The latest innovation by Komatsu unveiled in July this year has went around the block as other manufacturers of heavy industry machines scramble to regain their spot in the market place. The all new K100 boom change system that was specifically designed for the PC490HRD high-reach demolition machine offers project managers literally a ‘higher’ level of efficiency for demolition projects. The K100 boom change system saves time, cost and offers a higher level of safety as it boasts a system that allows operators to reconfigure excavators within minutes. The best part is the fact that the operators may do so without having to exit their operator cabs. The new system in essence allows operators to use the most effective attachment of their excavator to be utilized at every turn of the project without much hassle as it was previously.
Simon Saunders, who is the product marketing manager of Komatsu Europe quipped that “By listening to our contractors involved in demolition projects, we were able to develop something relevant and practical for them, they made it clear and present to us that the industry was seeking out significant improvements in efficiency.” It was clear that Komatsu was proud to unveil the K100 Boom Change System, as they met the challenge head-on by asking important questions related to how Komatsu could effectively translate their internal capabilities that benefits their valued clients. He also added that “The patented K100 boom change system will make a difference for customers due to the level of versatility and safety it offers. The fact that the system is being built into every Komatsu machine makes Komatsu’s commitment to their construction equipment dependents quite evident.
The system is affixed to 6 six diverse working configurations that begins with the 32 m extended high-reach which is supported by the more powerful 28 m high reach before it moves down to the medium reach and subsequent attachments. In essence the PC490HRD‑11 offers numerous advantages comparative to other excavator rental machinery used for demolition projects. What makes the K100 boom change system different is the fact that the various capabilities offered by the machine have simply become more accessible by eliminating the need to manually manage hydraulic hoses by workers when changing the configurations.
The machine and the K100 system allow both demolition and site clearance in unison which increases project efficiency drastically. The system is also easy to manage from the operator’s cab attributed to the new internal Komatsu Group technology that offer high quality visual graphic controls without undermining ISO safety regulations. Not much has changed with regards to the look, shape and size of the excavator as the K100 system still looks very much like the older boom change machine versions.
The difference apart from the boom itself is within the Human – Machine Interface (HMI) panel which also offers animations on how the change phases transpire. Another feature that is worth mentioning at this juncture is the built-in view the operator is given projected from the alignment camera. This allows the operator to be completely aware of excavator’s surrounding at all times.
As long as the view of the operator is not hindered in any way, no additional monitors are required.
