Komatsu

Komatsu Australia continues to play an important role in supporting our young people with jobseekers battling the fallout from the global financial crisis as new figures reveal a surge in youth unemployment. Youth unemployment rate for 15-to-19 year-olds in March 2010 was 16.8 per cent, more than triple the 5.3 per cent national rate. more

Komatsu Australia has announced that all its current range of Dash 8 excavators – from the 8 tonne PC78UU-8 to the 45 tonne PC450LC-8 – now include factory-fitted ROPS complying with the recently released international standard ISO 12117-2: 2008. more

For many years, excavators – unlike most other items of earthmoving and construction equipment – have been exempted from the requirement to have a ROPS (roll over protection structure), for a number of reasons. more

Misconceptions and misinformation abound in the equipment maintenance business as to the correct use of appropriate standards to measure particle contamination in fluids. Komatsu Australia’s John Hardy and Satchoo Padayachee explain. more

It was a bittersweet end to Race 15 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, with the sweet being Jamie Whincup's first placing from pole position, whilst team-mate Craig Lowndes suffered a lap one incident that robbed him ten laps and any chance of a solid championship point's accumulation. more

Queensland’s Maranoa Regional Council – based around Roma nearly 500 km west of Brisbane – has recently purchased two new Komatsu machines, following its successful use of seven other Komatsu machines in both its quarrying operations and throughout the region on general construction and maintenance works. more

Two new Komatsu machines, a WB97S-5E0 backhoe and a WA320PZ-6 toolcarrier loader, were delivered to Quilpie Shire Council, based in south-western Queensland, just in time to help clean up after once-in-a-century floods in late February and early March. more

A combination of proven performance, reliability, efficiency and operator comfort ensure recycling materials specialist Alex Fraser Group keeps purchasing Komatsu equipment for its operations in Melbourne and Brisbane. more

Veolia Environmental Services has recently taken delivery of a Komatsu low-hour D375A-5 dozer supplied through Komatsu Australia’s Used Equipment division, for handling waste at the company’s Woodlawn Bioreactor. more

Since switching to three Komatsu WA600-6 loaders to feed a crushing plant at the Kalgoorlie Super Pit, WA-based Crushing Services International is improved service, lower operating costs, better fuel consumption, less downtime and reduced tyre turnover. more

Komatsu has enhanced its already extensive offering of Technical Training programs with the introduction of the Komatsu Total Technical Picture (KTTP). more

Komatsu Australia’s team on the Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) project – otherwise known as the Super Pit – has recently won a continuous improvement award for the development of a much safer and faster pin-lock system for bucket changeout on the four PC8000 excavators used at the mine. more

Despite the volcanic ash travel crisis, which severely disrupted airline travel throughout Europe before and during Bauma 2010 in late April, the show remained a busy and vibrant event, with Komatsu’s stand being one of the largest at the exhibition. more

  Komatsu Australia has announced the launch of Premium Used Equipment, offering customers access to high-quality used equipment, backed with a 12 months / 2000 hour powertrain warranty. more

Komatsu Australia has released the PC228US-8 zero swing excavator – a 23 tonne machine, which is the first in the Komatsu excavator range with a ROPS cabin and certification label factory installed. more

29 April 2010: Komatsu Australia Pty Ltd today announced it had consolidated its telecommunications services with Telstra including the migration to a new Managed ICT “Infrastructure as a Service” (Cloud Services) to support the company’s growing construction and mining equipment business. more

- World-first partnership - Affordable OE hydraulic hoses - Significant benefits for customers more

It was an all-Holden dias today with TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup topping the podium again to wrap up an eventful final day of racing at the ITM Hamilton 400. more

Treescape, New Zealand’s leading aboriculture company – and which has recently expanded its operations into Australia – has remained a committed customer of Komatsu since purchasing its first machines over 15 years ago. more

Safety features, operator comfort and working efficiency, combined with the KOMTRAX remote monitoring system as a management tool were behind Sydney-based Ku-ring-Gai Council’s decision to purchase a Komatsu WB97R-5EO backhoe/loader. more

Komatsu has recently released the new 860E-1K electric drive rigid frame dump truck, featuring a payload capacity of 254 tonnes (280 US tons) and the option of a factory-installed trolley-assist feature to save fuel, reduce emissions and extend engine life. more

New Komatsu Vantage-series graders offer class-leading visibility, more power and non-stall transmission. Komatsu Australia has released its new Dash 5 Vantage series of graders – consisting of two models, the GD555-5 and the GD655-5 – featuring the best cab visibility of any grader on the market, increased engine power, and an upgraded version of its unique dual-mode transmission system. more

WA-based mining contractor Mining & Civil Australia (MACA) was formed in 2002, and has built its success in the resources sector around a large and reliable fleet of Komatsu equipment. more

TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup has completed a clean sweep of the season opening races in the Middle East, winning Race 4 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at the Bahrain International Circuit today. more

Leading Victorian pipeline contractor Jaydo Constructions Pty Ltd made the switch to Komatsu excavators about five years ago, and ever since has never regretted the change. more

A $90 million fleet of Komatsu mining equipment, delivered to Macarthur Coal’s Moorvale mine in central Queensland in late 2008, has helped the mine achieve record production levels as it bounces back from the effects of the Global Financial Crisis. more

