With increased loading power and performance for the construction, utility, government, sewer, waste and agricultural markets, the Komatsu WA150-6 wheel loader includes significant technological enhancements over the Dash 5 model to deliver greater performance, operator comfort and efficiency.
The WA150-6, with an operating weight of 17,271 to 17,461 lbs. (7,834 to 7,920 kg) and a heaped bucket capacity of 1.7 to 2.2 cu. yd. (1.3 to 1.7 cu m) gets its power and productivity from a Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 engine. This engine has a net horsepower of 98 hp (73 kW), is EPA Tier III emissions certified and provides high productivity with low fuel consumption and low noise.
The WA150-6 is equipped with Komtrax technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure Web site utilizing wireless technology. Data such as fuel consumed, operating hours, working 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.
Increased Power and Performance With Hydrostatic Transmission
The WA150-6 incorporates Komatsu’s Hydrostatic Transmission (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 WA150-6 a 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.
Komatsu’s hydrostatic transmission also provides the loader with dynamic braking. When the loader decelerates, the HST system acts as a dynamic brake causing the loader to slow down without using the wet disc brakes. Dynamic braking also can hold the loader on most workable slopes.
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 for surfaces such as wet concrete or soft ground where tires are more likely to slip.
The traction control system eliminates excessive bucket penetration and tire slippage during operations such as stockpile loading, extending the life-cycle of tires and improving work efficiency. A new “S-mode” control provides optimum driving force for operations on slippery road surfaces, including snow removal or working on snow-covered surfaces. The S-Mode works by controlling the engine speed and HST motor when traveling at a low speed to reduce wheel spin, making the operator more productive.
Maximum Breakout Force, Dumping Clearance and Reach
The WA150-6 has a breakout force of 16,310 lbs. (7,398 kg) and high static tipping loads (14,873 lbs. [6,746 kg] straight and 12,939 lbs. [5,869 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 designed an operator-friendly cab with increased backwards seat slide adjustment and more interior room. The pressurized cab reduces noise levels to a low 72 dB(A) 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 and a wide pillar-less glass windshield provides for maximum visibility. The viscous damping mount system helps to minimize noise, shock and vibration in rough working conditions.
For optimum comfort, the WA150-6 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 traction control on and off easily with the push of a button.
Easy Maintenance and Serviceability
The WA150-6 allows for easy maintenance in order to reduce costly downtime. The large gull-wing type doors open wide 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 often prevents a small problem from becoming a major service issue, contributing to a reduced cost of operation. 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 in the dash.
The EMMS also stores abnormalities and error codes for troubleshooting assistance to mechanics which minimizes diagnosis and repair time.
Increased Durability and Reliability
The wet multi-disc brakes and fully hydraulic braking system, combined with dynamic braking, mean lower maintenance costs and higher reliability. The dynamic braking function means the wet disc brakes are used less often, increasing overall brake disc life. The wet disc brakes are fully sealed keeping contaminants out and 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, according to the manufacturer. The electronic connectors are DT-type and 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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