Tue February 15, 2005
Aggregate Equipment Guide
Komatsu America Corp. moved the production of its 30- to 40-ton (27- to 36-t) articulated truck from Mooka, Japan, to Chattanooga, TN, in January.
Joining production of Komatsu’s mid-size excavator line at the Chattanooga facility are the HM300-1, HM350-1 and HM400-1 articulated trucks used in earthmoving, road construction and quarry applications. The truck line was moved to Chattanooga to better serve Komatsu’s North American customers, said Steve Moore, product manager of trucks of Komatsu America Corp.
“By moving operations to Chattanooga, we can assure customers quicker delivery and the same high quality that exists in our excavator line. The Chattanooga plant is a state-of-the-art facility utilizing the latest advances in production assembly and finishing processes. Plus, by having a North American location, our customers and distributors will have opportunities to see the pride and quality Komatsu puts in every product,” he said.
Komatsu’s articulated trucks are built on Komatsu powertrain components and feature: Komatsu’s K-ATOMICS transmissions for powerful and smooth shifting; high horsepower Komatsu engines, hydropneumatic suspension for an all terrain comfortable ride; fully hydraulic controlled, wet multiple disc brakes for long operating life; high retarder capacity for safer and faster downhill travel; interaxle and differential locks for enhanced traction on all terrain; large capacity bodies made from 400 Brinnell hard steel; and modern cabs with increased visibility.
The 488,000-sq.-ft. (45,337 sq m) Chattanooga manufacturing facility has been in operation since 1986, producing excavators, mid-size wheel loaders, motor graders and cranes.
Komatsu’s North American manufacturing operations include plants in Chattanooga; Lexington, KY; Newberry, SC; Peoria, IL; and Quebec, Canada.
This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.