New dozer from Komatsu includes more experience, technology

Komatsu’s European leadership at bauma told the media that the company is at a new stage of incorporating technology into its products – including its latest dozer. “We’re trying to increase the value in our machines,” said Peter Howe, chairman of Komatsu Europe. “We’re connecting all the data we collect from the machines and are making processes easier.” The latest machine to incorporate that technology is the D85EXi/PZi-18 dozer, released at bauma. The technology is installed in the factory and beco
April 15, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Mas Morishta outlines advances such as the D85EXi
2300 Komatsu’s European leadership at bauma told the media that the company is at a new stage of incorporating technology into its products – including its latest dozer.

“We’re trying to increase the value in our machines,” said Peter Howe, chairman of Komatsu Europe. “We’re connecting all the data we collect from the machines and are making processes easier.”

The latest machine to incorporate that technology is the D85EXi/PZi-18 dozer, released at bauma. The technology is installed in the factory and becoming more efficient as its time in the field grows.

“We have made quite an advancement the last three years,” said Mas Morishita, managing director and CEO of Komatsu Europe. Those improvements have made dozers so responsive that some contractors prefer them to motor graders, he said.

A major Intelligent Machine technology initiative was introduced in 2008, followed by an update in 2011 and the latest product, released this year.

More than 1.7 million hours of the intelligent technology has now been logged. It is in use on 2,500 machines.

“We are gaining confidence,” Morishita said.

The D85EX/PX-18 uses an electronic control powertrain system that significantly improves operations and productivity. Powerful turns under various work conditions are achieved thanks to the Hydrostatic Steering System (HSS). Counter-rotation is available while in neutral for a minimum turning radius and excellent manoeuvrability.

The D85EX-18 is equipped with the SIGMADOZER blade, which gives the machine a high blade capacity and dramatically improves dozing performance. The blade features a frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling material at the centre of the blade. Soil-holding capacity is increased and digging resistance reduced for a smoother flow of material. Larger amounts of soil can be dozed with less power.
All videos

For more information on companies in this article

Komatsu

Related Content

  • New milling technology from leading players
    February 9, 2018
    Two major manufacturers, Caterpillar and Wirtgen, are introducing new milling machines. Both firms say that these new, high-production units will offer increased output compared with earlier generation equipment. From Caterpillar come the new PM820, PM822 and PM825 machines, which are half-lane milling machines able to handle full-depth removal of asphalt and concrete pavements in a single pass. The firm claims that these units are highly productive and highly manoeuvrable. In operation the machines weig
    Read More
  • Software tools aid construction, reduce costs
    February 28, 2012
    Integrated construction software offers an effective planning solution - *Mark Nichols writes. In a world where resources are limited, 20 year designing and building in a sustainable way is more critical than ever. By employing today's software tools it is possible to reduce the total cost of construction of a new highway, while reducing operating costs and environmental impacts. The path to achieving the greatest gains is to take a holistic approach to the plan, design, construct and operate process from t
    Read More
  • Latest innovations in GPS and machine control
    February 22, 2012
    Modern satellite technology is making life easier for everyone on the construction site and in the office. Most major equipment manufacturers are now integrating GPS machine control systems into the design of excavators, bulldozers, pavers, and motor graders. For stake-less work it is a major component for automatic grading, surveying, and excavating systems, with contractors and construction companies using GPS machine control systems to improve operations.
    Read More
  • MTVs help transfer material efficiently
    June 20, 2016
    Mention the letters MTV and most people will think you’re referring to Music Television, the firm that revolutionised the music video. But in the road construction sector the letters have another meaning: Material Transfer Vehicle. Roadtec pioneered the MTV concept with its Shuttle Buggy, which it introduced in 1989. The concept was a novel one, providing a transition between the truck hauling the asphalt to the site and the asphalt paver. The idea of the machine was that it would provide a buffer system
    Read More

Highlighted Content