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Komatsu Big Track excavators are heavy-duty machines designed to meet the demanding needs of large-scale construction, mining, quarrying, and mass earthmoving projects. These robust excavators feature advanced hydraulic systems, powerful engines, and enhanced operator comforts, maximizing productivity and efficiency in challenging environments. This detailed article highlights the key specifications, features, operating principles, maintenance suggestions, technical terms, and practical advice relevant to Komatsu’s big track excavators, offering a thorough understanding for operators and fleet managers.
Powerful Engine and Performance
A mining operation upgraded from smaller excavators to a Komatsu PC900LC-11 and noted a marked improvement in productivity and fuel savings. The operator highlighted the enhanced control and power allowing smoother digging in rocky conditions with less operator fatigue. Regular maintenance and onboard diagnostics allowed early detection of hydraulic filter clogging, preventing severe component damage.
Another construction firm reported that the PC1250LC-11 enabled handling of massive earthmoving projects with fewer passes and decreased truck hauling times. The machine’s reinforced arms tolerated abrasive materials well, and operator comfort features contributed to consistent daily utilization.
Summary List of Komatsu Big Track Excavator Highlights
Komatsu big track excavators represent the pinnacle of heavy-duty hydraulic excavator technology, blending immense power, durability, and operator-centric design. Their advanced hydraulic systems and reinforced structures facilitate efficient and reliable performance in the toughest environments. With comprehensive maintenance support and technological enhancements, these machines ensure maximum productivity and extended service life for demanding construction and mining operations.
Powerful Engine and Performance
- Komatsu’s flagship big track excavator, such as the PC900LC-11, boasts a powerful 543 horsepower (405 kW) engine delivering high torque and advanced fuel efficiency meeting Tier 4 Final emission standards.
- Larger models like the PC1250LC-11 push this boundary with engines rated at 758 hp (565 kW), offering a combination of raw power and operational efficiency for extreme heavyduty tasks.
- These engines enable the machines to handle heavy material loads, maintain high cycle rates, and operate reliably in hot, dusty, and continuous-duty scenarios.
- The advanced hydraulic systems provide increased flow and pressure, improving boom, arm, bucket, and swing responsiveness.
- For example, the PC900LC-11’s hydraulic upgrades deliver 48% more productivity over its predecessor through larger reinforced booms and arms, stronger bucket digging forces (around 90,598 lbf), and optimized hydraulic cycles.
- Hydraulic flow control and improved valves allow for faster cycle times and stable operation even under high-effort digging and loading conditions.
- The hydraulic system also supports larger bucket capacities ranging from 3.7 to 8 cubic yards across models, matching the heavy lifting demands of big material moves.
- The PC900LC-11 weighs around 204,148 lbs (approximately 92,600 kg), while the PC1250LC-11 can weigh up to 272,600 lbs (123,909 kg).
- Maximum digging depths are roughly 29’ 6” (9 meters) for the PC900 series up to 38’ (11.59 meters) for the PC1250.
- Maximum reach capabilities extend near 46’-7” (14.18 meters) on the PC900 and beyond 46’-2” (14.07 meters) on larger units.
- Swing torque ratings can exceed 230,000 lb-ft, offering powerful rotational strength for maneuvering massive loads and attachments.
- The excavators are well-suited for heavy excavation, deep sewer and water installations, quarry work, mining, mass land clearing, and handling bulky materials like rock and aggregate.
- Their large bucket capacities and strong breakout forces facilitate efficient multi-pass loading into large dump trucks, optimizing haul cycles.
- Features such as removable counterweights and lower-positioned booms simplify transport logistics despite machine size.
- Spacious, quiet cabs with ergonomic control layouts reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity over long shifts.
- Integrated monitoring systems and camera views enhance operational safety and awareness on complex job sites.
- Centralized hydraulic oil level monitoring and advanced cab electronics facilitate preventive maintenance and reduce downtime.
- Regular inspection and maintenance of hydraulic circuits, filters, and fluid levels are crucial to preserve system efficiency and protect against wear.
- Monitoring bucket pins, boom and arm pins for wear ensures operator safety and component longevity, especially given larger pin diameter designs for durability.
- Periodic engine and cooling system servicing maintain operating temperatures and power output, critical for preventing overheating during continuous heavy operation.
- Employing Komatsu’s preventative maintenance programs and authorized dealer support can significantly reduce unscheduled downtime and extend machine life.
- Bucket Breakout Force: The maximum force the bucket exerts to penetrate material, critical for digging effectiveness.
- Swing Torque: Rotational force generated by the swing motor to rotate the upper structure.
- Operating Weight: Total machine weight including all fluids, attachments, and counterweights.
- Tier 4 Final: Emission standard indicating advanced pollution controls integrated into the engine.
- Boom and Arm Reinforcement: Structural enhancements using thicker steel and larger pins for durability under heavy loads.
- Cycle Time: The time taken to complete one full digging sequence, critical for productivity measurement.
A mining operation upgraded from smaller excavators to a Komatsu PC900LC-11 and noted a marked improvement in productivity and fuel savings. The operator highlighted the enhanced control and power allowing smoother digging in rocky conditions with less operator fatigue. Regular maintenance and onboard diagnostics allowed early detection of hydraulic filter clogging, preventing severe component damage.
Another construction firm reported that the PC1250LC-11 enabled handling of massive earthmoving projects with fewer passes and decreased truck hauling times. The machine’s reinforced arms tolerated abrasive materials well, and operator comfort features contributed to consistent daily utilization.
Summary List of Komatsu Big Track Excavator Highlights
- Engines: 543 hp (PC900LC-11) to 758 hp (PC1250LC-11) with Tier 4 Final compliance
- Operating weights from ~92,600 kg to over 123,900 kg
- Bucket capacities ranging 3.7 – 8.8 cubic yards or more
- Maximum digging depths near 9 to 12 meters depending on model
- Swing torque exceeding 230,000 lb-ft for powerful rotation
- Hydraulic upgrades delivering up to 48% productivity improvement
- Reinforced booms and arms with larger pins for greater durability
- Operator cab features ergonomic controls, advanced monitoring, and camera systems
- Maintenance focus on hydraulics, filters, pin wear, and engine cooling
- Applications include mining, quarrying, mass excavation, sewer and water projects
Komatsu big track excavators represent the pinnacle of heavy-duty hydraulic excavator technology, blending immense power, durability, and operator-centric design. Their advanced hydraulic systems and reinforced structures facilitate efficient and reliable performance in the toughest environments. With comprehensive maintenance support and technological enhancements, these machines ensure maximum productivity and extended service life for demanding construction and mining operations.
