Innovative solutions to improve workplace safety and reduce risk
With safety at the forefront of everything we do, eliminating live work is a priority at Komatsu. This involves eliminating work that occurs within the operating footprint of an energised machine. Working in the environment of an energised machine, workers are exposed to some of the highest risks in the industry.
Komatsu is focused on live work elimination through the development of innovative and agnostic tools such as the Komatsu Valve Adjustment Device (K-VAD - 11453742).
K-VAD allows remote adjustment of main and secondary relief valves on live hydraulic mining excavators from inside the cab, eliminating the need for service technicians to work next to high-pressure areas.
The device can be operated by laptop, tablet, or smartphone. It enables the control of up to six tool heads and displaying up to four pressures. Moreover, the engine power check can be carried out with the K-VAD tool.
Thanks to their smart design, the K-VAD tool heads can be attached to the valves from different angles. The K-VAD controller is operated via a 7-inch LCD touch display, is dust and splash-proof as the entire K-VAD tool kit.
Currently available for Komatsu hydraulic mining excavators ranging from machine models PC3000 up to PC8000, with tool heads to suit other models under development.
In addition to K-VAD, Komatsu has introduced a Bluetooth dial gauge to complete brake disk wear measurements and centre hinge pin bearing clearance measurements that are applicable on all models. This allows a technician to take measurements safely from inside the cab, removing them from the line of fire.
Komatsu has also introduced a Bluetooth oil pressure sensor that is applicable for all models. This tool allows remote data collection of oil pressure during inspection, troubleshooting, and testing and adjustment. These measurements can be taken safely even when the machine is operated by a single operator. The use of remote data collection couples perfectly with K-VAD.