Komatsu has once again raised the bar for the excavator market realm as the leading heavy equipment market leader unleashed what they have deemed as their most advanced excavator yet, the PC220LC-12 and PC220LCi-12. Both models were unveiled at the prestigious Bauma trade fair, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery held annually in Munich, Germany.
According to the manufacturer both machines which fall within the 23-tonne class category is a significant step towards the development and acceptance of smart construction equipment within the scope of the construction industry globally. Komatsu confidently claimed during the exhibition that both machines may be considered as the “frontrunners of the next generation of heavy machines.”
A closer look at both machines revealed a plethora of innovative designs and concepts that were practical stretching from the driver’s seating design all the way to the engine bay. It was clear that every part of these excavators has been reimagined by Komatsu with the sole objective of not just meeting market expectation and demand for better machines, but to exceed market expectations and both the PC220LC-12 and the PC220LCi-12 can be said to have ‘taken the cake’.
Apart from ‘raising the bar’ on the common competitive points such as low emissions, low noise and enhanced ergonomics, both machines have been digitized extensively within the scope of machine control and operator assistance. Both machines are fitted with totally new engines that were designed and developed with efficiency in mind and the rest of the machine was obviously designed around the expectations of excavator operators which include a ‘very comfortable cab’ and an ultra-efficient hydraulic system as the kicker.
Low fuel burn that goes to as low as single-digit litres for each operational hour and a level of responsiveness from the mechanical components that has not been seen before in excavators. Industry players and civil construction companies are expecting these machines to take the market by storm by the end of this year.
Putting the fuel economy element aside, operators are in for a pleasant treat attributed to the spacious cab that are filled to the brim with elements of comfort that would naturally boost productivity levels to new heights. From a 20cm (8 Inch) touch screen, joystick steering component and hydraulic setting that are easily programmable the PC220LC-12 and the PC220LCi-12 are indeed a class above the rest within their respective category.
What makes these machines even more appealing is the relative price of these machines which offer much more for much less. Productivity with such machines would undoubtedly be boosted significantly given the fact that they are deemed as mid-weight machines, but yet, offer reflexes that could be compared to the reflexes of much smaller models.
Coupled with level of brawn that has been incorporated into both excavator models that allow them to punch above their weight category, the PC220LC-12 and the PC220LCi-12 stole the ‘excavator lime light’ during the event.
