Komatsu Launches New High-Horsepower Mining Truck In North America

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Komatsu’s new HD785-8 off-highway, rigid-frame haul truck for the North American mining market has a whopping 1,140 net horsepower. (Photo courtesy of Komatsu.)

Komatsu’s new HD785-8 off-highway truck for the North American market is relatively spry, boasting a 12-cylinder engine capable of 1,140 net horsepower (850 kilowatts) and a tight turning radius of just 33 feet, 2 inches (10 meters). With a payload capacity of 101.6 tons (92.2 metric tons) and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 183 tons (166 metric tons), the truck is aimed at mining, quarry, and aggregates applications.

“The HD785-8 has excellent travel performance on grade, and wet multiple disc brakes on all four wheels provide great downhill brake retarding performance,” says Komatsu America Product Marketing Manager Robert Hussey. “The HD785-8 delivers fast acceleration out of the pit and the new cab keeps operators comfortable during long shifts, resulting in high production per hour.”

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A new heated, ventilated, air suspension seat graces the climate-controlled cab of the HD785-8, along with camera systems with dedicated monitors. (Photo courtesy of Komatsu.)

Rolling Stock

As big and powerful as the new truck’s 30-liter Komatsu engine is, it still adheres to Tier 4 Final emissions standards. The motor makes use of Komatsu’s twin DPFs (diesel particulate filters) to do so. Notably, the big engine does not require DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and does not use SCR (selective catalytic reduction), which Komatsu says simplifies maintenance requirements. Fuel economy is further extended with an Auto Idle Shutdown feature.

Between the engine and the wheels is a seven-speed, fully automatic K-ATOMiCS (Komatsu Advanced Transmission with Optimum Modulation Control System). The transmission features two selectable reverse speeds as well as a skip shift function. Its clutch engages smoothly, Komatsu says, to minimize spillage of materials in the dump body and to improve user comfort. The K-ATOMiCS transmission helps the big truck reach a maximum travel speed of 40.4 mph (65 km/h).

On downhill slopes, the HD785-8’s ARSC (Automatic Retard Speed Control) system acts as an unconventional cruise control, maintaining a user-specified travel speed but without relying on engine braking. KTCS, the Komatsu Traction Control System, comes as a standard feature. All four wheels rely on oil-cooled, multi-disc brakes.

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The new HD785-8 has a tight turning radius of just 33 feet, 2 inches and a payload capacity of 101.6 tons. (Photo courtesy of Komatsu.)

Eyes On Site

Inside the pressurized cab, which boasts automatic climate control, there’s a new air suspension operator seat that is heated and ventilated. Komatsu has improved the truck’s trainer seat, as well.

The KomVision camera system provides the driver with a bird’s-eye view of the job site. Its dedicated monitor is separate from the display showing the rearward view. Yet another display, a 7-inch color LCD, acts as a machine monitor. LED lighting and heated rearview mirrors help the operator keep an eye on what’s happening outside the cab.

Configuration Options

The Komatsu HD785-8 is equipped with various additional features for ease of maintenance and transport. Available options include a 78.5-cubic-yard (60-cubic-meter) dump body, rock body steel liners, and heating systems for cold-weather usage.

Source: Komatsu

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