New compact wheel loaders offer alternative to skid steers

Komatsu has added two new compact wheel loaders, the WA65-5 and the WA70-5, to its Dash-5 line. At 54 and 60 horsepower, respectively, these small, agile machines can be used in bucket or forklift operations and many tasks normally reserved for skid steers. The WA65-5 features an operating weight of 10,780 pounds and a breakout force of 8,162 pounds. The WA70-5 tips the scales at 11,816 pounds and offers a breakout force of 8,025 pounds. Both are propelled by hydrostatic transmissions and front and rear limited slip differentials. Dumping height measures 96 inches and bucket reach is 35 inches for the WA65-5 and 34 inches for the WA70-5. Both travel up to 12.4 mph.