Komatsu’s two new wheel loaders, the WA475-11 and WA485-11, are designed with more power, use less fuel and climb hills faster than predecessors.
They mark the first of the company’s Dash 11 models.
The 5.5- to 6.3-cubic-yard WA475-11 replaces the WA475-10, and the 6.4- to 7.2-cubic-yard WA485-11 replaces the WA480-8.
Both come with the Komatsu Hydrostatic-Mechanical Transmission, which switches to hydrostatic when high torque is needed and mechanical for increased fuel efficiency during lighter use.
The WA475-11 runs on a 343-horsepower Komatsu engine, with 53 more horsepower than its predecessor. Despite the power increase, it has 7% lower fuel consumption, the company says, and a 40% increase in climbing speed.
The WA485-11 runs on a 363-horsepower Komatsu engine, a 64-horsepower boost over the WA480-8. It reportedly delivers 12% lower fuel consumption and 13% faster climbing speed.
Komatsu
A steering wheel option is available.
Visibility has been increased by adding a lower glass area and by eliminating two rear pillars, and in-cab noise has been reduced, the company says.
Rear object detection with warning buzzer and indicator light and a deluxe LED light package are standard.
Komatsu says it also redesigned the buckets with a cross-sectional shape for increased digging efficiency. “The material is scooped and rolled up along the inclined floor of the bucket.” Using it with the auto-digging system can help boost productivity, especially for inexperienced operators.
For increased productivity, both models can be configured as yard loaders, with larger buckets; heavier counterweights; wide, low-profile tires and rims; and reinforced frame. The YL configuration is best for quarry and aggregate uses and is designed to load matching on-highway trucks in three passes.
Komatsu’s new WA475-11Komatsu
- Air-suspension, reclining seat.
- Seat-mounted, five-way adjustable console.
- High-definition color monitor.
- Auto