Komatsu America Corp.’s 118,385 lb. (53,698 kg) WA600-6 wheel loader is designed primarily for quarry, sand and gravel, industrial and smaller mining applications.
The WA600-6 is powered by a Komatsu Tier III, SAA6D170E-5 six-cylinder engine, producing 502 hp (374 kW) at 1,800 RPM. Komatsu’s Tier III engine is equipped with new technologies, including an electronic control system to optimize vehicle performance, a heavy-duty high pressure common rail fuel injection system, a new combustion system for reduced noise and fuel consumption, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system and an air-to-air charge air-cooling system. The WA600-6’s engine comes standard with dual-mode engine power: an economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency, and a power mode for maximum productivity.
The WA600-6 boasts a breakout force of 87,230 lbs. (39,567 kg), a straight static tipping load of 80,645 lbs. (36,580 kg) and a 40-degree tipping load of 67,210 lbs. (30,486 kg).
For maximum bucket control during both single and simultaneous bucket movements and improved fuel consumption, the machine is equipped with variable displacement piston pumps and closed load sensing system (CLSS). Its standard 8.4 cu. yds. (6.4 cu m) bucket is ideally suited to loading 50- to 65-ton (45 to 59 t) haul trucks such as Komatsu’s HD465-7 and HD605-7.
Designed for Operator Comfort
Inside its large cab, automatic joy stick steering (AJSS) is standard and allows for easier and more accurate control, as well as an electronically controlled, five-mode heater and defroster, air conditioning and an air ride suspension-type, reclining seat. The cab has a built-in ROPS/FOPS structure to protect the operator.
The layout of the cab also has been improved for easy access to levers, and the large armrests provide added comfort. The cab is equipped with electronic pilot control (EPC) levers, which make it easy for the operator to work all day without fatigue and to perform functions with minimal lever stroke, according to the manufacturer.
The ergonomically designed operator cabin provides the operator with more room to allow for increased seat travel to more comfortably accommodate all operators.
Operator fatigue also is reduced with rubber and silicone viscous damping mounts that reduce cab vibration and noise levels. Komatsu designed the cab windows for maximum visibility, while the large-size flat glass contributes to noise reduction inside the cab.
Power and Productivity
During load and carry applications, a new, large capacity torque converter with lock-up transmission provides increased productivity, faster cycle times and improved fuel consumption. With a 3-element, single stage, double-phase torque converter and a full-powershift, planetary type transmission, travel speeds have increased over the previous model, with a forward top-speed of 23.4 mph and a reverse top-speed of 23.0 mph. The WA600-6’s modulated clutch system controls the tractive effort from 100 percent to 20 percent of the T/C converter output. It offers adjustable travel speed and traction control settings for multiple applications.
Also, the WA600-6’s hydraulic cycle times with a rated load in the bucket are exceptionally quick — enabling faster cycle times. It takes only 9.3 seconds to raise a loaded bucket; 2.3 seconds to dump it; and 4.1 seconds to lower an empty bucket. A hydraulically driven, reversible cooling fan uses only the required power to provide the necessary cooling needed for a particular application.
The WA600-6 is outfitted with a new fully hydraulic braking system, including a wet-disc parking brake. The brakes are completely sealed keeping out contaminants and reducing wear and maintenance.
Equipment Monitoring Features
The WA600-6 includes Komatsu’s equipment management monitoring system (EMMS), which displays 28 different machine functions including fluid/filter change intervals and trouble-shooting memory display functions such as engine oil levels and coolant temperature. The WA600-6 is equipped with Komatsu’s vehicle health monitoring system (VHMS). VHMS provides the means to monitor the health of major components on large machines, enabling the remote evaluation of the machine’s condition and operations. This system has been designed to reduce repair costs and maintain optimal machine availability by helping to prevent unscheduled downtime. The VHMS system enables downloaded machine data to be transmitted via the Internet and reviewed by Komatsu and Distributor service personnel.
For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.
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