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+--- Thread: Komatsu PC200-8 Excavator User Report (/thread-5572.html)
Komatsu PC200-8 Excavator User Report - MikePhua - 06-26-2025
This interview features a user named "Komatsu-8" from Tangshan, Hebei, who owns three excavators: a Caterpillar 345D, a Komatsu PC200-8, and a Caterpillar 320C. The focus of this article will be on the PC200-8, which has accumulated over 6,000 hours of usage, providing insights into its performance and user experience.
Purchase Information
Komatsu-8 purchased the Komatsu PC200-8 in January 2008 from the Hebei dealer, Shijiazhuang Tianyuan Company. The full price of the excavator at the time was 985,000 RMB, and it has now been in use for 6,080 hours.
Working Conditions
The Komatsu PC200-8 has mainly been used for earthmoving tasks, including road construction and foundation digging. It is rarely used for rock work. The excavator has shown good adaptability for daily tasks and operates efficiently in regular construction environments.
Work Efficiency
During operation, Komatsu-8 has been satisfied with the excavator’s speed. For example, when loading soft soil into a 23-cubic-meter dump truck, it takes just 3-4 minutes to complete the task. When compared to other excavators on the same site, only the Sumitomo brand excavators are slightly faster. Other brands cannot match the speed of the Komatsu PC200-8.
Fuel Consumption
Under full load, the fuel consumption in A mode is 19 liters per hour, while in economy mode (E mode), it drops to 17 liters per hour. Due to the electric fuel injection (EFI) engine, the machine is more sensitive to fuel quality and requires high-quality fuel.
Performance
- Engine: At 3,681 hours, three of the fuel injectors malfunctioned. The after-sales service explained that the issue was caused by poor fuel quality. Each injector cost 5,690 RMB to replace, which is quite expensive. Due to urgency, Komatsu-8 opted to replace the injectors through the dealer’s service station.
- Hydraulic System: The hydraulic system has generally performed well with no major issues. However, the small arm and bucket cylinders have become severely discolored. Despite the service station’s efforts, they have not provided a satisfactory explanation. The hydraulic oil was changed at 4,950 hours, and the service station recommended changing it at 5,000 hours. Filters and oil are regularly replaced, and all parts are from the original manufacturer. The issue with the cylinders is still under negotiation with the dealer.
Komatsu-8 praised the after-sales service provided by the Hebei dealer, Shijiazhuang Tianyuan. Since the construction site is relatively close to the Tangshan branch, the dealer’s service team typically arrives within an hour of being called to resolve any issues.
Parts
The main drawback for Komatsu-8 has been the cost of parts. Due to the EFI engine, all parts must be purchased through the dealer, and the prices are considered quite high. Specifically, when the fuel injectors needed replacement, the cost for each injector was 5,960 RMB. While the price is high, Komatsu-8 had no choice but to go through the dealer to get the parts due to the urgency of the situation.
Overall Evaluation
In general, Komatsu-8 is quite satisfied with the Komatsu PC200-8. The excavator is highly efficient, and the after-sales service is responsive. There have been no significant issues during its use, and it has performed well in its designated tasks. However, there are some downsides, including higher-than-expected fuel consumption and the expensive cost of parts. Komatsu-8 hopes that Komatsu and its dealers will take user costs into account and work on improving the pricing of parts and services. With these improvements, the Komatsu PC200-8 can gain even more recognition from users.