Tasmanian-based Gradco Pty Ltd has recently commissioned two Komatsu excavators which have gone to work at MMG's Century mine site in Queensland's Gulf region, at a similar time as it took delivery of one of Australia's first Komatsu Hybrid excavators.
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The two new machines at MMG Century, a PC850-8 fitted with a 5.5 cu m rock bucket and a PC350-8 fitted with a 3D machine control system.
?According to Gradco CEO Oliver Diprose, the PC850-8, which is loading 40-50 tonne dump trucks is producing "outstanding" performance in very tough conditions.
"The machine is free digging what the mine calls 'zone 3' rock type material, which is extremely hard digging and it's doing it with ease," he said.
"We've been very impressed with the machine's performance in those conditions."
The PC350-8, fitted with a Trimble GPS system is working on a tailings storage facility upgrade at Century, predominantly carrying out batter work and final trim.
"One of the benefits of having Komatsu as a supplier is that we were able to have the machines prepped and delivered from Komatsu's Melbourne and Townsville branches, which is closer to the worksite, while still dealing with our local Komatsu sales team here in Launceston," said Oliver.
"The other good thing is that Komatsu Australia has support personnel on site at the mine; while that's not something we've had to call on yet, it certainly gives us peace of mind," he said.
The two machines will be on site at Century for about six months, then will be transported to Tasmania, where they will carry out similar types of work.