How to Determine the Manufacture Year of a Komatsu WA120 from the Serial Number

[MikePhua]

The Komatsu WA120 is a versatile wheel loader commonly used in various construction and earthmoving tasks. Given its importance in the industry, many operators and equipment managers often want to know how to determine the production year of their Komatsu WA120 based on its serial number. This article explains how to find the manufacturing year by using the machine's serial number.
Komatsu WA120 Serial Number Structure
Each Komatsu machine, including the WA120 wheel loader, comes with a unique serial number. This serial number typically consists of a combination of numbers and letters, which contain valuable information about the machine. To determine the manufacturing year, one must first understand the structure of the serial number.

1. Components of the Serial Number
   Komatsu serial numbers generally consist of two parts: the prefix and the suffix. The prefix usually indicates the model and series of the equipment, while the suffix contains information about the manufacturing year and other production details.
   
2. Identifying the Year
   Certain characters in the serial number often correspond to the manufacturing year. By examining specific digits or letter combinations, users can deduce the year of manufacture. Typically, the year code appears in a particular part of the serial number, although the exact location may vary depending on the model and series.
   

How to Find the Manufacturing Year of a Komatsu WA120

1. Serial Number Lookup
   To find the production year of a Komatsu WA120 wheel loader, the first step is to obtain the complete serial number. This number can typically be found on the equipment's nameplate or the body of the machine. After obtaining the serial number, you can input it into Komatsu’s official service website or contact a Komatsu dealer to retrieve the production year.
   
2. Using Komatsu's Online Database
   Komatsu typically provides an online tool or database that allows users to look up detailed information about their equipment based on the serial number. This tool can help users quickly identify the production year, manufacturing date, and other important specifications of their Komatsu equipment.
   
3. Contacting Komatsu Dealers
   If you’re unable to find the information through an online tool, you can directly contact an authorized Komatsu dealer. Dealers usually have access to detailed equipment records, including the production year, factory information, and maintenance history.
   

Things to Keep in Mind When Looking Up the Serial Number

1. Ensure Serial Number Accuracy
   When checking the production year, it is essential to ensure the serial number is entered correctly. A single incorrect character or digit can lead to inaccurate results.
   
2. Model and Version Differences
   It’s important to note that different models and series from Komatsu might use different serial number systems. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules for the WA120 to accurately interpret the year information within the serial number.
   
3. Maintenance Records
   Along with the production year, equipment maintenance history is crucial. By reviewing the maintenance records, you can better assess the condition of the machine and anticipate future maintenance or repairs that might be needed.
   

Conclusion
Determining the manufacturing year of a Komatsu WA120 wheel loader from the serial number is a straightforward process. Whether you’re using an online lookup tool, contacting a dealer, or interpreting the serial number manually, operators can quickly find the year of manufacture. This information is vital for equipment management, scheduling maintenance, and even buying or selling used equipment.