Komatsu develops a versatile high-reach demolition excavator with the European market in mind. Designed and built by the UK arm of the firm in Newcastle, UK, the PC490HRD-11 can be configured in six different working arrangements, making it suitable for a wide variety of off-highway applications.
Stuart Blackham, design manager for demolition products at Komatsu UK, said, “We are really pleased that a machine that was designed, developed and manufactured here in the UK has been received so well, and will be used across Europe.”
“There is a desire at Komatsu to continually improve and innovate, no matter how well our machines already perform. This new high-reach machine is an example of how customer feedback, combined with our own invention and innovation, can help create a game‐changing machine.”
The demolition excavator carries a 2-metric ton demolition tool up to a height of 32m, a 3.34-metric ton tool up to 28m, and can work with a 5-metric ton demolition tool up to 17.4m.
Powered by an in-house EU Stage V engine, the 60-metric ton vehicle has 270kW (362hp) of power at 1,900rpm at its disposal.
The boom change system includes oversized quick connectors for the hydraulic lines to minimize back pressure and oil heating, without restricting oil flow. Also featuring hydraulically powered pins mounted inside the main boom structure means risk of damage is reduced.
Simon Saunders, product marketing manager for Komatsu Europe demolition machines, said, “Komatsu is proud that the demolition products sold in Europe are entirely developed and manufactured in our European excavator factory.
“This means that our innovations are driven by the needs of the local European industry. Everyone is committed to offering exceptional versatility and safety, with a host of operator convenience features.”