Penrith City Council, based in the outer western suburbs of Sydney, has recently purchased a new Komatsu PC55MR-3 excavator – largely based on operator preference following an evaluation of eight similar machines. more

Mark Skaife, five time winner of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship and five times Bathurst 1000 winner, will pair with former teammate and TeamVodafone driver, Craig Lowndes, for the 2010 Enduro season making for one of the most experienced and successful combinations in the field. more

Six months after announcing TeamVodafone’s switch to Holden, V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and teammate Craig Lowndes today unveiled the team’s highly anticipated Commodore race cars. more

WA-based crushing contractor Rapid Crushing and Screening Contractors Pty Ltd has recently placed three “shrink-wrapped” Komatsu WA600-6 wheel loaders on Barrow Island off the coast of north Western Australia – site for one of Australia’s largest resource projects, and an extremely environmentally sensitive location. more

Gisborne region contractor Kerry Fogarty, of Kerry Fogarty Excavators, has been buying Komatsu excavators since 1985 – when the then-Komatsu sales rep bashed his way through the scrub and a swamp to sell a machine. more

The basic job of a dozer is to rip and push (doze) earth and other materials. more

The first ever Triple Eight Race Engineering built Commodore broke cover yesterday with TeamVodafone driver, Jamie Whincup completing a shakedown in the car at Queensland Raceway.  more

TeamVodafone has endured a tough final race of the 2009 V8 Supercar season with a series of on track incidents in the final leg of the Sydney 500 ending their hopes of consecutive Team Championship titles. more

Komatsu Australia has released the D375A-6 dozer, designed for mining, quarry and heavy construction applications, incorporating a number of technological advances which deliver lower costs per hour and higher productivity levels. more

Komatsu’s new apprenticeship training scheme devised and being tested in the Hunter Valley, in NSW, is set to become a benchmark after taking the runner up spot in the Federal Education Minister’s Awards for Excellence program. more

In issue 51 Down to Earth reported on the opening of the Komatsu Customer Support Centre (KCSC) and how this new centre will be pivotal to better servicing our customers into the future. more

TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup has extended his championship lead to 122 points after taking victory in Race 22 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Phillip Island International Raceway. more

TeamVodafone has endured another harrowing day of racing at the Nikon SuperGP with Jamie Whincup crashing heavily and failing to finish today’s opening 150km race while teammate Craig Lowndes was handed a drive through penalty after a first lap incident in the second leg. more

In May this year, Komatsu's Autonomous Haulage System (AHS), FrontRunner went into full-time operation at Rio Tinto’s West Angelas Mine’s East Pilbara operation, in Western Australia.  This is only the second deployment of the proprietary system following delivery of the first fleet to Codelco’s copper mines in Chile. more

Komatsu Australia has announced a Komatsu Credits package up to $10,000 and special Komatsu finance rate of 6.95% on its excavators applicable to models PC88MR-8 to PC450LC-8. This package is available in Australia for a limited time only, concluding December 31, 2009 and coincides with the Government’s 50% small business tax break.   more

Brisbane-based owner operator Anard Kamur finds his Komatsu WB97R-2 backhoe, which he purchased used in 2004, is still performing reliably and productively despite getting close to 10,000 hours on the clock, and will keep him going for a few more years yet. more

When Simon and Vicki Tymmons moved from Sydney to the far north coast of NSW for lifestyle reasons and to start a family, they spotted an opportunity to set up a plant hire company – and decided to standardise on Komatsu equipment. more

TeamVodafone endurance specialists Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup have wrapped up an intensive on-track testing program in preparation for next week’s L&H 500 at Phillip Island and are quietly confident of continuing their run of successful results. more

Elvin Group Pty Ltd, concrete pre-mix supplier in the ACT, has recently taken delivery of a WA200PT-6 wheel loader for handling and mixing materials at its Mitchell Concrete Batch Plant. more

Canberra-based contractor Huon Management Services has carved out a niche for itself carrying out challenging or difficult projects that many other contractors find unattractive. more

Komatsu New Zealand has opened a full-service branch for the Wellington region, offering sales, spare parts, service and customer support, at a dedicated facility in Lower Hutt. more

Komatsu Australia has released the PC88MR-8 excavator, an 8.4 tonne machine replacing its popular PC78MR-6, and incorporating Komatsu’s KOMTRAX remote monitoring system and an interim-Tier 4 low-emission engine. more

Sydney plumber Joe Hanna is very glad that the Komatsu PC18MR-3 mini excavator he purchased in September last year came with the KOMTRAX remote monitoring and location system as standard; when the machine was stolen in June, he knew exactly where it was within ten minutes of realising it was gone. more

TeamVodafone’s Craig Lowndes has finished third in the opening race of the Norton 360 Sandown Challenge today, and in doing so reduced the gap to third in the championship to 27 points. more

Queensland-based pipeline specialist Pipe and Civil Constructions is finding the KOMTRAX remote monitoring system on its latest Komatsu excavators is delivering major benefits in terms of ease of maintenance and on-site safety. more

TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup has extended his lead in the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series, finishing second in today’s twelfth race of the season in Townsville. more

