Cover story: Komatsu WA475-10

Komatsu has introduced the WA475-10 26-tonne wheel loader in NZ, a versatile machine that combines power with Komatsu’s leading loader technology

Heavy equipment manufacturer Komatsu says the latest WA475-10 wheel loader can save 30% more on fuel efficiency than their previous model and is perfect for any hauling or loading jobs, with an outstanding combination of fuel efficiency, productivity and ease of operation.

Gentle giant gets the job done

Komatsu WA475-10 — Powered tiltable engine hood for easy maintenance

Nick Vrontas, Komatsu national business manager, says the significant upgrades on the WA475-10 make it an appealing addition to fleets.

“The WA475-10 features the newly developed Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission (KHMT), an innovative solution that makes the loader more powerful and more fuel efficient. Variable speed control allows operators to adjust the machine’s top speed to meet specific site requirements, and the adjustable variable traction control also limits wheel spin on unstable and slippery ground conditions often found on many quarry and waste sites,” he says.

“We’ve also completely innovated the power control on this latest model. It’s never been easier for an operator to find the right balance between traction and lifting power, with the hydraulic speed independently controlled from the accelerator pedal, and the boom speed controlled the hydraulic lever.”

The WA475-10 can also offer 20% more boom lift and 8% more breakout force than the previous model, according to Komatsu. An optimised Z-bar linkage system is designed to provide much more lift force and a higher tonnes-per-hour production rate, and the response time of the hydraulics and the dumping or lifting can be set to specific site requirements.

“The WA475-10 engine is Tier 4 compliant, and at even low engine speeds the engine puts out high power and delivers more engine torque and performance,” says Nick. “The engine’s advanced electronic control system manages the airflow rate and the fuel injection, combustion parameters and after-treatment functions, which provide optimised performance, reduced emissions, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, making it a powerful, yet environmentally friendly, machine.”

Smart Quarry Site as standard

The WA475-10 comes with Komatsu’s fleet management platform for quarry machinery – Smart Quarry Site (SQS) as standard. With SQS, site managers can see every movement of their machines in real-time, by monitoring the location and status of their fleets through the platform.

“SQS also provides critical information about volumes and tonnes being hauled and loaded, and is brand agnostic, meaning the platform is compatible across mixed fleets of machinery like trucks, excavators, and dozers, regardless of the manufacturer,” says Nick.

Smart Quarry Site also allows a site manager to see when the machine is idling, so they can direct an operator to switch off the engine while waiting, to conserve fuel.

“SQS provides operators and site managers of quarries with quality, high-resolution data with industry-leading visualisation tools, allowing for users to see mixed fleet production, efficiencies, fleet health, maintenance, safety and efficiency wrapped nicely in a single platform,” says Nick.

“SQS was developed specifically to address a shortage of this type of technology in the quarry sector, providing key data quarry operators and site managers need to keep their operation productive and efficient. We’ve seen technology like this in the mining sector for quite some time, and now we’ve bought it to the quarry industry with outstanding customer feedback.”

Support when and where it’s needed

Nick says the WA475-10 can be tailored for specific applications, whether that is the demanding nature of a waste site or the abrasive environments of quarries.

“The Komatsu team will work with customers to provide a solution that is tailored to the loader’s application, from enquiry to post-delivery, maintaining service checks and requirements. No matter where you are located across New Zealand, the team is available to support our customers with any aftermarket support or issues,” he says.

“Our Komatsu technicians are factory trained and well adept to complete any overhaul or component repair to the highest standard. Their experience combined with our state-of-the-art equipment and advanced facilities, ensures our team offers quality workmanship at an affordable price.

“We’re beyond excited to have the loader on our shores, and we’re looking forward to introducing it to many quarry and waste sites across the country.”

For more information, visit komatsu.co.nz