The new D375A-6, is powered by Komatsu’s Tier 3-compliant turbocharged and aftercooled SAA6D170E-5 engine rated at 455 kW (Net), a 64 kW or 16.37% increase in engine power compared with the previous Komatsu D375A-5 dozer making the -6 the most powerful machine in it’s class.
The fuel-efficient engine ensures superior performance in both ripping and dozing work, according to Michael Hall, Komatsu Australia’s National Product Manager Mining.
"Increased engine power and reduced fuel consumption is just one feature that is unique to Komatsu and when coupled with Komatsu’s automatic gearshift transmission and lockup torque converter the results are groundbreaking," he said.
"Komatsu’s automatic transmission selects the optimal gear range depending on the working conditions and load on the machine, ensuring the machine is always operating at maximum efficiency.
"These performance, productivity and efficiency benefits are achieved through Komatsu’s philosophy of integrated design, which ensures that all components, powertrain, frame, hydraulics, electronics are designed to work together," said Michael.
Ripping performance is further enhanced through Komatsu’s electronic powertrain control system, which results in a highly efficient drawbar pull, putting more power to the ground where it counts.
In dozing operations, the new Fully Universal (Full-U), and Semi Universal (Semi-U) blades allow for increased production without increasing blade width or reducing digging force. The newly designed sectional shape increases load hauling capacity during dozing operation.
"Overall dozing capability has significantly increased compared with the previous model, without compromising machine balance or operating cost," Michael said.
"The increased engine output, higher operating weight and Komatsu’s new optimised blade profile delivers outstanding production and performance.
"Komatsu production figures indicate that overall productivity of the D375A-6 is up 9% compared with the previous model, while fuel consumption, despite having a higher-horsepower engine, has reduced by more than 3%.
"That translates into more cubic metres of material moved or ripped per litre of fuel, a significant saving for mine operators, contractors and quarries alike," said Michael.
Also new on the D375A-6 is a package of "standard mine" specification options, ensuring the dozer can be delivered directly from factory to minesite in a "mine-ready" configuration.
These include:
» Right- and left-hand access platforms with handrails, toerails, access lights and work lights, giving safe, secure access for operators and maintenance crews to the side and rear of the machine, including checking and refilling fuel and hydraulic tanks, cleaning of cab windows, and checking cab mounted lights
» High mounted HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights for safer working at night
» A battery and starter isolator box
» Centralised grease points
» Manual engine stop switches
» Engine bay maintenance light
» And many more extras ex factory.
"This option saves considerable time and expense, and ensures that mine specification requirements are manufactured and installed to Komatsu’s exacting production standards prior to being shipped to Australia, and comply to ISO engineering standards".
"These initiatives eliminate the need to undergo significant modification and fabrication, to meet the high standard mine-specifications required in the Australian market,when a machine is delivered to Australia.," he said.
"Again, this is aimed at ensuring we develop and deliver machines to our customers that best meet their production, performance and safety requirements in a cost-effective manner."
"The bottom line for owners and operators of this new dozer is a significantly improved cost-per-tonne performance" he said.
Features such as:
» Increased engine power
» Field proven lockup torque converter and automatic transmission, state-of-the-art electronic control technology
» New blade design, ncreased capacity
» Easy to read multi monitor
» Improved operator control, Komatsu hydraulic control system (CLSS)
combine to make the D375A-6 the best bulldozer in its class.