Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control was to the fore at the recent Bauma exhibition with the launch of their latest PC360LCi-11 excavator – a unit recognised as bringing benchmark technology to the construction industry and is said to deliver step changes in terms of productivity, efficiency and cost saving.
Launched in Ireland through distributors McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill and Rathcoole, the PC360LCi-11 has an operating weight in the range 35.600 – 36.200 kg, depending on the configuration. It has a maximum recommended bucket capacity of 2.66m3 and power output that delivers 192 kW / 257 HP @ 1.950 rpm from an EU Stage V Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 engine.
Fully factory-installed, its intelligent control system works in a variety of ways that McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien says: ”will allow operators to focus on moving material efficiently without having to worry about digging too deeply.
“Automatically, the bucket is prevented from digging beyond the target surface, thereby maintaining grade automatically with real-time bucket edge positioning, both in relation to the machine and the job surface,” O’Brien said. “Job status is instantly displayed on a full colour, multi-function 12.1-inch control box monitor, eliminating the wait-time associated with conventional sensors,” he added.
In technical terms, the system includes stroke sensing hydraulic cylinders for the boom, arm and bucket. Developed by Komatsu over two machine generations, it gives precise real time bucket edge positioning. An inertial measuring unit uses gyro and accelerometer data to determine machine orientation and angle while high performance antennae send satellite signals to a GNSS receiver that provides real time machine position.
In terms of benefits, the PC360LCi-11 lets operators focus on moving material efficiently without worrying about digging too deep. Its touch screen control box monitor makes grading easy and accurate, providing the operator with real time information on bucket edge position in relation to design surface, “as-built” status, and customisable spilt screen views in profile, plan or 3D format.
By setting the control box monitor in 3D design format, the use of traditional guidance methods such as stakes and grade rails can be reduced or eliminated, as can surveying and final inspection thereby improving safety with fewer people needed on the job site. On-Off switches used for the semi-automatic functions are fully integrated in the joysticks.
Amongst other unique benefits is the PC360LCi-11’s ability to combine the high productivity of a bulk earthmoving excavator with the renowned accuracy expected from intelligent machine control – achieved by powerful hydraulics and breakout forces when excavating, fast cycle times when truck loading, and by completing grading automatically in just one pass. This means that fewer machine cycles are required and operator performance is improved, with vastly reduced risk of re-work, lower fuel costs and increased machine utilisation.
Standard features also include Komatsu’s latest KOMTRAX telematics and their acclaimed Komatsu Care maintenance program.
