Komatsu to offer DPFs factory-fitted

Komatsu is introducing a factory-fit diesel particulate filter (DPF) option on a range of plant.

Initially the filters will be offered on three of its most popular excavators - the PC210LC-8, PC240LC-8 and PC290LC-8 - and will add around £11,000 to the purchase price of the machine.

While many plant manufacturers will fit DPFs to meet the Stage IIIb emissions regulations that start to come into effect at the end of 2010, plant on large sites in London will soon require filters as a condition of granting planning permission.

For instance, machines above 37kW working on the Olympic sites will require a DPF.

One of the biggest problems facing plant owners is that retrofitting a DPF could compromise the machine manufacturer's warranty.

As Komatsu's offering is factory-fit, its warranty covers the complete machine.