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Komatsu’s Evolution and the WA200 Series
Komatsu Ltd., founded in 1921 in Komatsu City, Japan, began as a manufacturer of mining equipment and quickly expanded into construction machinery. By the 1980s, Komatsu had become a global competitor to Caterpillar, offering a full range of earthmoving equipment. The WA200 series of wheel loaders was introduced as part of Komatsu’s mid-size loader lineup, designed for versatility in construction, agriculture, and municipal applications.
The WA200-5 model, part of the Dash-5 generation, was produced between 2003 and 2007, succeeding the WA200-3 and preceding the WA200-6. This series marked a transition toward improved fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and electronic control systems. The WA200-5 was particularly popular in North America and Europe, with thousands of units sold globally during its production run.
Identifying the Year of Manufacture
Determining the exact year of a Komatsu WA200-5 requires referencing the machine’s serial number and Product Identification Number (PIN). The serial number, typically found on a metal plate near the engine block or on the frame, is a unique identifier. However, relying solely on the engine plate can be misleading if the engine has been replaced.
The 17-digit PIN follows a standardized format, where specific digits encode the manufacturing year. For Komatsu machines, the 10th digit often indicates the year:
Technical Highlights of the WA200-5
The WA200-5 was equipped with a Komatsu SAA6D102E-2 engine, a turbocharged, air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine producing approximately 126 horsepower (94 kW). It met Tier 2 emissions standards and featured:
Operator Insights and Field Stories
A contractor in Nebraska recalled purchasing a WA200-5 in 2005 for snow removal and gravel yard work. Despite over 12,000 hours of operation, the loader remained reliable, with only minor hydraulic hose replacements and a single transmission service. He noted that the hydrostatic drive was particularly effective in icy conditions, offering better control than torque converter systems.
Another operator in Alberta shared a story of using the WA200-5 during a flood response in 2007. The machine was used to build temporary berms and clear debris. Its sealed cab and responsive controls allowed long shifts without fatigue, and the loader’s ability to switch between bucket and forks made it invaluable during emergency logistics.
Maintenance Tips and Common Issues
While the WA200-5 is known for durability, owners should monitor:
Komatsu’s Market Impact and Legacy
During the WA200-5’s production window, Komatsu saw significant growth in North America, with wheel loader sales increasing by 12% annually between 2003 and 2006. The Dash-5 series helped Komatsu gain traction in municipal fleets and mid-sized contractors who valued reliability over luxury.
Komatsu’s commitment to innovation continued with the WA200-6, which introduced Tier 3 compliance and improved cab ergonomics. However, many operators still prefer the WA200-5 for its mechanical simplicity and proven performance.
Conclusion
The Komatsu WA200-5 remains a respected mid-size wheel loader, blending power, control, and reliability. Identifying its year requires careful decoding of the serial and PIN numbers, but its legacy is clear: a machine built for real-world challenges, still earning its keep decades after production. Whether clearing snow, loading gravel, or responding to emergencies, the WA200-5 stands as a testament to Komatsu’s engineering philosophy—durable, adaptable, and operator-focused.
Komatsu Ltd., founded in 1921 in Komatsu City, Japan, began as a manufacturer of mining equipment and quickly expanded into construction machinery. By the 1980s, Komatsu had become a global competitor to Caterpillar, offering a full range of earthmoving equipment. The WA200 series of wheel loaders was introduced as part of Komatsu’s mid-size loader lineup, designed for versatility in construction, agriculture, and municipal applications.
The WA200-5 model, part of the Dash-5 generation, was produced between 2003 and 2007, succeeding the WA200-3 and preceding the WA200-6. This series marked a transition toward improved fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and electronic control systems. The WA200-5 was particularly popular in North America and Europe, with thousands of units sold globally during its production run.
Identifying the Year of Manufacture
Determining the exact year of a Komatsu WA200-5 requires referencing the machine’s serial number and Product Identification Number (PIN). The serial number, typically found on a metal plate near the engine block or on the frame, is a unique identifier. However, relying solely on the engine plate can be misleading if the engine has been replaced.
The 17-digit PIN follows a standardized format, where specific digits encode the manufacturing year. For Komatsu machines, the 10th digit often indicates the year:
- A = 2010
- B = 2011
- C = 2012
- … and so on.
Technical Highlights of the WA200-5
The WA200-5 was equipped with a Komatsu SAA6D102E-2 engine, a turbocharged, air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine producing approximately 126 horsepower (94 kW). It met Tier 2 emissions standards and featured:
- Hydrostatic transmission (HST) for smooth acceleration and deceleration.
- Variable traction control, allowing operators to adjust torque for different surfaces.
- Parallel Z-bar linkage, combining breakout force with parallel lift—ideal for pallet handling and material loading.
- Automatic bucket leveling, reducing operator fatigue and improving cycle times.
Operator Insights and Field Stories
A contractor in Nebraska recalled purchasing a WA200-5 in 2005 for snow removal and gravel yard work. Despite over 12,000 hours of operation, the loader remained reliable, with only minor hydraulic hose replacements and a single transmission service. He noted that the hydrostatic drive was particularly effective in icy conditions, offering better control than torque converter systems.
Another operator in Alberta shared a story of using the WA200-5 during a flood response in 2007. The machine was used to build temporary berms and clear debris. Its sealed cab and responsive controls allowed long shifts without fatigue, and the loader’s ability to switch between bucket and forks made it invaluable during emergency logistics.
Maintenance Tips and Common Issues
While the WA200-5 is known for durability, owners should monitor:
- Hydraulic fluid levels and filter changes every 500 hours.
- Transmission calibration, especially in older units where HST response may drift.
- Cooling system integrity, as clogged radiators can lead to overheating in dusty environments.
- Electrical connectors, particularly in humid climates where corrosion may affect sensor readings.
Komatsu’s Market Impact and Legacy
During the WA200-5’s production window, Komatsu saw significant growth in North America, with wheel loader sales increasing by 12% annually between 2003 and 2006. The Dash-5 series helped Komatsu gain traction in municipal fleets and mid-sized contractors who valued reliability over luxury.
Komatsu’s commitment to innovation continued with the WA200-6, which introduced Tier 3 compliance and improved cab ergonomics. However, many operators still prefer the WA200-5 for its mechanical simplicity and proven performance.
Conclusion
The Komatsu WA200-5 remains a respected mid-size wheel loader, blending power, control, and reliability. Identifying its year requires careful decoding of the serial and PIN numbers, but its legacy is clear: a machine built for real-world challenges, still earning its keep decades after production. Whether clearing snow, loading gravel, or responding to emergencies, the WA200-5 stands as a testament to Komatsu’s engineering philosophy—durable, adaptable, and operator-focused.
