excavators
KOMATSU PC490HRD-11 K100 Simon Saunders, Working Gear Product Marketing Manager
In one sentence, why buy this excavator over its competitors? Every Komatsu factory original high reach has enormous versatility built in, but the new K100 boom change system for PC490HRD-11 can dramatically increase a contractor’s efficiency by allowing the operator to easily change the configuration of the machine without getting out of the cab. What feature of the excavator are you most excited about? The K100 technology. It’s the latest in a long line of innovations from our UK factory, who have full autonomy in developing high reach machines for the European market. The new 74 | DemolitionHUB Magazine
K100 boom change system builds on our original easy-change boom system to make reconfiguring the machine almost as straightforward as changing attachments. Where would you place it in the market? The machines we offer today are large enough to give first class performance and stability while also being relatively easy to transport. With up to six configurations and attachment weights ranging from 2,000 kg at 32m maximum height through to 5,000kg at 17m maximum height, the machines’ performance is well regarded by customers across Europe.
How is the excavator specific to the needs of demolition contractors? The machine fully complies with European standards as well as the demands of the foremost industry experts. Two additional hydraulic circuits are fitted as standard to all front end equipment (one high power and one medium power), with a drain line piped from the end of the arm. Steel quick coupler piping is also fitted as standard on all of the work equipment. The high reach machines are available with a heavy duty extension piece so the customer can increase the maximum height of the high reach equipment or the digging equipment. There are a host of other standard features like integrated attachment control, tilting cab, graphical working range indication as well as important safety systems such as Komatsu’s neutral detection system and surround view KomVision system. The machines also feature robust protection to the upperstructure, with 15 mm wraparound side guards and 9 mm thick steel undercovers. Hydraulically adjustable wide gauge undercarriages allow minimum width for transport with great stability and 360° operation when working. What type of demolition tasks is the excavator best suited to? All of our high reach machines are designed to be able to carry out almost any demolition job, with the six different configurations allowing the contractor to change the working capability of the machine depending on the task at hand. The K100 boom change system means this is easier than ever before. Tell us about the cab and user interface The operator cab is a quiet environment with a sound pressure level of only 71 dB(A), helping the operator’s concentration and minimising jobsite risk. The cab is tiltable between zero and 30 degrees. This and other important functions such as wash/ wipe for the roof and front windows demolitionhub.com