Komatsu has released two new

s, the 28-tonne capacity HM300-5 and 40-tonne capacity HM400-5, both powered by low-emission Tier 4 Final engines and featuring Komatsu’s advanced truck transmission system.

The 28 tonne capacity HM300-5 is powered by Komatsu’s SAA6D125E-7 engine rated at 242 kW net, while the 40 tonne HM400-5 is powered by the SAA6D140E-7 rated at 348 kW net.

Both engines are US EPA Tier 4 Final emissions certified, cutting both nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 90% compared with their Tier 3 equivalents, while delivering up to 14% lower fuel consumption compared with previous models.

These engines incorporate an advanced electronic control system that performs high-speed processing of all signals from sensors installed in the vehicle, providing total control of equipment in all conditions of use.

Engine condition information is displayed via an on-board network to the monitor inside the cab, providing all necessary operating data to the operator.

Additionally, this data can be accessed and managed via the KOMTRAX telematics remote monitoring system (supplied as standard on all Komatsu construction and utility machines), ensuring owners and fleet managers stay well on top of all maintenance requirements.

According to Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager, Quarries, Komatsu’s new Tier 4 engines monitor and transmit far more detailed data about engine conditions and operation, giving unmatched visibility into the health of equipment – and any potential issues.

“And through our in-house development and production of engines, electronics, and hydraulic components all designed to work with each other, Komatsu has achieved major advances in technology, providing high levels of performance and efficiency across all applications,” he said.

“Because of this integrated design approach, we have been able to achieve further reductions in fuel consumption with these new trucks,” Richard said.

“These include the use of variable displacement piston pumps that use engine power only as needed to eliminate unnecessary PTO inefficiencies, along with design improvements to the drive axles and transmission systems that reduce parasitic driveline losses.”

Both new trucks feature Komatsu’s advanced truck transmission system, including its electronically controlled K-ATOMICS countershaft transmission which is also used on large mining trucks, and the Komatsu Traction Control System (KTCS).

“Both these features are unique to Komatsu articulated dump trucks and, combined with our hydraulically controlled wet multiple-disc brakes and retarder system, provide unrivalled traction, braking power and safety in all types of operation,” Richard said.

K-ATOMICS incorporates an electronic clutch modulation system that ensures proper clutch pressure when the clutch is engaged.

“This total control system controls both the engine and the transmission by monitoring the vehicle conditions, ensuring smooth shifts with minimal shock and thus maximises powertrain life,” he said.

“KTCS, which we have derived from our extensive experience in traction control systems in dozers and rigid dump trucks, was developed by Komatsu to ensure maximum machine performance in soft and slippery ground conditions.

“This system, which is automatically activated and deactivated, monitors wheel speeds on the front and middle axles, and if it detects wheel slip, will automatically engage the inter-axle lock to improve machine performance.

“If the machine continues to detect wheel slip, it will brake the wheel that slip was detected on, continually monitoring wheel speeds and engaging the brakes as necessary,” he said.

Both trucks also incorporate Komatsu’s exclusive hydraulic braking and retarder system, which ensures complete control even when doing downhill fully loaded.

“Large-capacity, continuously cooled, wet-multiple disc brakes, which have been proven on other Komatsu rigid dump trucks, also function as a highly responsive retarder, giving the operator full control when travelling downhill,” said Richard.

Retarder absorbing capacity (continuous descent) is 392 kW on the HM300-5 and 510 kW on the HM500-5.

They also both come as standard with a payload meter (PLM), which displays payload tonnage as the truck is loaded. This information is visible to the operator, and is also transmitted to owners and fleet management via KOMTRAX.

Both trucks feature large ergonomically designed ROPS/FOPS cabs with air suspension seats and hydro-pneumatic front axle suspension, while the centrally located operator seat and short-bonnet design ensures excellent visibility of the working area. A rear-view camera and in-cab monitor are also provided as standard.

Maintenance requirements have been made easier on the two trucks through features such as ground-level fuel filter access, power-tiltable cab, reversible engine cooling fan, battery disconnect switch and an electric fuel priming pump.

