Intelligent dozer from Komatsu

Komatsu Europe International is launching the D65EXi/PXi-18 dozer equipped with the company’s intelligent machine control on the European market at Intermat in Paris.

The company said that two other dozer models would follow during the year

Based on the recently released Komatsu D65-18, the new D65EXi/PXi-18 is an EU Stage IV emissions certified dozer and is said to offer an increase in productivity.

Komatsu said it could perform finish grading in auto mode, which was already possible with conventional machine control, but added that its fully automatic blade control could also handle rough dozing.

The D65EXi/PXi-18 has operating weights that range from 20,500kg to 24,900kg and its Komatsu SAA6D114E-6 engine puts out a net 162kW.

A standard model (EX) with the Komatsu patented Sigmadozer, and a low ground pressure machine (PX) with a straight tilt or INPAT blade, are said to offer options for flotation and weight distribution.

Komatsu said that on the D65EXi/PXi-18, the add-on components for the machine control system that might typically be mounted on the blade were now replaced with a factory-installed cab top GNSS antenna, an enhanced inertial measuring unit (IMU+), and with stroke sensing hydraulic cylinders.

Komatsu said that while high-precision finish grading could be achieved by crawler dozers equipped with a conventional control system, the D65EXi/PXi-18 also performed rough dozing in automatic mode thanks to its fully automatic blade load control.

When rough dozing, the blade load is automatically monitored and blade elevation adjusted for high-efficiency dozing with minimal track slip. As work progresses, the automatic blade control further adjusts to provide finish grade performance with high-level precision.

Komatsu claimed this innovation represented “a significant increase in efficiency” compared to conventional add-on machine control systems.

The D65EXi/PXi-18 is equipped with the latest Komtrax remote monitoring technology with data access via the web or via Komtrax Mobile on a smart phone. In addition to providing data such as fuel levels, operating hours, location, cautions and maintenance alerts, Komtrax has been enhanced to monitor AdBlue levels, KDPF regeneration and fuel theft. A new Auto Idle Shutdown function helps improve operating costs by reducing unnecessary idle time.

All Komatsu EU Stage IV machines come with Komatsu Care, a complimentary maintenance programme for Komatsu customers. For the first three years or 2,000 hours, it covers factory-scheduled maintenance, performed by Komatsu-trained technicians with Komatsu Genuine parts.

Two larger dozer models – a D85i and D155i – will be introduced this year.