Komatsu America Corp.’s WA320PZ-6 wheel loader offers improved visibility and increased loading power and performance for the construction, utility, government, sewer , waste and agricultural markets. Replacing the WA320PT-5, this new machine includes significant technological enhancements for greater performance, operator comfort and efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
The WA320PZ-6, with an operating weight of 32,480 to 33,900 lbs. (14,733 to 15,377 kg) and a heaped bucket capacity of 3.25 to 3.5 cu. yd. (2.5 to 2.7 cu m), gets its power and productivity from a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. This engine, with a net horsepower of 167 hp (125 kW), is EPA Tier III emissions certified and provides high productivity with low fuel consumption and low noise.
The WA320PZ-6 is equipped with the latest Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure Web site utilizing wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location and maintenance alerts are relayed to the Web application for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.
Special features of the new WA320PZ-6 include:
• New Parallel Linkage Design
The WA320PZ-6 offers a new parallel linkage design, which improves visibility for operations such as loading pallets and other materials onto forks. The WA320PZ-6 also provides parallel movement with large tilt force for both bucket and fork applications.
• Increased Power and Performance With Hydrostatic Transmission System
The WA320PZ-6 incorporates Komatsu’s hydrostatic transmission system (HST), which allocates only as much power as is needed for a given application. The engine power is transmitted hydraulically to a transfer case, then mechanically out to the differentials and to the four driving wheels, making the WA320PZ-6 a very powerful yet efficient machine that responds quickly and smoothly to varying job conditions, according to the manufacturer.
By adjusting automatically to the tractive effort demands of the work at hand, Komatsu’s HST provides for quick travel response and aggressive drive into the pile. The full auto-shifting feature eliminates gear shifting and the kick-down switch gives the operator the ability to concentrate on digging and loading operations for faster cycle times and increased productivity.
• Variable Traction Control With “S-Mode”
The tractive effort of the machine — when traveling at low speeds — can be reduced by using the traction control switch to control tire slippage. This is especially beneficial on surfaces such as wet concrete or soft ground where tires are more likely to slip. The traction control system, which extends the life-cycle of tires and improves work efficiency, eliminates excessive bucket penetration and tire slippage during operations such as stockpile loading. By controlling the engine speed and HST motor when traveling at a low speed, the new “S-mode” control provides optimum driving force for operations on slippery road surfaces, including snow removal or working on snow-covered surfaces.
• Maximum Breakout Force, Dumping Clearance and Reach
The WA320PZ-6 also has a breakout force of 31,810 lbs. (14,429 kg) and high static tipping loads — 24,228 lbs. (11,000 kg) straight and 21,320 lbs. (9,671 kg) at a 40-degree full turn — to provide power and stability during the toughest operations. The long lift arms provide high dumping clearances and maximum dumping reach so the operator can easily “level” or “even” loads on the body of a dump truck.
• Improved Operator Comfort
Komatsu’s operator-friendly cab has increased backwards seat slide adjustment and more interior room. The pressurized cab reduces noise levels to a low 70 dBA and keeps dust and other particles from the cab’s interior. The rear-hinged cab doors and sloped staircase-type steps with large diameter handrails allow for easy entrance and exit while the wide pillarless glass windshield provides maximum visibility. The viscous damping mount system helps minimize noise, as well as shock and vibration in rough working conditions. For optimum comfort, the WA320PZ-6 features a low effort, multi-function mono lever pressure proportional control (PPC) hydraulic system with a forward, neutral and reverse control switch for smooth and easy directional changes. There also is a max traction switch on the mono lever to cut turn traction control on and off easily with the push of a button.
• Easy Maintenance and Serviceability
The WA320PZ-6 allows for easy maintenance, which reduces costly downtime. The large gull-wing type doors open widely and easily (with the assistance of a gas spring) allowing the operator or technician to perform daily service checks from the ground. The engine fan is hydraulically driven and if the machine is operating in adverse conditions the operator can reverse the hydraulic cooling fan (to blow out debris) from inside the cab by simply pressing a button on the control panel, or, the fan can be preset to automatically activate at given intervals.
The wheel loader is equipped with the Komatsu equipment management monitoring system (EMMS), which monitors all critical systems, alerting and guiding the operator should an abnormality occur. Komatsu’s EMMS can prevent a small problem from becoming a major service issue. The controller monitors key engine features such as oil pressure, coolant temperature, air cleaner clogging, etc. If the controller finds abnormalities, the error is displayed on the LCD. The EMMS also stores abnormalities and error codes for troubleshooting assistance so that mechanics can minimize diagnostic and repair time.
• Increased Durability and Reliability
The wet multi-disc brakes and fully hydraulic braking system, combined with dynamic braking, lower maintenance costs and provide higher reliability. The dynamic braking function means wet disc brakes aren’t used as often, increasing overall brake disc life. The wet disc brakes are fully sealed keeping contaminants out, reducing wear and subsequent maintenance. This also means no air system to bleed and no condensation of water that can lead to corrosion and freezing.
Electronic components such as controllers, connectors, sensors and wiring have undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability in the harshest of conditions. The DT-type electronic connectors seal against dirt and moisture. Flat face-to-face O-ring seals are used to securely seal hydraulic hose connections and all hydraulic cylinders are protected by metal guard rings for additional reliability.
For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.
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