Limerick brothers Shane and Alan Ruttle run an agricultural contracting business alongside milking over 100 cows on a new robotic system.

Based near Askeaton, they harvest a large amount of grass, wholecrop and maize each year, so the wheel loader is kept on its toes.

With a history of running O&K and Hyundai loaders down through the years, the Ruttles opted to upgrade their 2008 Komatsu WA320-5 with 12,500 hours for a new Komatsu WA320-8 in 2019 [referred to by the Ruttles as dash-five and dash-eight machines in this article].

“We bought the dash-five model new in 2008. It served us very well and gave minimal trouble down through the years. However, we still looked to the marketplace to assess all our options when upgrading.

“In the end, it came down to three machines – the JCB 435S, the New Holland W170D and the Komatsu WA320-8.

“We opted for the Komatsu for several reasons. Firstly, it was the most keenly priced. Secondly, it was our closest dealer. And, finally, we knew the workings of the machine well from our previous loader.”

"The new machine is much more balanced and steadier on the silage pit in comparison to the dash five".

Engine

The WA320-8 is equipped with Komatsu’s own 6.69l engine. With 170hp on tap, this six-pot engine is compliant with the latest Stage V emissions regulations.

The after-treatment system uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The SCR works by injecting AdBlue into the system to break down NOx into water and non-toxic nitrogen gas.

Shane said: “The dash-eight is at least one-third more fuel-efficient than the older dash-five. It’s fitted with a 245l fuel tank, which will last for the majority of a very busy day.

“It’s typically using two tanks of AdBlue to one tank of diesel. It also has a noticeable step up in power in comparison to its predecessor. Even if engine RPM dies back when climbing, it tends to hold its speed.”

Despite the bonnet not completely folding upwards, Shane noted he is happy with the available access to all service points, especially around the engine bay.

The machine also features a wide-core radiator with an auto reverse fan. The fan can be set to automatically reverse at various time intervals.

The dash-eight model was introduced in 2018 and sees an extended engine oil service interval from 250 hours to 500 hours.

The WA320-8 is equipped with Komatsu’s own 170hp six pot, 6.69l engine.

Transmission

The loader is equipped with an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission. This fourth-generation in-house-designed transmission comprises one variable piston pump and two variable piston motors.

At low speeds, both motors are engaged to provide high torque. Meanwhile, at high speeds, a clutch cuts off the low-speed motor to eliminate drag.

This fixed-ratio gearbox has a variable speed limiter, with four speed ranges – 1-13km/h, 13km/h, 19km/h and 38km/h.

Shane said that the cab on the dash eight is slightly larger and better laid out than his previous dash five machine.

Shane said: “The transmission on the new loader is quite similar to the older machine, but it has more functions. The standout addition is the variable shift control. It allows the top speed to be limited up to whatever is desired.

“When working on the pit, this means I can limit the speed in the first range to somewhere between 1km/h and 13km/h.

“The dash-eight is also able to climb the pit far quicker than the older machine.”

Another feature Shane is fond of is the self-braking effect of the drive line. This slows the machine when the accelerator pedal is released, meaning he rarely has to use the brake.

Cab

Shane said the cab on the dash-eight is slightly larger and better laid out than his previous dash-five machine.

“The increased space is a welcome addition, but the machine continues to have a limited storage capacity. Operator comfort, especially when travelling on the road, is first class and much improved on previous machines. The loader also has an impressive lighting package and the LED lights are much welcomed.”

Shane was quick to point out that visibility to the quick hitch is very limited and that the operator almost has to stand up to keep an eye when coupling an implement.

Komatsu, like many loader manufacturers, use a Z-bar linkage system. Shane, being used to the large single ram of the Z-bar system, likes the design for its visibility to either side of the fork.

However, he pointed out that visibility to the quick hitch is limited and the operator almost has to stand up to keep an eye when coupling an implement. Similarly, but to a lesser extent, the addition of the new engine technology means there’s some restricted vision directly behind the driver’s seat.

Shane Ruttle

Hydraulics and build quality

The WA320-8 features Komatsu’s own closed-centre load-sensing hydraulic system. With a flow rate of 180l/min, Shane has been impressed with its flicking capacity on the pit.

One thing Shane emphasised from the start was that he is very impressed with the loader’s strong build, especially around the main pivot point and Z-linkage.

With this, he added that all components (especially on the underbelly) are very well protected, an important feature when working on silage pits. He also noted that the paintwork seems to be much improved on the dash-eight in comparison to his previous dash-five.

One thing Shane emphasised from the start was that he is very impressed with the loader’s strong build, especially around the main pivot point and Z-linkage.

The WA320-8 has a lift capacity of over 11,500kg, with an overall maximum lifting height to the hinge pin of over 4m.

The loader is also fitted with an auto greaser, a must-have feature according to Shane.

Shane noted that all components are very well protected.

The verdict

Shane said: “We looked at most brands on the market before we decided to stick with Komatsu.

“It’s definitely not the fanciest looking or best-styled machine on the market, but it’s up there with the most functional.

“Occasionally, in very warm weather and dusty conditions, the transmission in our dash-five would get very hot. It never overheated, but we had to keep a close eye on it.

“However, with the dash-eight, this hasn’t been a problem whatsoever, which is solely down to the larger and more efficient cooling package.

“With the exception of the machine running low on AdBlue one day and flagging an error code (which was our own fault), the machine hasn’t let us down.

“We agreed a five-year service package with McHale Plant Sales, part of which includes a telematics system.

“As soon as we rang them with the error code, they were able to remotely diagnose the issue.

“All in all, we are happy with the machine. The cab, transmission features and engine power have all progressed over the past decade.

“The new machine is also much more balanced and steadier on the silage pit in comparison to the dash-five. With 1,900 hours on the clock to date, its reliability has been top class.”