Komatsu Revolutionizes 200 Ton Truck Class With the 730E-8

Fri September 27, 2013
Aggregate Equipment Guide

Komatsu America Corp.’s 730E-8 mining truck with AC electric drive technology is built on the success of the 730E DC drive haul truck. The 730E-8 utilizes a modern design concept with proven drive system technology and advancements in structure, hydraulics and telemetry.

Designed for the Future

Komatsu recognizes that mining investment requires careful consideration for the total cost of ownership over the life of an asset. The 730E-8 with AC drive is designed for today’s mining customer and configured for the challenges of the future. Miners are often moving to smaller ore bodies in more remote locations. The 730E-8 design can be quickly deployed into difficult projects and then moved to the next opportunity as necessary. The bolt-together design makes field assembly and disassembly less complicated and reduces the need for skilled technicians in the site erection process. The new frame and axle housing sets a new Komatsu standard for robust design and performance.

Built for Availability and Ease of Maintenance

As with all Komatsu mining trucks, the 730E-8 is designed with an easily removable powertrain module, further reducing the time needed to complete onsite maintenance. The simplicity of the 730E-8 design makes it easier to train service technicians and complete regular maintenance tasks because the truck has fewer hoses, bearings, pumps and wear components than other trucks.

Technology That Today’s Miners Need

The truck is equipped with KOMTRAX Plus (former VHMS) technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure Web site utilizing wireless technology. Without any additional IT expense, data such as operating hours, component trends, machine utilization (including idle time and fuel consumption) and production information are relayed to the Web application and made available on-line for analysis. In real time, the KOMTRAX Plus fleet monitoring system monitors machine availability, allows for remote diagnosis of machine issues, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.

Built for Production

The cab of the 730E-8 brings the same comfort features and operator controls used in larger Komatsu trucks. From the standard air-ride seats, easy-to-use instrument panel with automatic speed control and excellent climate controls, the 730E-8 cab helps reduce needless distractions and allows the operator to focus on the road. Easy integration with management systems like modular mining’s dispatch and MineCare allows the mine to remotely monitor the health of the truck and use the 730E-8 to its fullest capacity. With 15 percent higher speed and simpler maintenance than the previous model due to Komatsu’s AC drive, the biggest challenge to a 730E-8 fleet owner will be projecting where to put the extra production, according to the manufacturer.

For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.

This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.