User Review of Komatsu PC200-8 Excavator After 6,000+ Operating Hours

[MikePhua]

This review focuses on the Komatsu PC200-8 excavator, a machine used by the owner "Komatsu-8" from Tangshan, Hebei, who also operates two other machines: a Caterpillar 345D and a Caterpillar 320C. After using the PC200-8 for over 6,000 hours, the user shares valuable insights into the excavator's performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance issues.
Purchase Details:

• Purchase Date: January 2008
  
• Dealer: Hebei Shijiazhuang Tianyuan, an authorized Komatsu dealer
  
• Purchase Price: ¥985,000 (full payment)
  
• Current Operating Hours: 6,080 hours
  
• Common Applications: Mainly used for earthmoving tasks such as roadwork and foundation digging, with rare encounters in rock excavation.
  

Work Efficiency:

• The PC200-8 has proven efficient for tasks like loading soft soil. The user reports that it can load a 23 cubic meter truck in 3-4 minutes, with the exception of some models by Sumitomo, which are slightly faster. Overall, this Komatsu excavator performs well in terms of speed on-site.
  

Fuel Consumption:

• Full Load (A mode): 19 liters per hour
  
• Economy Mode (E mode): 17 liters per hour
  • The excavator uses a fuel-injected engine, which is sensitive to fuel quality.
    

Performance Issues and Maintenance:

• Engine Issues:
  • At 3,681 operating hours, three of the injector nozzles failed due to poor fuel quality, costing ¥5,690 per nozzle to replace. The user had to use the dealer’s service center because of the urgency, although the price felt high.
    
• Hydraulic System:
  • The hydraulic cylinders, including the boom and bucket cylinders, have become severely discolored (turned black), although the hydraulic oil has been changed at 4,950 hours as per the service provider’s recommendation. Despite the discoloration, the oil temperature remains normal, and the user has not noticed any leaks or performance issues.
    
  • The user continues to work with the dealer to address the issue of the blackened cylinders, though the dealer has not provided a satisfactory explanation.
    

Dealer Service:

• The user appreciates the timely service from Komatsu's Hebei dealer, Shijiazhuang Tianyuan. The company provides fast response times, often resolving issues within an hour of the user's call, thanks to the proximity of the dealership.
  

Parts and Pricing:

• Parts Pricing:
  • One significant drawback is the cost of replacement parts, especially for the fuel-injection system. The user finds the price of replacement parts to be unreasonably high, particularly because of the fuel-injected engine.
    
• Injector Nozzles:
  • As mentioned, the injector nozzles cost ¥5,690 each, which the user feels reflects high dealer profits.
    

Overall Evaluation:

• Performance: The Komatsu PC200-8 is efficient and delivers high productivity on the job site. The user is generally satisfied with its performance, citing good working speed and reliable dealer service.
  
• Areas for Improvement: The fuel consumption is higher than expected, and parts costs—especially for fuel injectors—are considered excessively high. The user hopes Komatsu and its dealers can better consider customer concerns about pricing and make adjustments accordingly.
  

Overall, despite some drawbacks, the Komatsu PC200-8 has proven to be a reliable machine with solid performance for various construction tasks.