Despite the well-publicised issues occurring as part the global financial crisis, including the reduced availability of finance, for some sources of finance for construction and earthmoving equipment, it is "business as usual". more

Komatsu Australia has established a new Apprentice Development System that is being piloted at its Hunter Valley Branches. "The new System builds on the extensive arrangements that Komatsu already has in place for developing apprentices" Komatsu’s General Manager Human Resources, Anthony Crowley said. more

Komatsu Australia has developed an Online Induction Program called "The Komatsu Challenge", which can be accessed by all employees. more

Nelson-based forest roading contractor Brian Stanaway purchased his first Komatsu machine in 20 years, a D85EX-15 fitted with U-blade and rippers in January 2008 for work in steep forest country around the Nelson region. more

TeamVodafone drivers Craig Lowndes & Jamie Whincup will be sporting a different look this weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin. more

Komatsu Australia opened its third Condition Monitoring Services (CMS) centre in Australia in early March. more

Komatsu has appointed Scott Grant as group general manager, customer support and business development, taking over from Chris Cassettari, who has been appointed Komatsu’s director of Corporate Services. more

For Immediate Release: 31/05/2009 TeamVodafone has maintained its successful start to the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series with Jamie Whincup winning Race 8 at Tasmania’s Symmons Plains Raceway today. more

Newcastle-based National Plant & Equipment, which offers a substantial dry hire fleet of heavy mining and earthmoving equipment around Australia, has recently purchased six new Komatsu HD785-7 dump trucks and a PC2000-8 backhoe excavator. more

Komatsu Australia has opened a customer service centre of excellence, based at its Fairfield premises, which will become the cornerstone of its product support and customer support operations. more

The Federal Government’s recently announced business tax breaks mean that purchases of earthmoving and construction equipment vital to rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure have become significantly more affordable, according to Sean Taylor, general manager construction of Komatsu Australia. more

  TeamVodafone has won its sixth consecutive round of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series with Craig Lowndes comfortably winning his second race of the weekend at Winton Motor Raceway today. more

Robin Barkley has been appointed as Komatsu New Zealand’s National Parts Manager, responsible for all parts for Komatsu products coming into NZ, then distributing them to the company’s eight branches and six Service Partners around the country. more

TeamVodafone’s V8 Supercars have again shown great pace with Craig Lowndes topping today’s qualifying session at the Australian Grand Prix while teammate Jamie Whincup was fastest in practice. more

Komatsu Australia has appointed Scott Berry as its Manager, Undercarriage Sales and Business Development. more

TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup has created history and become the first driver to win the Clipsal 500 event three times, storming to victory in the final 250km leg today while teammate Craig Lowndes finished fourth. more

TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes looked more than ready to take on the competition and defend the team’s outstanding 2008 results ahead of the much anticipated season opener, Adelaide’s Clipsal 500, during a pit-stop challenge with fans in Rundle Mall today. more

Modular Mining, a division of Komatsu Ltd, launched a range of new mine productivity systems at the international mining exhibition MINExpo 2008, held in Las Vegas in September. more

Defending V8 Supercar drivers’ and teams’ champions, TeamVodafone pulled the covers off their all-new 2009 racer and previewed a challenging season of competition at the Museum of Sydney today. more

Komatsu Australia has introduced a "Customer First" program, with the primary aim of ensuring the company is at all times able to respond more effectively to the needs of its customers. more

Komatsu Australia has taken on a role as a "Champion Business Sponsor" at Loganlea State High School in Brisbane, as part of its support for the Beacon Foundation and its national No Dole program. more

 Komatsu has released a new dozer undercarriage system, offering up to twice the life of conventional dozer undercarriage in high-wear applications, and eliminating the need for costly and inconvenient pin-and-bush turns. more

NSW based mining and civil contractor Pybar Mining Services has recently opted to use Komatsu Australia’s KOWA oil sampling service for more than 200 items of heavy equipment. more

Northern Territory’s Mousellis and sons, a family owned business established in 1975 by Themilis Mousellis, has a fleet of Komatsu machines working in Town Water work, sub-divisional work, civil and drainage work in the Darwin region. more

Tasmanian-based transport and industrial services group Lloyds North has made significant investments in Komatsu loaders and dozers as a result of the strong levels of service and support it gets from the company. more

Owner-operator Keith Hand in Auckland recently upgraded to a used low-hour Komatsu PC200-8 excavator – and is finding it gives him significant fuel savings and productivity advantages compared with his previous PC200-7 machine. more

The Federal Government announced yesterday a 30 percent tax deduction for eligible assets costing $1000 or more acquired from 13 December 2008 to 30 June 2009. more

Norwegian based newsprint and magazine paper manufacturer Norske Skog has recently taken delivery of two Komatsu WA380-6H wheel loaders for handling waste paper and loading bark in its Albury paper mill. more

Sam Hazlett, of Otago based D S Hazlett & Son Ltd – a company he started with his father in 1952 – purchased his first Komatsu excavator in 1982, and hasn’t bought any other brand since. more

Komatsu Australia recently had a highly successful presence at the biennial Logov Expo at Meakin Park, Logan City, Queensland in early October. more

