Sunny Spanish Reveal for Komatsu’s New Large Dozer

Last Thursday Komatsu Europe hosted a European launch event in Sevilla, Spain, for the new 45.5-tonne D175AX-10 bulldozer, a completely new-generation machine developed to deliver higher productivity, improved fuel efficiency and greater operator control in demanding earthmoving and quarrying applications.

I had been invited to attend, but unfortunately it would have been too difficult to make the trip having only just come back from my annual vacation a couple of days previously, and heading straight up to JCB for a test driving event, however the Editor of Earthmovers Magazine was in attendance and will be reporting on it in due course.

First previewed at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas earlier this year, the D175AX-10, which is built in Osaka, Japan, succeeds the popular D8 size class, D155AX-8 in Komatsu’s large dozer range.

“The D175AX-10 represents a significant step forward in our large dozer range. Built on more than 100 years of Komatsu expertise, the D175AX-10 combines an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, class-leading productivity, optimized fuel consumption, exceptional operator comfort, and Komatsu reliability to deliver a clear total cost of ownership advantage for our customers” said Gregory Peeters, product manager for large machines at Komatsu Europe.

Equipped with a next-generation 337kW Komatsu DBA127 engine and transmission, Komatsu say the D175AX-10 delivers controllable power exactly where needed – translating into fast cycle times and massive productivity levels. Compared with the D155AX-8, the D175AX-10 delivers up to 27% higher net engine power, 18% higher drawbar power and up to 25% higher production, while improving fuel efficiency by up to 15%.

The new machine is equipped with a 10.6m³ Semi-U blade, compared with a 9.4m³ blade on its predecessor.

A range of automated functions helps the operator concentrate on moving materials efficiently. For example, Blade Auto Pitch automatically adjusts the blade to the appropriate position during the working cycle, while automatic ripper functions simplify ripping operations, and Neutral Auto Brake, stepless travel-speed adjustment and programmable speed settings further reduce repetitive inputs during long working shifts. The result is a machine designed to make consistent, productive operation easier for both experienced operators and those developing their skills.

Operator comfort and visibility were central to the development of the D175AX-10. The redesigned cab offers increased visibility and reduced blind spots, together with a premium air-suspension seat featuring heating and ventilation. Electrically adjustable consoles and Komatsu’s advanced Palm Command Control System provide an ergonomic operating position and intuitive control of the machine. An all-new digital interface, including a touch-screen monitor and a 10in high-resolution KomVision display, keep the operator informed and in control at all times, even in the most demanding applications.

Moreover, Komatsu say safety is engineered into every detail. The D175AX-10 is equipped with a comprehensive package of standard safety systems, including ROPS/FOPS cab, inclination monitoring, Operator Presence Sensing System, and an integrated seat belt reminder with external beacon, ensuring high visibility and safe operation at all times.

The D175AX-10 can also become part of a connected digital jobsite through Komatsu Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance Flex. Using track-level positioning, the system provides real-time guidance to the operator in the cab. Integration with Smart Construction Dashboard allows customers to compare as-built information with original design data, monitor cut-and-fill volumes and automatically create an accurate 3D history of completed work.

For quarry operations, the machine is also ready for integration with Smart Quarry Site, helping customers gain greater visibility of fleet utilization, production, fuel performance and operational efficiency across the site.

Serviceability has been designed into the D175AX-10 to help minimize downtime. Centralized and ground-level service points, fluid-level checks from inside the cab, easier oil sampling, a swing-out cooling fan and remote lubrication points simplify routine maintenance. Extended maintenance intervals also contribute to reduced lifetime operating costs. The redesigned diesel particulate filter provides an extended cleaning interval of up to 8,000h.

Maybe some time in the future we will get another chance to get up close and personal with this new Komatsu dozer, whether that be in the UK or with our good friends at the Finnish Komatsu dealer’s Suomen Rakennuskone.