Surface mine operators need machines that deliver productivity and longevity. The robust steel structure and intelligent excavator solution of the new Komatsu PC5500-11, manufactured at Komatsu’s global mining shovel factory in Dusseldorf, Germany, the company says is designed for precision, productivity and longevity. A rugged excavator weighing 533-552 t depending on configuration, the twin-engine PC5500-11 “offers a combination of sturdy construction and advanced technology to match with 150-240 short ton trucks. With 179 sold and a total of 7,878,910 operating hours, the PC5500 has become one of the most popular hydraulic excavators with demonstrated reliability as a powerful workhorse with excellent digging forces.”
With operator care a priority, the excavator has been developed and designed to meet the high standards of the European Machinery Directive and EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) design philosophies. Designed with operators in mind, the 45-degree ladder system “offers comfortable ascent and descent, and the updated emergency exit system allows ease of egress from two independent locations. For situational awareness around the machine, KomVision can provide the operator an expansive view of the surrounding work area from inside the cab.”
A variety of options are available for a machine that is built to meet application needs. Komatsu buckets are designed for the industrial standard density of 1.8 t/m³ to meet a wide range of material densities. “To match the demands of your specific material characteristics, we offer a comprehensive variety of buckets ― customised in volume and protection. A cold weather kit or additional cooler options are available to fit your operation’s global terrain requirements. Tailored Komatsu’s track pad options will cover your specific underground requirements, such as tar sands or hard rock, to enable excellent conditions for efficient operation with safety a priority.”
Equipped with two Tier 4 engines, the PC5500-11 the company says delivers plenty of power with sustainability a priority. Its exhaust after-treatment system reduces particulate matter, sulphur oxides and NOx, while offering easy solutions for maintenance intervals. To limit downtime and promote availability, the PC5500-11’s newly revamped monitoring system, Komtrax Plus 2, helps create automised data reports that identify performance opportunities to help enhance productivity. Machine data is accessible via satellite for instant monitoring.
The optional Komatsu Argus Payload Meter helps enhance efficiency of truck loading andfleet dispatch. To help maximise productivity, information about the bucket loading status compared to the truck’s capacity provides data to help calculate the best loading times and truck passes.
