Komatsu Boosts WA475-10 Wheel Loader’s Fuel Economy By As Much As 30%

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A look at a Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loader loading a Komatsu HM400 truck. (Image courtesy of Komatsu.)

Greater machine productivity sometimes comes at the cost of higher fuel bills, but Komatsu spent years designing its latest wheel loader, the WA475-10, to provide customers the best of both worlds. Komatsu indicates that the WA475-10’s engine produces 22 more horsepower (291 hp total; 217 kilowatts) than the company’s WA470-8, while delivering up to a 30% increase in fuel efficiency. The latter is thanks to Komatsu’s KHMT (Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission) technology, a first on Komatsu wheel loaders.

Productivity Enhancements

Ideal for quarry, waste, infrastructure, forestry, and non-residential construction applications, Komatsu says the new wheel loader increases boom lift force by 20% and breakout force by 8% over the WA470-8. The new bucket design is also said to improve pile penetration, making it easier to fill while improving material retention in load-and-carry applications. Komatsu equip the WA475-10 with a Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine that meets the EPA Tier 4 Final standard. The use of KHMT technology also provides dynamic braking to reduce brake wear.

Easier Operation

Komatsu designed the WA475-10 with Independent Work Equipment Control technology that the manufacturer says simplifies operation and reduces fuel consumption by “separating the accelerator pedal from the speed of the work equipment.” Komatsu also provides an auto hill holding function, which enables the WA475-10 to remain stationary on a slope without using the brakes. Even if the operator doesn’t apply the brake pedal, the machine won’t roll back during uphill tasks, reducing brake wear.

Source: Komatsu