Komatsu America International Company has introduced the latest addition to its small-sized wheel loader line. The Komatsu 250-3 Avance Plus wheel loader, available in May 2000, includes several upgrades for greater performance, operator comfort and serviceability.

“The WA250-3 Avance Plus has improvements that make it bigger, better and tougher for the farm, landscape, home construction and utility markets,” said Steve Moore, Komatsu wheel loader product manager.

The Avance concept was founded in Komatsu’s excavators and has continued throughout its other product lines. The Plus series includes a number of improvements to not only enhance its features and benefits, but also to improve overall quality in a small-size wheel loader.

Operator-Friendly Cab

“As with other Avance Plus machines, Komatsu kept the operator in mind when re-designing the WA250-3 cab to minimize fatigue and simplify operation,” Moore said.

Cab improvements include 180-degree swing-back doors for easier entrance and exit. Additionally, the operator has the option of working with the doors open. An optional air ride seat is available and the noise level is reduced to 75 dba. Pilot hydraulic controls also contribute to simplifying operation and minimizing operator fatigue.

Power and Performance

For greater performance, Komatsu has increased the horsepower of the WA250-3 from 95 to 98 kilowatts (127 to 131 hp). Bucket size is up from 2.5 to 2.7 meters (2.75 to 3 yd.) for bigger loads.

The standard automatic four-speed transmission reduces operator fatigue that can result from constant shifting. The four forward and four reverse speeds of the electronically controlled automatic transmission permit travel speeds up to 38 kilometers per hour (23.5 mph), which significantly decreases cycle time in load and carry operations and speed transportation.

A high-lift boom is optional for more efficient dumping into trucks without waste.

Optimal braking is afforded through the wet disc service and parking brake. The fully sealed brake, isolated from contaminates, ensures reliable braking in the worst conditions. The brake actuation system is fully hydraulic for trouble-free, long-life service.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD), which provides increased traction in wet or sandy terrain, is offered as an option.

Serviceability

Several features are added to the Avance Plus wheel loader for easy maintenance and serviceability to further minimize downtime.

The units have:

• Large service doors for easy access to the engine compartment

• Ground level greasing

• Batteries located in the counterweight for ground level access

• Swing up rear grill for easy cleaning of the radiator.

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