Komatsu America Corp. Launches New D65-16 Crawler Dozers

Rolling Meadows, IL, June 24, 2010—Komatsu America Corp. today introduced its new line of D65-16 crawler dozers.  Komatsu’s new crawler dozers are powered with the fuel efficient 8.27 Liter, EPA Tier 3 emission certified Komatsu SAA6D114E-3 engine.  These new models push with a net (ISO 9249 / SAE J1349) 205 HP at 1950 rpm.  A standard (EX), low ground pressure (PX) and a wide (WX) track models are available, offering customers flotation and weight distribution options to best match their applications.  Operating weight ranges from 43,690 lbs to 48,940 lbs depending on the version.

Developed primarily for heavy dozing and finishing operations, the new model combines the revolutionary SIGMADOZER blade with a highly efficient automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up to achieve exceptional productivity and fuel economy.  A new Komatsu 6-way Power Angle Tilt (PAT) blade is also available for all models, making it a perfectly balanced and agile tractor for light and medium dozing operations as well as providing precise grade cutting required for site prep, golf course or house pad applications.

The new dozers are equipped with the latest KOMTRAX® technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Hour meter, location, cautions, load ratio, fuel consumption and maintenance alerts – to name a few of its features – are relayed to the web application for analysis.  The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special features of these new crawler dozers include:

Choice of the next generation SIGMADOZER blade for unsurpassed productivity and grading, or PAT blade for maximum versatility and performance

The D65EX and WX can be equipped with SIGMADOZER, providing the machine with a large blade capacity of 7.34 ydÂł and 7.72 ydÂł respectively.  Based on a completely new excavation theory, SIGMADOZER dramatically improves dozing performance and increases productivity by 15% over conventional Semi-U blades as proven on the larger D155AX-6 and D275AX-5 dozers.

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The blade features a new frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling up at the center of the blade increasing soil holding capacity while simultaneously reducing sideway spillage.  It also reduces digging resistance producing a smoother flow of material enabling the dozing of larger amounts of soil with less power.  

A PAT blade with highly durable box structure C-Frame is optionally available for each model.  The hydraulic blade tilt and angling function expands versatility and productivity in a variety of applications.  The manually adjustable blade pitch further expands the versatility and productivity in many applications

New automatic transmission significantly improves fuel economy

The D65-16’s have a new automatic transmission with lock up torque converter that greatly reduces fuel consumption and offers greater power train efficiency.  The lockup mechanics of the torque converter automatically transfers engine power directly to the transmission, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.  Because of the efficiency of the electronically controlled engine and transmission, fuel consumption is decreased while machine power is maintained.

Two gearshift modes – automatic or manual – can be easily selected to fit the appropriate application: automatic for all general dozing offers the choice of 4 forward and reverse speeds and manual for dozing and ripping rough ground offers the choice of 3 forward and 3 reverse speeds.  For operating efficiency, the automatic gearshift transmission shifts to the optimal gear range based on the working conditions and load.

Two selectable Working Modes – E and P – match machine performance to the application. The E Mode is chosen for all general dozing, leveling and spreading applications providing adequate speed and power while saving up to 10% fuel.  The P Mode is chosen for slot dozing, ripping or other applications requiring higher production where engine power has priority over fuel consumption. 

Newly designed joystick controls for power and comfort

Komatsu’s ergonomically designed Palm Command Control System (PCCS) gives operators maximum control, offering a relaxed posture and superb fine control to minimize operator fatigue.  Thumb push buttons simplify transmission gear shifting.  The pilot controlled hydraulic blade and ripper control joystick offers excellent blade and ripper fine control. 

Engine speed is controlled using an easy-to-operate electronic throttle control dial, which eliminates maintenance of linkage and joints.   Powerful turns under various work conditions are achieved with the Hydrostatic Steering System (HSS), which is driven by an independent hydraulic pump and motor to transmit power to both tracks without interruption. Counter-rotation is available for minimum turning radius, providing excellent maneuverability

New cab design creates optimal operator environment

The new D65-16 crawler dozer’s comfortable working environment, allows the operator to concentrate on the work at hand for increased productivity.  The new larger cab is now integrated with ROPS (Roll-Over Protection Structure) and moves the standard air ride operator’s seat 3 inches higher and 4 inches closer to the blade for excellent front, side and rear visibility.  The dozer’s viscous cab mounts reduce shocks and vibration even over adverse conditions and the interior cab decibel has been decreased to 75db for a quiet work environment.  A new, large 7” color LCD monitor in the cab displays all machine information. 

Convenient maintenance equals reliability

Knowing that maintenance is critical for successful equipment uptime, Komatsu has designed the D65-16 with easy routine maintenance in mind.  Daily engine checks are grouped at the left hand side of the engine compartment. A manually reversing fan allows for quick cleaning of the radiator without leaving the cab.  The D65-16 also comes standard with PLUS undercarriage.  This rotary bushing system doubles the undercarriage life over prior conventional systems significantly lowering O&O costs.

*SIGMADOZER is a registered trademark of Komatsu Ltd., Japan.

Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Komatsu America also serves forklift and forestry markets. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century.  Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.