Mining Excavators Are Built To Last

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Mining Excavators Are Built To Last

September 26, 2022

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Few pieces of equipment used in mining operations run with the same intensity and duration as hydraulic mining shovels. Vital for operations, hydraulic mining shovels need to be one of the most durable pieces of equipment in a heavy mobile fleet.

So, when Komatsu Germany builds its PC8000-11 diesel or electric hydraulic shovel excavators, they're built with the most extreme conditions in mind. All models are manufactured with the tried and tested quality undercarriages that Komatsu Germany is known for around the globe.

"The undercarriages on our machines are unique," explains Bryce Short, North America Sales and Marketing Manager for Komatsu Mining Germany. "The undercarriage is a single roller design using multiple induction hardened surfaces made by Komatsu, Germany. A lot of effort has gone into ensuring the undercarriage is the most durable. It's a robust system."

Mining excavators are nothing new to Komatsu. The company has been manufacturing the worlds' first all hydraulic mining excavator in 1954, but has ben manufacturing mining shovels for over a hundred years, short notes. The undercarriage structures are built to last and designed to withstand the most extreme mining environments - built to last the life of the mine.

"They've proven time and time again to be great machines," he says. "But even the best of machines require the best support to maintain their high-level of availability and reliability. Therefore the equipment dealer is the key to making the machine work and keeping it in optimal condition."

Short says Komatsu is fortunate to have SMS Equipment as the dealer and customer support partner for its hydraulic mining excavators across Canada.

"We are fortunate to have built such a solid relationship with SMS Equipment. They have strong technical support, strong parts inventory, and strong sales in Canada. In the case of these mining excavators, having comprehensive support is particularly critical for operations."

"Whether it's a PC2000-11 through to Komatsu's largest model the PC8000-11, this piece of equipment will almost always be the highest priority machine on-site," Short says. "When the machine experiences downtime, the entire mine site is affected, unlike trucks where there is generally a fleet on hand. So having a dealer who understands the importance of uptime is an absolute necessity."

"SMS Equipment knows how to take care of a customer. Globally, I recall a few times where we've had machines sitting and waiting for parts and support, but that’s not generally the case with SMS Equipment," Short says. "We use SMS Equipment as a benchmark for other dealers. Additionally, my experience has proven that the team is willing to support the other guys. For example, SMS Equipment has supported other Komatsu dealers by moving parts across the U.S.A. border. They're a strong support and solutions-driven company."

Identical Features

Although the physical size of the various models may differe, the machines share many common features. One of these features are KOMTRAX Plus.

The KOMTRAX Plus monitoring system is designed for Komatsu mining equipment to provide real-time and stored information about the machine's operating status. Fault messages are immediately available to the operator via a digital display, and in the event of critical malfunctions, the engine is also automatically disabled. The digital storage provides a failure summary and analysis, available for download using a laptop computer. This data will assist in predicting or reducing downtime. Optionally available is Orbcomm or Irridium satellite transmission.

All models are available in front shovel, backhoe, diesel, or electric options.

King says having a similar design for each model offers advantages to their customers for all the different units." Commonality of parts allows us to support the customer better."

"We have different bucket options and wear packages, depending on the material you're digging in," says Gord King, Mining Sales Manager at SMS Equipment. "We work with the customer to clarify the true loose density of their material. Then, we consider hardness and abrasiveness to ensure the appropriate bucket to meet their needs.

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Mining Excavators Are Built To Last

Identical Features

Excavators

Komatsu PC2000-11

Komatsu PC4000-11

Komatsu PC3000-11

Komatsu PC5500-11

Komatsu PC7000-11

Komatsu PC8000-11

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