Komatsu Australia has expanded its ‘intelligent’ dozer range with the release of three new models fully integrated with Komatsu’s automated machine control systems.
The new models are the 21-23-tonne D65EXi/PXi-18 (the PXi models are low-ground-pressure versions), the 29.5-30.5-tonne D85EXi/PXi-18 and the 41-tonne D155AXi. The new models join the D61EXi/PXi-23 released in 2014.
All three models are powered by Komatsu diesel engines configured to meet US Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions requirements. All engines use Komatsu’s latest automated systems such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, diesel particulate filter and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
Komatsu says the key feature of the ‘intelligent’ dozers is the ability to carry out both bulk and final trim dozing in fully automatic mode from start to finish, increasing final grade performance and accuracy.
“This allows them to significantly increase productivity and efficiency – up to twice as productive as dozers fitted with ‘bolt-on’ third party machine control systems according to Australian users and operators – while reducing the cost of each metre of material moved,” Komatsu Australia technology solution expert team manager Aaron Marsh says.
The fully-integrated machine control system automatically controls blade elevation and tilt according to target design data, with information received through the dozer’s factory-installed 3D GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
Operators can select four different machine control operating modes to best match performance to the application — covering cut-and-carry, cutting, spreading and final trim grading.
“Highly experienced dozer operators are reporting that with this technology, they can be more productive than they have ever been before – placing material faster and with more accuracy than any existing dozer/machine control combination,” Marsh says.
The dozers are also equipped with Komatsu’s patented ‘Sigmadozer’ blade, a design in which the middle section of the blade protrudes further than the sides in order to concentrate the dirt being moved to the central part of the blade, rather than being lost at the sides.
Komatsu says this reduces digging resistance and makes the movement of dirt smoother, allowing larger volumes to be moved with less power.
“All three new dozers deliver high levels of productivity and fuel economy through our Sigmadozer blade, automatic transmission with lockup torque converter, and new Tier 4 Final engines,” Marsh says.