Komatsu upgrade quarry excavators

PC800-8 models now offer greater productivity, safety and comfort, plus extra Komtrax features

KOMATSU Europe International n.v. have upgraded their PC800-8 and PC800LC-8 hydraulic excavators, which now offer increased productivity and safety, greater operator comfort and additional Komtrax features.

With a flywheel horsepower of 370kW, an operating weight between 78.8 tonnes and 84.700 tonnes and bucket capacities up to 6.9 cubic metres, the PC800-8 and PC800LC-8 are well suited to quarry work or large-scale construction projects.

The excavators are equipped with Komatsu’s Komtrax technology which provides daily machine information through a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Features now include energy-saving reports with tips for a more fuel-efficient operation, location, cautions, load ratio, and maintenance alerts, with all data relayed to the web application for analysis.

‘The Komtrax system makes it simple to manage the productivity of the PC800-8 machine,’ said Simon Saunders, product manager at Komatsu. ‘It helps to minimize downtime by planning maintenance to match the shift patterns of the quarry.’

The PC800-8 and PC800LC-8 are powered by Komatsu’s SAA6D140E-5 engine, with a cooled-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, and comply with EU Stage IIIA emission regulations.

Low external noise levels are achieved by using a hydraulically driven, hybrid blade, variable-speed, reversible cooling fan. The fan absorbs less power from the engine, and helps to reduce fuel consumption.

The PC800-8 and PC800LC-8 are equipped with two working modes (Power and Economy). Economy mode features four level settings, allowing the operator to achieve required production with the lowest possible fuel consumption, while the Power mode gives the operator 10% more lifting force on the boom when needed to handle large rocks.

Both versions of the PC800-8 are equipped with Komatsu’s renowned Dash 8 operator cab, which features a new laminated front screen for increased protection against stone chips. Job site safety is further enhanced by the installation, as standard, of a rear-view camera that feeds into the wide-screen, full-colour, machine monitor panel.

‘The new quarry-specification operator cab with integrated roll-over cage on the latest PC800-8 gives enhanced protection and confidence to the operator,’ said Mr Saunders. ‘The addition of the rear-view camera with an integrated feed into the widescreen monitor panel enhances site safety without compromising the view from the cab windows.’

Equipped with Komatsu’s exclusive EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System), the PC800-8 and PC800LC-8 have been designed to reduce downtime. EMMS continually monitors all critical excavator systems, alerting and guiding the operator should a problem occur.

The system also tracks the preventative maintenance schedule, providing on-board warning as required maintenance becomes due. Error codes and troubleshooting assistance are available at the EMMS display, minimizing diagnosis and repair time.

Moreover, service points are easily accessible and grouped for fast machine checks and preventative maintenance service, while a wide catwalk, large handrails and steps, and slip-resistant plates offer easy and safe access throughout the machine.