Komatsu America Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., has introduced the new PC1250SP-11 and PC1250LC-11 hydraulic excavators, which are said to increase power and productivity over previous versions while maintaining high fuel efficiency. “The PC1250 offers exceptional customer value across a broad range of applications, including sewer and water, general construction, mass excavation, as well as mining, quarry, sand and gravel,” said Kurt Moncini, Senior Product Manager, Tracked Equipment, Komatsu America.
The new EPA Tier 4 Final certified models have Komatsu 23.15-liter SAA6D170E-7 engines rated at 758 hp. The engine has 13% more horsepower than previous models and, with two Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filters (KDPF), does not require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or a Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) system.
Work modes include the well-known Power and Economy modes. The PC1250-11 also benefits from the new “Power plus” (P+) mode with enhanced engine/hydraulic pump control efficiency. That increases productivity up to 8% without negatively impacting fuel consumption. Auto Idle and Auto Idle Shutdown functions help reduce fuel consumption by limiting extended idle time.
Heavy lift and swing-priority functions are still available, as on the previous model. A two-mode setting for the boom lets the operator choose between smooth operation for gathering material and maximum power for more-effective excavating. Shockless boom control enables smoother operations and reduces both stress on the machine and operator fatigue.
According to company officials, the PC1250-11 raises the bar when it comes to safety equipment. The operator’s cab has a high shock-absorption capability, excellent impact resistance and better sound-absorbing capability. And a new, optional, hydraulically-operated 45° retractable stairway, derived from mining excavators, permits safe access to the machine. It will also be available as a field installation kit.
A standard “auto-lock” control automatically interrupts all machine hydraulic functions if the stairway is not fully retracted. The Neutral Detection System will also activate the hydraulic auto-lock if the work equipment control levers are not in the neutral position when the hydraulic lock lever is released. The auto-lock status is clearly displayed and easily reset on the operator monitor panel.
Three emergency stop switches are provided, the first directly in the operator’s cab. The two others can be quickly accessed from ground level, one on the right deck near the fuel fill connection, and the other on the left catwalk, next to the hydraulic stairway
The PC1250-11 has an open-center load sensing hydraulic system. The main pumps are variable-piston types, two 130.5-gpm units for implements and travel, and one 158.8-gpm pump for swing. Two axial-piston motors handle the hydrostatic travel drive; and two more power the swing function. Pressure settings are 4,550 psi for implement circuits, 4,980 psi for travel and 4,267 psi for swing. A reversible hydraulic fan helps clean out debris from the coolers.
New hydraulic filter sensors monitor restriction and trigger a bypass warning indicator on the in-cab monitor. Hydraulic filter restriction data is also monitored by the company’s Komtrax Plus system. Komtrax Plus enables expanded monitoring of the fleet via satellite and wireless LAN. Users can analyze machine health and performance from a remote location, on a near-real time basis. This includes component condition and trend data. By making this critical information readily accessible, Komtrax Plus can be an effective tool to maximize productivity and lower operating costs.
Filed Under: Mobile Hydraulic Tips