Komatsu launches dash 8

Komatsu has introduced its dash 8 excavators (the PC210-8, PC240-8 and PC290-8) spanning the 20t to 30t weight range. The Birtley-built dash 8 machines get a stronger cab, Stage IIIa engines, an additional (Attachment) work mode and come with the Komtrax tracking system.

The new cab is similar to the outgoing one, but has a tubular steel frame, making it nine times stronger than the previous one. Tested by rolling a machine down a 30° slope, the cab provided a protected envelope for the operator. Also, Komatsu said the PC210-8 has the lowest interior noise level in its class.

Operators select the operating mode via an 18-cm LCD multi-lingual monitor, which is also used for fault diagnosis and as a CCTV display. It also doubles as a keypad to deactivate the immobiliser and to adjust the flow rates in the Breaker and Attachment modes. 

The electronically-controlled common rail ECOT3 engines use cooled exhaust gas recirculation to comply with Stage IIIa. Komatsu said this technology, along with improved control and hydraulic matching, means dash 8 machines are 10% more fuel efficient than dash 7.

Komtrax will be enabled or not depending on the owner’s preferences and transmits the excavator’s position, working condition and any fault codes. The system can send a signal if the machine moves outside a predetermined area and has a movement sensor to transmit repeated signals when the machine has travelled more than 1km.

Overall, the dash 8 machines’ performance is similar to that of dash 7, although the PC290-8 gets a longer undercarriage for improved stability.

The upgrades will see prices rise by around 8%.