Earthtrack Solutions received outstanding service from Komatsu Australia’s Victorian branch at Campbellfield, when it required the urgent delivery of hydraulically modified PC138US-8 excavators in order to start on a major rail project. more

In August 2008 President and CEO, Mr Kunio Noji announced that the newly released Komatsu D51 EX/PX-22 dozer won the Silver award of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA®) ‘08, which is the premier international competition honouring design excellence in products, eco-design, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research and concepts. more

Two of the newly released D51EX-22 dozers have been recently procured by Soil Conservation Service (SCS), to be used in conservation earthworks in New South Wales rural areas. more

In 2006, D2E reported on how Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd, Australia’s only manufacturer of soda ash, had entered into a "power-by-the-hour" contract with Komatsu Australia for the supply of a complete fleet of dump trucks, wheel loaders and excavators, plus a dozer, water trucks and grader, for its Angaston limestone quarry in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. Two years after the quarry made the decision to go with Komatsu, we caught up with Chris Andrews, Mine Production Manager at Angaston on how the application and performance of the Komatsu machines. more

The Triple Eight V8 Supercar TeamVodafone team – which includes sponsorship by Komatsu Australia has won the V8 Supercar Championship Series. more

Komatsu Australia has released a complete new range of five mini excavators, the MR-3 range, replacing its successful MR-2 range, with a host of features designed to reduce operating costs, improve production and increase safety. more

Vassallo Constructions in Mackay is a family-owned and operated company that has kept purchasing Komatsu due to the reliability and durability of the equipment, its fair dealings, and the quality and pricing of its latest equipment. more

Publicly listed WA based Global Construction Services Ltd, which has recently launched a specialist plant hire operation, GCS Hire, has chosen Komatsu utility equipment to form the basis of its initial earthmoving equipment fleet. more

Track Rentals, one of Australia’s newest and fastest-growing specialist plant hirers has built up a substantial fleet of Komatsu equipment since it began operating in early May this year. more

Komatsu Australia has recently delivered a new WA250PZ-6 wheel loader to Wodonga TAFE’s National Industrial Skills Centre – providing trainee operators with access to the latest state-of-the-art loader technology. more

A team from Komatsu Australia recently accompanied V8 Supercar superstars Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup and Steven Richards on a tour of mining centres in North Queensland – hosting the TeamVodafone and Ford Performance Racing Team for a week in August, when the drivers were on a six-week racing break during the Olympics. more

Komatsu Australia is proud to release a new line of quality and stylish merchandise covering clothing, sportswear, bags and accessories outlined in a new catalogue, Komatsu “the collection”. more

Paul Chenery, who is Komatsu Australia’s NSW Major Accounts Manager, Construction & Utility, is responsible for providing sales support to the company’s major account customers – covering the construction, quarrying and recycling industries throughout the state. more

One of the highlights of this year’s Institute of Quarrying (NZ)/Aggregate and Quarry Association (NZ) conference, held in early July in Auckland was a smorgasbord of music and musical theatre put on by Komatsu NZ at the Auckland Town Hall over the past 40 years – conceived as a tribute to the organisation’s 40th annual conference. more

Komatsu Australia has released two crawler track skidsteer loaders, the 3.82 tonne CK25-1 and the 4.33 tonne CK35-1, providing increased versatility and higher capacity compared with conventional and competitive skidsteers. more

Komatsu Australia has recently appointed Karl Pettengell as its National Komtrax Administrator, responsible for the day-to-day supervision and management of the growing numbers of machines operating under the Komtrax remote machine monitoring system throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. more

A major player in the east coast plant hire business, Maas Group, has set the standard by turning wholly to Komatsu excavators as a result of their performance, productivity, fuel efficiency and back up service. more

Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage, a Goulburn-based construction contractor and quarry operation, has been finding its recently purchased Komatsu HM300-2 articulated dump trucks are ideal in challenging haulage applications. more

Tweed Coast contractor Ian Tagget has been buying Komatsu equipment ever since he started business back in 1984. "I’ve bought Komatsu since day 1," he says. more

Rail maintenance contractor M & J Kuipers has a fleet of four Komatsu PC40MR-2 excavators, fitted with "High Rail" systems and specialist attachments for carrying out maintenance for Australian Rail Track Corporation. more

Brad Young, owner of BJ Young Earthmoving, based in Paraburdoo, Western Australia, has learnt that he can trust Komatsu equipment – and the service and support that comes with it – while working in the remote Pilbara and Kimberly regions. more

Sydney-based Chetcuti Plant Hire has standardised on Komatsu mini excavators – due to ease of use and better operator "feel" – for its rock wall and retaining wall business. more

Queensland’s Dalby Regional Council – located about 200km west of Brisbane – has recently taken delivery of a Komatsu WA480-6 loader and HM300-2 articulated dump truck for its Jimbour Quarry. more

Sunshine Coast Quarries, based near Kenilworth 50km west of Noosa, Queensland, has converted all buckets on the site to the Komatsu KVX ground engaging tool system after an outstandingly successful trial on its Komatsu PC600LC-7 60 tonne face excavator in 2004. more

