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First Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loaders arrive in UK

by Kyle Molyneux  |  Fri 21 Aug 2020

First Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loaders arrive in UK

Wordsworth Crushing is a nationwide crushing contractor working with big names such as Cemex, Breedon, Tarmac and Aggregate Industries. Wordsworth Crushing had been using Komatsu WA470-7s alongside similar models from various manufacturers. Following positive experiences with their Komatsu equipment and Area Sales Manager, Rob Wilmott, the company once again called on Marubeni-Komatsu when it was time to renew its fleet.

As luck would have it, the WA475-10 wheel loader had just been released and was available for demonstration. The demonstration was successful and resulted in the company receiving the UK’s first two Komatsu WA475-10 wheel loaders in June. Both machines have already been put to good use, with one currently working at the Steelworks in Port Talbot and the other working at Cefn Mawr Quarry where it is processing limestone. The other two wheel loaders were delivered in July and have also been sent to various sites around the UK.

One of the key benefits of the new WA475-10 is that it has improved fuel efficiency – a big factor Wordsworth Crushing consider before purchasing any new machine. And so far, operator feedback has been positive. “I prefer the new WA475-10, it’s a smoother ride compared to other machines. You can feel a lot more through the Komatsu Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission and it gives out a lot more digging power. It does take some getting used to the new driving style, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a very nice bit of kit,” said Leon, wheel loader operator at Port Talbot.

The driving style is different to earlier models as the innovative new transmission dramatically reduces brake wear by using the transmission to slow travel when the operator backs off the travel pedal or reduces maximum speed on the travel control dial during downhill operation.

Ritchie Shawcross, working at Cefn Mawr quarry said, “The machine is great, I particularly like the new cab which has improved visibility all around the machine.” The WA475-10 cabin has been completely redesigned for this purpose. It features additional glass at the bottom of the cab and doors to enhance visibility during operation and there are no corner cab pillars to greatly reduce rear blind spots.

READ more about Komatsu's WA475-10 wheel loader in our February 2020 issue, available to order here.

Got a news story? Email news@earthmoversmagazine.co.uk.

 

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