Komatsu intros WA470-8 wheel loader with improved fuel economy, cab (PHOTOS)

Updated Jul 17, 2015
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Komatsu has launched an updated model of its WA470 wheel loader boasting increased fuel economy and an improved cab.

Upgrades on the new WA470-8 are headlined by a new Tier 4 Final, Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine.

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Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reduce emissions while auto-idle shutdown and an electronic control system—managing airflow, fuel injection combustion parameters and after treatment functions—combine for a 6-percent reduction in fuel consumption over the Dash-7 machine.

A variable geometry turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) allow for precise temperature and air management control.

Inside the cab, operators will find a new air-suspension, high-back heated seat Komatsu says goes a long way in reducing machine vibration for whoever is at the controls. Mounted to the seat are electronic pilot control levels with an F-N-R switch.

Rounding out the cab features are a 7-inch color display featuring Ecology Guidance, a standard separate color rear view monitor along with an auxiliary jack and two 12-volt ports.

Komatsu product manager Rob McMahon says the new loader offers impressive “stability, break out power and tractive effort” in a wide variety of applications, especially “moving gravel, transporting pipe, charging hoppers or working landscape materials and aggregates.”

McMahon added that specifically adapted attachments for logging and waste handling applications are available as well.

Additional features include:

  • Swing out cooling fan with wider fin spacing and standard auto-reversing fan for ease of cleaning.
  • Gull-wing engine doors provide quick, convenient access for daily checks and service items.
  • Full rear fenders standard.
  • Sight gauge at DEF fill cap to minimize overfilling.
  • Additional hinged panels at each side for easy access to regeneration components.

The WA470-8 is equipped with the company’s telematics system, Komtrax, which allows operators and fleet managers to keep up with the machine’s fuel levels, operating hours, location while providing cautions and maintenance alerts via a website or a smartphone. Additionally, Komtrax now monitors DEF levels, ambient air temperatures and pressures.

Komatsu CARE is provided on the machine for the first three years or 2,000 hours, and includes scheduled factory maintenance, a 50-point inspection at each service, and two DPF exchanges and DEF tank flushes in the first five years.