Hanson Construction Materials Bass Point quarry, located just south of Wollongong, has had a long and highly successful relationship with Komatsu, in particular its WA500 series of loaders – with its latest WA500-6 loaders described by Hanson’s maintenance team leader as a "dream to work on". more

Harding’s Earthmoving, a family-owned and run civil construction company based in Uki on the NSW North Coast – and which has been using Komatsu equipment since it was formed in 1981 – has received a number of awards over the years recognising the high quality and standards of its work. more

Four brothers whose father founded one of New Zealand’s largest mining and civil contractors from the 1960s through to the 1990s – built largely around Komatsu equipment – have set up their own company, again based around Komatsu. more

One Komatsu Finance New Zealand customer who’s very happy with the service and support he receives is Andy MacDonald, owner of Christchurch-based Advanced Excavating (2007) Ltd, who finds it "fantastic to deal with". more

Komatsu Australia has released the smallest in its Dash 8 excavator range, the PC130-8, a 13 tonne machine that incorporates all the advanced features of much larger excavators in the Dash 8 range. more

Komatsu Australia has released the hydrostatic drive WA320PZ-6 loader, extending its PZ linkage system that combines the benefits of Z-bar and parallelogram linkages in a single loader. more

Komatsu has recently clocked up an impressive lost-time injury (LTI) free record at Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), where it operates four PC8000 shovels. more

Three Komatsu excavators fitted with Sandvik breakers and demolition attachments are playing a key role in the demolition of a 17 storey building in Brisbane’s CBD between June and the end of August. more

Komatsu has released the D51EX-22 dozer, a 13 tonne, 97 kW hydrostatic drive machine fitted as standard with a straight PAT (power/angle/tilt) blade and factory plumbed to take Topcon 2D and 3D machine control systems. more

Karratha-based San Remo Plant Hire – which has just changed its name to Karratha Plant Hire to better reflect its area of operations – has had a fleet of Komatsu excavators – including a PC200-6 which is coming up to 20,000 hours – working on the recently completed Burrup Peninsula LNG project. more

Operator choice, along with service and backup, were key reasons for Narrabri Shire Council, based in the Namoi Valley of northwestern NSW, to purchase a replacement fleet of four GD655-3 Series II graders. more

This is an edited version of an article by Fiona Thomson that originally appeared in the May 2008 edition of "The Dirt". KCGM’s quarterly newsletter for employees, contractors and the community. Komatsu has successfully applied its continuous improvement program to its on-site operations Kalgoorlie’s Superpit, operated by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), which include responsibility for availability and maintenance on the mine’s four PC8000 shovels, as Fiona Thomson reports. more

Victorian-based Mintern Civil – a family-owned business going back about 75 years – is using its fleet of five Komatsu PC30MR-2 excavators in a major water pipeline project that will deliver high-quality reliable water supplies to western Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region. more

CDE Capital, one of the Northern Territory’s leading employers of indigenous labour, has recently purchased a fleet of Komatsu for mining and construction projects across the Top End, from the north of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland. more

Operators with Main Roads Western Australia have been "wrapt" in the performance of their new Komatsu WB97R-5 backhoe, which was delivered in late January 2008. more

Mr Kunio Noji, Komatsu Ltd’s new President and CEO and Bill Pike, Komatsu Australia’s President recently launched the "Komatsu Way" program to the company’s Australian and NZ employees. more

Twenty five-year-old Jamie has been racing go-karts since he was seven, which he did as a "father/son thing" with his dad around tracks in Melbourne. more

Craig, who is now in his mid-30s, started his racing career at the age of 10, driving go-karts, before moving on to Formula Ford, and then Formula Holden in the early to mid 1990s. more

Following Komatsu Australia’s decision to become a major sponsor of championship winning V8 Supercar team Triple Eight Race Engineering, this edition of D2E magazine provides a special profile of the team’s star drivers, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, and how they see their relationship with Komatsu. more

Komatsu Ltd has announced the release of the world’s first hybrid (electro-hydraulic) excavator, which went on sale in Japan on June 1, 2008, delivering fuel savings of between 25% and 40%. more

Komatsu Australia has released the PC1250-8 excavator/shovel, designed for applications in mining, quarrying and heavy construction. more

Komatsu NZ is substantially expanding and upgrading its customer support capabilities as part of a move to a more customer-focused approach that began some years ago. more

Upper Hutt-based contractor M&M Construction has recently purchased two Komatsu compact excavators following a trial period that showed them be superior to equivalent machines from other suppliers. more

Komatsu Australia has continued its support for the Beacon Foundation, with significant interaction between Komatsu employees and young Australians through Beacon programs including its highly regarded No Dole project. more

Central Earthmoving, a family-owned contractor based at Geraldton, WA, carries out very detailed research when selecting new equipment – resulting in it opting for Komatsu for all its recent purchases. more

Komatsu NZ has opened a new branch at Westport, on the South Island’s West Coast, as part of its on-going strategy of expanding its service and support capabilities throughout New Zealand. more

When recently established Auckland-based utility contractor Bodley Brothers needed to purchase new excavators, principals Doug and Corey Bodley asked around the industry, as well as applying their own experiences in the construction business over many years to come up with one answer: Komatsu! more

Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage, a Goulburn, NSW-based company, has recently returned to buying Komatsu equipment, including excavators and articulated dump trucks, as a result of inferior parts and service backup from other suppliers. more

The product support and backing of the entire Komatsu organisation has kept Armidale-Dumaresq Council coming back to Komatsu equipment – with the council’s latest purchase being a PC18MR-2 mini excavator. more

Wollongong-based contractor Cato Constructions – which celebrates 20 years in business this year – purchased its first Komatsu machine 13 years ago on the basis of engineering quality, reputation as a distributor, and support. more

In early February, Leighton Contractors held a family open day at the Rotowaro mine site west of Huntly, where it operates the mine on behalf of Solid Energy. Komatsu NZ was a major sponsor of the day. more

Komatsu has released the D39EX-22 dozer, a 9 tonne, 71 kW hydrostatic drive machine featuring a "super-tapered" bonnet design said to give the best all-round visibility of any dozer on the market. more

Over the past 12 months, leading trans-Tasman civil contractor Fulton Hogan has purchased a significant number of Komatsu wheel loaders and mini excavators for its South Island operations – the first time it has purchased Komatsu products in the past few years. more

A strong relationship between Sydney contractor JCM Contracting and Komatsu’s Sydney utility representative Matt Watton – backed by the customer support team – has seen the company purchase six Komatsu excavators over the past four years. more

A fleet of 42 Komatsu 830E dump trucks – including 12 new trucks added in the past year – has been giving exceptional performance and availability at Zinifex Century Mine in Queensland’s Gulf region. more

A Komatsu BR380JG-1 mobile crusher owned by leading New Zealand contractor Higgins Contracting is playing a key role in the construction of New Zealand’s biggest wind farm to date, at Makara, southwest of "windy Wellington". more

Victorian landscaping and excavation specialist TreeLawney is in the process of trading its fleet of excavators across to Komatsu as a result of the company’s "faultless" service and support. more

Komatsu Australia has announced a number of upgrades to its GXX series of graders, delivering improved performance and reliability. more

Komatsu Australia has announced a significant expansion of its Queensland construction and utility operations, with the expansion of its support and representation in North Queensland. more

Western Australian plant hire company Forte Plant Hire has invested heavily in Komatsu articulated dump trucks and excavators over the past few years. more

A Gippsland, Victoria contractor has recently converted his excavator fleet to all-Komatsu due to the personalised service and support he receives through his local Komatsu Australia branch. more

Doug Hood Mining Limited, one of New Zealand's leading contractors and contract miners, has recently bought its first Komatsu dozer, a D155AX-6, for use at Solid Energy's Stockton Opencast Mine north of Westport. more

Two Victorian "committed scraper men" who recently switched to a combination of Komatsu articulated dump trucks and excavators for the productivity and cost-reduction benefits, used Komatsu Australia Corporate Finance to finance their new equipment fleet. more

Komatsu Australia has recently appointed Roger Beddard to oversee the process of managing tenders, supply contracts and pricing for its mining equipment division. This position is seen as a key role within the National Mining Group. more

Komatsu Ltd has announced plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture, for the construction of its PC4000 400-tonne class mining excavators and shovels. more

Komatsu Australia has released the PC14R-2HS mini excavator, a 1.5 tonne short-tailswing machine featuring class-leading productivity and control, and ease of maintenance. more

Komatsu Australia has released the WA250PZ-5 wheel loader, fitted with a new "PZ" linkage system that combines the benefits of Z-bar and parallelogram linkages in a single loader. more

Hunter Valley-based mining and civil construction contractor Bowditch & Partners Pty Ltd is a family-based company that has successfully ridden the demand for construction and resources-based services over the past 16 years. more

Three new Komatsu D65EX-15 dozers have recently been delivered to the Soil Conservation Service Division of the NSW Department of Lands.  (SOILCON) more

Komatsu Australia has released the Dash 8 version of its 30 tonne-class PC300 excavator - and including a number of additional features as standard, with the aim of further driving down owners' operating costs. more

Three Komatsu machines - a D375A-5EO dozer,PC300-7EO excavator and PC450-7EO excavator - have delivered the highest levels of performance and reliability for a major industrial park complex in Sydney's Western Suburbs. more

A South Australian landfill operation has recently purchased an additional three Komatsu machines for recycling and resource recovery operations, based on key factors including safety, best-fit for the purpose and customer support. more

Komatsu Australia held a major customer event in early August, inviting construction sector customers from around Australia and New Zealand to a facility in the NSW Hunter Valley to view its latest new products and services. more

Delta Rent, one of Australia’s newest rental firms – formed in mid-2006 and specialising in hiring large construction and quarrying equipment – recently purchased a Komatsu WA600-6 wheel loader and a PC600LC-8 excavator as a package for use in its rental operations. more

A Komatsu WA600-3 wheel loader with around 19,000 hours was recently rebuilt to as-new condition for Boral’s Dunmore Quarry, south of Wollongong, by Komatsu Australia’s Fairfield branch more

One of Australia’s fastest-growing pipeline contractors, Eco Civil, runs a substantial fleet of Komatsu equipment, as part of its role in constructing some major Queensland water infrastructure projects. more