“Since we introduced our HM400-3M0 in Australia in 2014, it has proven itself as a highly productive, efficient and safe articulated hauler across a wide range of applications,” said Richard.

“Now with our launch of these latest low-emission versions of the HM300-5 and HM400-5 trucks, customers can take advantage of the benefits of the latest Komatsu technology for their haulage operations.”

Brief specs of the two trucks are as follows:

HM300-5:Payload capacity, 28 tonnes; body capacity, 17.1 cu m; engine, Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 engine EPA Tier 4 Final emissions certified, rated at 242 kW net at 2000 rpm; transmission, automatic countershaft with lockup torque converter, 6F/2R speeds; maximum speed, 58.6 km/h; tyres, 23.5 R25; loading height, 2830 mm; width, 2900 mm; overall length, 10,275 mm.

HM400-5:Payload capacity, 40 tonnes; body capacity, 24 cu m; engine, Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine EPA Tier 4 Final emissions certified, rated at 348 kW net at 2000 rpm; transmission, automatic countershaft with lockup torque converter, 6F/2R speeds; maximum speed, 55.9 km/h; tyres, 29.5 R25; loading height, 3164  mm; width, 3450 mm; overall length, 11,105 mm.

Since deciding to go it alone in late 2017 after building more than 15 years of experience in the earthmoving industry, Anthony has no regrets. “I started out as a survey assistant when I left school, then I moved up to be a pipe layer with a well-known construction company for 4 years. Since then I’ve worked for other companies around the area, doing mine contracting work and all different forms of earthmoving. I have long history in the industry,” says Reid.

Running his own earthmoving operation has long been Anthony’s dream. “It’s something I always wanted to do as a young bloke – run my own business with more flexible hours. More time with the wife and son, more income opportunities, more diversity, and overall more life benefits.”

The friendly and instantly-likeable Anthony has a natural way with his customers and colleagues – an important ingredient in the recipe for sole trader success. “I take pride in my work and always aim to deliver a good product to my customer, that’s most important to me” says Reid.

Anthony’s natural ability as a businessman is reflected in his instant success as a one-man-band. “AJR Earthmoving has only been up and running since Christmas and I’m already busy working on great projects. It all happened pretty quickly, within a month or two.”

A second major factor in Anthony’s success is his choice of track loader – an . “I’ve got the (ASV Posi-Track) RT-75, with a big 4-in-1 tool bucket. It’s well-balanced, manoeuvrable, powerful, comfortable. Really good all-round machine. Definitely the best track loader I’ve used, that’s why I bought it,” says Anthony.

“I’ve got the bucket, plus pallet forks, crane lifting attachment, mine specs and down the track I’ll look at a slasher, broom, other lifters. It gives great versatility and the ability to do a lot of jobs.”

“I went the RT-75, the bigger machine, for its lifting capacity, torque, horsepower, big bucket capacity to save running back and forth to a stock pile all day, and the better undercarriage for comfort and floatation. More creature comforts in the bigger Posi-Track, and a lot more bang for buck in this machine. Plus the awesome air conditioning – should have gone for that years ago!”

“Buying the machine itself was straightforward. I had a look at other big brands, but easily decided on the ASV due to the quality and the service behind it. I’d spoken to a lot of contractors around the area who were all happy with the way ASV Sales & Service looked after them, during the sale and afterwards. For a small one-man operation like myself, service can make or break me. But also the machine as well; it’s chalk and cheese against the others. Ride quality, power, stability – no comparison,” says Anthony.

So what does the future hold for Anthony and AJR Earthmoving, given his instant success thus far? “Possibly down the track, depending on how business goes, maybe a small excavator. Smaller work; water mains, shallow jobs, backyard landscaping, general excavation – just opens up a few more opportunities.”

“I grew up in the area and I don’t see a shortage of work any time soon. We’re only going to keep expanding outwards in the Hunter. I really enjoy what I’m able to work on and offer to the local area as a single operation with great flexibility for the customer, so I’m happy to continue along my current path. Maybe one day I’ll get a second machine for my young fella to come and help me out on a few jobs!”

