New Komatsu PC118MR-8 and PW118MR-8 excavators presented at Samoter

Vilvoorde, March 2011 – Komatsu introduced two new compact excavators at the recent Samoter Fair in Verona, Italy. The PC118MR-8 crawler excavator and the PW118MR-8 wheeled excavator were designed at the Komatsu European Technical Centre in Hanover. These new models are the result of a synergy between a joint team of Japanese and European researchers who integrated the most advanced technology from Japan in machines that match the specific requirements of the European market.

Advertisement

Built by Komatsu Utility Europe in Este, Italy, a factory that manufactures and distributes Komatsu machines under 12 tonnes worldwide, these new excavators have an engine power of 72 kW (ISO 14396) and operating weights of 11,800 kg (PC118MR-8) and 12,305 kg ( PW118MR-8).

The detailed design of the PC118MR-8 and the PW118MR-8 ensures outstanding versatility and great mobility in confined work spaces. Thanks to a small turning radius and compact size, these excavators are ideal machines for road construction and urban job sites. Among other features, they are equipped with an ecot3 engine meeting EU Stage IIIA regulations, with auto idling, with an ECO-gauge and with 5 different working modes. The electronically controlled common-rail injection was carefully designed to optimize productivity, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The hydraulic closed centre load sensing system (CLSS) provides power, speed and perfect control of all combined movements.

These new Komatsu excavators offer more versatility and exceptional comfort to the most demanding operators. In small and tight spaces, the sliding door allows easy entry and exit to and from a spacious cabin. The double slide mechanism of the seat and Pressure Proportional Control (PPC) levers lets them be adjusted conveniently for working in an optimal position, for maximum productivity and minimal fatigue. The PPC joysticks are also characterized by a high grip and short stroke and their new smooth proportional thumb switches offer improved versatility and controllability, and guarantee added precision with less finger fatigue when working with attachments.

The new automatic air conditioning system is ideal in any season; the structure of the ROPS cab conforms to the latest ISO regulations, the cab windows offer 360 degrees visibility and the wide opening roof top and side and rear view mirrors help to provide increased safety for the operator and the people working around the machine.

To broaden the range of possible applications, the oil flow of the auxiliary circuit is controlled on an large screen LCD monitor featuring intuitive buttons easily accessible and controllable by the operator. Maximum oil flow can be set according to the specific needs of the attachment in use. A second auxiliary line, available on request, is also controlled by a lever switch to allow maximum flexibility and controllability to an even wider range of attachments. On request, the PC118MR-8 can be further customized with a two-piece boom, with an extra counterweight, road-liners and an auxiliary circuit for the hydraulic quick coupler, adjustable for low or high pressure. The PW118MR-8 has 3 standard steering modes and can be customised with 2 arm lengths, with blade and outriggers, and with several auxiliary circuits for a wide range of attachments.

The PC118MR-8 and PW118MR-8 are equipped with the latest version of KOMTRAX™, Komatsu’s exclusive satellite monitoring system. Machine data, including location, performance, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements, is easily accessible over the internet. Owners or fleet managers are informed of the machine’s operational status, without having to attend the site in person. KOMTRAX™ can be configured to send an email to a designated person, for instance when the machine shows a caution alert or if it is activated during an engine lock period.

Andrea Martini, Product Manager for Komatsu midi excavators, says: “These new models were developed drawing on Komatsu’s extensive experience with large hydraulic excavators. All the proven high tech features of our DASH-8 models are integrated in the PC118 and PW118 and are perfectly matched to the requirements of Utility applications. Genuine Komatsu components were used to guarantee maximum reliability and quality. In fact, the combination of their extremely compact dimensions, excellent stability, a swing boom and a short front and rear protrusion gives these new machines a unique versatility, manoeuvrability and safety on any job site”.