Komatsu D475A-8 delivers more production and longer life

The D475A-8 is the next evolution in Komatsu’s D475A range, and offers additional horsepower for faster ground speeds, shorter cycle times and more production tonnes per hour.

The new product has been re-engineered from past D475A models with the promise it can deliver twice the life of previous dozers while withstanding multiple rebuild/overhaul cycles.

The D475A-8 has a low centre of gravity to provide machine stability alongside greater traction, pushing power, ripping efficiency and less shoe slippage – something consolidated by its track shoe slip-control system.

According to Komatsu, its D475A-8 mining dozer provides up to 10 per cent more productivity from previous models, a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption with automatic transmission and a lockup torque converter compared to a manual gearshift operation.

The automatic gearshift operation reduces fuel usage during long pushes, allowing the dozer to automatically engage the torque converter lockup clutch, increasing ground speed and achieving efficiencies equal to a direct drive.

Other enhancements in the D475A-8 dozer include a more comfortable operating cab with improved operator visibility to the ripper shank, a heated, ventilated, air-suspended seat and a rear-view monitoring system.

The dozer also boasts a blade auto-pitch mode designed to reduce blade side sway and the amount of operator input required, allowing for greater dozer functionality.

Komatsu’s new D475A-8 mining dozer comes after the manufacturer announced its Komatsu Greenhouse Gas (GHG) alliance in early August – a commitment to create zero-emission equipment endorsed by Rio Tinto, BHP, Codelco and Boliden.