Komatsu wheel loaders for VHE
Land remediation contractors VHE have added two new Komatsu WA430-6 wheel loaders to their extensive fleet of machines. Replacing the company’s two 10-year-old WA380s, the new wheel loaders, each boasting 231hp, are equipped with the latest Komtrax monitoring system that sends each machine’s operating information (eg location, usage time, maintenance alerts etc) to a secure website via wireless technology.
This helps reduce the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor and provides a wealth of information to increase business efficiency and productivity. Powered by a Komatsu SAA6D114E-3 diesel engine with an electronic heavy-duty common-rail fuel-injection system, the WA430-6 wheel loader is said to provide faster throttle response, while optimizing fuel combustion.
It offers two selectable operating modes: the E mode provides maximum efficiency for general loading; and the P mode gives maximum power output for hard digging operations and hill climbing.
For comfort, the loader is designed with a wide and spacious cab to reduce operator fatigue. The roomy cab is mounted using Komatsu viscous mounts to keep noise at a minimum and provide a low-vibration, clean operating environment.
New PPC control levers have been implemented so the operator can easily operate the machine with fingertip controls, again reducing fatigue and improving work equipment control and productivity. The lever console can be moved forward or backward, while the large arm rest can be adjusted up or down to provide the operator with a variety of comfortable operating positions. Drivers also benefit from a wider pillar-less flat glass and a larger wiper arm, as this provides excellent front visibility, especially on rainy days.
As well as Komtrax, the WA430-6 is equipped with the Komatsu Equipment Management Monitoring System. This is an easy-to-read monitor keeping the operator informed of all machine functions, including fluid and filter change intervals and troubleshooting memory display functions.
Commenting on the purchase of the new wheel loaders, Chris Lodge, VHE’s plant manager, said: ‘There is lots of competition in the industry but given the long, good working relationship that we have with Marubeni-Komatsu, coupled with value for money in the machines we purchased, the Komatsus were the obvious choice.’
