Visitors to the recent Conexpo trade fair in Las Vegas were given a preview of two next-generation Komatsu crawler dozers. The D61PXi-25 dozer with intelligent machine control (IMC 3.0) and the D175AX-10 large production dozer (pictured above) represent the next phase in Komatsu’s evolution of powertrain performance, operator-centred design and integrated technology.
The D61PXi-25 (below) is a fully redesigned IMC (intelligent machine control) dozer built to deliver force, precision and efficiency. Compared to the previous D61PXi-24 model, the new Dash-25 offers up to 10% improved productivity and up to 10% better fuel efficiency, along with an 18% increase in blade capacity and up to 20% more steering power.
Features include:
- IMC 3.0 with new 10-inch intelligent control touchscreen and updated user interface
- Auto steering designed to support consistent operation and reduce operator effort
- IMC operation helps maintain functionality if the GNSS signal is temporarily lost
- Redesigned cab — enhanced visibility, ergonomic joysticks and centralized controls
The D175AX-10 (below) represents the first of Komatsu’s next-generation Dash-10 large production dozers. As the successor to the D155AX-8, it introduces a new main frame, track frames, powertrain, cab and blade system — all designed to help deliver high production and control total cost of ownership.
Compared to the D155AX-8, the D175AX-10 provides up to 26% more horsepower, with 450 HP (336 kW), a 25% increase material volumes moved per hour, 15% enhancement in fuel efficiency and a 35% tighter turning radius.
This new dozer also has a new four-speed automatic transmission and a redesigned semi-U blade designed for enhanced penetration and reduced material resistance. The next-generation cab delivers comfort and efficiency with exceptional ride comfort, KomVision 360° visibility system and user-friendly touchscreen monitor.
The new steering system enables pivot, power and spin turns without sacrificing blade load, enhancing manoeuvrability in side-cutting and scraper-push applications, Komatsu says. An eight-roller track frame and updated undercarriage configurations are designed to deliver durability and ride quality in heavy production environments.
The D175AX-10 also features Komatsu’s newest offroad engine, the DBA127 EGR-less engine, with extended service intervals.
“The contractors and mining operations we work with are asking for measurable performance gains without sacrificing operator comfort or long-term durability,” says Paul Moore, Komatsu vice president for products, marketing and service. “With the D61PXi-25 and the D175AX-10, we focused on integrating higher output, more efficient powertrains and advanced control systems that help move more material per pass while supporting operators in the cab.”
Also new from Komatsu is the HM460-6, its next-generation articulated dump truck.
“Building on the proven legacy of the HM400-5, the newly designed HM460-6 sets the benchmark for next-generation articulated dump trucks, offering a lightweight build, enhanced travel performance, superior fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and high productivity – all while minimising maintenance and reducing total cost of ownership,” says Juuso Ahola, product manager at Komatsu Europe.
At the heart of the HM460-6 is Komatsu's next-generation engine and transmission combination, which promise 22% better fuel efficiency compared to previous models.
It also has an increased body size of 25.7 cubic metres.
Smart features include cruise control, hill start assist, waiting brake, and semi-auto dumping to reduce operator fatigue and optimise fuel efficiency.
Cruise control automatically adjusts throttle and retarder input to maintain the operator’s selected speed. Whether traveling on level ground, uphill, or downhill, it ensures optimal driving performance and stability at all times, Komatsu says. If the operator decelerates using the retarder lever, the system maintains the reduced speed once the lever is released. When bringing the vehicle to a complete stop using the lever, the waiting brake engages automatically to securely hold the vehicle in place. A single tap of the speed-up switch or pressing the accelerator pedal returns the vehicle to the preset speed. This feature delivers safe, comfortable operation suited to any worksite conditions.
The waiting brake automatically applies the retarder when the shift lever is in neutral and the vehicle is stopped, reducing the need for retarder and parking brake use during loading and dumping.
The HM460-6 comes with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including rollover prevention, machine inclination monitoring, preset body height limitation and seat belt reminder system with external green beacon as standard.
Real-time dashboards provide site managers with data on fuel usage, operator performance, fleet utilisation, and production tracking.
