Komatsu WA 270-7 loading shovel makes Irish debut

The Komatsu loading shovels are not what you would call the normal choice for agri-contractors around the country, with big names such as JCB and Volvo appearing to be the weapons of choice. Having said that, Komatsu has started to gain a loyal following of customers who are helping the company to increase its market share year on year.

Komatsu released the latest loading shovel in its range last May, the WA 270-7, which replaces the WA 250-6. Paul Mullally, wheeled-loader specialist, for McHale Plant Sales said: “The WA 270-7 was released this May and, already, we have four sold in Ireland. The 270 is really a jack of all trades, with machines happily working in various different environments and industries from agriculture to construction. The 270 is an extremely versatile machine.”

Engine

The 270 is powered by Komatsu’s own six-cylinder 6.7-litre engine, which is turbo-charged, producing 149hp at 2,000rpm. Emissions are kept under check by incorporating a variable geometry turbocharger, which is fitted with a hydraulic actuator. This provides optimum air flow for all speeds and load conditions, a diesel particulate filter, which captures 90% of particulate matter, and is automatically regenerated without interfering with the daily operation.

The 270 also uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to further reduce emissions, as well as a heavy-duty, high-pressure fuel injection system and redesigned combustion chamber to further reduce NOx, PM, fuel consumption and noise levels.

Transmission

Komatsu claims that the 270 has reduced fuel consumption by 10% compared with the previous 250-6 model. This is achieved through Komatsu’s SmartLoader logic system, which reads data from various sensors and vehicle controls to precisely control the torque output. This lowers the torque output during less demanding work, saving fuel. Also helping to reduce the fuel is the hydrostatic transmission (HST), which provides a quick travel response with a top speed of 38km/hr and aggressive drive into the pile. Full auto-shifting eliminates any gear shifting and kick-down operation to allow the operator to concentrate on the job at hand. The HST also acts as a dynamic brake to slow the loader, which helps to prolong the life of the wet disc brakes. The 270 is also fitted with a new variable speed control system, which is designed to adjust the operating speed for different working conditions. The S-mode reduces tyre spin in slippery conditions; auto-mode automatically optimises the tractive effort for various working conditions, while maximum traction provides the full 100% tractive effort. There is also a creep mode, which limits the travel speed, while still allowing for full hydraulic flow.

Cab

The WA 270-7 is fitted with a newly designed operator’s cab, which provides a larger and quieter environment for the operator, as well as offering increased visibility for increased safety and to help reduce fatigue. To further reduce fatigue, the multi-function mono lever is fitted with a forward, natural, reverse switch, maximum traction button and third spool valve control.

Cushioning the operator from the bumps is a high-capacity air suspension seat with heat and dampener now as standard. Keeping the operator informed is a new seven-inch LCD monitor with keypad all fitted into a newly designed dash. For added safety, a rear-view monitor system with separate monitor is now standard.

Serviceability

To help with serviceability of the 270, it is fitted with large gull-wing type engine doors, which are operated with low effort and assisted by gas springs. The doors open in two steps for easy access to maintenance points. Large steps and hand holds are provided on each side of the frame to help access. To further help with serviceability, the large capacity cooling unit swings open for cleaning and now features wider spacing of cooling fins to reduce clogging.

PZ linkage

Up front, the 270 features Komatsu’s PZ linkage, which combines the best of a Z-bar and PZ linkage while maintaining parallelism. Breakout force is increased over the previous model for more powerful digging. The bucket auto rollback feature tilts the bucket back as the arms are raised to help reduce spillage.

Return to level can be set for two separate attachments with switching between modes done in the cab. The WA 270-7 can be supplied with standard pins or the more versatile quick coupler.

The WA 270-7 has a list price of €150,000 plus VAT depending on specification.