Komatsu launched the WA700-8 wheel loader as an option for aggregate producers.
Komatsu says the loader is an ideal four-pass match with 70-ton trucks such as its HD605-10 hauler. Additionally, the company says the WA700-8 offers substantial improvements in performance, efficiency and operator comfort compared to its predecessor: the WA700-3.
Compared to the previous model, the WA700-8 delivers up to 8 percent more gross power and 15 percent more torque to handle demanding work environments. Additionally, the loader provides a 6 percent increase in lifting force and rated load, allowing operators to handle larger volumes of material more easily. The WA700-8 also offers up to 8 percent more fuel efficiency, helping to reduce operating costs while maintaining high productivity, according to Komatsu.
The cab of the WA700-8 features technology designed to help reduce operator fatigue on long shifts, including a new joystick steering system and electronic pilot control levers for precision and ease of operation, according to Komatsu. Automation features such as an automatic digging system, semi-automatic approach and semi-auto dump systems simplify repetitive tasks, helping operators to optimize load cycles.
On challenging terrain, Komatsu says the variable traction control system helps to prevent tire slippage, prolonging tire life and improving safety in wet or slippery conditions. The loader’s modulated clutch system offers precise control for smooth transitions between forward and reverse. An available KomVision camera system provides operators with a comprehensive view of the machine’s surroundings, and Komtrax Plus offers remote monitoring and data-driven insights that can help reduce unplanned downtime.
“The new WA700-8 can help quarry operations hit that sweet spot for 70-ton truck loading, making every pass count,” says Sebastian Witkowski, product manager at Komatsu. “With a heavier operating weight, greater static tipping load and larger breakout force than the previous model, the WA700-8 is a productive and efficient wheel loader that is ideal for quarry operations.”
