Komatsu’s new PC220LCi-12 excavator makes its NZ debut at Dig Day, showcasing Intelligent Machine Control 3.0, advanced safety tech and 3D semi-automation
Not having spent much time in a Komatsu digger nor having had bugger all to do with 2D and 3D machine control systems, I figured it was worth taking Komatsu NZ up on the opportunity to go and have a play in a couple of their machines onsite at the Auckland Komatsu Dig Day.
With the temporary worksite just alongside Stevensons Quarry at Drury, I wandered down to South Auckland – where my main focus was the PC220LCi-12.
PC220LCi-12 excavator
Komatsu’s Dig Days were kicked off in Auckland and were running across the country throughout February. They mark the first New Zealand appearance of Komatsu’s new PC220LCi-12 excavator. It’s the first in a new generation of machines that brings the most significant redesign to the series in 20 years.
The 24-tonne machine features Komatsu’s latest Intelligent Machine Control 3.0 (iMC 3.0), delivering huge enhancements over the current iMC 2.0 semi-automation system.
The day gave me the opportunity to take part in a walkaround, a few live demonstrations, a good play in the seat myself, plus a few good yarns with the Komatsu product managers and technical geeks (experts) from New Zealand and Australia, who were available to answer questions and show me the knack of how to drive these ‘techo’ screens while sitting in the seat. Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions were also well demonstrated to attendees on the day.
First up, we gave the PC220LCi-12 a good walkaround. With these machines essentially being spec’d for the health and safety regs in the Aussie market and ending up in New Zealand, a few things stood out around the machine to start.
Located in the side skirts and rear counterweight (the black rectangle inset panels) are sensors that detect persons or foreign objects. These slow and stop the machine in its tracks if you get too close – not a bad piece of technology in my books if you’re working around the newer generation of workforce that aren’t thinking 100% of the time.
Catching my eye on both front corners and also inside the cab were emergency stop buttons. My first thoughts were that I’d imagine them to be a pain if a stick or a clump of dirt pushed on them, so care is needed when working in confined spaces or alongside banks or stockpiles.
Peeking in and around the side doors, everything seemed to be presented and painted really well – a good thick layer of yellow didn’t look transparent or thin as we see all too much on gear these days.
Servicing looks to be made easy, with a lot of the filters on the right-hand side, allowing them to be changed from ground level. Some thought seems to have been put into a toolbox inside, with extra room to keep things well organised and not floating around.
Jumping up into the cab a few of the newer changes were pointed out to me. The new cab design offers a heap more room (28% larger and 30% more legroom, rumour has it), and a new large high-definition cab screen placement has been pulled back towards the operator, which opens up good visibility on the bottom right of the cab looking out (giving an extra 50% improved visibility is the word on the street).
Operator comfort felt great – a fully adjustable workstation gives you all the options to find your possie. A heated seat at the flick of a button for winter (but nothing in the way of seat cooling for the hotter months), and air suspension also takes any jarring out of the day.
Making my way towards the demo machine, I was paired up with one of Komatsu’s very knowledgeable tech guys fresh over from Aussie. None of my questions went unanswered. Sitting shotgun in the operators seat he ran through the basics, explaining a lot of the differences and upgrades between the old 2.0 and new 3.0 3D systems, the 3.0 seems to have come a long way.
With my short-but-simple briefing I set off for a play on the stockpile. The Dash-12 machine seemed to have everything at your fingertips with what seemed like a PlayStation controller on each lever with a similar number of toggles and buttons.
From changing the radio station and volume on the stereo to being able to drive your tracks at the flick of a button, I was impressed.
Mucking around digging to the grades set in the system, I was blown away by all the different visuals you could get on the screen. It seemed very easy to stumble your way through everything it had to offer. Give me a week and I’d have the 3D sussed, I’m sure.
Another awesome feature is the ability to track and measure material weight moved around site – whether just stockpiling or loading of trucks – all tracked backed into the cloud and downloaded in the office. With the right operator it’d be a priceless tool.
The new PC220LCi-12 seemed powerful, intelligent and smooth. Full adjustment of work speeds and the ability to focus power to where you need it all via the operator’s seat was another cool party trick. With so much technology and ability within the 3D digging game to offer, I’d recommend investigating yourself. This machine is an eye-opener for the old school like me, but well worth exploring.
For more information, contact komatsu.co.nz
Images by Brook Harland