Komatsu’s PC210LCi-11 intelligent Machine Control (iMC) excavator is now available with a machine-control-function-enabled joystick. Operators have requested that frequently-used machine control functions be located on the operator’s control lever, making them more convenient to access and activate.
The new joystick is on the PC210LCi-11, the second-generation version of the intelligent 210 excavator, which Komatsu recently introduced. The excavator features Komatsu’s proven integrated machine control technology that increases excavating efficiency by up to two-thirds over a standard excavator and traditional stake and grade-checker methods.
Owners using the first-generation iMC excavator have already found that iMC technology effectively eliminates the need for grading dozers and grade checkers. The technology also minimizes costs that result from overexcavation, such as the extra materials, time and fuel required to fill low spots. With the increased efficiency of iMC equipment, contractors can finish jobs quickly and collect bonuses for on-time or early completion of projects.
“This excavator is productive and precise enough to be a fixture on jobsites from basement and foundation pads to utility work,” said Sebastian Witkowski, product marketing manager. “In addition to the industry-leading efficiency all machine owners look for, the added convenience of the machine-control-joystick functionality should make operators happy.”
Komatsu’s integrated machine control system allows the excavator to dig to grade anywhere on a jobsite that a GPS-enabled dozer can. Additionally, the technology has full 3D capabilities and combines GPS with machine hydraulics and stroke sensing cylinders to automate work equipment functions. The iMC excavator performs in a vastly more automated way than you can get with an aftermarket system.
Operators also benefit from advanced guidance systems, all operated from a touchscreen with a simple, intuitive interface.
The PC210LCi-11 is covered by the Komatsu CARE program, providing scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 2,000 hours.
If you are new to iMC equipment, Columbus Equipment Company’s SMARTConstruction Division is here to provide assistance and training, and help with jobsite setup. Contact your Columbus Equipment Company representative to see how much more efficiency—and profitability—the PC210LCi-11 can bring to your jobs.
“The self-leveling cab makes things so much more comfortable for the operator. It’s pretty phenomenal. We’ve worked on 35- to 40-degree slopes with no issues, and I’ve heard of people using it on even steeper slopes,” he said. “The 931 is a super stable machine and very agile.”
Crawford purchased the 931XC and a Komatsu Forest 875 Forwarder from Columbus Equipment Company in the spring. Previously he used Ponsse equipment, but he decided to switch brands for better service and dealer proximity.
Crawford’s company cuts plantation timber for Glatfelter in Chillicothe, harvesting from 900 to 1,200 tons of timber a week. He fells the trees, then delimbs and cuts them to length—usually in 20-foot sections—all within 8-10 seconds. He then uses the forwarder to stack the timber for easy pickup.
The cab has other impressive features beyond being self-leveling. It turns 360 degrees and keeps the operator facing the crane at all times. “It’s a unique feature and it lets you pinpoint your accuracy as far as tree felling,” Crawford said. The cab’s interior is quiet, comfortable, and offers excellent visibility.
The 931’s three-pump system provides the market’s largest total hydraulic capacity, allowing you to perform several crane and head functions at the same time. Crawford’s Ponsse also had a three-pump system, “but the engine ran at a higher rpm so it used more fuel. The 931 fuel system is much more fuel efficient,” he noted. “It uses 20 to 25 percent less fuel than the old machine. Production speed is similar, and there’s far less down time.”
Crawford chose a Komatsu Forest C144 Harvester Head and “it seems to be bulletproof,” he added. “It’s super quick, it gets around crooked wood and it’s good for heavy delimbing. The feed speed is very fast.” Crawford finds the computer interface on this machine is easy to use, making it simple to change setting lengths.
The 875 Forwarder has also surpassed his expectations. “The traction and ability on steep slopes is amazing, and it has a very good load capacity. It is an allaround good machine in terms of the loads it will hold.”
Daily maintenance on the equipment is simple, with all the service points at ground level. “It’s super easy to grease and clean debris,” Crawford said.
These machines were Crawford’s first purchase from Columbus Equipment Company, although he was aware of the company’s reputation for exceptional customer service. He has already experienced that service, when he had a problem with the drive transmission in the forwarder. “Columbus Equipment got right on it. They worked through a thunderstorm and had us up and going. They went out of their way to be sure we were going the very next day. That’s treatment I didn’t get before with other people.”
Crawford says his cut-to-length operation is unique in Ohio, where he owns the only cut-to-length harvester and one of only two forwarders in use in the state. Once he approached Columbus Equipment Company about the kind of equipment he was looking for, “they moved pretty quickly,” he said. “Props to Columbus Equipment and Komatsu Forest for staying ahead of the equipment curve.”