Komatsu extends iMC dozer efficiency and cost-saving benefits, releasing three new models.
Komatsu Australia has extended its innovative “intelligent” dozer range, with the release of three additional machines with a fully integrated intelligent Machine Control (iMC) system, a concept which has delivered productivity, efficiency and cost-saving benefits.
Komatsu’s new intelligent dozer offerings are the D65EXi/PXi-18 (21-23 tonnes operating weight), the D85EXi/PXi-18 (29.5-30.5 tonnes) and the D155AXi-8 (41 tonnes) – which follow the launch of the D61EXi/PXi-23 in late 2014.
In addition, the new dozers are the first Komatsu machines fitted with Komatsu’s ultra-low emission Tier 4 Final engines, which combine outstanding performance with reduced fuel consumption.
According to Aaron Marsh, Komatsu Australia’s Technology Solution Expert Team Manager, Smart Centre, Komatsu’s iMC dozer concept allows all machines in this range to carry out both bulk and final trim dozing in fully automatic mode from start to finish, delivering 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,” he said.
Integrated machine control
Each model in Komatsu’s iMC dozer range incorporates as standard a factory-installed fully integrated 3D GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) machine control system.
“Because the machine control system is fully integrated, it eliminates the need for coiled cables between machine and blade, there is no need for the operator or service technicians to climb up on the machine to remove and replace antennas or masts, no need for daily connections and recalibrations,” said Marsh.
“An enhanced sensor package combined with an intelligent logic system provides for finish grade accuracy in a fully integrated system without the need for traditional blade-mounted sensors – which can be subject to damage, theft or vandalism.”
The integrated machine control system automatically controls blade elevation and tilt according to target design data, which uses common industry standard design data software and systems.
“With these machines, not only can the automatic machine control features be used for finish grading but also for bulk dozing – a capability which is unique to Komatsu iMC dozers,” he said.
“Loading of the blade at the start of the cut is controlled via set parameters; during the pass, if the load on the blade increases during bulk dozing operation, the blade is automatically raised to control the load and minimise shoe slip, ensuring efficient dozing at all times.
“Then when the material level approaches the target design surface, the blade will follow it with millimetre-accuracy for close finish grading,” said Marsh.
“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.”
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.
In addition, construction progress can be checked using the integrated as-built mapping display, which collects surface data by continuously measuring actual elevations as the machine operates.
“When we released our first iMC dozer, the D61EXi/PXi-23, we described the technology as fully scalable to other machines in our dozer range,” said Marsh. “Now we have the proof of that in these three larger models.”
Ultra-low emission engines
The three new dozers all feature Komatsu’s latest technology Tier 4 Final engines, complying with US EPA certification and providing exceptional performance while reducing fuel consumption.
“Based on Komatsu proprietary technologies developed over many years, these new engines lower nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) by more than 90%, compared with Tier 3-compliant engines,” said Marsh.
“Through our in-house development and production of engines, electronics, and hydraulic components, we have achieved significant advances in technology, delivering high levels of performance and efficiency across virtually all conditions.”
Features of these engines include:
- Heavy duty Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system
- Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) system
- Heavy duty cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
- Electronic automatic engine control system
- Komatsu Variable Geometry Turbocharger (KVGT) system
- Heavy duty High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel injection system.
This engine technology, combined with Komatsu’s exclusive Sigmadozer blade and unique automatic/torque lockup transmission system, result in fuel efficiency improvements of between 20 and 30% per metre of dirt moved.
“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,” said Marsh.
“Our Sigmadozer blade, based on completely new dozing principles, dramatically increases production, as well as significantly improving fuel efficiency compared with conventional dozers.”
Service and support package
As with all new Komatsu equipment, the new dozers are covered by Komatsu’s KOMTRAX remote monitoring system, backed by its ICT (information communications technology) capabilities to maximise machine safety, productivity, uptime and availability – and further reduce customers’ costs per tonne of material moved.
“Our people-powered technology approach allows us to work with customers to constantly check telemetry, machine health and service monitoring systems,” said Marsh.
“This data, combined with our analytical and predictive capabilities through our millions of machine hours of data, allows us to continuously work with our customers to help ensure machines are working at their optimal level every hour of the day.”
Machine overview
Brief specs of Komatsu’s latest intelligent dozers are:
D65EXi-18: Operating weight, 20,810 kg; engine Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 rated at 162 kW; transmission, three-speed Torqflow with lockup torque converter; maximum speed, F/R 11.3/13.6 km/h; Sigmadozer blade capacity, 5.61 cu m.
D65PXi-18 (low ground pressure version): Operating weight, 22,960 kg; engine Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 rated at 162 kW; transmission, three-speed Torqflow with lockup torque converter; maximum speed, F/R 11.3/13.6 km/h; PAT blade capacity, 5.78 cu m.
D85EXi-18: Operating weight, 30,590 kg; engine Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 rated at 197 kW; transmission, three-speed Torqflow with manual gearshift mode; maximum speed, F/R 10.1/13 km/h; Sigmadozer blade capacity, 7.2 cu m.
D85PXi-18 (low ground pressure version): Operating weight, 29,520 kg; engine Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 rated at 197 kW; transmission, three-speed Torqflow with manual gearshift mode; maximum speed, F/R 10.1/13 km/h; straight tilt blade capacity, 5.9 cu m.
D155EXi-8: Operating weight, 41,100 kg; engine Tier 4 Final certified Komatsu Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 rated at 264 kW; transmission, three-speed Torqflow with lockup torque converter; maximum speed, F/R 11.6/14 km/h; Sigmadozer blade capacity, 9.4 cu m.
[colored_box color=”yellow”]For more information call 1330 566 287 or visit www.komatsu.com.au[/colored_box]