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Komatsu Excavators Summarized — 2018 Spec Guide

Komatsu Excavators Summarized — 2018 Spec Guide

By CE Staff October 10, 2018 View Profile

Six Compact Diggers Feature Advanced Systems like KOMTRAX and CLSS

Komatsu entered the compact excavator market in the mid-1990s. The company’s compact excavators have many of the same features as Komatsu’s larger excavators with the same built-in reliability and quality, including steel castings in high stress areas like the boom foot. In addition, design improvements address customer needs like a dozer blade for backfilling and auxiliary hydraulics for powering attachments. Komatsu currently offers six excavators in the 0- to 8-metric-ton size classes. All Komatsu compact excavators meet Tier 4 Final requirements without using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and without the need for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

The smallest excavator is the PC30MR-5, and the largest is the PC88MR-10. The smaller machines (PC30MR-5 and PC35MR-5) are extremely versatile because of their light weight, ample power and large range of work tools available through OEMs such as Werk-Brau. The PC45MR-5 and PC55MR-5 in the 4- to 5-metric-ton size class, offer features rarely found on compact equipment, such as KOMTRAX equipment monitoring, auto-idle shutdown and economy modes, as well as a two-post ROPS canopy, providing class-leading visibility. For harsher climates there is a cab option with climate control, a defroster and provisions for a radio. All four machines are designed to outperform the competition in applications ranging from landscaping and utility work to general construction work.

The PC78US-10 takes the compact line a step further by offering a 7-ft, 5-in. arm with a setback boom, perfect for working in confined spaces. The PC78US-10 extends only 9 in. from the tracks at the rear for maneuverability. Advanced features such as closed-center load sensing hydraulic system (CLSS), a variable flow turbo and enhanced working modes means the PC78US-10 is up to 3 percent more productive than the previous model. There is also a standard two-way blade available and an optional 8-ft, 1-in.-wide blade, when equipped with the wider 24-in. triple grousers.

Finally, the PC88MR-10 is an 8.5-metric-ton excavator with a swing boom and again, true tight tail performance. Similar to smaller excavators, the PC88MR-10 features booms and arms constructed with thick plates of high-tensile-strength steel and piping for optional attachments such as thumbs and hammers. The PC88MR-10 includes a pattern change valve for quick and easy switching from excavator controls to backhoe controls. With available road-liner shoes and a power angle blade, the versatile PC88MR-10 fits in well on any general construction jobsite.

Advice to Buyers

“When shopping for a new compact excavator, investigate all the features and options today’s equipment offers,” says Justin Lantin, product marketing manager of excavators at Komatsu America Corp. “Pay careful attention to lift capacities and structural designs to ensure a machine is productive and will last for thousands of hours. For low cost of ownership and high productivity, look for Tier 4 Final solutions that don’t require DEF.”