When Rebecca and Matt Price were looking for the new mini excavator that would kick them off on their new dry-hire business venture, MRP Hire, they expected their chief considerations to be price and quality. But as well as purchasing a quality machine, it was the exceptional level of customer care they received that influenced their decision to buy a new mini Kobelco excavator.

Rebecca and Matt had been building their own house in the New South Wales Hunter Valley but were disappointed to find that the mini excavators they had been hiring to do levelling and retaining wall jobs weren’t reliable and weren’t performing to capacity. Moreover, as there was such huge demand for machines in the area, they were hard to get on site in the first instance. So, wandering around the 2017 Tocal Field Days, Rebecca was excited.

“We were starting something together, and we had an idea of how much we were willing to spend and the size of excavator we were looking for, but we weren’t really sure what we could expect to get for our money in terms of quality. So, we went to the field days to get a hands-on idea of what was out there,” Rebecca says.

Venturing over to the Gato Sales site, Rebecca says she was immediately impressed with the level of attention and care she and Matt received while perusing Gato’s Kobelco excavators on display. They were interested in Kobelco’s SK17SR mini excavator.

“We went to several sites at the field day, and we looked at heaps of machines, just like everyone else there that day. The other vendors, for the most part, weren’t that interested in us. The difference when we got to the Gato site was amazing – we were met and treated well from the get-go,” Rebecca says.

Chad Vadnjal is the owner of Gato Sales & Repairs, based in Newcastle, and the Kobelco dealer for the Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast of NSW, and assisted the Prices in understanding the different options available on the market.

“Kobelco machines are that distinctive teal blue, so we had noticed them around, but we hadn’t really investigated them seriously before we met Chad and the Gato team,” Rebecca says.

After the field days, Rebecca and Matt had some quotes and follow ups come through from different dealers for different machines, but Rebecca says that in making her decision with Matt, quality service and quality product prevailed.

“Matt looked at the technical elements of all the machines and he was happy with the Kobelco excavator. He was happy that it would perform well for us and I was happy that Matt would get the after-sales support we might need from Chad, Marty Cook and the entire Gato team while getting our business established. These ended up being the biggest factors in purchasing our first mini excavator.”

Rebecca says their business is now going so well, that Matt is now preparing to transition from his current employment as an operator on a mine site to working in their new business full-time.

“The Kobelco is so easy to use and operate, and we’ve had a really great response from people hiring it, so we are looking, in the near future, to add some more to our fleet.”

Australian Kobelco dealers are currently offering no deposit and 1.99% finance on a new Kobelco 1.7 tonne SK17SR over 36 months for purchases made from 1 June 2018 to 31 August 2018. Terms and conditions and lending criteria apply. For the full details visit www.kobelco.com.auor call your local authorised Kobelco dealer today on 1300 562 352.

Jason Hodges from Channel Seven ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ will be at the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo at Panthers Penrith next weekend.

Open from Friday, April 13 through to Sunday, April 15, it’s the third year for this free-entry, huge display of earthmoving machinery that attracts more than 40,000 visitors.

You will find Jason on Toro’s stand 88 on Friday 13^th, from 10.00 am until 12.30 pm and on the Semco stand 68-69 from 1.00 pm until 3.00 pm. On Saturday 14^th he will be on the Toro stand 88 between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.

If you have admired Jason’s clever approaches to landscaping, here’s your chance to have a chat and say hi.  Jason will be signing free merchandise and would love to meet you.

Jason owns and uses many different types of Toro equipment to help him get the job done quickly and efficiently. Here’s your chance to ask him how! You may have even attempted some of Jason’s great projects for your home and would like to let him know how your project went.

There are free show bags and you can check out the great variety of food, drinks, snacks and the comfortable licensed bar. There’s something for all the family from police highway cars, mining excitement at Rocky River Mining, Little Big Rigs and 12 amazing shows daily from the Freestyle Kings motorbike stunt team.

Win great prizes like a ride-on mower, motorbike, tool box, generator and fuel vouchers.

Check the website of this free event at www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au website or visit us on Facebook.

A new generation of Kobelco’s popular 13-tonne midi excavator will hit the Australian market with the launch of the SK135SR-5 and SK135SR-5 Offset at the 2018 Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo in Penrith, New South Wales.

