Use less fuel, increase production, improve safety
Komatsu Australia has released its new MR-5 mini excavator range, incorporating new-generation engines that also reduce fuel consumption, and with a range of features which improve production and work efficiency, and increase jobsite safety.
The new range covers the PC30MR-5 (3.15-3.3 tonnes operating weight), PC35MR-5 (3.62-3.77 tonnes), PC45MR-5 (4.86-4.98 tonnes) and PC55MR-5 (5.14-5.26 tonnes).
Available in both canopy and air condition cab ROPS-compliant options, the new range was launched earlier this year, said Carl Grundy, Komatsu Australia’s National Sales Manager – Utility.
“This new generation of mini excavators harnesses Komatsu’s unrivalled technological knowhow and worldwide resources to bring industry-leading customer value to this market sector,” he said.
“Our new MR-5 range boasts many industry firsts, and is packed full of outstanding new and improved features.
“These include advances in operator comfort, increased safety, improved ergonomic design, even lower fuel consumption, advances in controllability, the latest version of our KOMTRAX remote monitoring system – and the highest levels of standard specifications offered in the industry.
“Across the range, they raise the bar in terms of what customers can expect from a mini excavator,” Grundy said.
All four new machines feature US EPA Tier 4 Final compliant electronically controlled engines with either the Komatsu 3D88E-7 rated at 18.2kW for the smaller PC30MR-5 and PC35MR-5 or the Komatsu 4D88E-7 rated at 29.6kW for both the PC45MR-5 and the PC55MR-5.
“In addition to delivering far lower emissions, these new minis use between 5 and 7 per cent less fuel than their MR-3 predecessors – with no loss of performance or productivity.”
Grundy said that in developing the new range, Komatsu engineers had prioritised reliability and rugged design solutions to further reduce machine downtime and lower operating costs.
“Auto deceleration and idle shut down now both come as standard, for reduced fuel consumption, increased residual value and lower service costs.
“All new models have standard two-way auxiliary piping for increased productivity and machine versatility when working with attachments.
“In addition, the PC45MR-5 and PC55MR-5 are fitted as standard with a second auxiliary circuit to enable fitting of tilting hitches, thumb buckets and the like.
“And across our MR-5 range, newly developed hydraulic electronic controls – here seen on mini excavators for the first time – ensure optimised machine performance and lower fuel consumption, whatever the job,” said Grundy.
“This, combined with selectable working modes – a concept usually only found on larger excavators, ensure optimum matching of machine power output to jobsite conditions, for easier operation and reduced fuel consumption.”
According to Grundy, cabs on the new MR-5 range have been redesigned, inside and out, for more functionality and a new more modern look and feel.
“Accessibility has been significantly improved thanks to a new hinged door design, while a high-resolution multi-functional 3.5 inch LCD colour monitor panel, with maintenance and warning information clearly displayed, improves ease of use and ensures quick and easy troubleshooting.
“A dial type fuel control further increases operator comfort and convenience.”
A number of new features contribute to increased operator safety on the new MR-5 range.
“Our new control lever Neutral Detection System is an industry-leading safety feature that prevents accidental operation if controls are inadvertently knocked or grabbed.
“Other safety features include an engine shut down secondary switch and a seatbelt caution indicator.
“An easy-to-use tie down bracket provides fast and easy transportability, while ensuring the machines can be securely restrained,” he said.
As standard, all MR-5 machines sold in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia are covered free of charge with Komatsu’s KOMTRAX remote monitoring system, which offers the industry’s highest levels of fleet management and support, protects against misuse, provides peace of mind against theft, and guarantees maximum efficiency and uptime.
“Our new utility excavators are designed to provide our customers with unrivalled versatility, safety and comfort – as well as delivering reduced owning and operating costs,” said Grundy.
“They are the perfect tools for confined jobsite applications, across construction, utility, landscaping and similar applications.”
