Komatsu’s machinery is built tough – but what good is toughness without a skilled operator? Komatsu dozer product manager Pat Munro explains how iMC 2.0 is helping reshape operator training for a new generation
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Komatsu’s iMC 2.0-enabled D65EXi-18 dozer balances power and smarts
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Komatsu’s machinery has a reputation for toughing it out.
One of the Japanese machinery company’s earliest dozers – the Komatsu-branded T40 – made its unconventional journey to Australian shores via several decades at the bottom of the ocean, where it was lost following the Second World War.
After being recovered by an Australian scrap metal company, the dozer was purchased by two Sydney farmers and resurrected with a simple oil change and some new electrical components.
The machine was acquired by Komatsu in 1979 and returned to Japan, where it was fully restored to its original specifications. It now remains proudly on display at the company’s training institute in Dhito, Shizuoka Prefecture.
A modern all-rounder
The Komatsu D65EXi-18 dozer – one of the T40’s modern-day descendants – shows that through decades of evolution, innovation and refinement, toughness still runs deep in Komatsu’s DNA.
Komatsu’s Pat Munro says the machine exemplifies the kind of durability on which the company has built its legacy.
“I’ve been with Komatsu for 19 years, and it’s the reliability of the product that’s kept me here,” Munro says.
“It’s easy to represent a product that you really believe in, and Komatsu have never let me down.”
The 22-tonne D65EXi-18 dozer, with its external push arms and semi-U blade, is tough enough for bulk earth- moving and ripping, but light enough to make it easily transportable. Munro says this sweet spot has made the machine a popular choice for general construction and civil infrastructure.
“This class of machine makes up around 70 per cent of the total construction market,” he says.
“They’re very easy to move around on floats from job to job. The D65EXi-18 is a really great general tool. As well as construction and civil works, it’ll handle stockpile ripping, tree clearing and agricultural work without trouble.”
The D65EXi-18 is powered by a Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 engine, which balances performance with lower fuel consumption.
The Komatsu Parallel Link Undercarriage System (PLUS) comes standard, which ensures high durability and extended service life thanks to its rotary bushing. The integrated rollover protection system cab provides peace of mind for operators, while fatigue is minimised by low noise levels and cab damper mounts for vibration absorption.
Munro says the D65EXi-18 demonstrates the company’s dedication to the comfort of its operators.
“Komatsu over the years have spent millions on operator comfort across all their equipment,” he says.
“The designers and engineers in Japan are always desperate to hear feedback from operators – good and bad – to help improve their products.
“They want to hear from the people that sit in these cabins for hours every day – because they know it can be the simple little things that make all the difference to operators.”
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The iMC 2.0 system means that even inexperienced operators can quickly get up to speed
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Smart productivity
The D65EXi-18 is one of the first dozers in Australia to feature Komatsu’s new Intelligent
Machine Control (iMC) 2.0 – an automated system designed to enhance machine efficiency, jobsite productivity and ease of operation.
Munro says iMC 2.0 introduces a range of upgrades and enhancements to the original iMC feature set that takes smart automation to the next level.
The factory-integrated twin antenna GPS system allows operators and fleet managers to track their position precisely – without having to worry about external antennas or cabling.
Munro says several new smart automation features substantially improve dozing operations from bulk earthworks to finish grade work.
“Lift Layer Control and Tilt Steering Control are two new features that can really make a huge difference
to productivity,” he says.
Lift Layer Control is used to automatically spread fill material from existing areas and measure
the terrain as it tracks to plan the
next pass, while Tilt Steering Control reduces the need for constant operator corrections by automatically tilting the blade to maintain straight- line travel.
“The Quick Surface Creation feature is also particularly good if they’re just pushing a road out on a particular slope,” Munro says.
“Once that’s initially set up in the cabin, the operator can just park the dozer, put the blade on the ground, push one button, and it’ll run that grade out for as far as they want.”
Lift Layer Control and Tilt Steering Control help assist operators quickly and efficiently get a job done
All iMC 2.0 features also make good use of the factory-installed touchscreen, which provides operators with a clear indication of how they are tracking relative to a design. Munro says it’s a package of features that can make a good operator even better, reducing fatigue while enhancing accuracy.
“What’s perhaps even more valuable about the technology, is less experienced operator can be skilled up very quickly with a reasonably small amount of training,” he says.
“So, you can have operators meeting designs on a particular job much sooner.”
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Left: Lift Layer Control and Tilt Steering Control help assist operators quickly and efficiently get a job done.
Right: Komatsu’s designers and engineers are always seeking feedback on operator comfort and ease of operation
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Closing gaps
Munro says this means iMC 2.0-equipped machines such as the D65EXi-18 can essentially be used to complement ongoing training.
“The industry is struggling with a lack of new skilled operators coming through to replace the experienced ones who are retiring,” he says.
“The other problem we’re seeing is companies poaching good operators off each other, rather than taking the time to teach and upskill.”
This is causing gaps in the skilled workforce, both locally and globally.
Komatsu’s designers and engineers are always seeking feedback on operator comfort and ease of operation.
On the flipside, Munro says this gives equipment manufacturers such as Komatsu the chance to step up to the plate.
“I think younger generations have a bit of a different mindset, different skills and interests – they’re much more engaged with technology,” he says.
“Our iMC 2.0 technology can help assist fleet owners in training new operators that want to learn. Not only about operating, but also in understanding the broader picture of how designs and work sites function.”
Munro says the feedback from customers has been encouraging, and he’s excited to hear the real- world benefits of iMC 2.0 straight from the job site.
“One customer has a young operator on site who hasn’t been operating bulldozers for very long. But he’s been really embracing this new technology and wants to understand more about how it works,” he says.
“He’s seeing the benefits – it’s making him look like a much more experienced operator. It means he’s able to do jobs once, and not have to come back and redo work.”
For more information, visit www.komatsu.com.au