Intelligent Anniversary: Komatsu marks five years of saving customers time & money
To say that Komatsu is observing the five-year anniversary of intelligent Machine Control is slightly misleading. While the first dozer made its debut in 2013, the genesis of its factory-integrated GPS equipment goes back much further.
“Research and development started many years earlier,” shared Jason Anetsberger, Senior Product Manager, SMARTCONSTRUCTION and intelligent Machine Control. “Komatsu uses the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) model for continuous improvement to ensure that each machine it brings to market will meet customer expectations for productivity and support. From an intelligent Machine Control standpoint, that included having technology solutions experts (TSEs) at each distributor to educate customers on how to set up and implement the technology.”
No masts or cables
The first model was the D61i-23 – since replaced with a second-generation D61i-24 – which ushered in fully automatic blade control from rough cut to finish grade. Because it’s integrated into the machine, intelligent Machine Control eliminates the masts and cables associated with traditional aftermarket systems, so operators gain production time that was previously lost in setting up and tearing down at the beginning and end of each day.
“Eliminating the need for operators to climb on the machine or blade to mount components is a big plus, too,” said Mike Salyers, Senior Product Manager, SMARTCONSTRUCTION. “The bottom line is that customers are moving dirt faster, more efficiently and at lower costs.”
Komatsu quickly augmented its intelligent Machine Control lineup. In 2014, it brought the D39i and D51i dozers to market. It has since added D65i, D85i and D155AXi models. Additionally, more than 100 TSEs are in the field to provide customers with a wide spectrum of support options.
Excavators introduced
Early 2014 saw the introduction of the world’s first intelligent Machine Control excavator, the PC210LCi-10. PC360LCi-11s and PC490LCi-11s followed soon after, along with a PC210LCi-11 to replace the original. Komatsu recently launched the PC390LCi-11. Each features semi-automatic operation that goes beyond traditional indicate-only systems. Once target elevation is reached, the machine limits the operator from digging deeper, eliminating overexcavation and the need for expensive fill material.
“Our data indicate that intelligent Machine Control has been a resounding success,” said Ron Schwieters, Product Manager, intelligent Machine Control. “As more and more customers saw the positive results, the word spread. Five years ago if you mentioned machine control, Komatsu was likely left out of the conversation. Now, we are at the forefront. This technology has changed the industry.”
Today, there are more than 2,000 intelligent Machine Control dozers and excavators combined that are moving earth across North America. Anetsberger noted that a large percentage of users were new to GPS technology before they tried one of Komatsu’s integrated machines.
“Skeptical is a good way to describe some of them,” Anetsberger reported. “After they operated one and experienced its accuracy, production and simplicity, acceptance came quickly. Throughout the years, many became repeat customers. They bought one piece of intelligent Machine Control equipment, saw the time and material savings and added more. I think this evidence speaks volumes to the value that intelligent Machine Control provides business owners and operators on a daily basis.”
Go here to learn more about SmartConstruction and Intelligent Machine Control.
