Komatsu Debuts Newest Tight Tail Excavator
June 8, 2010
Rolling Meadows, IL,
June 3, 2010— Komatsu America Corp. announces the introduction of the PC228USLC-8
hydraulic excavator. A leader in
excavator technology, Komatsu’s latest tight tail series builds on the proven
reputation of its previous model with hydraulic system enhancements, improved
operator control and comfort, increased lift capacity and stability, and lower
fuel consumption.
The PC228USLC-8, with an operating weight of 53,195 to
54,405 pounds, is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. The electronically controlled HPCR (High Pressure Common
Rail) fuel injection system is EPA Tier 3 emissions certified, provides low
noise operation, and remains extremely fuel efficient while delivering superior
power and productivity.
The PC228USLC-8 is equipped
with the latest KOMTRAXâ
technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing
wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, machine location,
maintenance notifications, out of area notifications, machine utilization, and
residual fuel levels are just a few of the features that are relayed to the web
application for analysis. The KOMTRAX
fleet monitoring system monitors machine availability, reduces the risk of
machine theft and provides a wealth of other
information to drive business efficiency.
Special features of the new PC228USLC-8
include:
Short Tail Swing Radius and Round Cab
Design
The
PC228USLC-8 tail is more compact than a conventional excavator, which allows
the machine to work in confined areas for road, bridge, and urban
applications. The boom foot position and
raising angle is higher than on the PC200LC-8, giving the machine a shorter
swing radius for the work equipment. The
round cab design allows the cab to swing within the same turning radius as the
counterweight, further enhancing the versatility of this model in tight working
conditions.
Increased Lift Capacity and Stability
The
PC228USLC-8 features 2,865 pounds of additional counterweight. With this additional counterweight mass, the
lift capacity over the front and side of the machine is increased providing higher
machine performance when heavy lifting is required.
Hydraulic System Enhancements
Using a
Closed Center Load Sensing (CLSS) system, the hydraulic system of the PC228USLC-8
has been enhanced to increase efficiency, lower hydraulic loss, and lower fuel
consumption. The excavator features “variable
speed matching,” a highly efficient matching technique that optimizes the
performance of both the engine and hydraulic systems, giving the operator power
on demand when needed. Increasing the
piping size on the bucket circuit and adding a new quick return valve have also
reduced hydraulic loss. These hydraulic
system enhancements have increased speed and productivity, yet reduced fuel
consumption.
New Large Multi-Color Monitor
The
easy-to-view 7” LCD monitor enables accurate smooth work and displays data in
12 languages for global support. There
are five modes of operation that may be selected through the monitor
panel: Power Mode, Economy Mode, Lifting
Mode, Breaker Mode and Attachment Mode.
The monitor panel also displays the automatic air conditioner, machine
maintenance tracking, and the image from the standard, counterweight-mounted
rearview camera system.
Enhanced Operating Efficiency through
Ease of Maintenance and Serviceability
In order to reduce costly downtime, the PC228USLC-8
provides access for ease of service and maintenance. The radiator, hydraulic oil cooler, and
charge air cooler are mounted side by side, making it simple to maintain and
service these components when required.
The machine is equipped with the exclusive Komatsu EMMS
(Equipment Management Monitoring System), which performs three main functions
that are displayed on the large LCD color monitor. EMMS continually monitors
all critical excavator systems, alerting and guiding the operator should an
abnormality occur, which can help keep a small problem from becoming a major
service issue, thereby contributing to reduced-operation costs. EMMS also tracks the preventative maintenance
schedule, provides on-board tracking, and advises current required
maintenance. In addition, the system
provides error codes and troubleshooting assistance to mechanics in order to
minimize diagnosis and repair time.
Built For Durability And Reliability
All major
components on the new PC228USLC-8 including the engine, hydraulic pumps, motors,
and control valves are exclusively designed and produced by Komatsu. The boom and arms exhibit long-term
durability and are highly resistant to bending and torsional stress due to
large cross-sectional structures, high tensile strength steel, interior
partition walls, and large one-piece castings.
Highly
reliable and exclusively designed electronic components such as controllers,
connectors, sensors, and wiring have undergone extensive testing to ensure
reliability in the harshest conditions.
The electronic connectors are DT-type and seal against dirt and
moisture. For additional reliability,
metal guard rings protect all hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic hoses are equipped with O-ring
seals versus conventional taper seals to help prevent leaks. Long replacement
intervals for hydraulic oil, engine oil, and filters keep the machine up and
running for increased hours on the job.
Versatility To Match Different Job
Applications
The PC228USLC-8 is equipped with
five working modes and Power Max control.
These modes are designed to match engine speed, pump flow, and system
pressure to specific application requirements, providing the operator with the
flexibility to match equipment performance to the job at hand. Since many excavators operate a wide variety
of working attachments, the PC228USLC-8 is equipped with Breaker Mode (single
action circuit) and Attachment Mode (double action circuit), allowing the
operator to adjust hydraulic flow directly from the cab through the large
monitor panel. The attachment flow
control has been improved and is more flexible for effortless attachment
adjustments. In
hard digging applications, a one-touch Power Max Function increases digging
force by 8% for 8.5 seconds, creating a noticeable difference in digging performance.
Cab
Enhancements Provide Comfortable Working Environment
A wide spacious cab with a high back operator seat provides
excellent support and comfort for reduced fatigue and higher productivity. The
highly pressurized cab minimizes the amount of dust that enters the operator’s
compartment, while its rigid frame offers wide visibility and has excellent
sound absorption. The multi-layer
viscous cab mounting system incorporates longer stroke and the addition of a
spring. Combined with a high rigidity
deck, the new cab damper mounting reduces noise and vibration levels at the
operator seat. A high capacity automatic
heater/defroster/air conditioning system is incorporated into the new monitor
panel and is provided as standard equipment.
*All comparisons
are to the Komatsu model PC228USLC-3.
KOMTRAX is a registered trademark of Komatsu Ltd.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Komatsu America also serves forklift and forestry markets. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.
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