Komatsu PC350LC-8 Excavator in Wet Sand Operations

[MikePhua]

The PC350LC-8 and Its Engineering Lineage
The Komatsu PC350LC-8 is a heavy-duty hydraulic excavator designed for demanding earthmoving tasks, particularly in quarrying, deep trenching, and bulk material loading. Introduced in the mid-2000s as part of Komatsu’s Dash-8 series, the PC350LC-8 replaced the earlier PC350-7 with improved fuel efficiency, enhanced operator comfort, and upgraded hydraulic control. Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, has long been a global leader in construction equipment, and the PC350LC-8 reflects its commitment to durability and precision.
With an operating weight of approximately 35 metric tons and a Komatsu SAA6D114E-3 engine producing around 257 horsepower, the PC350LC-8 balances power with finesse. The “LC” designation refers to its long carriage, which provides greater stability during extended reach operations or when working with heavy buckets.
Terminology Annotation
- Hydraulic Excavator: A machine that uses hydraulic cylinders to power its boom, arm, and bucket for digging and lifting.
- Long Carriage (LC): An undercarriage configuration with extended track length for improved stability.
- Dash-8 Series: Komatsu’s generation of excavators featuring electronic engine control and improved hydraulic efficiency.
- Boom and Arm Geometry: The structural design that determines reach, digging depth, and lifting capacity.
- Wet Sand: Saturated granular material that increases resistance during excavation and can affect bucket fill efficiency.
Operating in Saturated Sand Conditions
One of the more challenging environments for excavator operation is wet, sticky sand. This material behaves differently from dry aggregates—it clings to bucket surfaces, resists clean breakout, and often collapses back into the trench. The PC350LC-8, with its robust hydraulic flow and responsive controls, is well-suited to these conditions.
Operators working in coastal or river-adjacent sites often encounter saturated sand during foundation excavation or utility trenching. The machine’s auto-idle feature helps conserve fuel during repetitive cycles, while its large bucket capacity (up to 2.1 cubic meters) allows efficient loading even when material adhesion reduces fill rate.
In one documented case, the PC350LC-8 was used to load wet sand into articulated dump trucks for a shoreline stabilization project. Despite the material’s resistance, the excavator maintained consistent cycle times thanks to its high breakout force and smooth swing control.
Cab Comfort and Operator Experience
The PC350LC-8 features a spacious cab with air suspension seating, low noise levels, and climate control—important for long shifts in damp environments. Operators have praised the visibility from the cab, especially when working near water or in confined urban sites. One Swedish operator humorously noted that he preferred working in socks rather than boots, citing the cab’s cleanliness and comfort.
The machine’s monitor panel provides real-time diagnostics, fuel consumption data, and maintenance alerts. This helps reduce downtime and ensures that hydraulic performance remains optimal, even when working in abrasive or moisture-laden conditions.
Maintenance Considerations in Wet Environments
Excavators operating in wet sand require vigilant maintenance. Moisture can accelerate wear on pins, bushings, and undercarriage components. Recommendations include:

• Daily cleaning of bucket and linkage areas to prevent sand buildup
  
• Frequent greasing of pivot points to displace water and reduce abrasion
  
• Inspection of track tension and roller seals for signs of water intrusion
  
• Monitoring hydraulic fluid for contamination and replacing filters regularly
  
• Using anti-corrosion sprays on exposed electrical connectors
  

Operators should also be cautious when swinging over wet ground, as the added weight of saturated material can affect stability and increase stress on the swing bearing.
Global Deployment and Market Impact
Komatsu has sold thousands of PC350LC-8 units worldwide, with strong adoption in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Its versatility makes it a favorite among contractors handling everything from pipeline installation to quarry loading. In Sweden, where the terrain often includes glacial deposits and saturated subsoils, the PC350LC-8 has proven especially effective.
The machine’s success contributed to Komatsu’s continued dominance in the 30–40 ton excavator class, competing with models like the Caterpillar 336 and Volvo EC380. Its balance of power, precision, and reliability has made it a staple in both rental fleets and owner-operator businesses.
Conclusion
The Komatsu PC350LC-8 stands out as a high-performance excavator capable of handling the challenges of wet sand excavation. Its long carriage design, powerful hydraulics, and operator-friendly cab make it a reliable choice for contractors working in saturated conditions. With proper maintenance and skilled operation, the PC350LC-8 continues to move material efficiently—whether it’s sticky shoreline sand or dense trench fill. In the world of heavy equipment, it’s not just about horsepower—it’s about how that power meets the ground.