Komatsu PC200 and PC120 Excavators Compared in Real-World Applications

[MikePhua]

Komatsu’s Excavator Line and Global Impact
Komatsu, founded in Japan in 1921, has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment. Its hydraulic excavator line, particularly the PC series, has become a benchmark for durability, performance, and operator comfort. The PC120 and PC200 are two of Komatsu’s most widely used models, each serving distinct roles in earthmoving, demolition, and infrastructure development.
By the early 2000s, Komatsu had sold hundreds of thousands of excavators globally. The PC120 was favored in urban and utility work, while the PC200 became a staple in large-scale excavation and quarry operations. Both machines share Komatsu’s engineering DNA but differ significantly in size, power, and hydraulic capacity.
Core Specifications and Performance Differences
The PC120 is a compact medium-duty excavator, while the PC200 is a full-size workhorse. Their specifications reflect their intended roles:
Komatsu PC120:

• Operating weight: ~12,500 kg
  
• Engine power: ~85 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~0.5 m³
  
• Max digging depth: ~5.5 m
  
• Max reach at ground level: ~8.2 m
  
• Track width: ~2.5 m
  

Komatsu PC200:

• Operating weight: ~20,000 kg
  
• Engine power: ~145 hp
  
• Bucket capacity: ~0.8–1.0 m³
  
• Max digging depth: ~6.7 m
  
• Max reach at ground level: ~9.8 m
  
• Track width: ~2.8 m
  

The PC200 offers nearly double the lifting and breakout force of the PC120, making it better suited for rock excavation, deep trenching, and bulk loading. The PC120, on the other hand, excels in tight spaces, utility trenching, and light demolition.
Hydraulic System and Control Feel
Both machines use Komatsu’s closed-center hydraulic system with load-sensing capabilities. The PC200 features a higher flow rate and larger pump capacity, allowing simultaneous multi-function operation without lag. The PC120’s system is tuned for precision and fuel efficiency, with smoother control response at lower flow rates.
Operators often describe the PC200 as “muscular but refined,” capable of handling large loads with minimal effort. The PC120 is praised for its nimbleness and ease of control, especially in congested urban job sites.
In one roadwork project in Sichuan, a PC120 was used to dig utility trenches between buildings, while a PC200 handled embankment shaping and culvert installation. The two machines complemented each other, with the PC120 maneuvering through narrow alleys and the PC200 moving bulk material efficiently.
Transport and Site Logistics
Transporting the PC120 is significantly easier. It can be moved on a standard flatbed trailer without special permits in most regions. The PC200 often requires a lowboy trailer and may exceed road weight limits, necessitating route planning and escort vehicles.
For contractors managing multiple sites, the PC120 offers logistical flexibility. It can be relocated quickly and deployed for short-term tasks. The PC200, while more powerful, is better suited for long-duration projects where its transport cost is offset by productivity gains.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Costs
Fuel usage varies based on workload, but general estimates are:

• PC120: ~10–12 liters/hour
  
• PC200: ~18–22 liters/hour
  

The PC200’s higher fuel consumption is justified by its output, but in light-duty applications, it may be overkill. Maintenance costs also scale with size—larger hydraulic components, heavier undercarriage wear, and more expensive filters and fluids.
In one municipal fleet in Jiangsu, switching from PC200s to PC120s for sidewalk and drainage work reduced fuel costs by 35% and improved deployment speed across multiple districts.
Terminology Notes

• Closed-Center Hydraulic System: A system where fluid flow is regulated based on demand, improving efficiency and control.
  
• Breakout Force: The maximum force an excavator can exert to dislodge material with its bucket.
  
• Lowboy Trailer: A specialized transport trailer with a low deck height used for hauling heavy equipment.
  
• Load-Sensing Hydraulics: A system that adjusts pump output based on operator input and load conditions.
  
• Reach at Ground Level: The horizontal distance from the machine’s center to the furthest point the bucket can reach.
  

Choosing the Right Machine for the Job
When deciding between the PC120 and PC200, consider:

• Jobsite size and access constraints
  
• Material type and volume
  
• Transport logistics and frequency
  
• Fuel budget and operating hours
  
• Attachment compatibility and hydraulic demand
  

For urban contractors, the PC120 offers agility and lower operating costs. For bulk excavation, quarrying, and infrastructure, the PC200 delivers unmatched productivity.
Final Thoughts
Komatsu’s PC120 and PC200 are both exceptional machines, each tailored to different operational needs. Their differences in size, power, and hydraulic capacity reflect Komatsu’s commitment to specialized solutions. With proper deployment, these excavators can work in tandem to maximize efficiency across diverse job sites. In the world of earthmoving, matching the machine to the mission is the key to success.