Komatsu Australia has officially launched the first two machines in its Dash 7 wheel loader range, the WA470-7 and WA500-7, which it says use less fuel and have lower emissions — without losing production capabilities.
The 24.36 tonne WA470-7 and its larger sibling the 36.41 tonne WA500-7 are the first models to roll out as part of the Dash 7 range. Komatsu says the loaders are targeted at face loading and sales loader applications in quarries.
We recently covered the announcement of the Dash 7 range, which Komatsu says aims to improve productivity while lowering ownership costs.
Komatsu says the engines in the new Dash 7 range have the latest in emissions and fuel-reduction technology.
“Komatsu’s new Tier 4i engines combine next generation high-pressure common rail fuel injection, variable geometry turbocharger, cooled exhaust gas recirculation technology, and a diesel particulate filter to reduce fuel consumption and emissions,” Komatsu Australia national business manager Richard Feehely says.
Apart from engine improvements, fuel use is further reduced by automated load-sensors on the bucket, arms and driveline, to help match engine power to the job.
“This technology constantly evaluates information on load and working conditions from sensors throughout the driveline and work equipment, and then continuously modifies engine torque to ensure that no excessive engine power is used – saving fuel without impacting on production,” Feehely says.