As a particularly popular excavator for jobs requiring continuous digging, swinging, and loading in tight spaces, Kobelco General Manager of Sales & Service Doug McQuinn says the new models are engineered to raise the bar again in efficient excavation.

“We’re pleased to announce that the SK135SR-5 excavators feature Tier 4 Final engines – a first for this class of Kobelco machines in Australia. These models set new standards in responsible operation where higher fuel efficiency is combined with improved environmental performance,” Doug says.

The new models feature larger oil filtration capacity, new hydraulic clog sensors and light touch levers to reduce operator fatigue by up to 25 per cent. Height and depth limiters are factory-fitted features as well as a cab interference protection system – an automatic stop system that prevents the bucket from coming into contact with the cab.

“The Kobelco 13-tonne excavators have always been a favoured choice in the market, and with the release of this new series we’re addressing the future of construction machinery in Australia with the upgraded Tier 4 Final engine and improved durability,” says Doug.

“At an everyday operation level, the cab design is comfortable and roomy, while the controls are incredibly intuitive and ergonomic. The excavator is very easy to service and maintain.”

The SK135SR-5 and SK135SR-5 Offset will be on display at the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo, to be held over Friday 13 – Sunday 15 April 2018.

“Come along to Site 84 and see the new model – it’s a great opportunity to experience how we made a great machine even better,” Doug says.

Komatsu Australia has released two new WA270-8– the WA270-8 and WA320-8 – both powered with Tier 4-compliant low emission engine technology, and delivering improved fuel efficiency, higher productivity, and reduced owning and operating costs.

The WA270-8 – replacing the WA250PZ-6 – is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine rated at 111 kW and offers bucket sizes from 1.9-2.7 cu m, while the WA320-8 – replacing the WA320PZ-6 – is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 rated at 123 kW and has bucket capacities ranging from 2.3-3.2 cu m.

Both loaders feature Komatsu’s fourth generation hydrostatic drive transmission system, as well as its versatile parallel Z-bar (PZ) linkage system which combines high breakout forces with parallel lift throughout the lifting cycle.

In releasing the Dash 8 versions of these two loaders, Komatsu Australia has gone straight from their Dash 6 variants, skipping the Dash 7 upgrades which included interim Tier 4-compliant engines, said Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager – Quarries.

“These latest wheel loaders incorporate all the new technology developments introduced in both the Dash 7 and Dash 8 upgrades, including improved performance and safety, reduced fuel consumption, superior operator ergonomics and significantly enhanced maintainability,” he said.

Both loaders have increased straight and full-turn static tipping loads for improved productivity and safety; the WA270-8 has a full turn static tipping load of 8930 kg (2.3 cu m capacity GP pin-on bucket) and the WA320-8 has a full turn STL of 9780 kg (2.8 cu m capacity GP pin-on bucket).

“These higher performance capabilities, combined with fuel efficiency improvements of up to 13% from our Tier 4 final engine technology, mean these new loaders deliver significantly lower costs per metre of material moved than their predecessors,” said Feehely.

Both are powered by Komatsu’s EPA Tier 4 Final compliant SAA6D107E-3 engine, rated at 111 kW on the WA270-8 and 123 kW on the WA320-8.

These engines incorporate a hydraulically actuated variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to provide optimum air flow under all speed and load conditions, along with Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce particulate matter and NOx while providing automatic regeneration.

According to Feehely, auto-reversing fans as standard, along with wider core coolers, provide ample cooling capacity, able to cope with ambient conditions that are both hot and contain high amounts of airborne debris.

“Komatsu on both machines automatically controls engine torque to match machine demands, optimising torque for all applications to minimise fuel consumption – without decreasing production.

“Reduced fuel consumption is further aided through six guidance messages and an enhanced ‘ecology’ gauge in the cabin display to encourage operators to work as fuel efficiently as possible,” he said.

Komatsu’s fourth generation hydrostatic transmission (HST) provides quick travel response and aggressive drive into the pile.

