Komatsu PC200LC-8 excavator

Date: 18.09.2009

Wellington-based roading and drainage contractor John Walsh has taken delivery of a brand-new Komatsu PC200LC-8 excavator – replacing a PC200-7 machine

Low emissions
Fuel efficient
Increased operator safety
Improved visibility
Reduced noise levels

His company, John Walsh Ltd, has been in business for around 40 years, and carries out roading and drainage works throughout the greater Wellington region.

The company’s current Komatsu fleet includes a PC40MR-3 excavator, a WA150-5 loader and the new PC200LC-8.

Komatsu’s Dash 8 excavator series offers lower emissions, increased fuel efficiency and improved operator comfort and safety in a fully integrated machine/component package.

The Dash 8 range incorporates Komatsu’s ecot3 (ecology and economy technology 3) approach, which combines electronic control, hydraulic and engine technology, with all machine components designed and manufactured by Komatsu to work together as an integrated whole.

For increased operator safety and protection, Komatsu’s Dash 8 machines (PC130-8 to PC450-8) feature a dedicated excavator ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) cab incorporating a pipe-structured framework, providing high durability and impact resistance with very high impact absorbency. A seatbelt keeps the operator in the safety of the cab in the event of a rollover.

In addition, the Dash 8 range offers Komatsu’s optional Overhead Protective Guarding (OPG level 2) as a factory option; this is designed to protect the operator from incidents equivalent to a 227kg falling object from 5.2m.

Fuel consumption in the Dash 8 range is reduced by up to 10 percent compared with Komatsu’s previous Dash 7 equivalent (already recognised as one of the most fuel-efficient excavators on the market).

The engines that meet US Tier III and European Stage 3A emissions regulations, without sacrificing power or productivity.

Noise levels are reduced by a further 2dBA compared with the Dash 7, combined with a redesigned cab with increased internal space.

A rear-view monitoring system comes as standard, allowing the operator to view the rear of the machine through a colour monitor screen.

A large LCD colour screen offers improved visibility through the use of a TFT liquid crystal display, allowing on-going monitoring of all machine functions, with early warning of any malfunctions.

An "Eco-gauge" display helps reduce fuel consumption by indicating operations that burn more fuel, while an extended idle caution alerts the operator if the machine is idling for more than five minutes.

Walsh says, "We’ve always operated Komatsu machines – and we also get Komatsu NZ to do all our service and maintenance for us.

"The service we get from Komatsu is a key element of why we buy them; that and the reliability and life we get from them. We know we can get 10,000 hours from any of our Komatsu machines, no problem," Walsh says.

"My operators also like the Komatsu machines. One of them, Steve O’Callaghan, has been with me 30 years, and he’s driving the latest machine, after operating the previous PC200-7," he says.

"He’s been very pleased with the performance, production and comfort of the new machine."

Brief specifications

Operating weight: 19.4-21.46 tonnes (depending on configuration)
Powered by: Komatsu ecot3 Tier III-compliant SAA6D107E-1 diesel rated at 116kW
SAE-rated digging depth: 6.37m
Arm breakout: 10,300kgf
Bucket breakout: 14,100kgf

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