Is the Komatsu PC95 a Worthwhile Midi Excavator

[MikePhua]

The PC95 and Komatsu’s Compact Evolution
The Komatsu PC95 was introduced in the late 1990s as part of Komatsu’s push into the midi excavator segment—a class of machines bridging the gap between compact and full-size excavators. With an operating weight around 9.5 metric tons and a swing boom configuration, the PC95 was designed for urban utility work, roadside trenching, and small-scale construction. Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, had already established itself as a global leader in hydraulic excavator design, and the PC95 was part of a broader strategy to compete with machines like the Caterpillar 308 and the Hitachi ZX85.
Though not as widely distributed as the PC120 or PC200 series, the PC95 found a niche among contractors needing a machine that could dig deep, swing tight, and travel easily on trailers. Its popularity was strongest in Europe and Southeast Asia, where compact job sites demanded agility without sacrificing reach or power.
Core Specifications and Capabilities
The PC95 is powered by a Komatsu 4D95LE diesel engine, producing approximately 65 horsepower. It features a variable displacement hydraulic system, a two-speed travel motor, and a swing boom that allows offset digging—ideal for working alongside walls or in narrow corridors.
Key specs:

• Operating weight: ~9,500 kg
  
• Engine: Komatsu 4D95LE, 65 hp
  
• Dig depth: ~4.5 meters
  
• Bucket breakout force: ~6,000 kgf
  
• Swing boom offset: ~70 degrees left, ~50 degrees right
  

Terminology:

• Swing Boom: A boom that can pivot left or right independently of the house, allowing offset digging.
  
• Breakout Force: The maximum force the bucket can exert to penetrate or lift material.
  
• Variable Displacement Pump: A hydraulic pump that adjusts flow based on demand, improving efficiency.
  

Strengths in the Field
Operators consistently praise the PC95 for its balance between power and maneuverability. The swing boom allows trenching along foundations without repositioning the machine, and the blade adds stability during digging. Its hydraulic system is responsive, and the cab layout—though dated by modern standards—is intuitive and comfortable for long shifts.
Advantages include:

• Excellent visibility from the cab
  
• Smooth hydraulic controls
  
• Reliable engine performance
  
• Easy transport on standard trailers
  

In one case, a contractor in British Columbia used a PC95 to install water lines in a residential development. The machine’s ability to dig close to fences and foundations without repositioning saved hours of labor and reduced turf damage.
Common Issues and Maintenance Considerations
Like many older Komatsu models, the PC95 has a few known quirks. Common issues include:

• Hydraulic leaks at boom swing cylinders
  
• Wear in blade pivot bushings
  
• Electrical corrosion in fuse boxes and relay panels
  
• Stiff travel levers due to cable aging
  

Maintenance recommendations:

• Replace hydraulic hoses every 1,500 hours or sooner if exposed to UV
  
• Use Komatsu-branded filters to maintain system integrity
  
• Clean electrical connectors with dielectric spray annually
  
• Grease swing boom and blade pivots every 10 operating hours
  

Terminology:

• Dielectric Spray: A non-conductive cleaner that protects electrical connections from moisture and corrosion.
  
• Pivot Bushing: A sleeve that allows rotational movement between components, subject to wear under load.
  

In 2021, a fleet in Malaysia retrofitted their PC95 units with upgraded blade bushings and hydraulic cylinder seals, extending service intervals by 30% and reducing downtime during monsoon season trenching.
Parts Availability and Dealer Support
While the PC95 is no longer in production, parts remain available through Komatsu dealers and aftermarket suppliers. The 4D95LE engine shares components with other Komatsu machines and even some agricultural equipment, making engine parts relatively easy to source.
Tips for sourcing parts:

• Use the serial number to match hydraulic fittings and seals
  
• Cross-reference engine parts with Komatsu forklift and generator applications
  
• Join regional Komatsu owner groups for access to manuals and parts networks
  

In Australia, a contractor found that his local Komatsu dealer could still supply swing boom seals and blade pins for his 1999 PC95, though lead times were longer than for newer models.
Comparisons with Similar Machines
The PC95 competes with machines like the Caterpillar 308B, Hitachi ZX85, and Volvo EC90. While newer models offer digital displays, auto-idle, and telematics, the PC95 holds its own in terms of raw digging power and mechanical simplicity.
Comparison highlights:

• PC95: Mechanical controls, swing boom, strong hydraulics
  
• Cat 308B: More refined cab, better resale value
  
• Hitachi ZX85: Smoother travel motors, quieter operation
  
• Volvo EC90: Advanced electronics, higher fuel efficiency
  

For owner-operators who value reliability and ease of repair over digital features, the PC95 remains a solid choice.
Conclusion
The Komatsu PC95 is a capable and well-balanced midi excavator that continues to serve contractors and landowners decades after its release. With a swing boom, stable blade, and responsive hydraulics, it excels in tight spaces and trenching applications. While parts sourcing and electrical quirks require attention, its mechanical simplicity and proven engine make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a dependable workhorse. Whether digging footings, laying pipe, or grading driveways, the PC95 proves that good design endures.