Komatsu Australia has released new versions of its 27 tonne and 36 tonne capacity articulated dump trucks, featuring new ecot3 technology engines, which deliver significantly lower emissions, improved fuel consumption and increased power and torque. more

J Swap Contractors Ltd – based at Matamata, NZ, south of Auckland – is a long-term customer of Komatsu NZ, and it was no surprise when the company added a new D155AX-6 dozer to its fleet in December last year more

Twelve months ago, Gladstone City Council, in central Queensland, replaced its earthmoving equipment with a new fleet of Komatsu machines – with a Council analysis showing lower whole-of-life costs for the Komatsu equipment. more

Jonathan Borthwick, Komatsu Australia’s Mining Sales Manager, East Coast, is part of the company’s mining sectors marketing team, based at Komatsu Australia’s new Mining headquarters, which recently relocated to a dedicated new office at Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane. more

Komatsu Australia has released a low-emission version of its successful BR380JG-1 crusher, the new BR380JG-1EO, featuring its ecot3 low-emission system, beefed up safety systems and improved hydraulics. more

The first short-tail excavator in Komatsu’s Dash 8 low-emission range has been released, with the launch of the PC138US-8. more

Brisbane-based owner-operator (and Speedcar racer) Barry Wixted bases his business around a Komatsu SK714-5 skidsteer and PC30MR-2 excavator – a combination he says is ideal for his plant hire work throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. more

With the on-going shortage of skilled earthmoving equipment operators, the construction industry increasingly has to take responsibility for training operators and other key trades required in the industry. more

Strong mining industry growth and the changing needs of the business has prompted Komatsu Australia to establish a dedicated mining office in the Brisbane suburb of Eight Mile Plains. more

The customer support and assistance provided by a Komatsu Australia team in delivering a complete fleet of mining equipment to a remote Western Australian island has won strong praise from BGC Contracting, the contract miner on the project. more

Komatsu Australia (KAL) has been awarded the prestigious 2007 Komatsu Presidents Award. more

Komatsu Australia has just released the PC2000-8 mining excavator/shovel, a 200 tonne unit that replaces the PC1800-3 excavator/shovel, and which offers lower operating costs, increased fuel efficiency and the highest levels of operator safety. more

In December 2006 Komatsu Australia launches its new Customer Direct service, allowing customers to directly contact Komatsu's total customer support team from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call, simply by calling 1300 KOMATSU (1300 566 287). more

Most people don't know you can own a brand new Komatsu mini excavator from under $200 per week. When you compare this to the cost of hiring, which starts from around $300 per day, the benefits of ownership really start stacking up - even for semi-regular excavator users. more

Komatsu Australia has released the HD785-7, a 100 US ton capacity dump truck, featuring the highest horsepower and brake retardation in its class, a variable horsepower engine system for greater fuel efficiency, and the largest, most comfortable cab on the market. more

Komatsu Australia has announced a Dash 6 update to its general construction loader range with the release of the WA380-6 loader, offering significantly improved fuel efficiency, better balance and increased operator comfort. more

Komatsu Australia is part-way through delivery of a large dozer and truck order to the largest truck-and-shovel coal mine in Australia, Rio Tinto’s Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) mine. more

South Australia's Coorong District Council, around 100 km south east of Adelaide, has recently taken delivery of its fifth item of Komatsu equipment in the past three years – based on machine reliability, the ease of doing business with Komatsu Australia and operator preference. more

We profile Gary Steen, one of three Komatsu Australia customer support sales representatives based in our Fairfield branch. Gary, who started with Komatsu 15 years ago, is one of Komatsu Australia’s longest-serving and most successful customer support people, a role he first took on when he was appointed Sydney product support representative in 1998. more

Komatsu Australia’s Newcastle branch recently achieved a milestone in lost-time injury-free days, when it went past 1200 LTI-free days in July. more

Komatsu Australia has opened a new branch in Cairns, North Queensland, with facilities including an 850 sq m fully equipped workshop, a 150 sq m parts storage area and an office, staffed by two fitters and two parts interpreters. more

Komatsu Australia has donated parts and components worth nearly $500,000 to Hunter TAFE’s Kurri Kurri campus, for use in training of heavy vehicle plant mechanic apprentices. more

A Beacon Foundation project, in association with the East Kimberley-based Wunan Foundation, has been established in the East Kimberley region to develop construction industry-based skills for young Aboriginal people. more

Carl Grundy has been appointed Komatsu Australia’s new national sales manager, utility, responsible for the sales and marketing of Komatsu’s range of mini excavators, compact wheel loaders, backhoe/loaders and skidsteers. more

Over the past 12 months Komatsu Australia has established Komatsu Utility Central (KUC), an assembly and distribution centre for its utility range of products, allowing it to prepare and deliver machines faster throughout Australia, with a higher standard level of build quality and workmanship. more

Komatsu Australia has just released the PC2000-8 mining excavator/shovel, a 200 tonne unit that replaces the PC1800-3 excavator/shovel, and which offers lower operating costs, increased fuel efficiency and the highest levels of operator safety. more

Komatsu Australia has just released the Dash 6 version of its popular WA500 wheel loader – the latest in its range of ground-breaking Dash 6 wheel loaders, powered by its ground-breaking low-emission ecot3 engine, transmission and hydraulic technology. more

