Komatsu WA1200-3 Achieves High Productivity

Mon May 10, 2010
Aggregate Equipment Guide

With an operating weight of 452,390 lbs. (205,200 kg), Komatsu’s WA1200-3 is equipped with numerous features to increase reliability and provide improved productivity and economy.

Powerful Performance

A high performance, turbocharged, water-cooled 4-cycle Komatsu SDA16V160 engine powers the WA1200-3, delivering a net power of 1,560 hp (1,163 kW) with breakout force of 286,600 lbs. (130,000 kg) and traction force of 253,500. Its standard 26.2 cu. yd. (20 cu m) bucket and high dump clearance (20 ft. 7 in. [6.2 m] with the standard boom and 23 ft. [7 m] with the optional high-lift boom) make it a match for loading various haul trucks.

With the standard arm for 150 to 240 ton (136 to 218 t) trucks and the high-lift arm for 240 to 300 ton (218 to 272 t) trucks, the WA1200-3 can load a 150 ton truck in four passes. Because of its extra dumping clearance and reach the wheel loader can load 200 ton (181 t) trucks in five passes. The high-lift version of the WA1200 can load 240 ton-plus trucks.

Easy Loading

Komatsu’s bucket is designed for easy loading with little spillage. Aggressive loading and maximum fill factors lead to exceptional productivity in the toughest mining conditions, according to the manufacturer.

Combined with high traction and breakout forces and Komatsu’s variable output hydraulic system, this loader achieves increased bucket fill factors and maximum production. The highest and lowest position of the bucket can be set from the operator’s cab to match the height of any truck body.

Operator Comfort and Performance

To further enhance loading performance, a Hi-Cab is standard on the WA1200 giving the operator a safe, unobstructed full view of the bucket as well as the inside of a 240-ton truck body from the vantage point, 20 ft. 3 in. (6 m) from the ground. The Hi-Cab is extra long and wide for a comfortable work environment, and the oversized and obstruction-free windshield, side and rear windows provide a panoramic view of the work site.

Advanced Design

The WA1200-3 uses Komatsu-designed sealed wet disc brakes. This design, coupled with its brake oil cooling system, provides reliable and durable final drive braking while traveling downhill with full loads and in all load and carry operations, according to the manufacturer.

Using hydraulic and electronic control technology, Komatsu created its advanced joystick steering system (AJSS), which allows the operator to articulate the machine proportionally with the angle of the control joystick. Transmission forward/reverse and shift control switches are mounted on the joysticks.

The WA1200-3’s transmission automatically selects the optimum gear to allow load and carry operations without shifting gears. The system selects the optimum gear in accordance with the conditions, travel speed, engine speed and work load.

Helping Mine Operators Reduce Machine Operational Costs

To address the need to control tire costs, the WA1200 is equipped with Komatsu’s tire saver feature, which senses wheel slippage electronically. By controlling the rim pull of the tire, the system stops tire slip, extending the life of the tire. The 65/65-57 62 PR ultra wide base tires were developed exclusively for the WA1200-3. By reducing ground pressure, increasing rubber material and larger air volume, incidents of premature tire wear and tire cutting have been reduced, according to the manufacturer.

The WA1200 also is equipped with the vehicle health monitoring system (VHMS), which functions as a central information point for all system components on the machine. Maintenance intervals as well as information such as temperatures, engine speed and pressures are displayed. The detailed machine monitoring is provided through satellite communication and available for computer downloads.

For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.