Komatsu 568-59 Wheel Loader: Understanding Its Age and Identification

[MikePhua]

Introduction
Determining the manufacturing year of a Komatsu 568-59 wheel loader can be crucial for maintenance, parts replacement, and resale purposes. While Komatsu's serial number system provides valuable information, decoding it requires attention to detail and understanding of the company's coding conventions.
Komatsu's Serial Number System
Komatsu employs a structured serial number system to encode information about their machines. The serial number typically consists of several characters, each representing specific details about the equipment. For the Komatsu 568-59 wheel loader, the serial number can be found on the machine's data plate, which is usually located on the right side of the front frame, behind the front fender, or under the operator's cab .
Decoding the Serial Number
The serial number of a Komatsu machine can provide insights into its manufacturing year. The first few digits often indicate the model and series, while subsequent digits can denote the specific machine's production sequence. However, Komatsu's coding system can vary, and without a standardized format, pinpointing the exact year from the serial number alone can be challenging.
Alternative Methods for Year Identification
If the serial number does not yield clear information about the manufacturing year, consider the following approaches:

1. Consult the Operator's Manual: The manual may contain information about the machine's production year or range.
   
2. Contact Komatsu or Authorized Dealers: Providing the serial number to Komatsu or an authorized dealer can help in retrieving the manufacturing year from their internal records.
   
3. Check the Engine Serial Number: The engine serial number can sometimes provide clues about the machine's age. The engine number is typically located on the left side of the engine block or on a metal data plate affixed to it .
   

Conclusion
While Komatsu's serial number system offers a structured approach to identifying machine details, determining the exact manufacturing year of a Komatsu 568-59 wheel loader may require additional resources. Utilizing the machine's serial number in conjunction with other methods, such as consulting the operator's manual or contacting Komatsu directly, can provide a more accurate identification.