Komatsu aims to save fuel

Komatsu has updated its PC240LC-8 hydraulic excavator with the new CP240LC-10 - a model that Komatsu said included various fuel-saving features.

The new model is EU Stage IIIB compliant using EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) with DPF (diesel particulate filter). The Komatsu SAA6D107E-2 engine sees power increased to 141kW from 134kW, while the operating weight is in the 25.2 to 26.1 tonne bracket.

Among the fuel saving features are new engine and pump matching controls which change the engine speed with the pump load. Simon Saunders, product manager, crawler excavators, said the engine slows when the machine is slewing. An economy mode can be used with attachments when the engine doesn't need to work so hard.

An auto decel feature reduces the engine speed by 900rpm to a low idle after 4 seconds.

The Komatsu Spacecab is now ROPS certified and a new monitor panel has been introduced to the cab. Mr Saunders said that while the screen had higher resolution, it was not touch-screen because that was not felt to be the best solution given the excavator's usual working environment.

The monitor can operate in 25 languages now, and Komatsu said there were a number of improvements in terms of functions and information. Up to five different attachments can be pre-set and named on screen, and five breaker settings are also available. Operating data such as eco, service and DPF information are available, and a fuel indicator shows litres per hour.

On the outside of the machine, Komatsu said that access to the engine was easier, with serviceable items now accessible from ground level. The rear camera has been improved, and new handrails have been added.

The CP240LC-10 now uses the Komtrax level 4 GPS-based tracking system.

Komatsu also launched a new dozer at the recent Steinexpo show in Germany. The D65-17 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D114E-5 engine, which delivers 164kW. The EU Stage IIIB engine is turbo charged with direct fuel injection, air-to-air cooling and cooled EGR.

Operating weights for the EX, WX and PX dozer models vary from 22.6 tonnes to 23.5 tonnes.

Developed primarily as a multipurpose unit for applications ranging from heavy duty dozing to fine grading, according to Komatsu, the D65-17 combines the Sigmadozer blade (on the EX and WX models) with automatic transmission and torque converter lock-up for productivity and low fuel consumption.