, with no less than 27 machines on display indoors and 15 working examples on the extensive demo plot in its regular prime position outside adjacent to Hall C6.

Naturally the big star on the demo plot was the 400-tonne PC4000 Electric drive hydraulic face shovel which featured early on in the demonstration. Komatsu was keen to highlight its shift towards electric machines at the world’s largest trade fair for construction machinery.

Part of the company’s decision to focus on electrification, Komatsu says, is its long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality and zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The demonstration, which also featured large machines like the HD785-8 rigid dumptruck and the WA800-8 wheeled loader, was one of the best at the show, and was a very professionally conducted.

Electric machines were also a major focus inside Hall C6 where the manufacturer premiered the new 20-tonne class all-electric PC210E, which is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and European markets in 2023.

A Komatsu spokesman said, “The PC210E optimizes the entire body control system by capitalizing on Komatsu’s proprietary coordinating technology. It specifically integrates lithium-ion battery technology from US-based Proterra, which has a proven track record for use in heavy-duty and commercial vehicles deployed in various fields around the world, with Komatsu’s components, such as the hydraulic pump, controller, and electric motor for work equipment operation.

In addition, Komatsu has developed a robust cage structure to provide additional protection onboard the vehicle for its battery packs. As a result, Komatsu has achieved digging performance and durability equivalent to those of engine-driven hydraulic excavators”.

The high energy onboard the excavator’s Proterra battery system enables operation for up to 8 hours when fully charged (operation of 5 to 9 hours was achieved in proof-of-concept tests, depending on the workload conditions).

At the other end of the scale Komatsu also demonstrated its PC01E-1 electric micro excavator, which has been developed in conjunction with Honda, which features swappable mobile battery technology and Honda’s eGX electrified power unit.

Checkout the electric machines in action in our video below. 

Already available in Japan, but making its European debut was the new 95-tonne class PC950-11, which replaces the outgoing PC800-8. The machine incorporates the latest Komatsu engine, hydraulic, and control technologies to deliver productivity levels approaching 50 percent more, and fuel efficiency increases of 40 percent higher, compared to the old PC800-8.

“In this excavator class, customers tell us that safety is their number 1 priority closely followed by productivity and total cost per tonne.” said Vince Porteous, Product Manager at Komatsu Europe for PC950-11. “Our development teams took this on board and delivered increased power, larger dig forces, greater drawbar pull, superior durability, easy safe access, surround visibility systems, and maintained ultra-low fuel consumption.” added Porteous.

We look forward to getting “hands on” with the PC950-11 in due course for Earthmovers Magazine.

Checkout our video featuring the first half of the outdoor demonstration.