KOMATSU Europe has unveiled the all-new PC220LC-12 and PC220LCi-12 excavators, described as boasting ‘revolutionary’ levels of digitalisation.
“Our approach to the next generation PC220LC and PC220LCi excavators was completely in line with our philosophy of creating value together – we visited numerous customers’ jobsites, listened to their needs, and brought those requirements back to our innovation & technical centres,” explained product manager Paul Dickinson. “Concepts were born, checked with customers, refined, checked again, and by continually listening and innovating we now come to market with a product bursting with customer value.”
The PC220LC/LCi-12 is built on a 129kW high torque Komatsu next generation engine, paired with a new electronically controlled hydraulic system, which the manufacturer said translates to an 18% reduction in average fuel consumption compared to the previous model. The new hydraulic system, combined with large-class hydraulic cylinders, and high-capacity hydraulic pumps, delivers 7% increase in arm and bucket forces.
Komatsu added that the all-new P+ mode brings an 18% increase in productivity and 20% gain in fuel efficiency, while the significantly larger cab offers 30% more legroom and a premium seat option. There is also a 50% increase in lower right-hand side visibility, overhead cooling vents, joystick steering as standard, and numerous storage spaces.
Complementing these physical improvements is advanced operator assist technology. A high-definition eight-inch touch-panel monitor provides intuitive control. The machine also features programmable electronic control levers and customisable hydraulic settings.
The operator ID system stores up to 50 profiles, while advanced technologies include an integrated payload meter, 2D machine control designed for simple depth and slope grading, and 2D virtual safety wall – all provided as standard on the PC220LC-12.
Compatible with tiltrotators, iMC 3.0 offers advanced features such as 3D boundary control and automated steer-to-line. Advancing towards autonomous operation, iMC 3.0 introduces auto swing, enabling semi-automatic truck loading. Features such as swing-to-line and travel-along-line functionalities aim to simplify trenching operations.
Rob Macintyre, product manager at Komatsu Europe, added, “we pioneered fully factory integrated machine control on excavators back in 2014. Those more than 10 years of constant development, deep experience of learning from customers and fully supporting them on the jobsite to get the best out of this type of technology, has led to these truly unique assist features we see on iMC 3.0.”
The PC220LC/LCi-12 comes with a host of advanced safety features including a 360° KomVision system, an optional human detection system, and rollover avoidance indicator.