“Full auto-shifting eliminates any gear shifting and kick-down operation, to allow the operator to concentrate on digging and loading.

“The HST also acts as a dynamic brake, dramatically extending the life of the loaders’ wet disc brakes,” said Feehely.

A variable traction control system is designed to adjust traction control for each working condition.

“S-mode” reduces tire spin in slippery conditions; “auto-mode” automatically optimises tractive effort for various working conditions, while “max traction” mode provides full 100% tractive effort.

Feehely said completely new cab designs on the Dash 8 loaders provided operators with improved comfort and visibility, along with reduced noise levels – further assisting in increased productivity.

A new design air-suspension operator seat gives enhanced support in rough conditions, as well as dampening machine vibrations.

“The seat, along with the steering wheel, is fully adjustable for optimum comfort and control.

“In-cab noise levels at the operator’s ear have also been reduced, down to 68 dBA on both models,” a significant reduction on their predecessors,” he said.

“Machine maintainability has also been greatly improved through such features as side-opening gullwing style engine doors, swing-out type cooling fan and wide-core radiator, and placement of daily and weekly maintenance items for easy-to-reach ground-level access.

“Komatsu Dash 8 loader owners also have the benefits of our advanced ICT (information and communications technology), including enhanced and intuitive on-board diagnostics systems and our latest KOMTRAX remote monitoring capabilities,” said Feehely.

“In addition, each new machine is covered by Komatsu Australia’s Komplimentary Servicing offering, covering two years/2000 operating hours and including one complimentary scheduled diesel particulate filter exchange.

“This not only gives owners the peace of mind in knowing just what their hourly operating costs will be for the first two years of the machines’ life, but also further pushes down hourly owning and operating costs.

“The combination of production and performance improvements, lower fuel consumption, easier maintenance, and Komatsu’s outstanding product support offerings make these among the lowest cost-per-metre loaders available in their class,” he said.

Brief specs of the new loaders are:

WA270-8: Operating weight, 12.8-13.2 tonnes; engine, Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine, rated at 111 kW; transmission, four-speed fourth-generation Komatsu HST; maximum speeds, F/R, 38/38 km/h; bucket capacity range, 1.9-2.7 cu m; GP bucket capacity, 2.3 cu m; GP bucket static tipping load at 40° full turn, 10,330 kg; bucket breakout, 13,375 kgf; dump clearance, 2975 mm.

WA320-8: Operating weight, 15.5-15.9 tonnes; engine, Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine, rated at 123 kW; transmission, four-speed fourth-generation Komatsu HST; maximum speeds, F/R, 38/38 km/h; bucket capacity range, 2.3-3.2 cu m; GP bucket capacity, 2.8 cu m; GP bucket static tipping load at 40° full turn, 11,500 kg; bucket breakout, 16,470 kgf; dump clearance, 2880 mm.

A group of JCB Construction Equipment Australia (CEA) dealers and staff travelled to Europe in January to see where the products they sell every day are manufactured, while receiving valuable product training across the JCB product line.

The trip saw 50 JCB dealers and JCBCEA staff visit the JCB World Headquarters in Staffordshire, UK, where they were given the opportunity to experience the manufacturing and assembly facilities of some of the company’s leading products including the mini excavator, heavy excavator, backhoe loader, telehandler and the JCB Engine plant.

JCB CEA National Compact Equipment Manager, Phil Withell, said the goal of the trip was to bring the sales network together, provide the sales team with the “JCB experience” and further their knowledge and understanding of the brand.

“To do this, the first step was experiencing the “Story of JCB” exhibition at the JCB World Headquarters. The exhibition features full-size JCB machines including the original backhoe; the world’s fastest diesel powered vehicle – the JCB Dieselmax; and a replica of the original garage where JCB began 70 years ago,” Phil said.

“The entire facility was an investment of £5 million, with an aim to provide http://artsandhealth.ie/clomid/ visitors with a clear picture of JCB’s DNA, through multiple displays and video presentations of JCB’s products and their history.

“The exhibition helped our team develop a real understanding of JCB’s heritage and future vision. The experience will help dealers and sales staff provide greater value in their future interactions with their customers.”

