The new Komatsu 931XC is a Harvesting Powerhouse featuring a unique double Komatsu Comfort Bogie 8WD system designed to tackle steep, rough and soft terrain.
Komatsu America Corp., a leading global heavy equipment manufacturer, announced the new 931XC (Xtreme Conditions) 8WD harvester. This new 8WD harvesting powerhouse delivers superior performance, productivity, operator comfort and convenience, and serviceability in steep, rough or soft terrain harvesting environments, according to the manufacturer.
The Komatsu 931XC has all the features found in Komatsu's 931-6WD harvester platform, including the 3PS three-pump hydraulic system, best-in-class ergonomic cab, 4-way cab/crane leveling, and 360 degree cab/crane rotation.
Unique Komatsu 8WD System
What sets the Komatsu 931XC apart from other 8WD harvesters is the drive system. The 931XC system starts with Komatsu's ± 40 degree articulated frame joint, rear swing axle with ± 16 degree left/right oscillation, and the high oscillation Komatsu Comfort Bogie front axle.
This trademark Komatsu Comfort Bogie axle is then added to the rear swing axle to provide excellent uphill/downhill and left/right oscillation. This "double Comfort Bogie" drive system gives the 931XC increased handling characteristics as the machine follows the terrain more closely than competitors' 8WD machines that have a fixed rear-axle design. This new 8WD system also generates 11 percent more tractive effort.
This new 8WD system dramatically reduces rear ground pressure: 54 percent lower psi with tracks and 23 percent lower psi with tires when compared to the 931-6WD model. Combining this 8WD system with increased ground clearance and 14 percent more crane slewing torque, the 931XC becomes an 8WD harvesting powerhouse capable of taking on challenging steep, rough or soft terrain.
Performance & Productivity
The 931XC shares all the same features as the Komatsu 901, 911, 931 and 951 harvesters. This includes Komatsu's i3PS three-pump hydraulic system, which provides higher hydraulic working flow at low engine speeds than other systems, for greater productivity and lower fuel consumption. One hydraulic pump and circuit is dedicated solely to the transmission for maneuvering the machine. The other two pumps are for the hydraulic working flow and are split into two circuits that can be operated separately or together, at different pressures, depending on the working function and oil requirements. This allows the operator to simultaneously slew, feed and maneuver for increased productivity. These hydraulic system interactions are all automatically controlled by Komatsu's MaxiXplorer control and information system.
Productivity and operator comfort is further enhanced by Komatsu's standard 360 degree cab/crane rotation and 4-way cab/crane leveling systems. The powerful 230H parallel crane is fast and easy to operate. In combination, these features maximize the size of the working area, enable harvesting more trees per stop, and keep the operator level, with a clear and unobstructed view to the harvesting head at all times.
The powerful, 251 net hp, EPA Tier IV Final certified engine features high torque backup, high capacity cooling systems, low noise level and reduced fuel consumption. A system that heats the batteries, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), engine coolant and hydraulic oil, to facilitate cold-weather starting is standard.
A wide range of Komatsu harvesting heads are available to meet specific application needs. The 931XC is ideally suited for the rugged Komatsu C144 "carry-style" head, which has four powerful motors and four heavy-duty driven feed rollers.
Operator Comfort & Convenience
The cab provides the operator with excellent upward and downward, front line-of-sight visibility. Sixteen powerful LED working lights provide excellent illumination, for improved productivity in low light conditions.
An air suspension, air-vented seat, fully adjustable ergonomic armrests and hand controls, and an automatic, 4-season climate control system, keep the operator comfortable in all working conditions. The spacious cab has multiple covered and open storage areas, including separate heating/cooling boxes for food and beverages
A deluxe, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo system, with USB, Bluetooth and handsfree microphone is standard. The optional MediaZone media hub provides the operator with an audio/media system. The state-of-the-art MaxiXplorer control and information system has many advanced software options, for improved productivity and reporting.
Serviceability
All daily maintenance checks and fills can be performed at ground level or from inside the cab. The sleek and highly functional new machine design includes a one-piece hood that opens rearward to fully expose the entire engine compartment for easy service access. Well-placed front, rear, cab and hydraulic tank service platforms further facilitate machine serviceability. All filters are vertically mounted to ease replacement and minimize the potential for spills.
For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com
This story also appears on Forestry Equipment Guide.
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