Komatsu continues to expand its product range of so-called "smart" construction machinery . D155AXi-8 crawler dozer equipped with intelligent machine control (IMC) has become the sixth in the product range of the manufacturer. IMC system allows automated operation of crawler dozer during the full working cycle . Thanks to iMC’s Inertial Measuring Unit and stroke-sensing hydraulic cylinders, the machine has the ability to sense and control blade load. Komatsu says the technology delivers an 8-percent efficiency boost in moving material compared to third-party aftermarket machine control systems. And unlike aftermarket solutions, there are no components mounted to the blade, only a small GNSS antenna atop the cab, eliminating the need to climb on the blade to install or remove GNSS antennas, or deal with snagged cables.
For convenience of an operator, Komatsu engineers have designed a special crawler dozer cab, which protects the operator from outside noise and vibrations. Also large windows provide good visibility.
For maximum efficiency, Komatsu has included an automatic gearshift transmission and lock up torque converter that enables the operator to select the best gear range depending upon both the jobsite conditions and the load. By transferring engine power directly to the transmission, horsepower loss is eliminated, and fuel consumption is reduced by up to 10 percent.
The addition of Komatsu’s Sigmadozer blade, which is designed to roll up soil at the center of the blade, ensures reduced digging resistance. The blade dozes up to 15 percent more soil compared to semi-u blades, while using less power, according to the company.
Certainly, this machinery is the thing of the future. We will see what the answer of other manufacturers of construction machinery will be.
