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Komatsu’s Compact Excavator Legacy
Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, has long been a global leader in construction equipment. By the 1980s, the company had firmly established its compact excavator line, with the PC60 series becoming one of its most widely distributed models. The PC60-3 and PC60-5, in particular, were known for their reliability, mechanical simplicity, and compatibility with a wide range of attachments. These machines typically weighed around 13,000 to 14,000 lbs and were powered by Komatsu’s own 4D95 series diesel engines, delivering roughly 55–65 horsepower depending on the variant.
The PC60 was a favorite among contractors for its balance of size and power. It could dig deep enough for utility work while remaining nimble enough for urban environments. By the mid-1990s, Komatsu had sold tens of thousands of PC60 units globally, with strong penetration in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Bobcat 130 Connection
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bobcat—then under the Melroe brand—entered the compact excavator market. Lacking an in-house design, Bobcat partnered with Komatsu to rebadge several models. The Bobcat 130, for example, was essentially a Komatsu PC60-5 painted in Bobcat’s white-and-orange livery. These machines retained Komatsu’s undercarriage, final drives, and hydraulic architecture, but were fitted with Melroe-branded cabs and decals.
This partnership was short-lived, as Bobcat eventually developed its own excavator line. However, remnants of this collaboration still surface today. Machines with Komatsu engines and Bobcat plates, or Komatsu frames with Melroe load charts, often confuse buyers and appraisers. In some cases, operators have unknowingly purchased rebadged units, believing them to be original Komatsu or Bobcat machines.
Identifying a Hybrid Machine
One such machine featured a Komatsu engine, Komatsu-stamped rear frame, and a cab with a load chart referencing “Melroe” and model “130.” The serial number plate was riveted in a style consistent with Bobcat manufacturing, and the cab appeared to be retrofitted. This raised questions about the machine’s origin and whether it had been pieced together from multiple sources.
To identify such hybrids, technicians should:
The machine in question had visible wear: a smashed front window, a dented cab, and reported hydraulic leaks. However, the undercarriage—tracks, chains, and sprockets—was in surprisingly good shape. The hour meter read 1,900 hours, though this was likely inaccurate given the machine’s age and condition.
Key areas to inspect before purchase:
Is It Worth $10,000
Pricing older excavators depends on several factors: mechanical condition, parts availability, and brand reputation. A Komatsu PC60-5 in fair condition typically sells for $12,000–$18,000 in North America. A hybrid unit with uncertain provenance may fetch less, especially if parts sourcing becomes a challenge.
Recommendations for buyers:
During the 1980s and 1990s, Komatsu adopted a modular cab design across multiple excavator models. This meant that a cab from a PC90 could fit a PC60 or even larger machines with minimal modification. While this reduced manufacturing costs and simplified logistics, it also led to confusion in the aftermarket. Machines with swapped cabs often carried incorrect load charts or misleading model numbers.
This modularity explains why a PC60 might have a cab labeled “130” or “Melroe.” It’s not uncommon for salvage yards to retrofit cabs from donor machines, especially when repairing rollover damage or vandalism.
Conclusion
The Komatsu PC60 remains a respected compact excavator, even decades after its release. Its mechanical durability and widespread parts support make it a viable option for small contractors and landowners. However, hybrid machines—especially those with Bobcat or Melroe components—require careful inspection and documentation. Understanding the historical partnership between Komatsu and Bobcat helps demystify these machines and ensures buyers make informed decisions. In the end, the iron may be solid, but the story behind it is just as important.
Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, has long been a global leader in construction equipment. By the 1980s, the company had firmly established its compact excavator line, with the PC60 series becoming one of its most widely distributed models. The PC60-3 and PC60-5, in particular, were known for their reliability, mechanical simplicity, and compatibility with a wide range of attachments. These machines typically weighed around 13,000 to 14,000 lbs and were powered by Komatsu’s own 4D95 series diesel engines, delivering roughly 55–65 horsepower depending on the variant.
