The WA480-6 features Large Capacity Torque Converter and provides maximum productivity, fuel efficiency, and reliability with onboard monitoring system

Rolling Meadows, IL, May 4, 2009- Komatsu America Corp. today announced the addition of the new WA480-6 wheel loader with Large Capacity Torque Converter to its fleet. With a net horsepower of 299 HP, the WA480-6 has an operating weight of 55,920 to 56,340 pounds and a dumping clearance of 10'6" when equipped with a 6.0 yd3 general purpose bucket.

The new wheel loader comes equipped with the latest KOMTRAX(TM) technology which monitors a variety of machine operating information including daily fuel consumption, working hours, hour meter, location, cautions and maintenance alerts. Utilizing wireless technology, KOMTRAX relays this information to a secure website for analysis, thereby increasing machine availability, reducing the risk of machine theft, and allowing for remote diagnosis by the distributor.

New Large Capacity Torque Converter
The WA480-6 has a newly designed Large Capacity Torque Converter that provides the machine with excellent tractive effort, improved acceleration and improved hill climbing ability. Because of the increased tractive effort, the machine has greater productivity in V-cycle applications. The improved hill climbing ability allows the machine to up-shift gears faster due to improved acceleration, achieve higher gear ranges and maintain higher ground speeds when working in load-and-carry or hopper feeding applications. In either application, production is increased and fuel consumption maximized resulting in improved fuel efficiency (tons/gal).

Increased fuel efficiency and maximum productivity
The WA480-6 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D125E-5 diesel engine with an Electronic Heavy Duty Common Rail fuel injection system that provides fast throttle response while optimizing fuel combustion. The engine is EPA Tier 3 emission certified without sacrificing power or machine productivity.

The loader's fuel consumption is greatly reduced because of the high-torque engine and the large capacity torque converter, as well as the CLSS (Closed-Center Load Sensing System). With two selectable operating modes that adjust easily, the engine effortlessly adapts to different working conditions. The E mode provides maximum fuel efficiency for general loading and the P mode has a maximum power output for hard digging operation and hill climbing. For load-and-carry or hill-climb operations, the torque converter with optional lock-up transmission provides increased production efficiency, reduced cycle times and optimum fuel savings. An Eco Indicator informs the operator when the machine is maximizing fuel efficiency.

New large cab provides excellent operator environment
The WA480-6 is designed with a wide and spacious cab to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity. The wide pillar-less flat glass affords excellent front visibility, and the wiper arm covers a large area for excellent visibility on rainy days. The cab's low-noise design of 72 dB(A) creates a comfortable working environment. With its built-in ROPS/FOPS structure to protect the operator, the new roomy cab is mounted with Komatsu's unique viscous mounts to keep noise at a minimum and provide a low-vibration, clean operating environment. The layout of the cab has also been improved for easy access to levers, and the air conditioner has been relocated to the front of the cab to increase seat reclining and backward slide adjustment.

Easy Operation
With new Pressure Proportional Control (PPC) control levers, the operator can easily operate the work equipment with fingertip controls, reducing fatigue and improving fine work equipment control and productivity. The work equipment lever console can be adjusted, as can the large arm rest to provide the operator with a variety of comfortable operating positions.

The automatic transmission with ECMV (Electronically Controlled Modulation Valve) makes operating functions easier and more efficient and ensures a more comfortable ride. It automatically selects the proper gear speed based on conditions such as travel and engine speed, and includes two switches that make operating the machine easier. With the touch of a finger, the kick-down switch automatically downshifts from second to first when beginning the digging cycle; in reverse, it automatically up shifts from first to second. The kick down switch also acts as a power-up switch when the machine is already in first gear or economy mode. Conversely, the hold switch keeps the transmission fixed to either the third of fourth gear speed when auto shift is selected.

Easy maintenance for a reliable machine
Using strict quality control, Komatsu manufactures all machine parts with an integrated production system to create a reliable machine with very low maintenance costs and easy service access. Equipped with the exclusive Komatsu EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System), the operator stays informed of all machine functions on the easy-to-read monitor. An automatic reversible hydraulic radiator fan allows the operator to quickly clean out the cooling system at preset intervals or with the flip of a switch.

Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world's second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at http://www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.