Komatsu Australia has released two new quarry and heavy construction machines in its advanced new Dash 8 excavator series. The new excavators are the PC600LC-8 (60 tonnes) and the PC850SE-8 (80 tonnes). more

Penrice Soda Holdings Ltd, Australia`s only manufacturer of soda ash, has recently entered into a "power-by-the-hour" contract with Komatsu Australia for the supply of a complete fleet of dump trucks, wheel loaders and excavators, plus a dozer, water trucks and grader, for its Angaston limestone quarry in South Australia`s Barossa Valley. more

Komatsu Australia is in the process of introducing some major changes to its safety management system to assist everyone in the company to better manage workplace health and safety. more

Steve Jones Hardware and Landscape Centre, a leading Brisbane landscaping materials supplier has recently taken delivery of Australia`s first two WA100-5 wheel loaders, following good performance from its previous loaders -- two Komatsu WA75-3s. more

It is with great sadness that we report the recent passing of Barry Potter, a long-time member of the Komatsu management team in Australia since joining the company in 1977. Barry, who was the first-ever editor of Down to Earth (D2E) magazine, was national training manager when he retired in September last year. Jim Playsted, Komatsu Australia`s GM Tasmania, who worked with Barry for over 20 years, penned this tribute to him. more

Komatsu Australia has recently released the WA100-5 wheel loader, the second in its Dash 5 compact loader range. more

With Komatsu Australia's recent appointment of Ian Harvison as general manager, information technology, the company has moved to make its IT operations a key element of its executive management team more

When bushfire season comes to South Western Australia, tough, reliable and safe equipment for quickly building firebreaks and clearing burning trees and other material is essential. more

Leading Tasmanian contractor Hazell Bros has recently put in an order for 18 new items of Komatsu equipment -- including seven machines for materials handling applications at zinc producer Zinifex`s Hobart smelter wharf loading facility. more

The new generation (Tier 3/Stage III-emissions compliant) engines now on the market from leading construction equipment suppliers provide very low emissions levels to meet the latest environmental regulations. But how well do they deliver in terms of fuel economy and long-term durability? Angus Fotheringham, Komatsu Australia’s Business manager, general construction, provides some answers. Click here for Video  more

September 1, 2006: Huntly-based Colin Slater Contractor Ltd -- a long-term Komatsu customer -- has overcome some extraordinary challenges since starting business in 1983, culminating in 50% partner and manager Bronwyn Slater recently being awarded HER Business magazine`s HER Businesswoman of the Year. more

September 1, 2006: A Komatsu PC300LC-7 excavator fitted with an IR Montabert CPA524 drill has recently been delivered to Railcorp`s Bombo Quarry, near Kiama south of Wollongong. more

Komatsu Australia has announced a major focus on reducing the costs of its customers doing business, through some key developments and initiatives introduced over the past 12 months more

August 17, 2006: Komatsu Australia is in the process of delivering a large fleet of dump trucks as well as a third mining excavator to Wambo Coal, based northwest of Singleton in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. more

Komatsu`s just-released Dash 8 excavators feature a new "safety cab" design which will set new standards in safety for excavator operators. more

Komatsu Australia recently appointed Andrew Martin, as its general manager for mining and Queensland/New Caledonia Operations. more

Husband-and-wife team Cran and Kerry Riches, of Warrayappa Sands in South Australia find their two Komatsu wheel loaders -- which both of them operate -- quiet, comfortable and easy to drive for their sand-extraction business. more

Australasia`s first WA600-6 new generation wheel loader is winning praise from management and operators Boral Country Concrete & Quarries` Seaham Quarry, north of Newcastle in New South Wales, for its comfort and performance. more

Komatsu Australia`s Hunter Valley branch at Mt Thorley, near Singleton, is shaping up as a major success story for the company, with a number of significant sales made in recent months -- which will keep it busy doing deliveries for most of 2006. more

Auckland-based quarry operator and plant hirer Warren Fowler Earthmovers Ltd has recently taken delivery of a new Komatsu BR380JG-1 portable crusher following seven years of highly reliable and productive service from its BR350JG-1. more

Hirequip, New Zealand`s leading general equipment hire company, has recently taken delivery of over 80 Komatsu excavators for hire through its national network. more

A 1996 Komatsu PC300-6 excavator has logged around 19,000 hours for Sydney-based Benedict Sand & Gravel in challenging quarrying operations and minimal downtime. more

With trends towards extended oil life and a 500-hour oil drains as standard on some engines, increased attention to oil analysis results is essential. more

Equipment dependability and a strong relationship with Komatsu Australia has helped contractor Jack Hawkins and Sons build itself up as a significant force supplying critical services to major Sydney manufacturing plants more

Smorgon Steel Group Ltd, Australia`s leading steel recycler, operates a purpose-built fleet of Komatsu excavators modified and strengthened for steel handling. more

Victorian civil contractor Virgona Excavations has stuck with Komatsu excavators since buying its first one in 1984, all due to the combination of machine reliability and Komatsu service. more

With trends towards extended oil life and a 500-hour oil drains as standard on some engines, increased attention to oil analysis results is essential. more

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