The PC60 was a favorite among contractors for its balance of size and power. It could dig deep enough for utility work while remaining nimble enough for urban environments. By the mid-1990s, Komatsu had sold tens of thousands of PC60 units globally, with strong penetration in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Bobcat 130 Connection
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bobcat—then under the Melroe brand—entered the compact excavator market. Lacking an in-house design, Bobcat partnered with Komatsu to rebadge several models. The Bobcat 130, for example, was essentially a Komatsu PC60-5 painted in Bobcat’s white-and-orange livery. These machines retained Komatsu’s undercarriage, final drives, and hydraulic architecture, but were fitted with Melroe-branded cabs and decals.
This partnership was short-lived, as Bobcat eventually developed its own excavator line. However, remnants of this collaboration still surface today. Machines with Komatsu engines and Bobcat plates, or Komatsu frames with Melroe load charts, often confuse buyers and appraisers. In some cases, operators have unknowingly purchased rebadged units, believing them to be original Komatsu or Bobcat machines.
Identifying a Hybrid Machine
One such machine featured a Komatsu engine, Komatsu-stamped rear frame, and a cab with a load chart referencing “Melroe” and model “130.” The serial number plate was riveted in a style consistent with Bobcat manufacturing, and the cab appeared to be retrofitted. This raised questions about the machine’s origin and whether it had been pieced together from multiple sources.
To identify such hybrids, technicians should:
- Locate the engine serial number and cross-reference with Komatsu’s parts database
- Inspect the hydraulic pump and valve block for Komatsu casting marks
- Compare the undercarriage build code with known PC60 specs
- Examine welds and cab mounts for signs of retrofitting or modification
- Check the load chart language and formatting for manufacturer clues
The machine in question had visible wear: a smashed front window, a dented cab, and reported hydraulic leaks. However, the undercarriage—tracks, chains, and sprockets—was in surprisingly good shape. The hour meter read 1,900 hours, though this was likely inaccurate given the machine’s age and condition.
Key areas to inspect before purchase:
- Hydraulic pump: Check for pressure loss, cavitation noise, and case drain flow
- Final drives: Inspect planetary gears for wear, oil contamination, and seal integrity
- Boom and stick pins: Look for ovaling, excessive play, and weld repairs
- Fuel system: Address return line leaks and inspect injectors for carbon buildup
- Electrical system: Verify starter circuit, alternator output, and gauge accuracy
Is It Worth $10,000
Pricing older excavators depends on several factors: mechanical condition, parts availability, and brand reputation. A Komatsu PC60-5 in fair condition typically sells for $12,000–$18,000 in North America. A hybrid unit with uncertain provenance may fetch less, especially if parts sourcing becomes a challenge.
Recommendations for buyers:
- Negotiate based on confirmed mechanical condition, not cosmetic appearance
- Request a compression test and hydraulic pressure check before finalizing the deal
- Factor in $2,000–$4,000 for immediate repairs (seals, hoses, glass, filters)
- Consider resale limitations due to unclear branding and documentation
During the 1980s and 1990s, Komatsu adopted a modular cab design across multiple excavator models. This meant that a cab from a PC90 could fit a PC60 or even larger machines with minimal modification. While this reduced manufacturing costs and simplified logistics, it also led to confusion in the aftermarket. Machines with swapped cabs often carried incorrect load charts or misleading model numbers.
This modularity explains why a PC60 might have a cab labeled “130” or “Melroe.” It’s not uncommon for salvage yards to retrofit cabs from donor machines, especially when repairing rollover damage or vandalism.
Conclusion
The Komatsu PC60 remains a respected compact excavator, even decades after its release. Its mechanical durability and widespread parts support make it a viable option for small contractors and landowners. However, hybrid machines—especially those with Bobcat or Melroe components—require careful inspection and documentation. Understanding the historical partnership between Komatsu and Bobcat helps demystify these machines and ensures buyers make informed decisions. In the end, the iron may be solid, but the story behind it is just as important.
