by Richard Cosgrove | Thu 02 Apr 2026
Komatsu PC9000-12 global launch
Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) announces the global launch of the PC9000-12, the largest and most innovative hydraulic mining excavator in Komatsu’s portfolio. Following its successful market introduction in Canada, the PC9000-12 is now available worldwide through Komatsu’s global dealer network. Representing the next evolution in Komatsu’s surface mining lineup, the PC9000-12 is engineered to help mining operations achieve higher productivity, improved efficiency and lower cost per ton - while delivering the power, performance and reliability customers rely on.
Designed to operate in the toughest mining environments, the PC9000-12 can be configured with diesel Tier 4, diesel unregulated or electric drive. This flexibility allows mining companies to align their equipment selection with regulatory requirements and site-specific conditions. As the largest model in the PC series, it offers the highest bucket capacity, longest reach and highest digging power in the PC series, ultimately leading to optimized cycle times, increased output and reduced production costs.
The PC9000-12 is globally available in both front shovel and backhoe configuration, equipped with a 46 m³ front shovel or a 49 m³ backhoe bucket. It is precisely optimized to load Komatsu’s largest mining trucks in the range of 240 – 400 short tons in a 3 – 5 pass match. With a payload of more than 80 tons per pass, it can load a Komatsu 980E truck in just five passes in under 150 seconds. Under optimal conditions, this translates into production rates of around 8,000 tons per hour.
Built with future-ready mine sites in mind, the PC9000-12 is designed for efficient double-side loading and is compatible and integrated with Komatsu’s FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System. At the same time, operator comfort and safety remain central to the machine’s design. The spacious, ergonomically optimized operator cabin and advanced monitoring systems support reduced operator fatigue, improved visibility and enhanced situational awareness - enabling high performance throughout every shift.
“Representing the next evolution in our product lineup, the PC9000-12 sets a new benchmark for global surface mining operations,” said Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales & Service. “With its versatile configurations – including face shovel and backhoe, as well as diesel and electric drive options – we can efficiently serve all major mining operations worldwide. The PC9000-12 delivers the power, performance and reliability our customers expect, while supporting higher productivity, lower emissions per ton and seamless integration with autonomous haulage systems.”
The inaugural PC9000-12 was delivered in May 2025 to an oilsands operation in Canada. SMS Equipment acted as launch partner for the Canadian market, supporting the successful introduction and commissioning of the first machines in collaboration with Komatsu and the customer.