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High-tech dozer bows in
00:00 02 Feb 1995
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A new bulldozer, the Komatsu D155AX-3 Super, features
hydro-mechanical transmission, claimed as 'a major breakthrough'.
In the Hydro-Mechanical Transmission (HMT) system, the mechanical
and hydrostatic transmissions (hydraulic pump/motor) are arranged
in parallel. This provides an efficiency similar to direct drive,
excellent manoeuvrability and continuous speed control similar to
hydrostatic drive.
The concept permits the engine to run at maximum output and full power across a wide range of travel speeds when digging, dozing or ripping.
This new superdozer also features hydrostatic steering which allows smooth turning without track slippage and permits powerful digging, even while turning, at the same speed as straight line dozing.
The power distribution to each track also allows for precision side digging and shaping, even when only one end of the blade is applied. In comparative field trials, the dozing performance of the 225kW D155AX-3 Super showed a 30% superiority in productivity and 28% better fuel efficiency over a competetive model.
According to Komatsu, these results reflect the effectiveness of the HMT concept and hydrostatic steering. They also underlined the importance of features such as the incorporation of the Resilient Equalised Undercarriage (REU), already fitted to D575A models, and Komatsu's fuel efficient S6D140 engine.
The novel REU design comprises three sets of track rollers on each side, fitted with rubber shock absorbers that form X-shape bogies capable of independent movement.
The cab is equipped with an oil damper type suspension system to reduce vibration and is acoustically insulated. Moreover the operator can see clearly the outer bottom edge of the dozer blade.
Control is from a wrist control single lever, while an automatic control device optimises speed according to load and eliminates power loss during gear changes.
Maintenance downtime is minimised by a modular design power train making handling of components easier and wet disc brakes are effectively maintenance free.
The D155-AX-3 Super is about 10% more expensive than the standard model (D155A3) but, says Komatsu, it gives a nearly one class higher performance.
The first user in the UK is Coal Contracts of Chesterfield which has two units.
Details: enter 701 on card
The concept permits the engine to run at maximum output and full power across a wide range of travel speeds when digging, dozing or ripping.
This new superdozer also features hydrostatic steering which allows smooth turning without track slippage and permits powerful digging, even while turning, at the same speed as straight line dozing.
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The power distribution to each track also allows for precision side digging and shaping, even when only one end of the blade is applied. In comparative field trials, the dozing performance of the 225kW D155AX-3 Super showed a 30% superiority in productivity and 28% better fuel efficiency over a competetive model.
According to Komatsu, these results reflect the effectiveness of the HMT concept and hydrostatic steering. They also underlined the importance of features such as the incorporation of the Resilient Equalised Undercarriage (REU), already fitted to D575A models, and Komatsu's fuel efficient S6D140 engine.
The novel REU design comprises three sets of track rollers on each side, fitted with rubber shock absorbers that form X-shape bogies capable of independent movement.
The cab is equipped with an oil damper type suspension system to reduce vibration and is acoustically insulated. Moreover the operator can see clearly the outer bottom edge of the dozer blade.
Control is from a wrist control single lever, while an automatic control device optimises speed according to load and eliminates power loss during gear changes.
Maintenance downtime is minimised by a modular design power train making handling of components easier and wet disc brakes are effectively maintenance free.
The D155-AX-3 Super is about 10% more expensive than the standard model (D155A3) but, says Komatsu, it gives a nearly one class higher performance.
The first user in the UK is Coal Contracts of Chesterfield which has two units.
Details: enter 701 on card
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