Komatsu Tier 4 wheel loader adds productivity, operator comfort
The WA500-8 wheel loader from Komatsu America Corp. features greater bucket capacity for added productivity, Tier 4 engine for lower fuel consumption and redesigned cab for operator comfort.
“It’s an extremely well-balanced machine with improved productivity over the last model,” says Craig McGinnis, product marketing manager. “It’s going to reduce fuel consumption, and it’s going to meet the latest, most stringent emission standards.”
The wheel loader is equipped with a 357 hp, EPA Tier 4 Final-certified engine that uses up to 5 percent less fuel than its Tier 4 predecessor. SmartLoader Logic combined with the lockup torque converter activates in second, third and fourth gear, which provides optimal engine torque for improved acceleration, hill-climbing ability, higher top speed and fuel savings.
The standard bucket has been redesigned with a different profile, increasing bucket capacity to 7.6 cubic yards. A full automatic digging system actuates the bucket tilt and lifting operations by sensing the pressure applied to the work equipment to alleviate operator fatigue and optimize bucket load.
“That’s going to optimize the whole dig,” McGinnis says. “You’re going to have a very full bucket every time. It’s also helpful for newer, less-experienced operators: It can really help them out, get them up to speed faster.”
The integrated load meter system displays information to the machine’s main monitor display. Information also is available remotely via KOMTRAX, an integrated telematics system, so operators can run production reports.
“The monitor has a built-in load scale, which is really good for applications where your weight is important,” McGinnis says. “For example, if you’re loading on-highway trucks, if you wanted to put a certain amount into a crusher, that can really help you out in certain applications.”
A newly redesigned air-suspension, heated seat provides added operator comfort.
“Everybody likes to be as comfortable as possible,” McGinnis says. “A lot of these operators are in these machines eight, 10, 12 hours a day, if not more. The new seat is easier to adjust, the cushioning is better, and it has a very robust construction. The control panel is also mounted on the seat, so it can actually move with the seat up and down.
“Basically, we’ve taken what we’ve done in previous models and fine-tuned and refined that with the WA500-8 model to make the best machine we can,” McGinnis says. 847/437-5800; www.komatsuamerica.com.
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