After the UK, the group travelled to a quarry site in La Manga, Spain, for product and industry training sessions.

“The La Manga experience was part of a JCB global training initiative which included participants from Europe and the UK. The sessions focussed on industry segments such as agriculture, waste and recycling, and specific product applications were customised to address Australian conditions and applications. There was also training on new products and marketing concepts which will be released later in 2016,” Phil said.

“Our sales team came away from this experience with a continued passion for the JCB company and brand, having seen its transformation and history, to where the machines they sell are produced and manufactured, they left with a feeling of excitement of what the future holds for JCB and their continued innovations.”

JCB today moved to support the relief effort in earthquake-hit Nepal with the donation of diggers and electrical power generators worth around US$1 million (AU$1.25million).

Ten backhoe loaders were made available immediately to the Nepalese Army and are now at work in the areas worst hit by the disaster which has left more than 5,000 people dead and 10,000 injured.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “It is shocking to see the devastation caused by this earthquake and the resulting widespread damage and destruction. On behalf of JCB, I express my heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this natural disaster. JCB will continue to help the Nepalese Government in every possible way.”

JCB supplied the backhoes through its UK dealer, MAW Enterprises Pvt Ltd, in Nepal. The electrical power generators are also en route from JCB India’s factory in Delhi to help stricken communities caught up in the quake.

The JCB backhoe loaders have been deployed to help ground relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake which measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale. In the coming weeks and months, the donated machines will be used in reconstruction efforts.

JCB has a long history of helping countries affected by major natural disasters, providing US$500,000 worth of machines and generators to the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck in 2013. Machines were also donated when earthquakes struck in Haiti in 2010 and in China in 2008 and to southern India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia in 2004 following the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Wetherill Park – based Solution Plant Hire specialises in the dry hire of earthmoving equipment and attachments including excavator hire, site dumper hire and also compaction hire.

Servicing a diverse market that stretches from the Far North Coast of NSW down to South Australia and Tasmania, the company operates in the highly competitive plant hire market, which is why it has fostered a culture of superior customer service and dedicated itself to providing the best earthmoving equipment in the market.

This is also the reason why Solution Plant Hire has chosen Case as its number one machine supplier.

According to Solution Plant Hire Director Andrew Smith, the company usually holds about 20 Case machines, by far the biggest number of the one brand in its inventory, simply because of the sheer popularity of the Case name.

“They’re just great machines that everybody loves to use,” said Andrew.

“In terms of our stock of Case machines, we hire out a range of models but lately, we have found that the CX55B Compact Excavator and the larger CX145CSR Excavator have become popular with our customers.”

“Most of our customers are civil construction and earthmoving contractors but we also service some mining customers up in the Hunter Valley,” said Andrew.

“We’ve even hired out a Case CX235SCR Excavator to a guy that needed to pull a burned out speedboat from Pyrmont Harbour – they are versatile machines that have a multitude of uses.”

Although Solution Plant Hire has a geographically diverse customer base, one thing that all his customers seem to have in common is their appreciation of the Case brand.

“All our customers know and respect Case – in fact, a lot of the time, they ask for a Case machine as their preferred choice.”

“The reasons for this are simple,” said Andrew. “Whether we are talking about a TR270 Track Loader or a CX235SCR Excavator or anything else in the Case range, you get the same reliability, super comfortable cabins, powerful diesel engines, great fuel economy and responsive hydraulic controls.”

“All those features mean you get a reduced incidence of downtime and a much higher productivity rate, which are yet more reasons why our customers prefer Case.”

“As many of our customers tell us, the Case machines are easy to operate, reliable, comfortable, simple to use and tough as nails – and when our customers are happy, then my business is going well.”

With the top-notch service he gets from his local Case dealer, Earthmoving Equipment Australia (EEA), Andrew said the time is coming when he will need to replenish his stock of Case earthmoving machines.

“We’ve been extra busy for the last few months so, very soon I’ll need to get in some more Case equipment – it’s what my customers want and just like Case and EEA, I aim to provide exactly what the market is asking for.”

For further information, call 1300 99 CASE or go to www.casece.com